by Brandi Savitt – February 18, 2011

How to Take Advantage of Travel Perks

Having just got off a plane after spending an intense work filled week in Berlin, I can tell you that traveling for business is as exhausting as it is exciting.  Whether you work for a company or have your own, one thing is for sure, if your line of work has you constantly on the go, make sure you are taking advantage of all of the money saving perks traveling for business has to offer!

Negotiate with Your Company for Points

If you are on the road a lot for work, negotiate with your company to ensure that you get all of the airline, hotel and even company credit card points that accumulate as a result of your travel.  This is not an automatic perk at every company, but it is a definitive incentive to fight for- especially during these time where salaries are not what they used to be!

Use One Credit Card

Make sure that you use a credit card that offers travel awards points.  Although not all places around the world accept American Express, Amex is my credit card of choice.  Not only does it automatically give me medical coverage and theft coverage while traveling over seas, each dollar I spend on the card, gives me points that I can apply to future trips within my preferred airline and travel networks.

Of course there are plenty of other credit cards companies that offer points for every dollar spent, the point is- use one card and make sure to USE your points.  Free vacations are awaiting!

Travel on the Same Airline

The same concept from above applies here too.  By making an effort to commit to flying the same airline, or airlines owned by the same network, you will no only tally up your frequent flyer miles fast, you will become eligible for more and more benefits as the number of miles you fly within the year adds up.  Depending on your level of status, perks can include:

• Automatic Upgrades to First Class Plus Companion Upgrades
  
• Priority Baggage Handling
• Priority Boarding
• Complimentary or Reduced Baggage Fees
• Priority Wait Listing
• Lounge Access

Become a Preferred Guest at a Hotel Chain

To earn the most points and get the most perks, try to always stay at your favorite hotel chain or within a hotel network.  Preferred guest programs typically include such perks as:

• Free Nights
• No Blackout Dates for Standard Rooms
• Free Upgrades

Keep Track of Your Points

After each trip, check your account to make sure that you actually received your reward points for both your travel and accommodations.  You’d be surprised how often people don’t get credited!

Also, by keeping track of your various points and when they expire, helps you plan ahead and book discounted trips before it’s too late.

Leverage the Weekends for Personal Travel

If you travel often during the week for work, you likely prefer to get home to spend the weekend with family and friends.  However, if you’re planning a vacation or a quick weekend trip, coordinate it around your work travel.  Save money by leveraging your return ticket to fly to a different city for the weekend to visit family, friends or start your vacation.  This way you can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses by only having to pay for the one leg of your travel!

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