How to Get the Most Points Out of Your Trip

When most people think about travel rewards, they think of airline miles, frequent-flyer programs, and saving up points for free flights. Airline miles are valuable, but they are only one part of a much larger travel rewards strategy.

Every trip includes more than the flight. You may also pay for airport parking, hotels, rental cars, meals, ride-share, travel insurance, luggage, and activities. Each of those expenses can be an opportunity to earn points, save money, or unlock a perk for your next trip.

The best way to get the most points out of your trip is to think about the full travel experience from start to finish. That means earning rewards before you leave, while you travel, and even after you return.

 

Quick Answer: How Do You Get the Most Points from a Trip?

To get the most points from a trip, join free loyalty programs, use a travel rewards credit card responsibly, book through the right channels, connect your frequent flyer and hotel accounts, use airport parking rewards, compare rental car programs, and watch for limited-time promotions.

The goal is to earn rewards on travel expenses you are already paying for, including flights, hotels, airport parking, rental cars, dining, and transportation.

 

 

Why Travel Rewards Are More Than Airline Miles

Airline miles are helpful, but they are not the only rewards travelers should care about. A smart travel rewards plan can include:

• Airline miles
• Hotel points
• Airport parking points
• Rental car rewards
• Credit card points
• Cash back
• Dining rewards
• Shopping portals
• Travel statement credits
• Free upgrades
• Member-only rates
• Free checked bags
• Lounge access
• Free parking days

Even if you only travel once or twice a year, joining loyalty programs can still be worth it. Many programs are free to join, and your points may help lower the cost of a future trip.

 

 

1. Start with a Travel Rewards Plan

Before you book your next trip, think about what you want your points to do. Some travelers want free flights. Others want hotel upgrades, free parking, rental car discounts, or cash back.

Your rewards strategy should match your travel habits.

Ask Yourself These Questions

• Do I fly the same airline often?
• Do I usually stay at the same hotel brands?
• Do I park at the airport when I travel?
• Do I rent cars on trips?
• Do I travel for work, vacation, or both?
• Do I prefer free travel, upgrades, or cash back?
• Do I want simple rewards or maximum point value?
• Do I travel internationally or mostly within the U.S.?

Once you know your travel style, it is easier to choose the programs that make sense.

 

 

2. Use a Travel Rewards Credit Card Responsibly

One of the most valuable ways to earn travel points is by using a credit card with travel rewards. Many cards allow you to earn points, miles, or cash back on everyday purchases such as groceries, gas, dining, bills, and travel expenses.

Those rewards can often be used toward flights, hotel stays, rental cars, statement credits, or travel purchases.

 

How to Earn More with a Travel Credit Card

Use your card strategically for expenses you already planned to pay for, such as:

• Flights
• Hotels
• Airport parking
• Rental cars
• Gas
• Dining
• Groceries
• Travel insurance
• Luggage
• Airport purchases

If your card earns bonus points in certain categories, use it where it earns the most. For example, one card may earn more on dining, while another may earn more on travel purchases.

 

Smart Credit Card Tips

• Pay your balance in full when possible.
• Know your bonus categories.
• Track annual fees.
• Use travel credits before they expire.
• Check for card-linked offers.
• Compare transfer partners.
• Use the right card for each purchase.
• Avoid opening cards only for short-term rewards if they do not fit your budget.

 

 

3. Earn Points on Airport Parking

Airport parking is one of the most overlooked ways to earn travel rewards. Many travelers think about points for flights and hotels, but forget that airport parking can also count toward future savings.

If you drive to the airport, parking is part of your travel budget. Earning rewards on that expense can help you save money on your next trip.

 

How PreFlight Airport Parking Helps You Earn Rewards

PreFlight Airport Parking offers a Frequent Parker Program that helps travelers earn points toward future parking. This is especially valuable for frequent flyers, business travelers, families who take annual vacations, and anyone who parks at the airport regularly.

With PreFlight, your parking can help you earn rewards for your next trip. Instead of treating airport parking as only an expense, you can turn it into a future benefit.

 

Why PreFlight Rewards Are Valuable

PreFlight’s Frequent Parker Program is a smart travel rewards option because:

• You can earn points on eligible parking.
• Points can be used toward future free parking.
• Points last for three years from the transaction date.
• Even occasional travelers may have time to use their points.
• Parking rewards help lower the cost of future trips.
• The program can be useful for both business and leisure travelers.

Depending on the location and program rules, members can earn a future free day of parking after roughly a week of parking value at the full non-discounted rate. Travelers should check the current Frequent Parker Program rules for their location.

