rewarding travel

Ask Randy

Randy Petersen answers reader questions about how to maximize travel-related loyalty programs.

Dear Randy,I am involved with a small nonprofit organization whose director periodically flies to various cities around the United States, and would like to figure out the best strategy for maximizing frequent flier benefits. All trips are paid for by third-party sponsors, so earning free trips is not a goal. Rather, since travel is often done on a very tight schedule, the ideal benefits would be VIP lounge access and first-class upgrades. Annual mileage would be a bit over 25,000, but due to scheduling needs, it looks like it’s split 50/50 between Delta and Continental. Additionally, how do these “mileage reward credit cards” fit into the whole equation? If we were to get one, there are at least $100,000 in expenses that could flow through that card per year.

The good news is that Continental and Delta are partners, and flights on either airline will count toward a single frequent flier account. I would suggest the director join the Delta SkyMiles program and only use the Delta account, even when flying Continental.

I’ve chosen to suggest the Delta SkyMiles program over Continental’s program because the SkyMiles program has a special award that may be of interest to your director, since free travel is not the goal here. He or she can redeem 60,000 miles for a one-year membership in the Delta Crown Room airport lounge program. The Continental program does not have this option.

At 25,000 miles annually, SkyMiles members can qualify for “Silver Medallion Elite” status, which means your director would become eligible for some first-class upgrades.

Delta SkyMiles has several outstanding credit cards that can add additional miles to your director’s SkyMiles account. Some of the current credit card offers from Delta actually include complimentary airport lounge privileges, so I suggest you do a little research. Because there are so many different credit card offers, you’re likely to have to “coach” the American Express/Delta credit card reps through the options you are looking for.

Ask Randy.

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RANDY PETERSEN is publisher of Inside Flyer magazine and is president of Frequent Flyer Services. Email Randy at editor@executivetravelmag.com.