Savvy business leaders and COOs know that maximizing travel perks can transform a routine trip into a rewarding experience. From dining to earn extra travel rewards to using transit apps for efficient navigation, we’ve compiled ten effective strategies from top executives on making the most of business travel perks and rewards programs.
- Dine to Earn Extra Travel Rewards
- Loyalty Pays with Consolidated Bookings
- Book Strategically and Stack Rewards
- Leverage Multi-Brand Loyalty Programs
- Consolidate Travel for Faster Status
- Plan Bookings for Efficient Reward Use
- Utilize Amex Platinum for Travel Perks
- Book with Consistency for Added Value
- Focus Spending for Tiered Status Benefits
- Use Transit Apps for Efficient Navigation
Dine to Earn Extra Travel Rewards
One of the less obvious but highly effective strategies to maximize business travel rewards is to participate in dining rewards programs linked to airlines and hotels.
Many airlines and hotel chains have partnerships with restaurants, cafes, and bars that allow you to earn additional points or miles. By linking your credit card to these dining programs, you earn extra travel rewards just by eating out.
Martin Wagner
COO, Go Real Travel
Loyalty Pays with Consolidated Bookings
It pays to be loyal. This holds true with travel as you get to maximize rewards and additional perks. An effective approach to this is to consolidate your flight bookings with a single airline network and hotel chain, where possible. Inquire about their partners in your destinations where they don’t have a business presence. Recognize your travel partners’ effort in presenting how you can accumulate points and gain lounge access, free upgrades, and other complimentary services.
Engage and allow your long-term travel booking opportunities to turn into a good business relationship. This strategic approach not only ensures that you are recognized and rewarded as a loyal passenger, but also streamlines your travel experience, making your trip more convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable.
Tristan Harris
Demand Generation Senior Marketing Manager, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency
Book Strategically and Stack Rewards
I have two tips to offer here, and they’re related. The first one is to make your own travel arrangements whenever possible so that you can use the specific brands where you’re a member of their loyalty program.
You can always sign up for the program of other hotels and airlines if you have to, but since the rewards you get usually increase the more you use a single brand, you’ll end up getting more if you book the majority of your travel with the same company rather than bouncing around from one brand to another.
Going along with this, look for ways you can “stack” the points, discounts, etc., as much as possible. For example, if you’re ordering room service, or treating the team to dinner in the hotel restaurant, charge it to your room, then pay for the entire stay with a credit card that gives you airline miles.
Often, hotels give reward points based on the total amount spent for the stay, and things like food are often included so long as they’re paid on that same bill. By then using a rewards card to pay for it, you’ll get perks for both the airline and the hotel from spending the same money.
Jon Hill
Chairman & CEO, The Energists
Leverage Multi-Brand Loyalty Programs
To maximize business travel perks, I leverage multi-brand loyalty programs that offer flexibility across various services. For example, I focus on programs that include both airlines and hotels.
This approach allows me to earn rewards faster and use them more efficiently, whether it’s for upgrading flights or extending hotel stays without extra cost. It’s a practical strategy that enhances our travel experience while keeping expenses in check.
Balaram Thapa
Executive Director, Nepal Hiking Team
Consolidate Travel for Faster Status
One effective way to maximize business travel perks and rewards programs is to consolidate your travel with a single airline or hotel chain to build status quickly. This often leads to complimentary upgrades, priority services, and exclusive lounge access, significantly enhancing your travel experience.
Additionally, using a credit card aligned with your preferred travel provider can boost your points accumulation, leading to even more rewards and benefits.
Fahd Khan
Director of Marketing & Technology, JetLevel Aviation
Plan Bookings for Efficient Reward Use
One effective way I maximize business travel perks is by strategically leveraging loyalty programs.
I meticulously plan my travel bookings to earn and redeem points efficiently. Whether it’s upgrading to premium seats or enjoying complimentary hotel stays, I ensure every trip contributes to maximizing rewards.
By staying loyal to preferred airlines and hotel chains, I unlock exclusive benefits and enhance my overall travel experience without compromising on comfort or convenience.
Cyrus Partow
CEO, ShipTheDeal
Utilize Amex Platinum for Travel Perks
I personally use Amex’s loyalty program as a Platinum member, which offers various perks such as access to airport lounges, upgrades at hotels, and reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck enrollment.
To maximize these perks, I always make sure to book my flights and hotels through Amex’s travel portal to earn points and take advantage of any exclusive deals or discounts. I also try to use my Amex Platinum Card for all purchases during my trip to accumulate even more points, which can then be redeemed for future travel expenses.
Tom Molnar
Operations Manager, Fit Design
Book with Consistency for Added Value
Maximizing business-travel perks involves strategic use of loyalty programs. By consistently booking with the same airlines and hotels, I accumulate points quickly, which leads to upgraded travel experiences and access to exclusive lounges.
A key strategy was consolidating all travel through a single credit card that offers bonus points for travel expenses. This approach not only streamlines expense tracking but also accelerates earning potential, turning every business trip into an opportunity for added value and comfort.
David Wilfong
Founder and CEO, DavidWilfong
Focus Spending for Tiered Status Benefits
One strategy I find invaluable in maximizing business travel perks and rewards is consistently using the same airlines or staying within the same hotel group.
This focuses my spending and accumulates points faster, leading to more significant upgrades, access to premium lounges, and enhanced booking flexibility. This approach not only elevates the travel experience but also ensures a more personalized service, as loyalty programs often come with a tiered status system.
Reaching higher tiers can dramatically improve the quality and comfort of business travel, making long trips far more enjoyable and productive. My consistent patronage has opened doors to experiences and services that significantly enhance my travel efficiency and comfort.
Peter Hamdy
Co-Founder and Managing Director, Auckland & Beyond Tours
Use Transit Apps for Efficient Navigation
When it comes to maximizing business travel perks and rewards programs, there are a variety of strategies that can help you make the most out of your trips. One effective way to take advantage of these benefits is by utilizing digital tools such as transit-tracking apps.
These apps provide real-time information on transportation options in unfamiliar cities, allowing you to efficiently navigate your way from one meeting to the next. By using these tools, you can save time and minimize stress during your travels, making your trips more productive overall.
With access to up-to-date transit schedules and routes at your fingertips, you can ensure that you never miss an important appointment or waste valuable time searching for transportation options.
By incorporating technology into your travel routine, you can truly make the most of business travel perks and rewards programs while staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving landscape of transportation.
Michael Alexis
CEO, Virtual Team Building
