Stop Missing Out: When (and Why) to Sign Up for Hotel & Airline Loyalty Programs
Renee Ward- Apr 16
- 5 min read
Updated: May 14
If you're a savvy traveler, you’ve probably heard about the benefits of hotel loyalty programs and airline frequent flyer programs. But when is the right time to sign up? Should you register for every program out there, or only when you have an upcoming trip? Let’s break down the best strategies for joining, maximizing points, and avoiding common mistakes.
Hotel Loyalty Programs: Sign Up Strategically
If you’re planning a one-time hotel stay and don’t anticipate returning to the brand anytime soon, signing up may not be necessary. However, here’s when you absolutely should:
If You Stay at a Brand Multiple Times – If you frequently book hotels from the same chain (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards, etc.), you’ll start accumulating points toward free stays and elite status.
If There’s a Signup Bonus – Some hotel programs offer bonus points just for signing up or staying within a promotional period, but these points aren’t useful if you don’t plan to stay at the chain again in the future.
If There Are Member-Exclusive Perks – Many hotel programs offer free Wi-Fi, late checkout, and member-only rates just for joining. Even if you don’t collect enough points for a free night, the perks alone can make membership worthwhile.
If You Have a Co-Branded Hotel Credit Card – Holding a credit card tied to a hotel chain's loyalty program like World of Hyatt or Marriott Bonvoy often grants automatic elite status and faster point accumulation. If you get the card, make sure you’re also signed up for the loyalty program to link your benefits.
If You Want Forward Points + Travel to Maximize Your Benefits – Travel agencies like ours can often book directly with a hotel while applying your loyalty number to earn points and elite status perks. If this is a priority, let us know which programs you use most.
Mistake to Avoid: Signing up last minute at check-in. If you join in advance, your stay can count toward promotions or elite status qualification.
Important Consideration: If you’re booking a complex travel itinerary through a trusted tour company or vacation packager, be aware that they often have preferred hotels with negotiated low rates. You may not always get to choose your hotel brand. In these cases, you’ll need to decide what’s more important—earning hotel points or staying in an incredible location with expert support throughout your trip. Sometimes, the best travel experience outweighs the value of points.
Airline Frequent Flyer Programs: Sign Up Before You Need Them
Unlike hotel programs, you should sign up for frequent flyer programs well in advance—ideally before you need to book a flight. Here’s why:
To Avoid Fraud Alerts on Point Transfers – If you transfer credit card points to an airline for the first time and immediately book a flight, the airline may flag it as suspicious activity. Signing up in advance helps establish account history.
To Maximize Transfer Bonuses – Programs like Air Canada Aeroplan, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, and British Airways Executive Club frequently offer transfer bonuses from credit cards like American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles, and Chase Ultimate Rewards.
To Start Accumulating Miles – Even if you don’t fly often, signing up early ensures that any flight you take earns miles. Many airlines allow you to retroactively claim miles for flights taken within the past few months.
To Take Advantage of Partner Redemptions – Some of the best flight deals come from redeeming miles on partner airlines (e.g., using American Airlines AAdvantage miles to book Qatar Airways flights). Having an account set up lets you transfer points strategically.
To Qualify for Status Matches & Challenges – If you have elite status with one airline, you may be able to match it with another carrier, gaining perks like priority boarding, upgrades, and lounge access. Signing up early ensures you’re ready if a status match opportunity arises.
If You Want Forward Points + Travel to Maximize Your Benefits – Travel agencies like ours can sometimes book flights while applying your loyalty number to earn points and elite status perks. If this is a priority, let us know which programs you use most.
Mistake to Avoid: Your airline frequent flyer account name should match your credit card and passport exactly. Small differences (like using a middle initial in one but not the other) can cause issues when transferring points or booking award tickets.
Free Perks for Basic Airline Loyalty Members
You don’t have to be a frequent flyer to benefit from airline loyalty programs. Many airlines offer special perks just for joining, even without elite status:
Qatar Airways Privilege Club – 10% off flights and bonus Qmiles during your birthday month.
Delta SkyMiles – Free messaging and Wi-Fi (on select flights) when logged in with your SkyMiles number. Miles never expire.
United MileagePlus – No expiration on miles and access to exclusive member-only award fares.
JetBlue TrueBlue – Free high-speed Wi-Fi for all passengers, plus points never expire and members can pool points with family.
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer – Members get access to discounted Saver award rates and monthly promo fares.
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles – Lower award pricing and good redemption options on Star Alliance partners.
Avoiding Common Mistakes Across All Programs
Not Checking Expiration Policies – Some points expire if there’s no activity for a certain period (e.g., United MileagePlus miles never expire, but Delta SkyMiles require activity every 24 months). Simple actions like using a dining rewards program or making a small purchase on a co-branded card can keep points active.
Accidentally Creating Duplicate Accounts – It’s easy to forget if you signed up years ago. Before creating a new account, check your email history or try logging in with past credentials.
Missing Out on Status Matches or Challenges – Some hotels and airlines offer status matches if you hold elite status with a competitor. Signing up early and keeping track of promotions can help you level up your travel benefits.
Not Linking Your Credit Cards – If you have a travel credit card that earns transferable points, make sure your loyalty accounts are set up in advance. Programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Capital One Miles offer valuable airline and hotel transfers.
Final Thoughts
While points are a fantastic tool, they shouldn’t dictate every travel decision. If you can afford to fly on the best airline route or stay at the best hotel in a destination, that may be more fulfilling than choosing a less ideal option just to earn rewards.
Are you ready to take your travel to the next level? Contact Forward Points + Travel for expert guidance on the best strategies to maximize your points and miles!
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