Which Frequent Flyer Program is Right for You?

We have had a couple of readers ask, “Which frequent flyer program is the best?” A lot of people don’t realize that it’s a common question without an easy answer.

Transportation, particularly airline transportation, is a major factor in the tourism industry. Today, airlines have moved toward competing with each other via extra benefits and perks. In part, this takes the form of airline frequent flyer programs. Let’s take a look at four of the major airlines and their benefits, as well as key factors and other information that will be useful in deciding which frequent flyer program is best for you.

There are essentially 4 main Airlines in the US. Below is a comparison chart of the frequent flyer programs offered by each of the 4 carriers:

The key to maximizing your mileage earning potential is to select one preferred frequent flyer program and stick with it. Again, you find yourself asking, ‘Which program is the best?’ Since there are several different airline programs and various determining factors in selecting a program, the best program is essentially the one that works best for YOU. With that said, the best program for you will be the one that provides you with the most opportunities for mileage accrual and the most rewards with the least amount of effort and cost.

Generally, the key factors in selecting a program should be based on where you live and how frequently you travel. Where you live determines your main airport, and since each airport typically has one airline that dominates the share of flight schedules and availability, the program for that carrier will most likely be the best choice for accruing mileage during travel. How frequently you travel will determine your ability to reach different tiers within a program, which determine the additional perks that are available to you. For many program members, the goal is to accrue enough miles to earn free travel. However if you travel frequently, you may want to focus on perks that come with reaching different tiers within the various programs.  Elite status allows you access to preferred seating, priority boarding, upgrades, waived baggage fees, and more!

**Special thanks to Michelle Reese, Travel Manager with Integress Meetings and Events for her significant contribution to this post.

Finding the Right EMS

Remember how we mentioned that we were building an event management system (EMS)? Do you also remember about how we mentioned that we’d kill to purchase one instead? Well, the event gods have answered our prayers. We have been in the market for a new EMS for the last couple of months, and for any of you out there that think that choosing an out-of-the-box system is easy…we beg to differ! There are many different options out there. Some systems are much more complex than others. Regardless of which vendor we choose, we will be able to breathe easy knowing that this software was built by meeting planners, for meeting planners.

With so many options available, how do you make a decision? We are hoping that you have some personal experience that you’d like to share! What EMS do you use, how long have you been using it, and what are the pros and cons?

Trash to Treasures

While perusing Pinterest the other day, I came across Special E, a green company devoted to recycling leftover items from all kinds of events, including weddings, conventions, trade shows, and meetings…then repurposes them in ways that help the environment as well as people in need.

Rescued items such as balloons, fabrics and linens, centerpieces, notebooks and binders are sent to homeless shelters, women and children’s shelters, schools, hospitals, and disaster relief agencies.  Learning that Special E recycles left-over items didn’t surprise me as much as learning what they actually do with some of them. Items that are not donated, such as broken plates, bottle caps, corks, and can tabs are sent off to artists to be repurposed into things like earrings, necklaces, women’s pocket books, and other decorative items. Check out some of the unique and fashionable items they have come up with:

Fork Necklace made from discarded tableware

Glass Pendant made from discarded bottle of Absolut Vodka

Pull tab purse

 

Share Packages are another very unique and inspiring aspect of Special E’s mission. With the state of our economy, the homeless aren’t the only ones struggling. Many families are having trouble putting food on their tables due to economic hardship, perhaps caused by layoffs or natural disasters. When putting together an event, consider Special E’s Share Packages. Share Packages provide food for the same number of hungry children as there are attendees at your event; they will then deliver this food to a food pantry (or similar location) in your local community. In addition, for every table you have set up at your event, Special E will plant a tree. What a great way to reduce your carbon footprint! The next time you plan a program, consider contacting Special E. There is nothing better than throwing a successful event, while helping the environment AND giving back to the local community.

For more information on Special E checkout their website at http://www.thespeciale.com/index.html, follow them on Twitter @thspecialeco or on Facebook.

**Images used with permission and are © Special E