How to Get the Most PreFlight Points

To maximize your PreFlight rewards:

• Create or sign into your Frequent Parker account before booking.
• Book your parking online or through the PreFlight app.
• Use reservations when you want to redeem points for free parking.
• Check your points before booking your next trip.
• Use your points before they expire (they expire 3 years after your last stay)
• Watch for PreFlight promotions or app offers.

 

 

4. Book Airport Parking in Advance

Booking airport parking in advance can help you save money and earn rewards more efficiently. When you reserve ahead, you can compare rates, use available promo codes, and make sure your parking is connected to your account.

Advance reservations are especially helpful during:

• Holidays
• Summer travel
• Spring break
• Early morning flights
• Long-term trips
• Business travel
• Family vacations
• Major local events

If you know your travel dates, do not wait until the day of your flight to think about parking. Parking is part of your travel plan and should be booked with the same care as your flight or hotel.

 

 

5. Join Hotel Rewards Programs

Hotel loyalty programs are another major way to get more points out of your trip. Many hotel chains allow guests to earn points for each stay, which can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, late checkout, member rates, or other perks.

Even if you only travel a few times a year, signing up can still be worth it because many hotel rewards programs are free to join. Across hotel programs, you can connect to other programs like airline programs to earn points for both or get special promotions that are only accessible through connecting your travel programs.

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy includes well-known brands such as Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, Westin, Courtyard, Residence Inn, and many more. Marriott has more than 30 brands and over 9,900 properties across 146 countries and territories.

Travelers can use Marriott Bonvoy points for free nights, upgrades, experiences, and other travel benefits depending on availability and program rules.

IHG One Rewards

IHG One Rewards includes brands such as InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo, Kimpton, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites.

IHG One Rewards members can earn free reward nights at 6,000+ locations. Travelers may also get access to member rates, milestone rewards, and other loyalty benefits depending on status and stay activity.

World of Hyatt

World of Hyatt includes brands such as Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Andaz, Thompson Hotels, Dreams, Secrets, and more.

Hyatt has more than 1,450 hotels and all-inclusive resorts across over 80 countries. World of Hyatt members can earn points for stays and may redeem points for free nights, upgrades, and other benefits.

 

How to Get More Hotel Points

To maximize hotel rewards:

• Join the hotel loyalty program before booking.
• Book directly when required for points.
• Use the same hotel family when it makes sense.
• Watch for bonus point promotions.
• Link eligible airline or partner accounts.
• Use a hotel co-branded credit card if it fits your budget.
• Check for member-only rates.
• Use points strategically during expensive travel dates.
• Avoid redeeming points when cash rates are low unless it still makes sense.

 

 

6. Use Rental Car Loyalty Programs

Rental car loyalty programs are helpful for business travelers, road trip travelers, and anyone who likes having a car at their destination. These programs may offer points, faster pickup, car upgrades, discounts, or free rental days.

Enterprise Plus

Enterprise Plus allows travelers to earn points on qualifying rentals. Enterprise is connected with brands such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental, and Alamo Rent-A-Car through Enterprise Mobility.

This can be useful for travelers who rent cars frequently and want points, faster service, or rental benefits over time.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards allows members to earn points on eligible rentals and may offer benefits such as faster reservations, quicker pickup, upgrades depending on status, and reward rental days.

 

How to Maximize Rental Car Rewards

To get more value from rental car programs:

• Join before your trip.
• Add your loyalty number to every reservation.
• Compare weekly and daily rates.
• Check for credit card rental benefits.
• Look for airline or hotel partner bonuses.
• Decline duplicate insurance only if you are already covered.
• Book early during peak travel seasons.
• Check whether your credit card or airline status gives you rental car perks.
• Return the car on time to avoid extra fees

 

 

7. Understand Airline Alliance Programs

Airline alliances are partnerships between airlines that allow travelers to earn and redeem miles across a broader network. This can be helpful if you want more route options without being loyal to only one airline.

Instead of joining every airline program, you can often focus on one frequent flyer program within an alliance and credit eligible partner flights to that account.

Star Alliance

Star Alliance includes 26 member airlines, including United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, ANA, and more. Its network reaches more than 1,150 airports across 190 countries.

Travelers with eligible status may receive benefits such as priority check-in, priority boarding, lounge access, extra baggage allowance, and other perks depending on airline and status level.

Best For

Star Alliance may be a good fit if you often fly United or other Star Alliance carriers, travel internationally, or want access to a large global route network.

 

oneworld

oneworld includes airlines such as American Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Qantas, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Iberia, Alaska Airlines, and more. Its network serves more than 900 destinations in 170 territories.

Eligible oneworld status members may receive benefits such as priority check-in, preferred boarding, lounge access, extra baggage allowance, and priority security where available.

