With tight schedules, erratic weather and crew shortages, it seems like flights get delayed more than ever these days. Flight delays are not only frustrating, but they can also impact connecting flights, event tickets and other aspects of your trip.
If you’re flying on JetBlue Airways, it helps to understand the JetBlue flight delay compensation rules to protect your rights.
8 things to know about JetBlue flight delay compensation
Whether or not JetBlue will compensate you for a delayed flight depends on several factors, including where you’re flying to or from, how long the delay is and why the flight was delayed.
1. There is no Passenger Bill of Rights in the U.S.
The U.S. has yet to adopt a universal Passenger Bill of Rights. However, the Department of Transportation tracks what each airline offers and makes that information available on its cancellation and delay dashboard. This helps to inform passengers of airline policies and holds the airlines accountable.
2. You may not be entitled to anything
Although there is a JetBlue delayed flight compensation schedule, it doesn’t apply to all situations.
The airline does not offer compensation for weather and other uncontrollable events. Additionally, if your flight delay is relatively short, you won’t receive any benefits.
3. You may receive flight credits for delays
This chart highlights the compensation passengers may receive when their flight is delayed by at least three hours. Any delay less than three hours will not qualify for a flight credit.
Delay time
Compensation amount
$50 credit.
$100 credit.
$150 credit.
6 hours or more
$200 credit.
4. JetBlue can offer multiple types of compensation
Flight delay compensation does not have to involve cash payment. JetBlue may offer other benefits in addition to, or instead of, cash. These benefits may include:
Future flight credits.
Tickets on another JetBlue flight.
Rebooking on another airline.
Meal vouchers.
Hotel accommodations.
When speaking with customer service about JetBlue delayed flight compensation, keep these options in mind. Consider asking for one or more types of compensation, depending on your situation and the length of the delay.
5. Delayed flights from the U.K./EU may get cash compensation
With its recent expansion to Europe, JetBlue compensation for delayed flights has other factors to consider. JetBlue now offers flights between the U.S. and the U.K., Paris and will soon add Amsterdam.
If your flight out of the U.K. or EU back to the U.S. is delayed, UK-261/EU-261 rules govern JetBlue flight delay compensation. This chart highlights your benefits on these flights when your arrival is delayed by three hours or longer.
Compensation
1,500 km or less
250 euros or 220 GBP.
1,501 – 3,500 km
400 euros or 350 GBP.
3,501 km or more
600 euros or 520 GBP.
All JetBlue routes from Europe back to the U.S.
6. Explore all options for reaching customer service
When your JetBlue flight is delayed, you may be asked to get in line to speak with a gate agent. While you can step in line, don’t let that be your only option.
Attempt to contact JetBlue customer service over the phone, on its mobile app or through social media. These avenues may be much quicker than waiting in line.
7. JetBlue could put you on another airline
Depending on flight availability, JetBlue may rebook you on another airline to get you to your final destination. JetBlue delayed flight compensation rules allow this.
If JetBlue switches your flight to another airline, ask JetBlue to add to your TrueBlue account the flight credits and points that you would have earned had your original flight operated on schedule.
8. Don’t forget about credit card travel protections
Many travel credit cards offer travel protections that cover passengers when flights are delayed or canceled. Although JetBlue has its own credit cards, those cards don’t offer these benefits.
Depending on which card you use to book your flight, you may be reimbursed for meals, hotels and other reasonable expenses. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® reimburses up to $500 per traveler when flights are delayed for six hours or longer or when a delay necessitates an overnight stay.
The bottom line about JetBlue flight delay compensation
When your flight doesn’t depart on time, take advantage of the JetBlue flight delay compensation rules.
Your compensation may vary depending on where you’re flying to, how long the delay is and the reason for the delay.
Don’t forget about possible credit card benefits. They can supplement compensation from JetBlue or take care of you if JetBlue policies don’t offer compensation.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Do you want to learn how to get free clothes? There are many ways to get free clothes online and in-person, which means you can save money and have a new outfit. From online shopping to community groups and social media, there are many platforms where you can find free clothes for yourself and your…
Do you want to learn how to get free clothes?
There are many ways to get free clothes online and in-person, which means you can save money and have a new outfit.
From online shopping to community groups and social media, there are many platforms where you can find free clothes for yourself and your family. In this article, I will help you find free clothing both online and near you.
Whether you’re an expert bargain hunter or just learning the ropes, taking advantage of free outfits can be the key to sprucing up your wardrobe without spending a ton of money. Read on to learn more about how to get free clothes, discounts, and clever hacks to get free clothes while maintaining your budget.
Key Takeaways
Explore online platforms, like Facebook Buy Nothing groups, Craigslist, and Freecycle.org, for free clothing options.
Connect with friends and communities to organize clothing swaps.
Blogging or social media can lead to free clothing items and discounts.
How To Get Free Clothes
1. Facebook Buy Nothing Groups
If you’re looking for the easiest way to learn how to get free clothes, Facebook Buy Nothing groups can be one of the best options in your local area. These local groups on Facebook are part of the Buy Nothing Project, which aims to connect neighbors who are willing to give items away for free, including clothing.
I have given away many, many things in my Facebook Buy Nothing group, and I see lots of clothes given away all the time. You can find free clothes for women, men, children, and babies in your local Facebook Buy Nothing group.
To get started with Facebook Buy Nothing groups, simply search for a Buy Nothing group in your town or city. If you live in a large city, there might be multiple groups for different neighborhoods. Once you find the right group, send a request to join. You can start by searching “your city name Buy Nothing Group” as an example.
After you’ve been accepted into the group, you can start looking for free clothes. Keep an eye out for posts from group members offering clothing items they no longer need, and don’t hesitate to ask questions and state your interest in the items you like. When you find something you’d like to have, simply comment on the post to let the person know that you’re interested. The person may choose to gift the item to the first person who comments, or they might decide to draw names at random.
Another way you can learn how to get free clothes on Buy Nothing is by hosting a clothing round-robin. This is when people put together a box of clothes together that goes person to person. You can try items on in your home, take clothing you like, add to the box, and pass it along to the next person.
Facebook Marketplace may also have free clothing listed as well.
2. Look at Craigslist for free clothing
Craigslist has a free section on their website where you can find clothing and other items that people are giving away.
To get started, go to Craigslist.org and head to the free section of the website. Then type “clothes” or whatever specific article of clothing you are looking for in the Craigslist search bar.
Then when you find a free clothing listing that you like, simply click on the title or image to view more information about the offer and send an email to the person.
Note: For your safety, it is a good idea to meet the person in a public place and bring a friend along when you pick up the clothes.
3. Check Freecycle.org for clothing and shoes
Freecycle.org is a great resource for where to get free clothes online.
Freecycle is a nonprofit movement/website that allows members to give away and receive items for free in their local area. Freecycle is all about reducing waste and keeping items out of landfills.
To get started, create a free account on Freecycle.org and start looking at what is available in your area.
When you find something you like, simply respond to the listing, and the person will give you details on how to pick up the items.
For more content related to how to get free clothes, check out: 15 Awesome Ways To Get Free Stuff.
4. Organize a swap with friends to get free clothes
Setting up a clothing swap with friends and family is a fun way to refresh your wardrobe while also learning how to get free clothes.
Here are some steps to host a fun clothing swap:
Set a date and location – Choose a date and time that works for you and your friends. It’s a good idea to host the swap at your home or another comfortable space where everyone feels welcome. Make sure there is enough room for everyone to display and try on clothes.
Invite your friends – Create a guest list and send out invites. You can use social media, email, or text message to invite your friends. Make some ground rules for how the swap will work, and ask everyone to bring clean, gently used clothes that they no longer wear.
Prepare the space – Set up an area where friends can display their clothing items. This can be as simple as just using a dining room table or everyone sitting on the couch in the living room.
You can make it even more fun by asking everyone to bring snacks and food as well and make it more of a potluck.
I also recommend checking out the website Rehash. This is an online swap website where you can trade clothing with others online.
5. Birthday freebies
Many stores give you discounts or free stuff on your birthday when you sign up for their email lists or by joining customer loyalty programs.
These offers can be in the form of discounts, coupons, or even free items for a limited time.
Related: 31 Birthday Freebies You Should Sign Up For
6. Participate in sweepstakes and contests
If you want to learn how to get free clothes from companies, participating in sweepstakes and contests is a great option. Many stores and clothing brands have contests on their social media platforms, offering free clothing or clothing gift cards.
You can often find these by simply following your favorite stores and brands on social media – like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – to see when they hold a giveaway.
Another way to find sweepstakes and giveaways to enter is to search related hashtags on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Many times, sweepstakes and giveaways are tagged with these hashtags in order to grow even more and so that people can find them. I used to enter giveaways all the time, and this is exactly how I would find giveaways to enter. Some hashtags to find free online clothing giveaways include:
#sweepstakes
#giveaway
#clothinggiveaway
#contest
7. Find money-making apps that will pay you in clothing gift cards
If you’re looking to add some new clothing to your wardrobe without spending a lot of money, you can try using money-making apps that give you free gift cards or PayPal cash.
This may include taking surveys and shopping online, you can earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards to popular clothing stores. Here are some apps to consider using for free gift cards:
Swagbucks is a popular site that rewards you for completing tasks, such as watching videos, taking surveys, and shopping online. You can earn points and redeem them for gift cards from popular stores, like Amazon, Target, Walmart, Adidas, and Under Armour, where you can purchase clothing.
American Consumer Opinion is a popular survey website where you can get paid around $1 to $5 (longer surveys pay more than shorter ones) for each survey you answer.
Branded Surveys is an online survey company that pays around from $0.50 to $5.00 per survey that you answer. Like with all survey companies that I recommend, it is free to join.
