How to win on loyalty points
Make frequent-flyer programs work better for you
The number of ways to earn frequent-flyer points has boomed in recent years. It seems everything from renovating your kitchen to going on a diet, buying a picnic rug or a game of Trivial Pursuit comes with bonus miles. For most people, though, the tricky part is knowing what to do with points once you have a nice little stash. Here are some golden rules to take your points game to the next level.
Savvy tip 1
Have a goal: Just like shedding extra kilos or saving for a down payment on a house, you need to have a goal. Know what airline, class and destination you want to fly to; that’ll give you the total miles you’re trying to save and a frequent-flyer program to focus on.
Savvy tip 2
A dollar spent equals a point earned: Shop at Coles or Woolies? Collect Flybuys points? Fill up at BP? Buy booze from Liquorland and BWS? Catch Ubers or Ola? Most big brands are affiliated with either Qantas or Virgin, and every dollar spent can be converted into frequent-flyer points. Take a look at your regular expenses, join the store’s loyalty program and link it to your frequent-flyer account.
Savvy tip 3
Eyes on the prize: You might be tempted to cash in your points at the supermarket for money off your groceries, but save them for your dream flight. Skip that $5 off a bottle of sauvignon blanc, say, at the bottle shop and save your points for some free Dom Pérignon in your first-class seat.
Savvy tip 4
Don’t use points to upgrade: Instead of buying an economy fare and using your points to upgrade to business, cash in your points to buy a business- or first-class seat instead. Aiming for an upgrade on points is always a bit of a gamble and can end up costing you more – both in dollars and gut-wrenching disappointment when you don’t win the bid.
Savvy tip 5
Do you have a question about loyalty programs you want our points expert Sabine Leroy to answer? Send your questions to escape@news.com.au and read more points advice at escape.com.au/advice
Book ahead: The early-bird gets the redemption fare. Everyone wants to fly for free at the pointy end of the plane, especially at popular times like for summer in Europe, Christmas and school holidays. Airlines only make a certain number of seats available to book on frequent-flyer points and these book out months in advance. Buy your seat a good six months ahead.