Loyalty programs are complex- to understand, to redeem and find the best value for points. We have learnt by making mistakes and want others to avoid! Sharing some tips that can help you maximize the value for your points by avoiding mistakes while redeeming loyalty points
Mistakes to avoid while redeeming loyalty points- Flights
1. Assuming return flights are cheaper than booking 2 legs separately
While booking return flights is usually cheaper for long haul flights, we have seen many low cost carriers like Indigo offer same rates if you book separately. Separate journeys help in 2 ways
- In rebooking with lower fare if only one leg drops, while the other increases and you have a refundable fare
- Taking advantage of cancellation terms. Some airlines do not allow changes even on refundable fares after you have flown the first leg
2. Booking everyone on same PNR if you are using family pooled points
Many airlines do not allow clubbing of individual and family points. If you book each person on different PNR, you can utilize both individual and family points for same travel. Do not that your chances of getting seated together might be hampered if seats are not free to block during booking
On United, you can link different PNRs if travelling together to make use of status of one of the passengers. This can be done from manage booking on website or app. Other passengers will get a mail and they need to “accept”, post which their check-in bags also become free
3. Not selecting special meals during booking
While you are also allowed to do it later, check-in might be too late to choose meals since airlines have 24-48 hours heads up timeline for special meals. Selecting during booking or changing immediately after through manage booking option is the best choice
4. Letting go of redemption flights due to short layover
Seamless baggage transfer between flights is an important prioirty for most of us. Some airlines do not allow booking flights with multiple legs and layover in between as single booking like Air India. However Star Alliance flights have interlining agreement to send bags to final destination. You just need to provide both bookings during check in. You can test if the layover is sufficient by checking if there are revenue flights with same connection offered
5. Not applying for status match
Many airlines allow permanent or temporary status match. If you have Bonvoy status, you can get United Silver for free for the calendar year that makes first check in bag free for all passengers on same PNR. Check for latest official policy for airlines and hotel groups to make the best of your status across programs
6. Assuming you can’t buy redemption tickets without points
Airlines like Air India allow buying points at reasonable rates like INR 1.5 per point. Short domestic journeys in the US with United go at as low as 3500 points. For expensive routs, buying points can actually turn out cheaper than cash rates
Mistakes to avoid while redeeming loyalty points- Hotels
1. Booking all nights together
If you have a multi-night stay, you can book each night separately. Rates go down after booking many times. A change in number of nights usually triggers the new rates later even for the nights you keep. Booking each night separately gives you flexibility to cancel a single night in between without paying extra for other nights which would have seen an increase by then
You can also contact customer service if new fare with smaller number of nights is more than earlier booking with larger number of nights. They can help adjust the booking without charging higher for rest
2. Relying on free upgrade vouchers only for Bonvoy
This strategy is not too bad if you want uncertainty. You can also politely request for upgrade during check-in. The upgrade vouchers are anyway checked only 2 days before check-in, so there is good chance that you can get an upgrade without a voucher during check-in
You can also request for late check out, linking loyalty number after booking during check-in if you have booked through aggregator sites
3. Using breakfast as welcome amenity for Bonvoy in all hotels
In many countries like the US, select chains like Towneplace, Springhill, Fairfield, Residence Inn offer free breakfast. This can help you save up on welcome points and get breakfast for more than 2 if you are travelling with family in single room
Many other Bonvoy hotels offer lounge access which can be your substitute for breakfast and help save up some loyalty points. Read more about Bonvoy breakfast benefit rules
4. Assuming no extra person charges
Some hotels levy extra person fee for beyond 2 people in one room even if you declare 3+ people and do not request roll away beds. Check “Hotel Messages” under your reservation to see if there is any such charge. We were surprised by $100+ charge at Sheraton Amman, then decided to book additional redemption room using loyalty points to avoid the cash charge
5. Ignoring credit card caps on bonus points
HDFC Diners limits bonus points to 2500 per day and 7500 per month. So spread your hotel bookings that yield 10x bonus points across days towards end of month and over to new month