Fetch Rewards is a grocery rewards app where you can redeem your points for clothing gift cards. You scan your receipts from grocery shopping and earn points that can be exchanged for gift cards at various clothing stores, like American Eagle, Gap, Lululemon, Old Navy, and more.
Upside is a cell phone app that gives you cash back for using the gas stations that are listed in their app. You simply sign up for a free account, and then look at the Upside app to find gas stations located near you. With Upside, you can make up to $0.25 per gallon cash back at gas stations. You can then redeem your earnings for cash to your bank account, but also for free gift cards to H&M, Nike, Target, Walmart, and more.
Ibotta is an app where you can unlock rebates and rewards, go shopping, verify your purchases, and then get cash.
By using these apps, you can earn gift cards to clothing stores without spending a dime.
Related: 16 Real Ways To Earn Free Gift Cards (Amazon, Target, Visa)
8. Redeem credit card rewards points to put towards free gift cards for clothes
You can benefit from using your credit card rewards points to score free gift cards for clothes!
Many credit card issuers offer reward programs, which give you points for every dollar you spend. By accumulating these points, you can redeem them for various rewards, including gift cards to your favorite clothing stores.
The way that rewards credit cards work is that every time you use your credit card, you can earn points for spending money. Yes, spending money just like how you normally spend money.
Two rewards credit cards that I personally like include:
Note: Using credit cards for their rewards is only wise if you are a responsible credit card user. You do not want to add debt to your life to earn credit card rewards, as debt that gains interest is not free or worth it! You need to make sure you’re paying your credit card balance in full each month for the gift card rewards to be worth it so that you are not taking on debt that you don’t need.
9. Start a clothing blog or social media account
Starting a clothing blog or social media account can be a fun way to get free clothes to promote. By building a following, clothing brands may want to partner with you and give you free clothing.
To begin, choose a platform where you want to focus your time, such as starting a fashion blog or setting up an Instagram account. For example, if you’re passionate about taking pictures, Instagram can be a perfect platform for this. If you want to focus on writing, then a blog may be better. If you prefer video, then starting a YouTube channel or TikTok may be for you.
Next, you’ll want to focus on growing your audience. You can grow your following by regularly posting high-quality content and replying to comments.
Once you are ready, you can start reaching out to clothing brands for possible partnerships by sending emails or social media messages, telling them that you are interested in promoting their products and discussing how the collaboration can benefit the both of you. You may be asked to share statistics about your blog or social media account, including your follower count and engagement rate to show that the partnership would be worthwhile.
In addition to receiving free clothing, partnering with clothing companies can lead to other benefits, such as promo codes for your readers or even earning referral income for any purchases from followers made through your affiliate links.
You can learn how to start a blog in my free How To Start a Blog Course.
Note: Please keep in mind that being a trustworthy blogger or social media influencer means always disclosing when a post is sponsored or when you receive a product for free. Adding disclaimers is also the law when using affiliate links or sharing sponsored posts.
10. Get a job at a clothing store
When I was younger, I worked at a clothing store. If we beat our monthly sales goals, we were given a percentage of that in a gift card to the store. This was a great way to get free clothing!
Now, not all clothing stores have this perk, but you may be able to ask around and see if others do.
Another perk of working at a clothing store is the employee discount that you can get. As an employee, you typically receive a good employee discount – sometimes up to 50% off. This could be a great way for you to save money on clothes while earning a paycheck.
11. Reach out to a local nonprofit or charitable group
Many nonprofits or charitable groups offer free clothing to those in need.
Shelters, religious organizations, and other groups often have clothing banks available. Don’t be afraid to reach out to these organizations if you find yourself needing how to get free clothes for everyday or work.
12. School donation programs
Some schools and universities host clothing donation programs, which can help students who may be struggling financially.
You can keep an eye out for these events to get free clothes for yourself or your children. Schools might even have partnerships with local retailers, providing designer clothing at no cost, along with essentials.
I recommend reaching out to your school and asking what options are available for you.
13. Local yard sales
Yard sales are a great place to find cheap or even free clothes. Some homeowners may be willing to part with clothes for very cheap or free, especially towards the end of the day when they are packing up and they want to get rid of the items that are remaining.
14. Pregnancy and baby sample boxes
If you are pregnant, then you can probably get a free baby box filled with items you’ll want and need.
You typically get a free baby box when you create a baby registry. These boxes are often filled with free baby samples, such as a baby onesie, baby bottles, diapers, pacifiers, and more.
I got both the Amazon baby box and the Babylist baby box when I was pregnant, and they were both great and free! I simply created a registry through both sites (which is something that I was already doing), and I received the free baby box once someone purchased something off my baby registry.
In each, there was one baby onesie. So it wasn’t a lot of free baby clothing, but it was fun to receive and there were lots of other free items in the box as well.
Related: Best Baby Gear – Guide For New Parents
15. Refer friends to your favorite stores
Referral programs are offered by many online clothing companies, and this may get you some free clothing.
When you refer a friend to the website, both you and your friend often receive a discount or credit towards your next purchase. You can share your unique referral link with friends and family, or promote it on social media to reach a larger audience.
Some online stores which have a referral program include Lulus, Poshmark, ThreadUP, Stitch Fix, Rent The Runway, and many more.
Make the most of online shopping to get money to put towards clothes
When shopping online, there are ways that you can save money. While these won’t lead you to getting entirely free clothing, these tips can make clothing more affordable.
Use coupons and promo codes –Always keep an eye out for coupons and promo codes before making a purchase to save money on clothes. Websites, like Honey, often have promo codes available for online stores. This way, you can save on your purchases and have more money to put towards new clothes. You can install the Honey browser extension, which automatically finds and applies available coupon codes and promo codes when you shop online. Then shop like normal and when you’re ready to checkout, Honey will instantly find and apply the best coupon codes directly to your shopping cart.
Cash-back sites –Using cash-back sites is another smart way to save money on your apparel purchases. Rakuten offers cash back (up to 40% cash back!) for shopping at many different online retailers (they have thousands of options). Simply browse the Rakuten website, find stores you normally shop at, and earn a percentage of cash back for every purchase.
Loyalty programs –Signing up for loyalty programs can be a great way to earn points or rewards that can be put towards new clothes. Many clothing stores offer rewards programs for their customers. As a member, you can earn points with each purchase that can be redeemed for discounts or even free clothing items.
Shop at thrift stores and consignment shops –Thrift stores can be a great source of free or inexpensive clothes. There are even online thrift stores, such as ThredUP and OfferUp.
Frequently asked questions about how to get free clothes
Below, I answer common questions about ways to get clothing for free.
Where can I find free clothing giveaways?
One way to find free clothes that are being given away is to search for online giveaways and contests. You can find these by going to giveaway websites, or searching hashtags on Twitter and Instagram, such as #giveaway and #clothinggiveaway.
There are many if you want to learn how to get free clothes, such as reaching out to nonprofit organizations, shelters, and churches in your local area. You can also check out websites, like Freecycle.org or Craigslist, for listings of free clothing resources in your community. Also, joining local Facebook Groups for clothing swaps or free items may help you find free clothes near you.
How can I receive free clothes delivered to my door?
By participating in referral programs, product testing programs, or signing up for clothing site rewards, you can potentially receive free clothes delivered to your door.
How to get free items from SHEIN?
There are a few ways to get free Shein clothes, and this is a very popular question about how to get free clothes!
There is a Shein Free Trial Center where you may be able to test out outfits for free. You will have to write a product review for the item you get for free with the Shein product testing program.
There are also Shein giveaways on social media all the time that you can enter as well.
How do I manage to have a great wardrobe on a tight budget?
To have a great wardrobe on a tight budget, you may want to focus on versatile and timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched. This may include shopping sales, clearance sections, and secondhand stores to find affordable clothing items. You can also swap clothes with friends or attend clothing swap events to save money.
How can I get a lot of clothes with little money?
You can get a lot of clothes with little money by shopping at thrift stores, discount stores, and clearance sales.
How do I get free athletic wear?
Many running shoes have a product testing program for athletes and runners, such as the Saucony product testing program, Reebok product testing program, New Balance tester community, and the Nike product testing program.
These companies will need your shoe size and some other information from you before they can send you anything. There will most likely be an in-depth questionnaire for you to answer after you try the shoes.
In some cases, you will not be able to keep the shoes, just so you know.
How To Get Free Clothes Online Without Paying – Summary
I hope you enjoyed today’s article on my best tips and tricks on how to get free clothing. As you can see, there are many ways to get started!
Whether you are looking for free t-shirts, jeans, shoes, work clothes, or something else, there is plenty of free apparel if you look around.
With Facebook Buy Nothing groups, Craigslist, and Freecycle.org, you can connect with like-minded individuals and exchange items without needing to pay. Also, connecting with friends, family, and online communities by organizing clothing swaps, working with money-making apps that offer gift cards, and blogging or engaging on social media can lead to free clothing items as well.
Remember, when you maximize your online shopping by using loyalty programs, cash-back apps, referral programs, and coupons, you’ll have more money to put towards new clothing items.
Do you know how to get free clothes? What’s your favorite way?
World of Hyatt members know how to benefit from the loyalty program, especially if they have World of Hyatt elite status.
But, if you need to reach Hyatt hotel customer service, what’s the easiest way? There are numerous ways that you can contact World of Hyatt customer service to help with your account, make a travel booking or request other assistance.
Depending on the nature of your request, there are multiple ways to reach out to the brand. These are all of the ways to reach Hyatt Hotels customer service.
Contacting the hotel directly
It is easiest to contact the hotel directly for many requests, such as reviewing a past invoice, checking on missing points or searching for a lost item. You can call the hotel’s phone number, which is available on its website, or contact them by email (if one is listed online).
Reaching out to the source of information rather than calling a Hyatt customer service phone number will be the fastest way to solve the issue.
