Back to the main question........no I wouldn't have a traveling job if I didn't get the perks. My firm allows me to keep my miles and points as long as there is no extra cost to earn said miles or points. I focus on flying specific airlines so I can earn points in just a few programs, US, WN and DL. That means I will fly their partner airlines to earn miles or manipulate the online travel site I must use to book flights. Just about half of the miles I earn to gain gold status on US were flown on UA. I get upgraded on US flights about 2/3 of the time. First class doesn't suck on transcons.

I'll have enough US miles and HH points to take my family of four to Hawaii next year for a week for $0.

Luckily I don't have per diem like other business travelers. I eat and drink whatever I choose. I rent cars and expense the fuel to the company. I've taken my family on trips where we've stayed in two bedroom suites. They use my rental car sightseeing while I work. They have too many pets now and can't go anymore.


Although not a policy, I've been asked to keep my nightly lodging under $150, tax included, so I generally stay at Hamptons and HIEs. Occasionally I too find good deals at full service hotels. I'm staying at a DoubleTree in Tucson next week for $79 + tax.