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Is it worth sticking to one travel loyalty program or joining multiple?

Icy MacCoughan

When it comes to travel loyalty programs, the question of whether to stick to one program or join multiple is a common one. As someone who has been a frequent flyer and hotel guest, I have experienced the perks and downsides of both approaches.

On the one hand, sticking to one program can have its advantages. The more you use a particular travel program, the better your benefits become. For example, if you're a Gold member of an airline, you may receive priority boarding, access to business class lounges, and other exclusive perks. Similarly, if you're a high-tier member of a hotel loyalty program, you may receive a room upgrade or other exclusive amenities.

However, there are also downsides to sticking to one program. For example, if that program doesn't serve one of your destinations, you may be out of luck. Additionally, you may miss out on rewards offered by other programs that could be more beneficial to you. For example, if you're a frequent United Airlines flyer but also fly on Delta from time to time, sticking solely to United may mean that you miss out on rewards that Delta may offer.

Personally, I've found that joining multiple programs has been the most beneficial for me. While I have my preferred airline and hotel brands, I also make sure to sign up for other loyalty programs, especially those that offer partner rewards or have a strong presence in areas that I frequently travel to. For example, I'm a member of the Star Alliance, but I also have accounts with Delta and American Airlines, and I'm a member of Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy. This way, I can take advantage of rewards from multiple programs depending on where I'm traveling and what my needs are.

Another benefit of joining multiple programs is the ability to earn points or miles through multiple credit card programs. Most major credit card companies offer rewards programs that can be applied to various travel loyalty programs. By maximizing the points earned through credit card use, you can rack up rewards across multiple programs faster.

In conclusion, I believe that joining multiple travel loyalty programs is the way to go. While there are certainly benefits to sticking to one program, the downsides can outweigh them. By being flexible and taking advantage of multiple programs, you can increase your earning potential and enjoy greater rewards across multiple brands.