Often, a customer service department may put you on hold while they contact the hotel directly (or connect you to the hotel). Leave out the middleman and contact the hotel independently for the fastest service.
Calling the Hyatt customer service number
Reservations
In the United States, the toll-free number is 800-233-1234. With this option, you’ll want to pay attention to the Hyatt customer service hours to be sure someone is available to answer the phone.
World of Hyatt
If your query is about the World of Hyatt rewards program, there is a different number for these types of account issues. Each country has its own toll-free number and email contact online. In the United States, the toll-free number is 888-344-9288. Luckily, if you’re inquiring about missing points, there is an online form that expedites the process, which we will cover.
Events
Can you chat with World of Hyatt?
Yes! It’s easy through the World of Hyatt app, which offers messaging service options where you can make special requests about a future stay or request account services.
You can also chat with some hotels directly within the app. Other options include connecting directly with Hyatt’s social media team through the app by way of X, formerly known as Twitter, or Facebook.
This is an easy way to connect with the brand when traveling or if picking up the phone isn’t convenient. You’re able to chat, much like direct messaging a friend.
How to get a copy of your Hyatt bill
If you need a past invoice, it can be done through a dedicated online form. Enter the requested details online; you’ll need the dates of travel and the credit card used during the stay. With many people doing online checkout, this can be a helpful way to get a copy of your invoice.
World of Hyatt Globalist members will want to review their invoice since elite status benefits members include special perks such as waived parking, breakfast, and resort fees on award stays. In fact, no World of Hyatt members get charged resort fees when staying on an award. You’ll want to make sure these charges are removed from your invoice.
Request missing World of Hyatt credit
Earning points is one of the best benefits of a loyalty program, especially the bonus you might receive when having elite status or using World of Hyatt Credit Card, which can offer as many as 9x points on Hyatt stays. If your points don’t process properly, you can contact World of Hyatt customer service online.
Fill out a “past stay request” to locate points that may not have been correctly posted. Be sure to allow two to three weeks following a stay before making a request, as it can take time for them to post.
How to make a compliment or complaint to Hyatt
If you want to share feedback on a recent Hyatt stay, there is an online form that requests particular stay details. Then you can share a compliment or complaint so the brand can get back to you. Another option is to use the World of Hyatt app’s messaging function.
How to complete a best rate guarantee claim
World of Hyatt has a best rate guarantee (similar to other brands like Marriott), assuring you will find the lowest rate when booking directly through a Hyatt channel. You’ll need to complete the online claim form within 24 hours of making the original reservation. If it is accepted, you will receive either 5,000 World of Hyatt bonus points or a 20% discount on the cost of the stay.
Even faster customer service with the World of Hyatt elite status
If you’ve earned elite status with World of Hyatt, there is an even quicker path to customer service since these members have dedicated phone numbers. Access to a private support line is one of the benefits of elite status membership with Hyatt.
For those that want a fast path to elite status, the World of Hyatt Credit Card comes with Discoverist status. This means that you earn bonus points for a stay (even more when paying for the stay with this card) and faster customer service assistance.
If you need to contact World of Hyatt
Your options are plentiful, which means no matter what your preference, you can get in touch with Hyatt customer service.
From picking up the phone, texting through an app, reaching out on social media, or sending an email, World of Hyatt and Hyatt Place customer service (among all other brands) are accessible with just a few touches of a button.
(Top photo courtesy of Hyatt)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Earning hotel elite status provides valuable benefits that enhance your stay while allowing you to earn bonus points and save money. While top-tier World of Hyatt status offers the best perks, most people don’t travel enough to earn it.
Mid-level elite status, like Hyatt Explorist, is more attainable for the average traveler. Here’s everything you need to know about Hyatt Explorist status, including how to earn it, the included benefits and if it’s worth it.
Hyatt Explorist benefits
The World of Hyatt hotel loyalty program has four levels of elite status — Member, Discoverist, Explorist and Globalist. Additionally, members can earn Lifetime Globalist status based on their cumulative spending at Hyatt properties.
When you reach this elite status level, numerous benefits improve your stay. The best Hyatt Explorist benefits are:
20% bonus points: All World of Hyatt members earn five base points per dollar spent at Hyatt properties. With this 20% bonus, you’ll earn six points per dollar.
Complimentary upgrades: Explorist members are eligible for a free upgrade to the best available room when checking into their hotel and resort. However, suites and rooms with Club lounge access are excluded.
Late checkout: Enjoy your room longer with a 2 p.m. late checkout at no extra charge. This benefit is based on availability and may not be an option at some locations.
Guaranteed room availability: Explorist members receive guaranteed room availability when booking a paid reservation at least 72 hours in advance. This benefit ensures availability at a sold-out property when making advanced reservations.
Waived resort fees: Resort fees are hidden charges that many travelers don’t know about until finalizing their reservation or when checking into a hotel. These fees are waived for all members booking award reservations at Hyatt properties. Eligible reservations include rooms booked with points, credit card free nights and other free night certificates. Points and cash or paid stays do not include this benefit.
American Airlines bonus miles: Earn one World of Hyatt point for every dollar spent on qualifying American Airlines flights when you link your loyalty accounts. These miles are in addition to the miles earned from your flight.
How to earn Hyatt Explorist elite status
There are three primary ways that you can earn Hyatt Explorist status. The first two are based on the number of nights you stay or how many points you earn per year. A third option involves hosting meetings or events at Hyatt properties. Here’s how to get Hyatt Explorist status.
Staying at Hyatt properties
World of Hyatt members earn Explorist elite status by earning 30 qualifying nights per year. Qualifying nights include paid nights, award nights, and points and cash nights.
Limited-time promotions, such as staying four nights and getting a fifth night free would only count as four qualifying nights.
Holding a Hyatt credit card
Spending on your Hyatt card
Both Hyatt credit cards earn qualifying night credits based on your annual spending. You’ll receive two additional qualifying night credits for every $5,000 spent on the World of Hyatt Credit Card.
The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card earns five qualifying night credits for every $10,000 spent each year. Cardholders can combine nights earned from spending with their hotel stays to earn elite status.
Earning base points
Base points earned from hotel stays, on-site restaurants and other activities count toward the 50,000 points needed for Hyatt Explorist status. Members earn five base points per dollar on all eligible purchases at Hyatt hotels, Small Luxury Hotels of the World and other activities.
Bonus points earned from promotions, welcome bonuses and credit card purchases do not count as base points. They are “bonus points,” which can be used to book hotel rooms but don’t earn elite status.
Host meetings or events
Members who host ten or more meetings or events at an eligible Hyatt property earn Explorist elite status. To qualify, at least 10 paid guest rooms must be booked for the same night as the event. In some cases, there may be additional requirements for the events.
How much is Hyatt Explorist status worth?
Value of benefits
Cost to earn
Elite earning rate
Discoverist
With a cost to earn of $4,380, Explorist elite status provides members a 15% return in value. These benefits include complimentary upgrades, guaranteed room availability and waived resort fees on award reservations.
What else you need to know about Hyatt Explorist
Take advantage of Hyatt promotions
Throughout the year, Hyatt offers promotions that may accelerate your path to elite status. These promotions may include extra qualifying night credits or base points that count toward earning status. Even if you don’t have any hotel stays planned, register for every promotion in case your plans change. This will help you maximize every trip you take.
Status matches are available
Travelers that have elite status with other hotel or airline loyalty programs may qualify for a World of Hyatt status match correlating to your current status. Status matches provide elite status for a limited time. You’ll retain your elite status for the rest of the year if you meet the qualifying nights or points requirement during the promo.
How long does Hyatt Explorist status last?
The Hyatt program year runs through the end of February each year. You earn Hyatt elite status based on your activity during the calendar year. When you earn elite status, you’ll enjoy Hyatt Explorist benefits through the end of the following program year.
For example, if you achieved Hyatt Explorist status in September 2023, your elite status is good through February 28, 2025.
World of Hyatt lifetime elite status
Hyatt doesn’t offer lifetime Hyatt Explorist status, but you can earn Lifetime Globalist status based on your cumulative points earned. Ironically, you can qualify for Lifetime Globalist even if you’ve never earned Globalist status in any single year.
To qualify for Lifetime status, you need to earn 1,000,000 lifetime base points. At five base points per dollar spent at Hyatt properties, this equates to $200,000 in total spending.
Is Hyatt Explorist status worth it?
Hyatt Explorist status offers numerous benefits that make focusing your hotel reservations with one brand worthwhile. Benefits like complimentary upgrades, late checkout and waived resort fees on award nights improve your trip and save you money.
It takes 30 nights per year to earn Explorist elite status, which is an average of 2.5 nights per month. The World of Hyatt Credit Card makes it easier to earn status through additional night credits based on your annual spending.
(Top photo courtesy of Hyatt)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Spirit Airlines is one of the most established low-cost airlines in the U.S., with destinations throughout the country, the Caribbean and Latin America.
With so many flights operating each day, there’s a good chance that something can and will go wrong. If that’s the case, you’ll likely want to contact Spirit Airlines customer service.
Let’s take a look at the different ways you can reach them and answer some questions you may have about dealing with Spirit Airlines after a mishap.
How do I reach Spirit Airlines customer service?
Spirit Airlines has a number of different methods of communication in the event you need to reach them. For common questions, Spirit maintains a wide-reaching FAQ resource.
Otherwise, you can reach Spirit by chat, SMS/WhatsApp or email.
How to call Spirit Airlines customer service
The Spirit Airlines customer service number is 1-855-728-3555. This number is good for reservations, baggage, changing a flight or when you receive an error online.
Can you chat online with Spirit Airlines?
It’s possible to have a live chat with a Spirit representative on the Spirit website from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Central time daily. There’s also a chatbot available 24/7 that can help answer some questions.
