The extra nights at Cushy Hotel Suites, free premium air travel and even remain on private islands. Communication points and frequent miles, when strategically collected, can fund travel well beyond the usual expectations and budget of the traveler.
But it’s not easy to get these deals. Fortunately for us, there is a whole universe of experts sharing their Savvy at the Travel Award and is Brian Kelly, who founded the Points Guy trip website in 2010.
For Mr Kelly, 41, he began with the childish challenge to keep his journey for his family. At 12, he designed a whole vacation at the Grand Cayman for his family, holding all the mile flights his father won. This successful journey laid the groundwork for his career as a travel expert, he said. Offers still dictate his journey.
In his new book, “How to win on the journey”, Mr. Kelly shares tips on everything from understanding points and miles to handle flight disorders and flight stress.
He shared some of these tips with the Times, discussing how to strategize credit card markets (he has 29!), Falling with children in the business class and the evolving world of the award.
This discussion has been elaborated and concentrated for clarity.
You have researched points and miles for decades. What is still fun about it?
I like to solve the puzzle. Yes, it is a little difficult, but this is also the point. If it were so easy for everyone in the world they would use, there would be no. For those who want to do a little work, I think there is still a really high reward.
Some examples: I’ve been to Maldives, Paris and Japan in reward points.
What is the best trip you have ever rated?
Airline technology can sometimes crap to your advantage. When US Airways was acquired by American in 2013 or so, I had redeemed 130,000 points for a first -round return flight to Australia. I flew during the transition of technology and ended up returning to all my places. I flew to Australia for absolutely free.
Navigation points and miles require a lot of work. Travelers must compare the value of miles and dollars and points on different sites. Is it increasingly difficult to find good offers?
Technology makes it really interesting these days.
Before, you had to be a specialist and know how to use 10 different airline sites. There are now tools, such as seats.aero and Thrifty Traveler, who are a bit, but not so difficult to use. The repayment of the award is shifting, but with these technologies, it is easier today to find these sweet spots beforehand.
Some airlines and partnerships are still of great value. Mostly foreign programs, such as Aeroplan or Air France of Air Canada. You can throw a business class in Japan in Japan Airlines with 60,000 American Airlines Miles.
You write that the best acquisitions for US airlines are generally to international partners because they are not so tied to dynamic pricing.
Foreign airlines are finally going to catch. I think it’s several years back. Prices will rise. Use the points now and maximize the sweet spots.
What is the No. 1 thing you suggest to make rewards beginners?
It is important for everyone to understand credit.
Start with a card-to-get credit cards with large registration bonuses. But really the key is to make sure you are strategic about where you charge your food, grocery stores and rent. You want to have a credit card portfolio, even if it’s only three cards. Start small, participate in the programs, and then expand from there and gather a strategy that are points and privileges such as traveling disturbance.
I pay each account every month.
When and where was the last time you flown an economy?
I’m still flying economy! Preferably for flights under an hour.
You consult your attention when booking travel with electronic travel agencies. Why?
Some otas are better than others, but many of their customer service are abyss. Be careful which you choose.
I have talked to the hotel reception agents: for hotel reservations, your OTAs are generally regarded as the type of last priority. So don’t treat yourself badly on purpose. If the price is the same, a book directly.
You no longer have a elite situation in a US carrier. How does this approach to points only work?
When we chase the elite of the situation, we often spend more than we need, or bother ourselves because we feel we need to keep up with the hamster wheel. I like to be a free agent. I will fly the best flight for me and my family to get us there more comfortably. I use almost the points for all my airline tickets.
People mistakenly assume that all planes are the same, but different planes can be dramatically better or worse experiences: legs, noise, amenities. Cheap is also expensive when you represent the fees and a bad experience.
What is it like to travel frequently with young children?
My eldest son is 2 years old and has passed in 16 countries. My second son was born in December. We go to Thailand for a month in April, flying points to Etihad’s home, where you take your own bedroom on the plane. It will be the first international flight of my second son. Later this year, we go to a cruise to Antarctica. (The cruise itself is not in places, but all flights and hotels before and after.)
I think the younger you start, the better they are for travel. When they are young, it’s easy. This is preparation. Snacks, activities and timetables to sleep have worked for me.
Will your sons be able to fly to the main cabin after a luxurious flight?
I intend to give them this character building experience when I don’t have to be there with them!
Is the golden age for rewards?
There are so many credit cards and ways to earn points. It is constantly evolving. It is rotating to a more stable valuation for miles and points, as more and more people are coming in. This may mean that points and miles will somewhat land at a lower total value. Possibly less sweet points overall, but easier to achieve value. Because if airlines do not become clearer about how consumers can gain their value, I think they are facing government regulation, which they obviously want to avoid.
It’s not just airlines that have these new pricing technologies. Consumers also do. There are all new tools and tricks. It goes both ways.
Let’s end in a few rapid fire questions.
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Amex Centurion or Chase Sapphire Lounge? Sapphire.
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Oneworld, Skyteam or Star Alliance? Oneworld.
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Tsa Precheck, World Entrance or Clear? World entrance.
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Favorite City to travel? Cape Town.
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Favorite airport? Hamad International Airport in Doha.
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Better first class? Air France.
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Best airline dedication program? Airlines Alaska.
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Hotel dedication program? World of Hyatt.
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Continue or check? Continue when possible.
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Babies in the first and business class? Hell in yes!
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