Maximizing Loyalty Programs - For a New Road Warrior

So basically from November, to at least some time in March I will be traveling every week for work. I pretty much must stay in Hilton family of hotels, pretty much have to rent from Enterprise or National, and have pretty much have to fly Delta.

The company gives you a limit on a fixed amount per meal to spend and not per diem. I have to use a corporate card so they get the points.

What are some ways to maximize my gain from having to do all this traveling?

Best Answer

Most of the ways to maximize gain involve putting all your business into one program so you can reach status levels. This decision is out of your hands. Nonetheless, you have some options.

First, find out what the qualifying levels are for status with the airline and the hotel program. You might take a leisure trip towards the end of the year with your own money to make sure you qualify for status (and all the perks that come with it) throughout the next year.

Second, investigate which fare levels get qualifying miles and make sure you are always booked on those fare levels. Understand the fare system a little and you will not be surprised with a no-status-miles flight. Pay close attention if you have a last minute change to be sure you're rebooked into the same fare class as before, or at least still a miles-earning one.

Third, if you have the time (which seems unlikely given the frequency of your trips, but perhaps you're single and don't care how long each trip takes) consider longer routings. Sometimes it costs the same to go through a third city and gets you far more miles for the same trip. This is usually only worth it if it will get you status and you expect upgrades, lounge access, skipping all the lineups etc from status.)

Fourth, once you get status, learn the rules so you can start to upgrade and otherwise get your benefits. I meet a lot of people who don't know they can use the shorter lines, for example.