How to message Spirit Airlines
If you’d prefer not to make a phone call, you can message Spirit Airlines on Twitter (also known as X) or Facebook. Spirit’s Twitter handle is @SpiritAirlines.
Airlines are generally good about fielding responses on Twitter, so this may be an avenue you wish to take if you feel like you aren’t getting anywhere with your requests.
You can also text the airline at 48763 or use 1-855-728-3555 on messaging service WhatsApp.
How to send mail to Spirit Airlines
If you want to kick it old school, you can send snail mail to Spirit’s offices. The address is: Corporate Guest Relations, 2800 Executive Way, Miramar, FL 33025.
Whom do I contact about my Free Spirit loyalty account?
The frequent flyer program for Spirit Airlines is Free Spirit. Members of the program can earn Free Spirit points toward free flights, as well as elite status, which can get you shortcut boarding, extra bonus points and free carry-on luggage.
If you have a concern about your Free Spirit account, you can contact the company through its general support lines.
Does Spirit give refunds for canceled flights?
Like all U.S. airlines, Spirit is required to give refunds for flights that it cancels. This is dictated by the Department of Transportation rather than the individual airlines.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Spirit flight credits typically expire within 90 days of issuance.
Generally speaking, Spirit Airlines’ cancellation policy is not very generous, especially when you compare it to airlines like Southwest, which allows passengers to cancel up to 10 minutes before departure.
How to find lost luggage on Spirit Airlines
If your bag cannot be located, inform a Spirit agent at the airport’s Baggage Claim area or at the Baggage Service Office. If there’s no one available at those locations, find a Spirit representative at the airport check-in counter.
For lost luggage, guests traveling domestically must file an incident report and receive a File ID within 4 hours of arrival, whereas international travelers can file a report within 21 days of arrival.
Where do I offer feedback or send a complaint to Spirit Airlines?
Once you’ve gone through all the steps, you’ll be prompted to fill out a form detailing your experience. Spirit will then get back to you.
Customers in need of immediate assistance should pursue the alternative communication methods outlined in this article.
The bottom line
Spirit Airlines offers airfare at appealing price points, but sometimes even the best-laid plans go awry and you may need to contact the airline for assistance.
Happily, the company is easy to contact by phone, email, postal mail or social media.
(Top photo courtesy of Spirit Airlines)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
If you live in a typical American household, 66% of which own a pet, you know the many benefits of being a pet parent. Pets provide companionship, reduce stress and even improve your health. Pet owners, especially those with dogs, are more likely to get outside and take a stroll through the park. So what could be the down side?
Although the benefits outweigh the costs, pets are expensive. It’s important to take a close look at the financial side of pet ownership before you add a new member to the family. Even if you’ve considered the adoption fee and supplies, the ongoing costs of food, grooming, and routine vet bills add up.
If you’re financially savvy, you may have looked into ways to save on pet food or perform at-home pet pedicures, but veterinary visits can add up. Scheduling routine physicals and keeping up to date on vaccines is the best preventative measure against future health conditions that may be costly to treat. Emergency medical care can leave even the most prepared pet owner in a mountain of debt. Or in the worst cases, economic euthanasia—a heartbreaking decision for any family.
Most people agree that the unconditional love of a pet is worth any amount of money. Still, preparing for the true cost of pet ownership can help you plan your budget. Pets become a part of the family, and making sure you can afford one can help you avoid tough decisions down the road. Fortunately, if you plan ahead, you can maintain the health of your pet and your finances.
Cost of Owning a Dog
Based on the average life span of 12 years, the lifetime cost of owning a dog can range from $20,000 to over $55,000. Studies show about half of all pet owners underestimate the cost of raising a pet. Before purchasing a dog, it’s important to understand both the initial cost of bringing a dog into your home and the ongoing annual expenses of raising a dog.
Note: Expenses and costs are possible ranges
One-Time Expenses
Aside from emergency care, most major expenses occur in the first year. New pet owners can expect to shell out nearly $400 for the bare necessities alone. Depending on the specific breed and size of dog, these costs could range well over $2,000. Below is a look at some initial costs you can expect to incur.
Adoption fee/cost: $0 to $700—can be higher depending on breed
Food and water bowls: $10 to $100
Spaying or neutering: $200 to $800
Initial medical exam and vaccines: $70 to $300
Collar, tags, and leash: $25 to $60
Bed and crate: $35 to $250
Carrying crate: $60 to $150
Microchipping: $20
Total one-time expenses: $420 to $2,180
In some cases, puppies can be more expensive than healthy adult dogs, since they need more shots and veterinary procedures. They may also require obedience training due to their boundless energy and tendency to chew on household items.
Annual Expenses
How much do dogs cost per year? According to the ASPCA, the average pet owner spends nearly $1,400 annually on their furry pal. However, other sources put this number much higher.
Below is a look at some of the expenses you can expect to incur every year you have a dog. If you have multiple dogs, these costs will be a lot more.
Food: $200 to $700
Vaccines and routine care: $200 to $500
Heartworm and flea prevention: $175 to $200
Vitamins: $58
License: $15
Treats and chew toys: $100 to $300
Grooming supplies: $25 to $75
Total average cost of owning a dog per year: $773 to $1,848
In addition to the basics, such as food and veterinary care, other routine and unexpected expenses will arise. You’ll also need to consider pet-related costs that come along with life events, such as travel and moving. For instance, many apartments charge a pet deposit. You also may need to pay additional cleaning fees.
Professional grooming: $200 to $400
Training: $100 to $400 per hour
Boarding and travel fees: $25/day
Accessories: $0 to $500
Pet health insurance: $225 to $516 annually
While raising your dog is a significant investment, most pet owners feel it’s money well spent. After all, you get paid back with unconditional love and affection.
Cost of Owning a Cat
Cats may be less expensive to own than dogs, but even these lower-maintenance creatures can put a dent in your bank account. For one reason, cats tend to live longer than dogs—they have a life span of about 15 years. Additionally, 44% of cat owners have more than one cat, compared to just 35% of dog owners. The average lifetime cost of owning a cat can range from $12,000 to $26,000.
The biggest factor affecting the life span and total expenses of a cat is whether it lives indoors or outdoors. An outdoor cat has a much shorter life span—only five years on average—and is at greater risk of injury from other animals, traffic, and diseases. If you plan to let your cat outdoors, lower your financial risk by vaccinating against diseases and purchasing pet insurance to cover potential injuries.
You also want to ensure it’s not illegal to let your cat roam outside in your area. If your beloved cat ends up at animal control, you’ll have to pay a fee to get it back.
One-Time Expenses
As with dogs, the initial expenses of cat ownership are the highest. You can expect to pay up to $1,000 when buying a cat.
Adoption fee/cost: $0 to $300—can be higher depending on breed
Food and water bowls: $5 to $30
Spaying or neutering: $145 to $200
Initial medical exam: $130 to $175
Collar or leash: $10 to $20
Litter box: $10 to $50
Cat bed: $20 to $100
Carrying crate: $35 to $70
Microchipping: $20
Total one-time expenses: $355 to $965
Annual Expenses
Of course, cats aren’t always predictable. You may have a certain cat food in mind—one that fits your budget—but that doesn’t mean your cat will like it. Cats can also be particular about the type of litter they use. Still, the following ranges give you an idea of what to expect in the years ahead.
Food: $200 to $500
Medical care and vaccines: $200 to $550
Flea and tick prevention: $140 to $200
Treats: $35 to $100
Litter: $150 to $200
Toys and scratching post: $20 to $100
License: $15
Grooming supplies: $28
Total annual cost to own a cat: $788 to $1,693
Cats have a penchant for knocking things off tables, and they don’t differentiate between empty toilet paper rolls and expensive vases. Additionally, they have sharp claws, and if you don’t give them someplace to scratch, they may turn your furniture into a shredding post. This is all to say you may want to set aside money for miscellaneous expenses.
Here are some other extras you may want to consider:
Pet health insurance: $175 to $350 per year
Accessories: $0 to $300
Pet sitting or boarding: $25/day
Ways to Save Money on Your Furry Pet
Pet costs can quickly get out of hand if you’re not careful. Fortunately, you can do several things to save money on care for your pets.
Spay or Neuter
Unless you’re a breeder, having your pet spayed or neutered should be one of your top priorities. Not only can this step help you save money in the long run, but it can also prevent unwanted litters of puppies or kittens.
Set a Budget
Setting a budget for your pet expenses can help you avoid spending too much on unnecessary purchases. Start by tracking how much you spend per month on pet care expenses. Use this information to set your budget for these costs.
Buy in Bulk
You can save a significant amount of money throughout the year by purchasing your pet food and treats in bulk. With proper storage, many types of pet food have a shelf life of up to 18 months.
Preventive Care
The best way to keep your pet’s medical expenses down is to invest in preventive care. Scheduling regular checkups, including dental care, and ensuring your pet is up to date on all necessary shots, including heartworm and vaccines against fleas and ticks, can avoid costly medical charges later.
Groom at Home
Instead of paying anywhere from $200 to $400 for professional grooming services, you can groom your pet at home. Once you purchase the original supplies, which can cost around $50, you can groom your pet at home for significantly less money.
Cash-Back Rewards and Loyalty Programs
Consider purchasing your pet supplies using a cash-back rewards credit card. This step can help you save money by earning cash back on your everyday purchases.
Should You Buy Pet Insurance to Cover Pet Costs?
One step that can make the cost of pet ownership more affordable is pet insurance. The right insurance plan can help cover some of your pet’s medical expenses. This, in turn, can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Pet insurance can also give you peace of mind knowing that if your pet requires unexpected medical care, some costs may be covered. It’s important to realize not all pet insurance policies are alike. Be sure to carefully read the benefits and exclusions for each policy to ensure you select the one that’s right for your situation.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Emergency Vet Expenses
When you bring home your new fur baby, the last thing you want to think about is a tragedy or major illness hitting them, but it’s important to be prepared. Even if you establish healthy habits such as regular exercise, you should plan ahead for unexpected veterinary bills.
