FlyerTalker No-no - Give up the points?
 

I was in Phoenix last week, and went out to lunch. My client offered to "take me to lunch". This was nice - they would pay and get reimbursed - or if I paid, I would get reimbursed anyway. So the company picks up the tab, regardless.

So while sitting in the restaurant I realized this was an Idine restaurant - if I paid, I'd get a bunch of miles.

But I didn't - I thought it would be tacky to say "gee, can I pay for this just so I can get more FF miles". But I couldn't help feeling like I was missing out.

What would you do?

I would simply have pulled out my credit-card first pretending an agreement where the client offered to pay never happened.

On the other hand, I have been that consultant who picks up that tab simply because its an iDine restaurant and I insist I pay (just to get the miles).

Perhaps, he was thinking the same thing? hee hee...

jsy9999

The trick is to get out your CC before the bill comes, and have it on standby. When the upgrade opportunity clears (the bill is delivered or the waiter comes by) approach the desk silently (give the card over) and just continue upon the flight route pre-established (your conversation you already have going on with the person). If they ask to downgrade you (offer to pay), just play dumb. Works every time.

If you really know the client well, discuss it. Ask if he/she gets miles and, if not, say that you'd like to pay so that you will. You can mention that it eventually will come out of the same pocket anyhow.

If you don't know the client well enough to have that discussion, I'd put the business relationship ahead of the miles and do whatever will further it best.