Do Frequent Traveler Points Matter To Frequent Travelers?
13 December 2006 If you are a frequent traveler meaning you are on at least 2-4 flights a month and stay in hotel rooms 4 or more nights a month, then you qualify to answer the question regarding the value of Frequent Flyer, Frequent Traveler points.
Many people will instantly say yes to the question as to whether or not points matter. The answer is not always so clear. I know for air travel, myself and my colleagues pay attention to points that will move your membership level up so you have preferred boarding and first class seating when available. Many of the routes I travel are best served by Southwest Airlines and there is no first class and it makes no difference how often you fly you are treated the same.
As for rental cars, once you achieve a level where your car is available with your name on the board indicating it is immediately ready, that is a benefit. You still must ride the same awful shuttles to and from the rental car garages like everyone else. The people checking in your car do not car what level you are. They are interested in getting you your bill, being paid and moving on to the next person.
Recently I was awarded Platinum Status at a Hotel and I looked to see if that meant any upgrades or amenities when I stayed at that hotel chain in the future. I could find none. That is not true for all hotels.
Most programs will give you a free night’s stay, free trip, free use of a rental car after so many points. Personally when I have the time the last thing I want to do is use a plane, hotel or rental car.
Points on American Express are good for Wide Screen TV’s , cameras, computers, and more. If you spend about $400,000 on your American Express bill you can get a 42 inch flat screed TV delivered and installed. Or you can buy one your self for less than $3,000.
Be well and prosper,
Steve Pohlit
Business Development Consulting
Steve Pohlit has more than 20 years experience running very large and medium sized companies. Steve now consults personally with clients to design and implement processes that will deliver improved business performance for the long term. Most projects are self-funding within 90 days. The client then experiences a very high return on investment. Learn more about the process of Increasing Profits by 30% or More In 90 Days or Less by visiting http://www.stevepohlit.com or you can call 727-587-7871 and speak with Steve directly.
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