Travel on Points: Mistakes to Avoid and Lessons Learned

Travel hacking, or traveling on points, can be an amazing way to explore the world while saving money—if you know how to do it right. But my own journey into travel hacking has been full of missteps, and I’m here to share them so you don’t make the same mistakes I did. Here’s a look at the lessons I learned the hard way and what you should do differently to maximize your travel rewards.

Mistake 1: Assuming First-Class Tickets Automatically Include Lounge Access

When my family and I planned a trip to Costa Rica, we wanted our 6-hour layover to be as comfortable as possible, especially with a 6-year-old in tow. We thought that buying Delta first-class tickets would grant us access to the Delta Sky Lounge. However, what we didn’t realize was that our tickets were for domestic first-class, not Delta One, which is the tier that comes with lounge access on international flights.

What I Should Have Done:Instead of assuming, I should have researched the difference between Delta’s various ticket types before booking. Tip: If lounge access is a priority, check the specific benefits of your ticket class or consider applying for a credit card that offers lounge access, such as the Amex Platinum or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card.

Mistake 2: Rushing into Credit Card Applications

When we realized we didn’t have access to the lounge, my husband quickly applied for a Delta SkyMiles® Amex Card, which was approved right away. While it got us into the lounge, the card came with a high annual fee, which we didn’t consider until after the trip. We ended up canceling the card before the annual fee kicked in, but it was a rushed decision.

What I Should Have Done:Instead of rushing into a new card application, I should have taken the time to compare different cards and their benefits. After more research, I discovered that the Amex Platinum had a slightly higher fee but offered far more benefits, like access to multiple lounges worldwide and better travel protections. Tip: Always compare card benefits before applying and consider long-term value, not just the immediate need.

Mistake 3: Not Using Points Wisely

After applying for the Amex Platinum, I quickly used the sign-up bonus (SUB) for a hotel stay at the Intercontinental during a trip to South Korea. I spent 61,016 points valued at $762.69, equating to $0.0125 per point. Later, I realized this was the basic value for those points, and I could have gotten a much higher value if I had saved them for flight redemptions instead.

What I Should Have Done:I should have used a points redemption calculator to evaluate how I could get the most value for my points. While booking through the Chase Travel Portal was convenient, it wasn’t necessarily the best use of points. Tip: Before redeeming your points, use a points calculator to see if they’ll stretch further on flights, upgrades, or other high-value redemptions.

Mistake 4: Canceling Cards Too Soon

While I was able to avoid the annual fee on the Delta Amex Card by canceling it soon after our trip, I missed out on other potential long-term benefits, such as companion certificates, annual travel credits, and the chance to build a longer-term relationship with the card issuer, which could have led to future upgrade opportunities.

What I Should Have Done:I should have held onto the card for a little longer to better understand how its benefits could complement my travel habits. Even if you aren’t planning on keeping a card long-term, it’s often wise to hold onto it for at least a year to fully explore its benefits. Tip: Evaluate how a card fits into your overall travel strategy before deciding to cancel.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Transfer Partners

Another mistake I made early in my travel hacking journey was not paying attention to transfer partners when using my points. Instead of exploring other redemption options, I redeemed my points directly through the travel portal, which often doesn’t provide the best value.

What I Should Have Done:I should have explored Amex’s transfer partners like Delta, Air France, or Marriott to potentially get better value for my points. Tip: Transfer your points to airline or hotel partners when the value is higher than what you’d get through a travel portal. This can be particularly useful for booking business or first-class flights.

Final Thoughts: Learn from My Mistakes

Travel hacking is all about maximizing the value of your points and making strategic decisions that align with your travel goals. Here’s a recap of what I learned:

• Always research the benefits of first-class tickets and understand lounge access requirements.

• Compare credit cards before applying and look for long-term value, not just quick fixes.

• Use a points redemption calculator before booking to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

• Don’t rush to cancel cards—consider the potential long-term perks.

• Explore transfer partners to find hidden value in your points.

By learning from these mistakes, you can save yourself time, money, and points, and ensure that you’re getting the most out of every travel hacking opportunity. Happy travels, and may your points take you further than you ever imagined!