Life by the Points

My work as a consultant is not typically local so up I go in a little tube to 30,000+ feet week after week with sometimes multiple trips throughout.  It’s just a part of the routine for me. 

So how do I make being away from my comfortable home feel like royalty??  It’s … all in the POINTS!

Time to sign up for points:  30 seconds.   Time to be rewarded from points:  Nonstop!

A typical travel day for me… is about ease, comfort, and efficiency… because of the points!

It begins with Uber:  The rides are always on sale, and at certain airports, I get a priority pick up because of Uber Rewards and Uber Cash!  (But, of course, I always tip on the full amount.)  

Airport drop off:  Uber drops me off at the First Class/Priority Check-In, where I am typically about 30 seconds away from checking my bag.  (I’m one of those that always checks her bag.).   With my American and Delta status, the bag check is always free because of points!

Security:  Sure, there is Pre-check and CLEAR but top that with Priority Access or A-list, and I whiz by the snaking lines of the masses of people lined up and inching ever so slowly towards the TSA check point – and it’s because of the points!

Serenity at the airport:  Hustling people, crowded bathrooms, airport loud announcements – sound familiar for the typical airport experience?!  Well, not for me!  I just walk my way to the nearest Admirals Club where I’m welcomed into a quiet and comfortable environment that comes with complimentary good food (and I’m a picky eater), drinks, WiFi, seating and tables.  Depending on the hour, I may enjoy freshly made avocado toast in the morning and a lovely glass of red at night.  It makes work so efficient as it’s my airport office.  Plus, I can bring up to two guests at no fee.  Yes, my colleagues do take advantage as they should.  Annual Membership for Admirals Club – paid for by points! So what if I take Delta (my other airline)….no problem as I go to Delta Club and with my Delta credit card, I pay only $29 to enjoy all the same serenity.   

Delays or change in flight:  Those days of snow, tornadoes, or whatever weather cancels or delays flights…the long lines become longer and longer and longer as people await the agent to assist.  Not me!  I just call and am speaking with someone usually no longer than after the third ring with a “how may I help you Miss Volz?”  So while the others wait hours in the line I just hop back into serenity now at the airport club as I’m all set for the next flight out.  

The boarding and the plane – treated and served like a very welcomed guest:  Oh, it’s time to leave the serenity of the club and get on the tube (a/k/a airplane).  The snaky lines have begun with people looking at their boarding position of anywhere from 3 – who knows what.  They wait and wait.  Well, I am always 1 or 2 so just casually walk by the masses to board almost immediately with a flight attendant waiting to hang my coat.  Where do I sit – first class or window exit row, of course!  Once I sit down in my large first-class seat, I am given my water and asked if I would like a drink before we leave.  Sometimes that coffee or wine is just what I need.  Then up we go – where the warm nuts and my choice of entrée awaits and drinks are served throughout.  I pre-order to get exactly what I want (again, picky).  I work, dine, and sleep and only have to share the tiny, icky bathroom with ten or so rather than absolutely everyone on the plane.  Aaaahhh…Then, I am obviously one of the first to get off.  And how do I live this charmed 30,000 feet up experience – it’s all because of the points!

My bag(s) with no wait:  As I said, I like my things with me so I’m a bag checker type of girl.  And, how nice not to have to haul it around the airport and do the heavy lift into the tiny plane compartment space.  Rather I just get off the plane and maybe stop in the airport club for a ‘normal’ restroom experience and then walk to bag claim.  My bags come out first with a bright tag on them saying “Priority” and why does this happen…it’s all because of the points!

Hotel:  It’s time for the check-in that is quite often into an upgraded room and most certainly a high floor that I prefer.   My two water bottles, free breakfast, premium internet, and choice of snacks always await.  If I need an early checkin or checkout, no problem.  And, while I try not to take advantage, I am able to cancel up until the last minute with no charge, of course.  And, why…it’s all because of the points!

A vacation…all expense paid…because of the points!!

Now, it’s time to relax and play on vacation!!  When I was a kid, I used to watch The Price is Right where people would jump up and down with excitement when Bob Barker would say “and you just won an all expense paid trip.”  So, I figured that was the dream and only on tv.  Well, today I live the life of that winning game show contestant when I go on vacation as …airfare and hotel included and entertainment paid for by Cash-back bonus…because of the points!!!