Best For

oneworld may be a good fit if you often fly American Airlines, British Airways, Alaska Airlines, Qatar Airways, or other oneworld carriers.

 

SkyTeam

SkyTeam includes airlines such as Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Aeromexico, Virgin Atlantic, and more. SkyTeam’s network reaches 945 destinations in 145 countries and offers access to more than 750 lounges for eligible travelers.

Eligible SkyTeam status members may receive benefits such as priority check-in, priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, lounge access, and priority airport services depending on status and itinerary.

Best For

SkyTeam may be a good fit if you often fly Delta, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, or other SkyTeam member airlines.

 

How to Use Airline Alliances Wisely

To get more out of airline alliances:

• Choose one main frequent flyer program.
• Credit partner flights to your preferred account.
• Check earning rates before booking.
• Compare award availability across partners.
• Know which airlines are in each alliance.
• Use alliance status benefits when eligible.
• Avoid spreading miles across too many accounts.
• Check expiration rules for your miles.

 

 

8. Stack Rewards Whenever Possible

The best travel rewards strategy is not just earning one type of point. It is stacking multiple rewards on the same trip.

For example, you may be able to:

• Earn credit card points on your airport parking purchase.
• Earn PreFlight Frequent Parker points for the same parking stay.
• Earn airline miles on your flight.
• Earn hotel points on your stay.
• Earn rental car points on your rental.
• Use a shopping portal for travel gear before your trip.
• Use a dining rewards program at participating restaurants.
• Redeem a promo code when booking.

This is how points can compound over time. One trip can help fund savings for the next trip.

 

Example of a Points-Stacking Trip

A traveler books a family vacation and does the following:

1. Uses a travel credit card to buy flights.
2. Adds frequent flyer numbers to all airline tickets.
3. Books airport parking with PreFlight while signed into a Frequent Parker account.
4. Uses a hotel loyalty account for the hotel stay.
5. Books a rental car through a loyalty program.
6. Pays for travel meals with a card that earns bonus points on dining.
7. Saves receipts for business or reimbursement records if applicable.

That one trip can generate airline miles, hotel points, parking rewards, rental car rewards, and credit card points.

 

 

9. Watch for Promotions and Bonus Offers

Travel brands frequently run limited-time promotions. These can help you earn more points or redeem fewer points if you pay attention.

Promotions may include:

• Double hotel points
• Airline bonus miles
• Rental car bonus points
• Credit card transfer bonuses
• Parking promo codes
• App-only discounts
• Member-only rates
• Seasonal offers
• Dining bonus points
• Shopping portal bonuses

 

How to Stay Updated

To avoid missing promotions:

• Sign up for loyalty program emails.
• Review your credit card offers.
• Look for promo codes before checkout.
• Check your spam folder for travel offers.
• Register for promotions before your stay or flight.
• Follow your preferred travel brands online.

Many promotions require registration before you travel, so check before booking.

 

 

10. Use Points for the Right Travel Expenses

Not every redemption gives the same value. Sometimes it makes sense to use points for a flight or hotel. Other times, it may be better to pay cash and earn points instead.

Good Ways to Use Points

Consider using points for:

• Expensive hotel nights
• High-demand travel dates
• Last-minute flights
• Airport parking rewards
• Rental car upgrades
• Family trips
• International flights
• Free checked bags or seat upgrades
• Travel statement credits when the value makes sense

 

 

11. Avoid Common Travel Rewards Mistakes

Travel rewards are useful, but mistakes can reduce their value.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these errors:

• Forgetting to join loyalty programs before booking.
• Booking through a channel that does not earn points.
• Letting points expire.
• Spreading points across too many accounts.
• Using points for low-value redemptions.
• Ignoring airport parking rewards.
• Forgetting to add past travel transactions.
• Not using a credit card’s travel benefits.
• Missing limited-time promotions.
• Carrying credit card debt just to earn rewards.
• Forgetting to compare total trip cost.

Best Reminder

Do not chase points at the expense of your budget. Points are valuable only when they help you save money or improve the travel experience.

 

 

Every Trip Is a Chance to Earn More

Airline miles are valuable, but they are only one piece of the travel rewards puzzle. Flights, hotels, rental cars, airport parking, dining, credit cards, and promotions can all help you save money and earn rewards.

The key is to plan ahead. Join the right programs, book while signed in, use rewards responsibly, and choose travel providers that help you earn value beyond the trip itself.

PreFlight Airport Parking is one of the easiest ways to turn an overlooked travel expense into future savings. By joining the Frequent Parker Program, booking ahead, and tracking your points, you can earn rewards toward future airport parking and keep more of your travel budget for the experiences that matter.

Before your next trip, make a points plan. Your future travel budget will thank you.