Collecting hotel or airline points - which is better?
By Gordon Powers, Sympatico / MSN Finance
Though travelers earn millions of points through hotel loyalty programs each year, a great many of them fail to recognize the value of these points, especially when compared to the airlines' frequent-flyer miles. The truth is, lots of travelers view hotel programs as merely a way to add extra mileage to their airline accounts.
But this is changing, thanks both to hotel chains making improvements to their programs and the relative ease with which travelers can redeem hotel points versus frequent-flier miles. So, if you've been funneling those hotel points into your airline program, it might be time to rethink that strategy, suggests Tim Winsip, publisher of FrequentFlier.
Even though you’ll spend more hours in your hotel room than you do in the air, a flight upgrade is generally more appreciated than an upgrade to a hotel suite, he admits. And that’s certainly the view of most of the road warriors who frequent FlyerTalk, an interactive community that provides up-to-date information on travel-related loyalty programs.
The recession has hit hotels hard and they are now stuck
with more rooms than they can sell which translates into discounted rates and
improved loyalty program bonuses. The airlines, by contrast, have already shed
flights and appear poised to ratchet up fares.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips from Randy Peterson, publisher of InsideFlyer, a resource for for frequent-flier and frequent-guest program members.
Who has the best deal right now? Marriott took top honours
in 2008 at the Freddie Awards, the Oscars of the travel industry, for best
hotel loyalty program in the
Posted by: Trepidum | Jul 10, 2021 9:10:48 AM
Whether you choose a hotel, airline, or credit card program, choose only one and stick with it. That will maximize your likelihood of actually getting something in return. These programs are all basically designed to get your loyalty for free. An airline loyalty credit card is probably the best deal since you can earn points for and from a lot of things, not just hotel stays and flights. Every other program you enrol in (gas station, department store, hotel, you name it) just becomes fluff after that, and not worth your time or effort in keeping track of the paper trail, expiry dates, etc...
Posted by: Jack | Jul 10, 2021 4:31:57 PM
I have been a frequent business traveller for a number of years now and have explored in the in's and out's of pretty much all programs. In the end, I agree with the above comments, pick one program and stick with it, if you pick the right program whether it is hotel or flight based the points you accumulate in all areas of your travel can be placed towards that program. In the end, I have one program which I and many others believe is the best...Starwood Hotels. The beauty of this program is that is easy to build up points for free hotel stays never any blackouts anytime or anywhere, transferring to airline miles is also easy and they have many other bonus programs.
Posted by: Neil | Jul 10, 2021 5:38:45 PM
If you use Travel Reward points of any description to pay towards a Flight or Hotel these are not covered by TICO or Insurance Companies.
So be aware if anything happens to your Holiday you may have to pay your own way home at additional cost and get NO refund.
Check this out with your Travel Insurance company and TICO.
It would be better if the Travel Companies just reduced prices instead.
Posted by: Bert | Jul 11, 2021 12:01:29 AM
Check out that www.copycraigs.com website, I use them all the time & l they have the best rate in town. You can also collect points in certain hotels!
I payed $85 all in for The Sheraton last week!
Posted by: Bert | Jul 11, 2021 12:03:54 AM
Check out www.copycraigs.com 416-554-5803 *to save big on hotel rooms. You can also collect points at certain hotels. They booked me at The Sheraton Centre last week for $90 all in!
Posted by: Don | Jul 14, 2021 5:40:23 PM
Why have them at all. maybe if we quit adding all these "extras" fares would be cheaper. It is great for the frequent traveller but for the f amily who just wants a vacation, air travel is becoming unaffordable. I do not believe anything is free...they recover their costs through increased fares or cut services.