Once you become a pet parent, you may find that you’ll do anything for your canine or feline companion, even risking your credit to save their lives. While many pet owners feel that their pet’s well-being is worth the necessary sacrifices, setting aside money for a rainy day can help deflect some of the costs of an emergency procedure or unexpected illness.
Pet Insurance
Putting money aside for unexpected pet expenses is a good idea, but it’s difficult to save enough to cover a major medical bill—especially if you’re paying off existing debt at the same time. A diagnostic procedure alone can cost up to $2,000. And common medical conditions, such as orthopedic surgery or removing a foreign body can cost $7,000. If your pet has a chronic condition requiring regular follow-up visits or medications, your pet could rack up tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses.
Rather than set yourself up to be forced to decide between your financial health and your pet’s health, plan for the worst by taking out pet insurance. With ongoing expenses adding up, it’s tempting to cut corners by skipping pet insurance, but the peace of mind it will give you is invaluable.
Tips for Budgeting for a Pet
Advance planning, such as signing up for health insurance or contributing to a savings account with your pet in mind, can help keep you out of financial water. But there are other ways to make pet ownership affordable and keep costs down.
Consider whether you’re willing to cut back in other areas
Being a responsible pet owner requires sacrifices of your time and sometimes, your finances. You may need to reconsider your morning latte once you’re splurging on treats for your new best friend.
It takes a village
Pet sitting or boarding can cost you $15 to $60 a day, but asking for help from friends and neighbors can save you money, even if you offer to pay for their time.
Search out low-cost clinics for routine pet care
Animal welfare organizations often offer low-cost vaccinations, spaying, and neutering, saving you money both now and in the long run by helping prevent costly medical conditions. Check with your local humane society or local pet rescue groups to get more information.
Avoid Pet Debt
Prevention can be the most effective tool for avoiding surprise pet costs. Regular exams help detect problems earlier making them less expensive and more likely to have a positive outcome. For example, spaying/neutering your pets reduces their risk of certain cancers.
If you can’t afford an expensive but necessary medical procedure, you may be able to get financial assistance from veterinary medical colleges or non-profit organizations. The American Veterinary Medical Association has a list of organizations that offer aid to pet owners with financial needs. This list is by no means comprehensive, so if you don’t find an option there, keep looking.
Credit Cards for Pet Owners
While you don’t want to rely on credit cards alone to cover the cost of owning a pet, choosing the right card can help you earn cash back and rewards points on pet-related purchases you’re already making. Some even offer 0% financing, which is useful for transferring a hefty vet bill from an existing card to a new one. Depending on whether you plan to use the card for pet purchases alone or everyday spending will help you determine which card is best for you.
If you’re considering bringing a furry friend home, make sure your credit is in good standing first. A credit card that rewards pet purchases can make it more affordable to own a pet. You’ll want to check your credit scores to know where your credit stands before you apply, so you can reduce the risk of a rejected application and come up with a plan to work your way toward better credit if necessary.
Here at TPG, we’re all about maximizing every dollar you spend. Often, you can accomplish that by using the best credit card to enjoy the highest return for a specific purchase. But sometimes, you can go a step further.
Enter “double dipping,” or the practice of earning two different types of points on a single transaction. Taking advantage of double-dipping opportunities will help you accelerate your points-earning — bringing you that much closer to your dream award trip.
Below, we’ve outlined some of our top double-dipping opportunities that you can (and should) work into your everyday points practices.
Use online shopping portals
One of the simplest ways to double dip is to use shopping portals for your online purchases. These third-party sites partner with various retailers to give you points, miles or cash back when you click through their links. This is in addition to the points and miles you earn from putting the transaction on your credit card. So, you earn one bonus from the portal and another from your card.
No matter what type of points you’re trying to earn, there’s likely a portal out there that will suit your needs. Several airlines and hotel chains have their own portals, as does Chase Ultimate Rewards. Meanwhile, Rakuten allows you to receive your earnings in the form of American Express Membership Rewards points as an alternative to its usual cash back. You can even earn a one-time $30 bonus by joining Rakuten and spending $30 in the first 90 days.
Not sure which portal to use? Try using a shopping portal aggregator such as Cashback Monitor to compare earning rates across numerous portals for a given retailer.
Join restaurant rewards programs
Dining out can be a lucrative activity by itself, with cards such as the American Express® Gold Card offering 4 points per dollar on worldwide restaurant purchases. But it’s also an opportunity to double dip using airline and hotel dining rewards programs.
Once you register, participating restaurants will automatically award you points or miles when you pay for a meal with a linked credit card. Once again, these earnings are on top of the points or miles you net just for purchasing with your credit card.
There’s just one key thing to remember: Each of your credit cards can only be registered for one dining program, so you can’t earn through two airline or hotel programs for a single purchase.
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Related: How to earn 1,000 Southwest points the next time you dine out (or order in)
Earn more with Uber and Lyft
Whether you use Uber or Lyft, you can make your rides more valuable by linking certain rewards accounts to earn points on every ride.
With Lyft, you have several choices when it comes to earning bonus points or miles, though you must select one of the following as your designated loyalty rewards partner:
Note that Chase also partners with Lyft. So, in addition to selecting one of the above programs, you can use an eligible card — like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — to earn up to 10 points per dollar spent on the platform. Sapphire Reserve cardholders also enjoy complimentary Lyft Pink All Access for two years.
Meanwhile with Uber, you can link your Marriott Bonvoy account and earn the following:
6 points per dollar on Uber Eats restaurant and grocery orders of $40 or more delivered to a hotel in Marriott’s portfolio
3 points per dollar on rides with UberXL, Uber Comfort, Uber SUV and Uber Black
2 points per dollar on all other Uber Eats restaurant and grocery orders above $40.
Make sure you’re also using a credit card with a great return on travel purchases; for instance, the American Express® Green Card, which offers 3 points per dollar spent on travel and transit purchases, including ride-hailing services.
Related: Frequent Uber or Lyft passenger? These credit cards are for you
Rent with Airbnb
Make your Airbnb stays more valuable by booking them through Delta Air Lines’ or British Airways’ online portals. Simply choose a program and click the booking button on its dedicated Airbnb page to rack up extra miles. You’ll earn 1 mile per dollar if you go through Delta SkyMiles and 3 Avios per dollar if you book through British Airways Executive Club. So, expensive Airbnb bookings can quickly add up to award flights.
Like with Uber and Lyft, make sure to pay with a travel credit card that earns a bonus on vacation rentals to maximize your points-earning.
Related: 12 tips for choosing the perfect beach house rental
Earn bonus United miles with MileagePlus X
This app provides endless double-dipping possibilities for those looking to rack up United miles. It awards you bonus miles for buying electronic gift cards through the app, which you can later use online or in person at shops and restaurants. This is particularly great for merchants not included in popular bonus categories on credit cards.
The deal is even sweeter for those with a cobranded United credit card, like the United Explorer Card. If you link your United card to the app, you’ll earn a 25% mileage bonus for every gift card you buy, whether or not you use that card to pay for the purchase.
The best part? With MileagePlus X, you can actually take things to the next level for a triple dip. Simply buy a gift card through the app — earning points from the app and points for the transaction on your credit card — and then use that gift card to make an online purchase while utilizing a shopping portal.
Related: Here’s why it matters which card you use to pay in the United MPX app
Leverage the American Airlines and Hyatt partnership
American Airlines and World of Hyatt have a partnership offering reciprocal points-earning opportunities to elite loyalty program members. Hyatt elites can earn 1 bonus point per dollar spent on qualifying American flights. American elites can earn 1 bonus point per dollar spent on qualifying Hyatt stays — all on top of the points and miles they’d normally earn when flying American or staying at a Hyatt.
Luckily, it doesn’t take much to nab Hyatt elite status. Just take out the World of Hyatt Credit Card for automatic Discoverist status to participate.
Related: Everything you need to know about World of Hyatt
Give RewardsPlus a go
Long before Hyatt and American joined forces, United and Marriott partnered to offer their members elevated benefits and bonus points through the RewardsPlus program.
With this program, United Gold (or higher) elites automatically receive Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status, while Marriott Titanium and Ambassador elites automatically receive United Premier Silver status. Of course, it’s relatively easy to get Marriott Gold status with credit cards — including The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card. As a result, top-tier Marriott elites get the better end of this deal. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
In addition to reciprocal elite benefits, all members enjoy extra miles when transferring Marriott points to United, regardless of status. While most (but not all) of Marriott’s transfer partners receive a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred, United members get 10,000 bonus miles for transferring 60,000 points. That means you can effectively convert 2 Marriott points to 1 United mile.
Leverage retail loyalty programs
While they won’t get you first-class tickets or luxury hotel stays, many sports retailers, restaurants, office supply stores and pet supply stores offer loyalty programs that you can maximize when purchasing. Most of these programs give you rewards in the form of future discounts (e.g., spend $100 and get a $5 coupon) on top of the standard earnings you’d get from using your credit card.
If you’re not familiar with these programs, you can check out our list of the nine most underrated loyalty programs.
Related: The best credit cards for buying clothes
Credit card offers and discounts
Applying for a new credit card typically comes with a large number of points or miles as a welcome bonus (after you meet the minimum spending requirement, of course). However, once you’ve opened a card, there are a number of other ways to earn bonus rewards or unlock discounts on everyday purchases.
Most of the major issuers offer a program along these lines, including:
These are targeted to each individual cardholder, and you typically must activate them before making a purchase. You also may find several obscure merchants with whom you have no intention of doing business. However, by frequently checking your online accounts, you may be able to find some good opportunities for bonuses or savings.
