Originally Posted by
Adelphos
I would consider using the portal for certain situations:
1) Independent or boutique hotels where loyalty points or status don’t mean anything
2) Certain flights where I know I will take the flight and where status doesn’t matter much (JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit if I ever decide to try them, etc)
3) Maybe car rentals
I'm in the same boat here. I never had a plan on booking all of my travel through the portal, but I haven't ruled it out yet. I do prefer to book direct in many instances, as I do almost always with hotels. However, anyone looking to book through the LHRC, again not something I would completely write-off. I've done mostly flights through the portal, which you usually aren't getting much extra cashback options elsewhere. I really haven't had a problem either. Definitely would want to keep the travel insurance though.
A nice thing about the portal that rarely goes mentioned is "things to do". I've redeemed points for various activities and events. A few times, I even got a small discount for whatever reason. If I can get 7.5% for any purchase I make, it is going to be an option I at least explore.