The Complete Guide to Maximize Airline Perks

MAKING THE MOST OUT OF AIRLINE PERKS 00000 Make the most of your hours in flight by exploring the best airline perks and rewards available. POINTS POINTERS |IIII The usefulness of rewards programs tends to be subjective based on your style of travel. Determine where you travel and how often, then consider the following: BERLIN TOKYO LONDON Number of daily flights the airline offers and where it flies: An airline that doesn't fly to your favorite destinations is useless. FREE Ease of earning a free flight: How many different ways can you earn points? Flights, hotel stays, general charges on your credit card? November Ease of using your points: 27 What are the blackout dates? How long before points expire? Can you combine points with cash for flights? Are the rules for point usage confusing? FRIDAY General quality of the airline: VS. It goes without saying, but some airlines' customer service just can't get off the ground. Is it worth it to fly an airline you personally dislike, even if the perks are good? A FEW TIPS TO SPEED UP REWARDS ||| Try these tips to help you earn your points/miles/free flights faster. Fly multiple legs. Forgoing direct flights is a bit of a drag, but if you have the time, you'll accumulate more points for each leg of your journey than if you flew nonstop. Beg your company to upgrade you. Flying business or first class will earn you more miles by far. Tell your boss you deserve it, right? O CREDIT CARD Research reward credit cards. CREDIT CARD 8890 9044 2345 2438 Some are airline-specific, and some just offer generic point( rewards that can be applied to many things (shopping, etc.). Cards like American Express offer simple generic programs that link to travel with points earned per dollar spent. HOTEL Link your rewards programs. A hotel chain-related credit card with high reward gain for property stays, such as the Starwood Preferred Guest AmEx, allows you to redirect hotel and car rewards toward your flights. Or try Southwest's Rapid Rewards Visa, which partners with companies such as Hertz and Hyatt. LOYALTY PROGRAMS: GOOD, BETTER, BEST It's worth it to compare airline-specific perks programs when determining which carrier you'd like to give your loyalty (and dollars) to. Most of the major airline loyalty programs offer the basic perks: free preferred seating, free checked bags (the number you can check free varies, however) and priority check-in/security/boarding. Here are a few extra perks to consider: 50,000 miles Delta SkyMiles: No same-day change fee at 50,000 miles. United Mileage Plus: Discounted same-day change fee. XX Calendar Wi Fi FREE Southwest Rapid Rewards: Free drink coupons and free Wi-Fi on 50 flights per year. JetBlue True Blue: No change fees or cancellation fees for both you and companions. Alaska Mileage Plan: Free premium drinks and movies, and no change fee. Hawaiian Hawaiian Miles: Free unlimited TV and lounge access. LOUNGIN' AROUND Layovers=ugh. But layovers in an airport lounge with free cocktails, food, Wi-Fi and TV make the hours go by much faster. Here's how to get in. Attain premier status Easiest for those who fly one airline exclusively, many of the major carriers offer lounge access for frequent flying members. Put your credit card to work O CREDIT CARD Airline rewards credit cards, as well as some of the basics (such as AmEx Platinum) offer reduced-cost or free day passes. The Chase United MileagePlus credit card, for example, offers two free United Club passes every year. Check to see if it's included in the annual fee – and if the annual fee makes sense for your budget. CREDIT CARD B890 9044 2345 2438 Which lounges are the best? Look for unique features such as: • The children's play area at the AA Admirals Club in Los Angeles (Terminal 4) • The multi-level space with private showers at the United Club in Houston (Terminal E) • The hi-tech entertainment zone and a la carte meals at NYC/JFK's Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (Terminal 4) ЕВАТES Source: http://www.ebates.com/blog/airline-perks/