# Travel best mileage perks? **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Off Topic\ **Created:** [May 4, 2012, 1:07pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747 "2012-05-04T13:07:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![LZ1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@LZ1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LZ1)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 1:07pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/1 "2012-05-04T13:07:34Z")
I travel a lot for work now any suggestions on what airlines give the best perks for mileage? Same thing with hotels? ---
**Author:** ![boxxa](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/boxxa/32/5045_2.png) [@boxxa](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boxxa)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 1:10pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/2 "2012-05-04T13:10:26Z")
I use southwest. I am not a credit card fan so I just am in Rapid Rewards A-List. Free inflight wifi, drinks, better point earning, walk around the main security line, and also have partners to get stuff with. If you are taking 100 one way flights with them a year, you get a companion pass to take one friend with you anytime you want. ---
**Author:** ![Paulo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/paulo/32/7328_2.png) [@Paulo](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Paulo)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 1:27pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/3 "2012-05-04T13:27:34Z")
I try to use Delta as much as possible. Their miles never expire (like United) and they seem to be better with status and perks. i.e. free baggage checks, preferred seating, bumped to business/first class based on status, etc. I work with a few people who travel extensively and prefer Delta as well. But it all depends on where you travel more. My advice is to sign up with everyone, and then see which one is most convenient based on your typical destinations. ---
**Author:** ![97FormulaWS-6](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/97formulaws-6/32/7384_2.png) [@97FormulaWS-6](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/97FormulaWS-6)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 1:51pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/4 "2012-05-04T13:51:35Z")
Delta, Southwest, and Hilton was what I used when I traveled a lot for work. Now that it’s more personal/family travel I’m Hilton and Southwest (Have the Southwest Chase card). ---
**Author:** ![walter](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/walter/32/7202_2.png) [@walter](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/walter)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 3:28pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/5 "2012-05-04T15:28:33Z")
Depends on where you’re going and where you fly out of. The answer isn’t southwest though. Its more about consistency, do you know where you’re going? Pick a big chain of hoe-tells you like and a major airline. People that complain about airlines usually don’t have status. iedit- I exclusively use Delta and primarily stay at starwood hotels. The hotels get mixed up a bit more though. ---
**Author:** ![Joe](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/joe/32/7219_2.png) [@Joe](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Joe)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 6:30pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/6 "2012-05-04T18:30:56Z")
I would go United. They have the most destinations post-Continental merger. Delta’s miles seem to suck balls for reward flights, they never have anything available at the low or medium levels. Also if you can hit gold or platinum status you get free first class upgrades 72 hours out, and a whole bunch of other perks. You also can earn miles on US Airways flights with them since they’re both Star Alliance. I am Platinum on American, it’s awesome, but they don’t fly as many places. Whichever one you choose, get the credit card to get started. I have the American, United, Southwest, Delta, and USAir cards and got 50-100k miles startup bonus for each. ---
**Author:** ![97FormulaWS-6](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/97formulaws-6/32/7384_2.png) [@97FormulaWS-6](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/97FormulaWS-6)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 7:01pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/7 "2012-05-04T19:01:18Z")
> [@walter](#): > > Depends on where you’re going and where you fly out of. > > The answer isn’t southwest though. > > Its more about consistency, do you know where you’re going? Pick a big chain of hoe-tells you like and a major airline. People that complain about airlines usually don’t have status. > > iedit- > > I exclusively use Delta and primarily stay at starwood hotels. The hotels get mixed up a bit more though. I have to agree (with one caveat) - I completely agree that it all depends on where you’re flying from/to most often. I did Delta/SW because i was always going between Buffalo & SLC; and corporate was Hilton based preferred. I do the SW now because of my Son; They’re the easiest for us to work with in regards to kids from my experience. ---
**Author:** ![Joe](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/joe/32/7219_2.png) [@Joe](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Joe)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2012, 7:22pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/8 "2012-05-04T19:22:06Z")
SW is nice because you can use the points to book any flight, but the perks don’t measure up. There is no first class, you have to wait in the regular security line, the bags are already included in the price, and you can’t use them internationally. ---
**Author:** ![Geehee](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/geehee/32/7238_2.png) [@Geehee](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Geehee)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2012, 7:08am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/9 "2012-05-05T07:08:36Z")
I dont fly for work, but I try to use jetblue whenever I can. just wish I lived in NYC… ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bing/32/7211_2.png) [@bing](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2012, 5:01pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/10 "2012-05-05T17:01:56Z")
> [@Joe](#): > > Whichever one you choose, get the credit card to get started. I have the American, United, Southwest, Delta, and USAir cards and got 50-100k miles startup bonus for each. This seems silly to me to have so many travel related credit cards… ---