Here’s just a sampling of the offers that TPG staffers currently have on their cards:
An Amex offer to earn 5 extra American Express Membership Rewards points per dollar spent, up to 1,000 points
An Amex offer to earn 50% back on purchases with Dropbox
Multiple Chase offers to earn 10% back when you spend $100 with multiple Marriott brands — including Autograph Collection, SpringHill Suites and Renaissance Hotels
A Citi offer to earn 5% back on Lyft rides
You can also stack these with many of the other “dips” on this list to create a double dip or triple dip. For example, stack an Amex Offer at a nearby restaurant with a dining rewards program or an online purchase with a shopping portal.
Bottom line
There are plenty of great ways to rack up points and miles quickly, but everyday spending often gets overlooked as one of them. There are many concrete things you can start doing today that will unlock a world of rewards for tomorrow.
With these double-dipping efforts as a part of your overall strategy, you’ll build your account balances and get that much closer to your next award trip.
For rates and fees of the Bilt Mastercard, click here. For rewards and benefits of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.
Qatar Airways is one of the world’s most premium airlines, with an excellent business-class product and great lounges at its hub in Doha, Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (DOH). The airline has a huge route network as well, with routes to major U.S. airports like Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
The Oneworld member has its own loyalty program called Qatar Airways Privilege Club and uses the popular points currency Avios. With this loyalty program, you can earn and redeem miles when flying Qatar Airways and its Oneworld partners. Plus, it has three elite status levels that give frequent flyers special privileges like entry to lounges and access to preferred seating.
New to the carrier’s Privilege Club? You’re in the right place. Here is everything you need to know about the program.
What are Avios?
Avios is the points currency used by the following loyalty programs:
Avios can be transferred between any of these programs at a ratio of 1:1, so each Avios is theoretically worth the same in each program. However, there are different ways in which Avios can be redeemed in each program, meaning the savvy reader can achieve different values depending on which program they are used in … and how.
This guide focuses on Avios earned and redeemed through the Qatar Airways Privilege Club program.
Elite status
Qatar Airways has three elite status tiers beyond the entry-level Burgundy level: Silver, Gold and Platinum. You can qualify for these tiers by earning a certain number of Qpoints by flying with Qatar Airways and its partners. To view how many Qpoints you’ll earn with each flight, use the Qatar Airways’ My Calculator.
Below is a look at how many Qpoints you’ll need to qualify for each tier. You must earn these within a single 12-month period. Once you’ve qualified for Silver, you can upgrade by earning a higher number of points within 12 months of earning Silver. This is considered your “renewal date.”
Tier
Qpoints required
Silver
150
Gold
300
Platinum
600
Interestingly enough, fewer Qpoints are required to renew your elite status. You can either earn a smaller number of Qpoints in 12 months or a higher number in 24 months — each calculated from your renewal date.
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Tier
Qpoints required (12 months from renewal date)
Qpoints required (24 months from renewal date)
Silver
135
270
Gold
270
540
Platinum
540
1,080
If you fail to meet renewal requirements, you’ll drop to the tier you did qualify for.
Additionally, you must earn at least 20% of your Qpoints on flights marketed or operated by Qatar Airways to qualify. Alternatively, you can fly four Qatar Airways segments on 12-month renewals or eight Qatar Airways segments on 24-month renewals to meet this requirement.
Elite status benefits
Silver (Oneworld Ruby) is Qatar’s lowest elite status tier and includes the following benefits:
Discounted seat reservation
50% bonus Avios
Family member bonus
Lounge access (no guests)
Two guest lounge passes
Free checked baggage
Priority boarding and check-in
Personalized bag tags
Priority wait-listing
Oneworld Ruby status
Gold status (Oneworld Sapphire) includes all Silver benefits, plus the following perks:
Preferred seating
Guaranteed economy awards
75% bonus Avios
5% discount on redemptions
Lounge access (one guest)
Four guest lounge passes
Priority baggage handling
Extra baggage
Priority phone support
Al Maha Gold Service
Qatar’s top-tier Platinum elite status is the equivalent of the valuable Oneworld Emerald status. This tier includes all Gold status benefits, plus the following perks:
100% bonus Avios
Lounge access (two guests)
Five guest lounge passes
Read more: Your complete guide to Oneworld alliance benefits
How to earn Avios with Qatar Airways Privilege Club
Citi ThankYou Rewards
The easiest way for U.S. travelers to earn Qatar Avios is by transferring Citi ThankYou Rewards points to Privilege Club. Points transfer to Qatar Avios at a 1:1 ratio, though transfers usually take around two days to process.
You can earn Citi ThankYou Rewards with the Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees). Note that if you’re still holding on to the Citi Prestige® Card, which is no longer open to new applicants, you also have the full transfer benefits.
That said, like Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can combine your Citi ThankYou Rewards points into a single account for select products, allowing you to effectively “convert” your fixed-value earnings from cards like the Citi Rewards+® Card (see rates and fees) and the Citi® Double Cash Card (see rates and fees) into fully transferable ThankYou rewards.
The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Transfer from other Avios programs
You can also transfer Avios from British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus or Aer Lingus AerClub at a 1:1 rate in any direction.
The following cards all currently offer strong welcome bonuses that you could easily convert to Avios in these three programs (and then convert to Privilege Club):
American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Terms apply.
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Check to see if you’re targeted for a 125,000-point welcome offer through CardMatch (offer subject to change at any time). Terms apply.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Chase Sapphire Reserve: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
You can also purchase Avios, which are often on sale.
Transfer from Marriott Bonvoy
Alternatively, you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Qatar Airways Privilege Club at a 3:1 ratio. As an added perk, you’ll get a 5,000-mile bonus when you transfer 60,000 points. This means transferring 60,000 points nets you 25,000 Privilege Club Avios, a nice chunk of miles.
Earn Avios by flying Qatar Airways
You can also earn Avios when taking paid Qatar-operated flights around the world. The number of Avios you earn depends on your cabin and ticketed fare class. Qatar Airways Privilege Club still awards Avios based on the distance flown, but bear in mind that most discounted fare classes will earn at a much lower rate than higher-tier fares.
Here’s a table that details how you’ll accrue Avios on Qatar flights.
To see information for a specific itinerary, you can use Qatar’s online calculator.
Earn Avios with program partners
You can also earn Qatar Avios for flights on any of the following Oneworld airlines:
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
British Airways
Cathay Pacific
Finnair
Iberia, including Iberia Express and Air Nostrum
Japan Airlines
Malaysia Airlines
Qantas, including QantasLink and Jetconnect
Royal Air Maroc
Royal Jordanian Airlines
S7 Airlines (currently suspended)
SriLankan Airlines
Privilege Club also partners with the following airlines outside of Oneworld:
These flights follow a similar earning scheme to Qatar Airways, but you can use the aforementioned calculator for more details.
Redeeming Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios
Booking Qatar Airways flights with miles
Qatar Airways has what is widely considered one of the world’s best business-class products with its award-winning Qsuite product. Even the carrier’s economy product is a solid option. Here are the prices for popular one-way itineraries per person on any date (there is no peak or off-peak pricing).
New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to DOH in business class
70,000 + $73.35
JFK to DOH in economy
35,000 + $62.35
JFK to Delhi, India’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in business class
80,000 + $201.50
JFK to DEL in economy
40,000 + $131.50
JFK to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in business class
95,000 + $202.90
JFK to BKK in economy
47,500 + $132.90
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Dubai International Airport (DXB) in economy
37,500 + $132.90
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) in business class
80,000 + $440.42
Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Bali, Indonesia’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in economy
40,000 + $175.49
Availability can be limited, especially in premium cabins, so the further in advance you can book, the more likely you are to find one or more seats on the dates you need.
Upgrading Qatar Airways flights with miles
You can also use your Qatar miles to upgrade paid flights operated by the airline. Like award tickets, you must use the airline’s calculator to find the cost of upgrading a specific flight based on your route and fare class.
For example, you can upgrade the cheapest economy class ticket from the East Coast to Doha to a business-class seat for 55,000 miles one-way. This isn’t much cheaper than booking an award ticket, so we recommend steering clear of these unless you have booked an extremely cheap cash fare.
Additionally, you need to find available upgrade space in order to upgrade your ticket. You can do this by calling the airline or attempting to upgrade a ticket online.
Booking partner flights with miles
Earlier this year, Qatar lowered the award prices for many partner-operated flights, bringing them in line with other Avios currencies. Here’s the award chart for all Privilege Club partner redemptions, including Oneworld and other carriers:
Distance (miles)
Economy class (Avios)
Premium economy (Avios)
Business class (Avios)
First class (Avios)
0-650
6,000
9,000
12,500
24,000
651-1,151
9,000
12,500
16,500
33,000
1,152-2,000
11,000
16,500
22,000
44,000
2,001-3,000
13,000
25,250
38,750
51,500
3,001-4,000
20,750
41,250
62,000
82,500
4,001-5,500
25,750
51,500
77,250
103,000
5,501-6,500
31,000
62,000
92,750
123,750
6,501-7,000
36,250
72,250
108,250
144,250
7,001-plus
51,500
103,000
154,500
206,000
The award chart closely resembles British Airways’ partner award chart, meaning both programs have the same sweet spots:
Short-haul redemptions on American Airlines or Alaska Airlines start from just 6,000 Avios each way with no peak or off-peak pricing.
American Airlines regularly flies internationally configured wide-body aircraft on domestic routes, including 777s and 787s. For example, American’s flagship 777-300ER operates some flights between JFK and Miami International Airport (MIA), a 1,089-mile journey. You could book a business-class award on this flight for only 16,500 Avios, which is a great deal.
Fly from major West Coast cities to the Hawaiian Islands for just 13,000 Avios on American Airlines or Alaska Airlines.
