“SAVVY FREQUENT FLIERS will do everything in their power to take off on their preferred mile-earning airline, just as habitual shoppers know to use the credit card that offers them the most bonus points.

If you find yourself renting a car at least once a year, staying loyal to a rental agency can be just as rewarding — if not more so. Here’s how to get the most out of car rental membership programs:

Immediate Payoff

Sure, it’s called a frequent rental club, but even infrequent renters can reap instant rewards just for filling out a membership application. Many agencies — including Avis, Dollar and Thrifty — offer both brand new and veteran members free or low-cost upgrades. “At certain locations, there are specific pools of cars set aside for members,” says Warren Clarke, feature content editor at Edmunds.com. Hertz deducts all rental prices by up to 15%, permits a second authorized driver free of charge (which would usually cost $7 per day) and offers free child seats (usually $8 per day).

But perhaps the biggest advantage to these memberships is the time you save, says Stephanie Abrams, host of “Travel with Stephanie Abrams” on the Business Talk Radio Network. Having access to members-only lines can mean the difference between minutes and hours before you can snag your keys and hit the road.”

(via smartmoney.com) by Kelli B. Grant

Pointswizard.com Spin: Read more

“On airplanes, do you ever wonder how the college-age girl in nondesigner jeans afforded that first-class seat? How about the ill-suited man in scuffed shoes who nabs the top-floor suite at a hotel? In many cases, they paid heavily for the upgrade or cashed in frequent-flier miles or loyalty points. But others worked the system. To unlock the secrets of free or discounted upgrades for planes, rooms, rental cars and cruise cabins, we went to industry experts and frequent travelers for their tips.

Airline upgrades

Use the upgrade certificates airlines send you for being a frequent flier, or ask friends with transferable coupons near expiration if you can take them off their hands.Though airlines most frequently award their elite passengers upgrades, it never hurts to be the first in line at the gate counter and inquire about a bump in class. (Ask the gate representative, not the check-in agent, who does not control domestic first-class seating assignments.) The bump in class could be free or, at the very least, less expensive than if you had originally booked the top-tier seat. Or, don’t be the first to board; hang back in case economy seats are needed and there is extra space in first class; you just might be offered that elite seat.If you have a flexible schedule and your flight is overbooked, volunteer to give up your seat and ask the agent for a first-class seat on the next available flight.To increase your chances of flying in a higher class, book flights on wide-bodied planes, such as the 747 or 777, which have more first- and business-class seats. Check Seatguru .com for plane configurations. In addition, request upgrades on flights to destinations with little business traffic.” (via newsday.com)

Pointswizard Spin: Click here to read about rental car, hotel and cruise upgrades

You can always earn miles when you fly with Delta. But, that’s hardly the only way. With over 100 participating non-airline partners, chances are wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, you’ll be earning miles. Now, for a limited time, you can earn up to an additional 25,000 bonus miles just by using Delta SkyMiles® partners. The more partners you use, the more miles you earn. It’s that simple—and that rewarding.

Here’s how it works: Register and between April 1 and May 31, 2007 you can earn 5,000 bonus miles (up to 25,000 miles) for each 5 unique SkyMiles partners—one activity per partner—you do business with. Delta has great partners that can provide a host of services you already use (including hotels, car rentals, credit card services and many more) making it even easier for you to earn additional bonus miles for using them. See the chart for a breakdown of awards:
For 5 unique Partner Activities you earn 5,000 bonus miles
For 10 unique Partner Activities you earn 10,000 bonus miles
For 15 unique Partner Activities you earn 15,000 bonus miles
For 20 unique Partner Activities you earn 20,000 bonus miles
For 25 unique Partner Activities you earn 25,000 bonus miles

Taking a business trip? Going on vacation? Make it more rewarding. Activities such as staying at a hotel, renting a car, eating at a restaurant, enjoying a cup of coffee, and shopping for loved ones can net you an additional 5,000 bonus miles. How’s that for easy?

Even better, Delta offers many other ways to earn your bonus miles. Whether you do business with a partner, convert partner points into bonus miles or buy miles yourself—you’ll be eligible for rewards.

Register today and experience how rewarding it can be when you know the right people. At Delta, we’re always striving to make your travel experience more rewarding.