How to Earn Rewards Points from Business Travel
Key Insight: Hotels can reward the person who stays in the room, even if someone else pays the bill. By booking a hotel under your name and adding your rewards number, you can accumulate points that can be used for personal travel later.
Why Most People Miss Out
Many individuals fail to collect these points. They often either rely on someone else to book the room or simply opt for the cheapest option available online. Hence, they miss out on potential rewards.
According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), 1.84 billion work trips are expected this year, contributing $423 billion to U.S. spending.
Maximizing Your Points
To earn points:
-
Join a Hotel Loyalty Program: Sign up with a hotel chain and input your loyalty number in every reservation.
-
Book Directly: Always book through the hotel’s website or app. Third-party sites like Expedia won’t allow you to earn points or credits.
-
Incorporate Into Company Procedures: If your employer uses a booking system, ensure your loyalty number is included in your profile.
How Points Accumulate
Points accumulate based on hotel night stays. For example, both Marriott and IHG provide 10 points for every dollar spent, meaning a $200 stay can earn you around 2,000 points (before taxes). But don’t expect to hit the jackpot; these points gradually add up.
Night Credits:
- Earning night credits can get you upgrade perks. After booking a certain number of nights, you can achieve different status levels that yield extra benefits.
Important Considerations
-
Booking Channel Matters: If a block of rooms is booked through a company invoice (like for a conference), no one earns points. Directly paying for your hotel can help.
-
Employer Policies: Some companies may claim the points earned. Always verify your company policy on rewards credits, especially for government employees, who generally retain points earned on personal stays.
-
Stay Active: Points can expire if not used within a specified timeframe. For example, IHG points expire after 12 months if you’re not an elite member.
Conclusion
To fully benefit from hotel rewards on business travels, stick to one hotel chain, ensure your loyalty number is used in every booking, and always check your employer’s policy regarding points accumulation.
