Did you know that you can be a member of hundreds of different frequent flyer programs? Many people may find this excessive, and wonder the reason why someone who has never been to Australia is a member of the Qantas rewards program and I hope this post inspires you to join some as well to save points/money, enjoy priority and potentially even free travel.

Saving Points and Money: One of my best travel hacks is following pages such as thepointsguy to see when deals pop up with reward partners such as American Express and Chase. Many people don’t know that anyone, regardless of home country can enroll in International reward programs such as British Airways Avios, Avianca Lifemiles, and Air Canada Aeroplan. I recently traveled from Phoenix to San Luis Obispo on on American First Class flight that cost $675, or 55000 American Aadvantage miles but I paid just 16500 British Airways points! That’s a 38000+ point savings…and the availability of these awards is widespread.

Priority and Privileges: Who doesn’t love free first class?! While first class upgrades, even for the most elite members, are becoming rare most elite members automatically enjoy access to seats with extra legroom, free cocktails, free checked bags, and better boarding and deplaning. The priority becomes even more important on a delayed or cancelled flight with faster access to agents and assistance. If you live in a city with multiple airline hubs such as Los Angeles or New York, I recommend choosing 1-2 favorite carriers and doing your best to fly regularly with them. I however, would never choose a connecting flight on my favorite airline over a non-stop on a different airline.

Free Travel: The more you fly, the more points per dollar you earn with almost every U.S. carrier. These points are directly tied to savings on future flights and my biggest travel secret…those points can be used on other people! That’s an important distinction because on most award travel you aren’t earning points or elite status for yourself. So earn those points, and watch that expensive ticket turn into just taxes and fees.

Which airline loyalty program is your favorite? How much is that priority worth to you? Want to set up a consultation to maximize your points and miles…reach out to me at matt@3vlife.com