Unfortunately, ticketing these awards is challenging. Unless you’re redeeming your Qatar Avios for an American Airlines or a British Airways flight, you won’t be able to book your partner redemption on Qatar’s website. To redeem your Qatar Avios on a partner flight, you can call Qatar Airways Privilege Club at 800-988-6128. Know, though, that the call center is only open during working hours on weekdays.
You can also see flight partner schedules by selecting “book award ticket” on Qatar’s website. You can then submit a request to book a partner flight, and a Qatar agent will process your reservation if there’s award space. We don’t recommend this option since award space can rapidly change. Instead, we suggest transferring Avios to British Airways so you have more partner flight options you can book online.
Related: The best ways to redeem British Airways Avios
Other redemption options
You can also use your Qatar Avios for merchandise, duty-free items, hotel stays and more. We generally recommend staying away from these types of redemptions, as they’ll almost always give you less value than a free flight, often dropping the value to half a cent per mile (or less).
Bottom line
Qatar Airways has fabulous products on the ground and in the air. If you have never flown long-haul business class, you can’t go wrong with the world-famous Qsuites to Doha and beyond.
While the program previously flew under the radar due to some uncompetitive pricing and complex booking options, adopting the already popular Avios currency in 2022 has opened up new ways to easily earn and redeem Avios in the program. The ability to easily transfer Avios between four different airline loyalty programs makes the program much more attractive, especially as Privilege Club now has the same short-haul sweet spots that are so popular when redeeming Avios through the British Airways Executive Club program.
Not all hotel loyalty programs reward their most loyal customers equally. However, World of Hyatt offers perhaps the best hotel elite status you can earn in the form of its top-tier Globalist status.
Globalist members can enjoy suite upgrades at most brands, complimentary breakfast for each registered guest (up to two adults and two children), access to lounges, waived resort fees, free parking on award nights, bonus points and more.
Having Globalist status can significantly enhance your Hyatt stays, making them more comfortable and affordable.
In short, World of Hyatt’s Globalist status is an outstanding elite status. So, let’s look at the top reasons why we love Hyatt Globalist status.
Bonus points
World of Hyatt members without any elite status earn 5 base points per eligible dollar spent. However, World of Hyatt Globalist members receive a 30% bonus on eligible purchases, meaning they earn 6.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases with Hyatt. Those bonus points can add up and turn into a sweet luxury vacation.
Related: 5 easy ways to maximize Hyatt award redemptions
Complimentary breakfast
Free breakfast is high on travelers’ preferences regarding hotel elite status benefits. While Hyatt’s competitors generally provide their top elite members with a continental breakfast, Hyatt Globalist provides a completely different breakfast experience.
Whether you’re paying with cash or redeeming points, Hyatt Globalist members are treated to a complimentary full breakfast for up to two adults and two children registered in the room at most properties.
While each Hyatt property may have its own approach, you can usually expect to enjoy a full, hot breakfast in the hotel restaurant. At some Hyatt properties, you may even have the option to enjoy your complimentary breakfast through room service at no extra cost.
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Related: Which hotel has the best free breakfast? TPG ate 10 meals to find the winner
Club lounge access
As a World of Hyatt Globalist elite member, you’ll usually receive complimentary full breakfast at their properties unless the hotel has a club lounge. In that case, your Globalist status grants you access to the club lounge, where you can generally enjoy breakfast and evening snacks at no additional cost. Some club lounges even offer complimentary evening cocktails.
While not all Hyatt properties have club lounges, you’ll often find them at Hyatt Regency and Grand Hyatt locations. However, the quality of club lounges varies greatly. In our experience, lounges outside the U.S. often offer better food and a larger selection of complimentary drinks.
Even without World of Hyatt Globalist status, you could still gain access to the club lounge during an upcoming Hyatt stay. For example, you might have club access certificates you earned as Hyatt milestone rewards. You can also book lounge access rooms using additional points or cash at some hotels.
Related: How to redeem Hyatt points for upgraded rooms and suites
Suite upgrades
World of Hyatt Globalist members have several routes to secure complimentary upgrades to suites.
Firstly, as a Globalist member, you are eligible for complimentary space-available standard suite upgrades during check-in. This is similar to airline elite members receiving space-available first-class upgrades.
The second and more reliable method for Globalist members to secure suites is using Hyatt upgrade certificates in advance. Through the Hyatt milestone rewards program, you’ll receive two suite upgrade certificates when you reach 50 elite-qualifying nights or 80,000 base points with Hyatt in a calendar year. You’ll also get two more suite upgrade certificates when you reach 60 elite-qualifying nights or 100,000 base points in a calendar year. Each certificate allows you to upgrade a standard room reservation, booked with points, cash or eligible rates, to a standard suite reservation at no extra cost for up to a seven-night stay.
To determine which suites qualify for a suite upgrade certificate, carefully review the room descriptions on the individual hotel websites. In particular, look for the “standard suite” terminology in the suite’s description. The ability to secure a suite far in advance for a special trip is an exceptional perk offered by Hyatt’s loyalty program that is unmatched by other major hotel programs.
Related: How Hyatt and American loyalists can earn more rewards by linking accounts
Waived resort fees
Travelers universally dislike hotel resort fees, and it’s no wonder why.
Fortunately, Hyatt offers a simple way to avoid these fees: All World of Hyatt members can enjoy waived resort fees when redeeming points or free night awards.
World of Hyatt Globalist members enjoy waived resort fees on all eligible stays booked directly with Hyatt, whether paid with points, cash or a combination of both. This can be a significant saving, especially for those frequently staying at high-end hotels and resorts.
To illustrate, a five-night cash reservation at the stunning Grand Hyatt Kauai in Hawaii typically comes with $265 in resort fees. However, you would be exempt from these fees if you are a World of Hyatt Globalist member.
Related: Here are ways to avoid paying resort fees
Free parking
Some Hyatt properties offer free parking, but high-end or urban properties often charge for it. For example, parking costs $55 per night at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, while parking at Park Hyatt New York costs $90 per night.
Globalist members can avoid these parking charges if they book an award stay using points or an award certificate. This benefit does not apply to cash reservations or stays booked with a combination of points and cash. Additionally, if a third party owns the hotel’s parking lot, you may be subject to parking fees even if you use points or an award certificate.
Related: Hyatt Globalist members get free parking on award stays
Hyatt Guest of Honor
Hyatt Globalist status comes with valuable perks you may want to share with your friends and family through the Guest of Honor program.
As a Globalist, you can use your points to book an award stay for someone else. Your standard Globalist benefits, like free breakfast, waived resort fees and suite upgrade eligibility, will be transferred to your guest. It’s important to note that the booking must be an award stay, as the Guest of Honor program does not apply to paid stays.
Related: How to give (or receive) top-tier Globalist perks with World of Hyatt Guest of Honor
Elite check-in and late checkout
As a Globalist, you get priority access to available rooms at participating hotels if you arrive at your destination before the standard check-in time. Participating locations may also offer a dedicated area for elite members to check in.
On the day you check out, Globalist members can typically request a 4 p.m. late checkout, which can be helpful if you want to spend extra time in your room before heading out.
Late checkout is subject to availability (and hence not guaranteed) at hotels with a casino, Hyatt resorts and Destination Residences. Also, late checkout isn’t offered at Hyatt Residence Club resorts. Nevertheless, it’s worth asking for late checkout politely if you need it. Make sure to mention your World of Hyatt status to the front desk when making the request, as doing so can increase your chances of enjoying more time at the property.
Related: How and when to ask for late checkout at a hotel
How to earn Hyatt Globalist status
To secure Hyatt Globalist status, you must accrue 60 eligible nights or 100,000 base points in your World of Hyatt account within a calendar year. You can also earn Globalist status by organizing 20 or more eligible meetings or events in a calendar year.
Unlike Hilton Diamond status and Marriott Platinum Elite status, no credit card is available that automatically grants Hyatt Globalist status. It can be challenging to earn Globalist status unless you frequently travel, but there are ways to make it easier.
Both paid and award nights count toward 60 nights per year for Globalist status, and the World of Hyatt Credit Card can expedite your progress. You receive five tier-qualifying night credits toward status each calendar year by simply having the card. Additionally, for every $5,000 charged to the card, you earn two tier-qualifying night credits toward the year you spent the money. Best of all, there are no limits on the number of tier-qualifying night credits you can earn through spending on your card.
Related: 5 easy ways to qualify for Hyatt Globalist status
Bottom line
Once you’ve enjoyed the perks of Hyatt Globalist elite status, it’s hard to let those luxuries go. With free breakfast, suite upgrades, late checkout, waived resort fees, bonus points and more, Hyatt Globalist status is a hotel elite status worth having if you can find a way to make it happen.
Additional reporting by Benét Wilson and Kyle Olsen.
Whether you’re thinking of renting a beach home or planning a multifaceted trip requiring a flight, hotel stay and car rental, you now have an opportunity to earn rewards, receive discounts and reach elite status through a new loyalty program.
Expedia Group brands including online travel agencies Hotels.com, Expedia and vacation rental site Vrbo are joining forces for a program called One Key.
One Key has replaced the existing travel rewards programs used by Hotels.com and Expedia. The inclusion of Vrbo makes it the first loyalty program among major vacation rental sites as well.
Note that there are some limitations around booking through an online travel agency, and previous Hotels.com Rewards loyalists may find earning a free night is more difficult under the new program.
However, for some travelers, One Key will provide an avenue to earn rewards for almost every element of their trip, from flights to hotels to vacation rentals to experiences.
Here are some things to know about the One Key program.
How the One Key loyalty program works
The One Key program combines the booking possibilities from three sites into a lot of earning potential. It’s probably most beneficial for the more infrequent travelers who may not stay or fly enough with one brand to earn perks but could use rewards on all of their travel spending combined.
