Two years ago, I began focusing on all things points and miles for FrugalTravelGuy, which allowed me to explore our relationship with reward currencies and travel. It seems like a completely different world back then: travelers were allowed to earn miles based on the distance they traveled, with plenty of options to stay on the ground.
Since then, what used to be seven major airlines quickly consolidated down to four, with AirTran completing their merge with Southwest Airlines and US Airways becoming “the new” American Airlines. Those “big four” airlines will ultimately be joined by one more, as Alaska Airlines merges with Virgin America to become an airline to be determined in the future.
Our choices for earning points and miles on the ground has also rapidly changed. Since I started this two years ago, Starwood Hotels and Resorts was ultimately purchased by Marriott International, thus launching two hotel programs into one.
Meanwhile, Hyatt Gold Passport borrowed an idea from their counterparts in the skies by changing their program into a completely revenue-based program. The new “World of Hyatt” now rewards travelers less by their loyalty to the chain, and more by how much money they spend while staying.
Last year, I declared the era of loyalty to be dead, because loyalty was now measured by how deep one’s pocketbooks were. Unfortunately, I had no idea how right my prediction would be, as now more and more programs self-measure by spending.
By transferring my points and miles strategy to revolve around cash back and flexible points programs, I was able to see much of the world this year on my terms – for which I have no regrets: by pooling cash back and collecting miles I can transfer to other programs, I have control over not only how I fly, but on which carrier and on which class.
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The Platinum Card® from American Express
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$450 first year
$450 after first year |
40,000 points After you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months Read Review » |
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The Platinum Card® from American Express |
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That’s not to say that some things should not be paid for. For at least one more year, I’m keeping my Platinum Card from American Express. Even though it does not have the same value proposition as the Chase competition, the Platinum Card still offers me access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Lounges (for the time being), and loyalty status at rental car counters and hotels.
What does the future of points and miles look like? It is hard to say, considering how much has changed over the last two years. What I do know is that our habits as frugal travelers will have a part in shaping it. By maintaining good habits with our credit and points earnings, we can continue to ensure our travels will come at a low cost down the line.
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com