Kevin McCreary- Systems Senior

Whenever you take a position that provides consulting and assurance services to companies across the region, be sure to sign up for all the points and benefits that you can relating to travel. I would start off by getting a credit card that provides you additional points or miles. I would recommend talking to your fellow co-workers prior to choosing a card to find out what hotels and airlines the individuals you work with typically use for business travel. Next you need to begin signing up for the benefits. Visit the websites of each of your travel partners and create a profile. If you have done any personal travel in which you have not obtained points for, at this time you can request that those stays or flights be added to your current profile. Also be sure to sign up for all of the emails that send specials and deals. These emails provide deals that can sometimes double the amount of points or miles you obtain during your travel.

When using points, evaluate your status and position; as your status moves up with each travel partner, so do the perks!! You can receive up to 100% in additional points and miles based on your status. For example, I once took a flight at the end of the year just to get additional miles in order to move me up to the next status level. This is because the extra status level allowed me to receive a 100% bonus miles on all flights that I take during the next calendar year. Hotel status can provide certain perks like free breakfasts, drink coupons, and suite upgrades. I haven’t paid for a hotel on personal travel for the last two years and I have known individuals that have had their honeymoons paid for using sky-miles and hotel points so be sure to get all you can out of the time that you travel.

So remember to get the most out of your work travel and instead of seeing it as a hassle, just think about all of the potential benefits down the line!