The Simple Way To Save Some Money When Flying (It's All About Brand Loyalty)

Remote work has flipped the script on business travel, making those routine flights between places like Chicago and Philadelphia rarer. Back in the day, suits and suitcases were a common sight at airports, as flying out for meetings was all in a day's work. But now, with more folks clocking in from their couches, the skies are a bit emptier when it comes to business commuters.

To cope with this trend, airlines reward leisure travelers who remain loyal to them. When you choose to fly consistently with your favorite airline, you open the door to a world of perks, such as branded credit cards, becoming a member, and booking flights directly with points, making your travel experience smoother, and keeping more money in your pocket. Also, you can save more by knowing these sneaky ways airlines trick you to spend money.

One of the most notable perks is free checked baggage, a valuable offering as baggage fees continue to climb. If you book your flight with certain airline credit cards, they'll let you check your bags for free. This can mean big savings, especially for those who travel a lot or families who travel heavy. But that's not all. Other perks include priority boarding, seat upgrades, and access to exclusive airport lounges — features that enhance the overall travel experience while keeping costs in check.

The "big four" U.S. airlines — American Airlines, Southwest, Delta, and United — have loyalty programs that are as grand as their market domination. If you get on American Airlines' AAdvantage program: you get miles for every buck you spend on flights. You can swap these miles for free flights, cushy seat upgrades, and more. Delta's SkyMiles amps it up with extra miles via partner credit cards, not to mention free checked bags and speedy boarding. Over at Southwest, the Rapid Rewards keeps things simple for customers with easy points, no fuss over changing flights, plus the Companion Pass. Then, there's United's MileagePlus, rolling out the free upgrades, prime Economy Plus seats, and deals on snacks and drinks while you're up in the clouds.

Still, do not just jump on the first available travel rewards card, without understanding what it will cost you while traveling. Choose one that matches your travel style. Regular on a particular airline? Grab the co-branded card. You'll get more miles on purchases, not to mention perks like free checked bags and priority boarding. If you're more of a casual flyer or hop between different airlines, a general travel rewards card might suit you better, giving you the flexibility to earn and use points across various carriers. By throwing in these benefits, airlines keep flyers coming back. It's a win-win for business and customers.

Racking up those points takes some clever tactics. To get the most out of it, funnel your daily spending into your airline-branded card. This speeds up your points tally significantly. Don't miss out on bonuses either — seize those sign-up deals that throw heaps of points your way once you hit a spending target in a set time. Here's another pro tip: sync your travel plans with promos. Airlines often dish out extra miles for bookings during special promo times or to certain hotspots.

To redeem accumulated points, flights are the most obvious use for airline rewards, but they are not the only option. Points can also be used for seat upgrades, access to partner airline services, and even non-flight rewards like hotel stays or car rentals through airline partners. These options provide flexibility and ensure that accumulated points do not go to waste.

As a traveler, think about timing and strategy too. Booking your flights early or during less busy times can stretch your points further, since fewer are needed. But the perks don't stop there. Using points for upgrades can turn a long haul into a luxury experience, and tapping into services from partner airlines can make organizing your trip a breeze. It's all about smart planning to make your travels smoother and more enjoyable. Having a plan can lead to reduced fees, free flights, and enhanced services. Also try to stop making these major money mistakes while traveling.