**Author:** ![Joe](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/joe/32/7219_2.png) [@Joe](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Joe)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2012, 6:00pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/11 "2012-05-05T18:00:12Z")
> [@bing](#): > > This seems silly to me to have so many travel related credit cards… Why? I signed up for them all at the same time, when they did mileage wars, took the hit one time on my credit score, for 6 months, and when it comes time for the annual fees I call and tell them to either waive the fee or cancel the card. Each one typically gets 2 round trip flights, possibly in first class, or $500 in gift cards if you go that route. ---
**Author:** ![RedGoober4Life](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/redgoober4life/32/7610_2.png) [@RedGoober4Life](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/RedGoober4Life)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2012, 3:43pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/12 "2012-05-06T15:43:36Z")
I fly Delta for the light tunnel at mcnamara terminal. \<3 \<3 \<3 ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bing/32/7211_2.png) [@bing](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2012, 4:57pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/13 "2012-05-06T16:57:05Z")
> [@Joe](#): > > Why? I signed up for them all at the same time, when they did mileage wars, took the hit one time on my credit score, for 6 months, and when it comes time for the annual fees I call and tell them to either waive the fee or cancel the card. Each one typically gets 2 round trip flights, possibly in first class, or $500 in gift cards if you go that route. i guess so. i only have a single card and i like the simplicity of it. i couldnt imagine trying to manage 5+ credit cards at once irrespective of the rewards involved. ---
**Author:** ![boxxa](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/boxxa/32/5045_2.png) [@boxxa](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boxxa)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 5:22am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/14 "2012-05-07T05:22:23Z")
> [@Joe](#): > > SW is nice because you can use the points to book any flight, but the perks don’t measure up. There is no first class, you have to wait in the regular security line, the bags are already included in the price, and you can’t use them internationally. A-List gets you around the security line. Need to take 30 one ways a year to get the bump up and you get priority security checks. Not a big deal in Buffalo but helps when you try to fly out of a big city on a Friday at 8am. > [@Geehee](#): > > I dont fly for work, but I try to use jetblue whenever I can. just wish I lived in NYC… I like Jetblue with thier TVs but I am always fucking delaying with them ---
**Author:** ![walter](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/walter/32/7202_2.png) [@walter](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/walter)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 10:25am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/15 "2012-05-07T10:25:40Z")
> [@Joe](#): > > I would go United. They have the most destinations post-Continental merger. Delta’s miles seem to suck balls for reward flights, they never have anything available at the low or medium levels. I never have an issue, you need to book early for the low mile categories but you earn faster and have more seats on Delta as compared to united. I have a friend that has been 1K w/ united for years and I’ve had Delta status. The programs are very similar, its more about who flys out of your home airport. > Also if you can hit gold or platinum status you get free first class upgrades 72 hours out, and a whole bunch of other perks. You also can earn miles on US Airways flights with them since they’re both Star Alliance. I am Platinum on American, it’s awesome, but they don’t fly as many places. Delta does this as well, even when I am down in the silver/gold medallion levels I still manage to hit FC on about 75% of flights. Depending on level you can have your upgrade confirmed a week out. Its the same, you get mileage bonuses, free bags, free rebookings, yadda yadda yadda. The best part is the cool-kid back door phone number you get for rebooking. I call directly and w/out putting in any information they answer “Hello Mr. Awesome, how can we help you today”. > Whichever one you choose, get the credit card to get started. I have the American, United, Southwest, Delta, and USAir cards and got 50-100k miles startup bonus for each. > This is good too but understand the terms. Also, lots of times you can get better offers for qualifying miles than just straight FF miles. When I signed up for my Delta AmEx I not only got 50k miles but 25k were MQMs (going towards status). ---
**Author:** ![LZ1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@LZ1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LZ1)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 5:17pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/16 "2012-05-07T17:17:22Z")
So I just found out platinum amex gets you access to American Airlines Admirals Clubs Delta Sky Clubs US Airways Clubs Airspace Lounges3 ---
**Author:** ![Joe](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/joe/32/7219_2.png) [@Joe](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Joe)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 7:58pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/17 "2012-05-07T19:58:41Z")
:pimp: Isn’t that one also a monster on annual fee though? Like $500+? ---
**Author:** ![LZ1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@LZ1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LZ1)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 8:10pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/18 "2012-05-07T20:10:38Z")
No clue corp card lol ---
**Author:** ![Joe](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/joe/32/7219_2.png) [@Joe](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Joe)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 8:31pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/19 "2012-05-07T20:31:10Z")
Lucky you, looks like the annual fee on that guy is $450… ---
**Author:** ![LZ1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@LZ1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LZ1)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2012, 1:52pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747/20 "2012-11-01T13:52:00Z")
I ended up sticking with Delta for 95% of my travel Jetblue for NYC/Boston Hilton Honors for hotels they had some perk if you do 3 or 4 stays with in a few month period they bump you to gold. If anyone else is trying to get status quickly the Delta Amex is the way to go like walter mentioned. The none delta platinum amex gets you a free companion ticket if you fly international however. All kinds of other tricks and BS people really get into the whole airline/hotel points there are entire forums dedicated to it. [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/travel-best-mileage-perks/222747.md?page=2)