Ask Lifehacker: Frequent Flyers And Loyalty Cards

[futaris]

Ask Lifehacker: Frequent Flyers And Loyalty Cards | Lifehacker Australia

There are two general principles that will serve you well when using any scheme:

Don’t do something purely for the sake of earning points.
Set an overall goal.

Some basic principles, that most people ignore...

 

[samh004]

Is LTG not an overall goal?

I’m not really fussed on the points at this stage

I have gone out of my way a couple of times for bonus points with EDR, but my local supermarket just up the road happens to be Woolworths and I’ve always been a fan.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

I would add:

Have a plan on how to achieve your goals.

The vast majority (not those on FF of course) of people pretty well collect their points in a random manner.

A little bit of strategy can go a along way to maximising one's individual earn to burn ratio.

ie perhaps choosing SQ or AA over QF or Virgin....or for many of us combining seberal FF programs so that one can optimise one's earn to burn.

Be alert to opportunities

While earlier points can achieve a nice reward. It is seizing on various promotions from time to time that can really supercharge ones point aquisition rate and/or redemptions.

Even ignoring the "once in a lifetime" Amex Shopping Promo, I would estimate that my points earning rate over the last three years would be well over doubled by having taken advantage of various opportunities.

Just off the top of my head these extras have included:

Amex Electrical Stores Promo: 110K
CC sign on boni : 180K
CC " double rate" periods: 150K (this is top of the normal CC earn)
QF Bonuses: 5K
BMI Boni: 80K
Everyday: 10K

Total: say 535K in the main aquired with little extra cost.

That is top of normal CC, Flight, car and hotel earn.

 

[munitalP]

Is LTG not an overall goal?

I’m not really fussed on the points at this stage

I have gone out of my way a couple of times for bonus points with EDR, but my local supermarket just up the road happens to be Woolworths and I’ve always been a fan.

10,615 SC as of today - oh them extra 3,375 SC seem a long way off to LTG

 

[samh004]

10,615 SC as of today - oh them extra 3,375 SC seem a long way off to LTG

Your goal is much closer than my goal.

 

[Worldtraveller8888]

I do think that with so many loyalty programs out there, it's very easy to spread your points to thin, and then not end up getting much benefit from carrying all those card around!

The QF/Woolworths tie up was clever in my opinion, and is a good example of how consolidating your points in one place can lead to greater benefits. For me, the consolidation is in QF Frequent Flyer points. Credit card, hotels, car hire, supermarket shopping....

If I have a choice of 2 properties/products at a comparable price, loyalty programs will tip me over the line.

WT

 

[Flying Fox]

Having an understanding partner also helps esp. (as in my case) she understands that she will also benefit from upgrades etc paid via points earned in various methods.

 

[serfty]

10,615 SC as of today - oh them extra 3,375 SC seem a long way off to LTG

Of course, how long did it take to garner your last 2 or 3 K?

For me, 200+ flights 1994-1996, no SC's or TC's.

1996-2005 ~4K SC's (Pre-AFF/FT)
2005-2010 ~14K SC's.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

I do think that with so many loyalty programs out there, it's very easy to spread your points to thin, and then not end up getting much benefit from carrying all those card around!

Yes it can be for some and in particular if one's income is very low.

But equally if one is aquiring points at a goodly rate it has many advantages:

• Allows one to select the program with the best earning opportunity for that spend.
  • For example my last car hire gained 1500 points BMI, but would have only gained about 150 odd to QF.
  • FF programs have various bonus rate special to different FF programs from time to time.
• Allows burn rates for particular flight redemptions to be optimised as various programs have varying opportunities and again specials.
• Allows points to be picked up which are unique to that program.Only being in one program misses such opportunities.
  • ie BMI with their surveys etc, or QF not long back with a 1000 points for nominating an option with a car-hire profile (no $$ involved).

The QFF program represents program which for Australian residents can be kept ticking over with various earns which are then kelp active. SQ is now my primary program, but if I was not in QFF as well I would be giving up say 30K per year of points.

I would also note that I always look at price (after also factoring in any FF aquisition, lounge access etc) as part of my value consideration for any flight. If I have to buy an airfare and so this can lead to different airlines being used.

So in my case if the price is right I will even fly Tiger (ie two pax return Melbourne to Gold Coast for $118 all up last year). In Oz though I will normally fly QF if I can as I have a discounted QF Membership and enjoy the lounge benefits and other advantages of QF over Virgin ,Tiger and Jetstar (though I get lounge access ). So for the extra benefits I am happy to pay a cost premium for this.

 

[Keith009]

Having an understanding partner also helps esp. (as in my case) she understands that she will also benefit from upgrades etc paid via points earned in various methods.

Ditto. A year ago he'd have balked at doing unusual routings, now his only response is "so long as I can get a shower." And when deciding between different airlines, he'd ask various FF-related questions.