Disagree. Of course, be a free agent with so little usage but even a single stay with a programme can sometimes be hugely profitable on its own. Have experienced it soon often with all kinds of loyalty programmes.. Expect to lose some points balances, but many single stays can be hugely worth it. Of course, you'll also find plenty cases where going OTA makes more sense. Just keep an open mind, though. I've saved or made hundreds of euros with one and done loyalty program usages.