Questions and Answers

I started a new job mid 2019 which requires ne to travel up to 75% of the year. My coworkers had suggested that I stick to one airline, one hotel, and one car rental for loyalty points.
I’ve earned Marriott platinum elite and Delta Gold Medallion. For credit cards I have the Amex Delta Reserve and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Freedom Unlimited.
I recently learned about status matching which made me question my loyalty. My question is, should I be loyal to one brand or diversify my brand loyalty to maximize points, quality of travel, and experiences? How would position yourself knowing you’d be traveling up to 75% of the year?

Thank you,

Paul

Hi Paul, where do you travel to? Domestic or international? There is definitely a lot of value in sticking to one, in my opinion, since status is most helpful when you travel frequently.

Also, what are your goals with the points you earn?

And do you typically fly out of or to (as a destination) particular airline hubs? For example, being a Delta elite can be great for ATL/MSP/DTW/SLC/JFK fliers though you have a lot of competition for upgrades (if that’s one of your goals).

[QUOTE=”rickyw, post: 67475, member: 1436″]Hi Paul, where do you travel to? Domestic or international? There is definitely a lot of value in sticking to one, in my opinion, since status is most helpful when you travel frequently.

Also, what are your goals with the points you earn?[/QUOTE]

Rickyw,

I mainly travel domestic, but the locations vary every month. I fly out of Pensacola to ATL which is normally my only stop. My final destinations are also usually not to any big airports.
My goals are to accumulate points to redeem for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, but also have status to earn extra perks like upgrades and food credits.
In your experience being a frequent traveler, do your goals change after attaining a status level or redeeming awards for a dream trip? Perhaps my goal(s) are too vague. Thanks for the tips.

[QUOTE=”MidSouth Skier, post: 67476, member: 184″]And do you typically fly out of or to (as a destination) particular airline hubs? For example, being a Delta elite can be great for ATL/MSP/DTW/SLC/JFK fliers though you have a lot of competition for upgrades (if that’s one of your goals).[/QUOTE]

MidSouth Skier,

As a Delta Gold Medallion I sometimes do get upgraded to Comfort+ and never to First Class due to competition. Since my final destinations aren’t to major airports and the first class seats are not anything to really feel like I’ve gained much above a coach seat, I don’t really value a status higher than I have.

Paul, I think you’d be best off sticking with Delta then. Sounds like you fly on a lot of regional jets, so the upgrades aren’t anything to write home about. But, I’m sure they are still nice when they come through.

You have the Chase Sapphire, so you are already diversifying your points a bit by using that. If you’re interesting in opening a new credit card or two, I think you have a lot of options that could be valuable.

But as it stands now, if your everyday credit card spend is going on the Chase Sapphire and Freedom Unlimited, you’re earning Marriott and Delta points from your paid business travel… I think you are in a good spot.

Will you continue with your current level of travel in the years too come? Aka is 75% travel a normal year in your new job?

While it might be a way off in the future there is also lifetime statuses to think about.

[QUOTE=”Paul C, post: 67469″]I started a new job mid 2019 which requires ne to travel up to 75% of the year. My coworkers had suggested that I stick to one airline, one hotel, and one car rental for loyalty points.
I’ve earned Marriott platinum elite and Delta Gold Medallion. For credit cards I have the Amex Delta Reserve and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Freedom Unlimited.
I recently learned about status matching which made me question my loyalty. My question is, should I be loyal to one brand or diversify my brand loyalty to maximize points, quality of travel, and experiences? How would position yourself knowing you’d be traveling up to 75% of the year?

Thank you,

Paul[/QUOTE]

I do this, but I’ve only done it about a year and a half and it took me about a year to reach any meaningful status. Be loyal to the big flyer in the hub nearest you, you’ll get the most flexibility for flight times. If you have a choice, Deltas my favorite but fly all 3 and decide. Hotels and car rentals you’ll reach status in no time, it’s more about where you want to spend your points on vacation or extra miles from promos. I don’t travel when I’m on vacation so I give those points to fam, so I have status at all the hotel chains. I like different brands at all the hotel chains, but there’s not much difference between a Candlewood Suites/Homewood Suties/Home2/Hyatt House/Whatever Marriot is.