In other words, it doesn’t matter which of the three sites you’re using. Loyalty currency you earn and elite status progress you make will all count toward a single program.
Like with most loyalty programs, One Key is free to join.
How to earn rewards on Vrbo, Hotels.com and Expedia
The One Key program will use a new loyalty currency: OneKeyCash. Members will be able to earn through:
Eligible stays on Hotels.com.
Eligible rentals on Vrbo.
Eligible flights, hotels, rental cars or activities on Expedia.
Members will receive 2% in OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, activities, packages, car rentals and cruises and 0.2% in OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible flights. That means if you spent $100 for a hotel night, you’d earn $2 worth of OneKeyCash.
🤓Nerdy Tip
You can double dip and earn more rewards by using a travel credit card to pay for your booking and adding your frequent flyer account number to any flight reservations.
The earnings rates get higher for certain hotel reservations as members earn elite status in the One Key program.
In a nice benefit for families, whichever member makes the booking earns the rewards for their whole traveling party. So, a parent reserving flights and a hotel for the whole family would earn all of the OneKeyCash for the trip.
Can you transfer OneKeyCash?
You won’t be able to transfer OneKeyCash to another member’s account. However, you will be able to book travel for another member. So, if you have OneKeyCash in your account and no plans to use it, you can book a trip for a family member or friend with your rewards.
Redeeming OneKeyCash
OneKeyCash is equal to $1. For most bookings where you pay upfront, you’ll be able to apply the OneKeyCash you’ve earned toward the cost. For example, if you had $20 worth of OneKeyCash, you could apply it to your next hotel booking on Hotels.com for a $20 discount off the total price.
There is one key exception: For flights booked with OneKeyCash, you’ll need to have enough in your account to cover the entire booking.
OneKeyCash can be used on booking participating rentals in U.S. dollars.
Earning elite status through One Key
The earnings, discounts and perks improve as you earn status in the One Key program. And because the loyalty program encompasses flights, hotels, rental cars and more, it is possible to earn elite status in just one trip.
Trip elements
Many major loyalty programs are built around revenue-based models for elite status, but One Key uses what it calls “trip elements.”
A trip element includes any of the following:
One air ticket.
One room night.
One vacation rental night.
One night on a cruise.
One day’s car rental.
One round-trip ground transportation ticket — like a taxi, shuttle, etc.
One activity ticket.
Trip elements must be worth $25 or more (not including taxes or fees) to count.
How to earn One Key elite status
Members reach elite status levels by accumulating trip elements. Here’s what it takes to qualify for each tier:
One Key status tier
Requirements to earn
One Key Blue
No benchmark; entry level.
One Key Silver
Five trip elements within a year.
One Key Gold
15 trip elements within a year.
One Key Platinum
30 trip elements within a year.
You can see how it’s possible to quickly reach status levels. Let’s say a member books the following as part of a trip:
A flight for a family of four (on Expedia) = 4 trip elements.
A seven-day car rental (on Expedia) = 7 trip elements.
A seven-night rental property stay (on Vrbo) = 7 trip elements.
Two activities during the week (on Expedia) = 2 trip elements.
This fairly ordinary vacation booking totals 20 trip elements, enough for the One Key member to reach Gold status and be two-thirds of the way to Platinum.
For any of these trip elements to count and to earn status and loyalty currency, the member will need to book while logged-in to their One Key account.
One Key elite status
Clearly, earning elite status in the One Key program is easy. But what does it get you?
Members who join the One Key program (known as Blue members from the outset) enjoy some limited benefits like discounts on some hotel stays and free price tracking. The latter is a great tool for finding the best deal.
Like with any tiered loyalty program, as you work your way up the ladder, you’ll retain the lower-tier benefits but accumulate new perks along the way.
Here are the perks for One Key’s elite status tiers:
Elite status tier
Trip elements required
Perks (accumulated by tier)
One Key Blue
None; entry-level status.
Earn OneKeyCash on eligible bookings.
Free price tracking.
10% member discounts on eligible properties.
One Key Silver
Five trip elements.
15% member discounts on eligible properties.
50% extra OneKeyCash on stays at VIP Access properties booked on Expedia or Hotels.com.
Priority traveler support.
One Key Gold
15 trip elements.
20% member discounts on eligible properties.
100% extra OneKeyCash on stays at VIP Access properties booked through Expedia or Hotels.com.
Extra perks at VIP Access properties like food and beverage discounts, late checkouts, early check-ins and room upgrades (when available).
Free price drop protection on eligible flight bookings made on the Expedia app.
One Key Platinum
30 trip elements.
200% extra OneKeyCash on stays at VIP Access properties booked through Expedia or Hotels.com.
Platinum VIP support.
One-time Expedia launch discount of 10% (good for up to $100 in savings).
Some of the most notable benefits of elite status are the perks at VIP Access properties, which are a collection of hotels that “consistently receive the highest guest reviews on Expedia Group and meet stringent standards of quality.” For flights, the price drop protection is a great way to ensure you’re getting the lowest price. If your fare drops in price, you’ll get the difference refunded to your account in the form of OneKeyCash.
Is it worth using the One Key program?
Though booking through an online travel agency or using the One Key loyalty program may not make sense for most avid travelers, it can certainly be helpful for others.
Here are a few of the benefits to consider.
Search a full range of options when booking
One of the compelling reasons to use an online travel agency like Expedia or Hotels.com is that it searches a wide range of brands. This can be helpful in finding the cheapest prices and, in some cases, alternative options like a small, family-run, boutique hotel off the beaten path.
Bundling your bookings
Another benefit of using a site like Expedia to book your trip is that it can help you keep all the details of your trip organized in one location, including the hotel stay, flight reservation and car rental. Sometimes, bundling can help you tap in to discounts, too.
Earn rewards for Vrbo stays
Even the most avid points, miles and travel enthusiasts will want to take advantage of Vrbo’s participation in the One Key program. Previously, there was no true way to earn rewards for stays at a Vrbo property (such as a beach house).
By logging-in to your One Key account when booking your Vrbo reservation, you’ll be able to earn OneKeyCash, which you could use for a future flight, hotel stay, rental car, activity or rental property.
Great for infrequent travelers hoping to earn perks
Though online travel agencies often don’t make sense for frequent travelers who are pursuing elite status and points or miles with airline and hotel loyalty programs, the One Key program can be a great way for less frequent (or less loyal) travelers to get some return on their investment.
Don’t have any hope of reaching elite status with the likes of Hilton or Marriott but planning a trip or two for the family with a car rental, Vrbo stay and maybe even a flight?
A weeklong Vrbo stay with an accompanying car rental and flight is enough to earn you Gold status. This alone could help you potentially enjoy a room upgrade and perhaps a food and beverage credit at your next hotel stay, when available (provided it’s at one of the program’s VIP Access hotels).
Earn for one thing, use for another
Likely the most notable benefit of the One Key program is that you can earn loyalty currency for one booking activity and use the rewards on another.
Booking a rental car will help you earn OneKeyCash and make progress toward elite status you can redeem or enjoy during a hotel stay. Booking a flight could help offset the cost of a future Vrbo stay. And so on.
The interconnectivity of the program across Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo’s platforms makes it possible to earn and redeem in a variety of ways.
Drawbacks of One Key
Though there are some enticing reasons to use the One Key program, there are some clear drawbacks — when it comes to the program itself and to online travel agencies more broadly.
Earning free nights harder than with Hotels.com Rewards
For travelers who have used the Hotels.com Rewards program through the years, the earning and redeeming setup of the One Key program may well come as a disappointment.
With Hotels.com’s previous program, you earned a free night by collecting “stamps” — one stamp for each night stayed, and 10 stamps got you a free night. The free night was worth the average of the rate of the 10 nights you stayed. So, if you stayed five nights at a rate of $50 and five nights at a rate of $100 (a total of $750 in spending), your free night would be worth $75 — a 10% return on your investment.
Under One Key, you get 2% OneKeyCash for every dollar spent at hotels and Vrbo properties — a significantly lower rate of return.
Harder to earn and use other hotel loyalty program benefits
Oftentimes when you use an online travel agency, you’re not able to earn points or enjoy elite status perks with a separate hotel loyalty program.
So, if you’re a frequent traveler who has reached (or is pursuing) elite status with a major hotel chain, note that you may not earn any points or elite qualifying credit for the stay with the hotel’s loyalty program. For this reason, avid travelers may be better off booking direct.
It is worth noting, though, that when it comes to booking flights, you will earn both airline miles and OneKeyCash.
Reservation changes can be more complicated
For instance, airline customer service representatives frequently have more limited ability to change a ticket booked through an online travel agency. While all of these booking sites do offer their own customer service representatives and, indeed, enhanced customer support for the higher-level elite status members, having a “go-between” can often be a headache.
Elite status perks limited to certain reservations
Another noticeable weakness of the One Key loyalty program is that some of the elite status perks are confined to certain types of reservations.
Sure, you can earn and redeem OneKeyCash (and earn elite status) for a hotel stay, a flight, a rental car reservation, a cruise or an activity.
However, to fully enjoy the program’s complement of elite status benefits like property credits and upgrades, you’ll need to book a hotel through Hotels.com and Expedia — and not just any hotel; it’ll need to be one of the VIP Access properties.
Recap of the One Key program
The new program is unlikely to be a groundbreaking option for the most experienced travelers. And Hotels.com Rewards loyalists may find the path to a free night a bit trickier.
But it does make it possible to earn rewards on one site and redeem on another — particularly for those who frequently rent vacation homes with Vrbo. And it figures to give even more infrequent travelers a path to elite status.
Regardless of whether you’re booking with Expedia, Hotels.com or Vrbo, be sure to use a travel credit card that offers bonus earnings categories for general travel purchases, which will allow you to rack up credit card rewards on top of your earnings in the One Key program.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for: