From upgrades to lounge access, flight rewards you didn’t know you could claim on every flight

Travel rewards enhance the travel experience manifold. Here are some useful hacks on how you can grab rewards on every flight.

Travel rewards are often equated with frequent flyer miles, but this is no longer accurate in modern times. Most people are unaware of the real hacks due to which they aren’t able to leverage the travel rewards they are eligible for. Karthik Venkataraman, CPRO, VeTravel - Vernost, in an exclusive conversation with HT Lifestyle, shared a few hacks through which you can claim travel rewards you are eligible for.

Lounge access, check-in privileges, and extra baggage allowances are travel rewards. (Pexel)

Using payment cards

Karthik Venkataraman highlighted that every flight transaction involves multiple levels of earning opportunities. Besides airline miles, travellers can also earn rewards using various instruments such as credit cards, debit cards, and fintech platforms. This gives rise to another parallel value chain. When leveraged in tandem, this double-earning mechanism helps in accelerating rewards. For instance, several credit cards offer a welcoming bonus or have collaborations with certain airlines, through which you can get discounts and points. Also, remember to pick the right credit card to get maximum benefits.

Pay with points lets users spend their points all at once on travel bookings. (Pexel)

Access-based privileges

Another area Karthik mentioned is access-based privileges, which are yet to be fully explored. Lounge access, check-in privileges, and extra baggage allowances are no longer exclusive to frequent flyers. Using the right partnerships and platforms, occasional flyers are also able to access these privileges, making travel more comfortable without incurring additional expenses.

Insurance-based rewards

Most travellers are unaware of the insurance-based rewards. According to Karthik, flight transactions involve various types of insurance-based covers, including delays, cancellations, and baggage loss, especially while transacting through certain financial partners. “These are not just add-ons, but real security that travellers should benefit from,” added Karthik.

Insurance rewards are real security that travellers should benefit from. (Unsplash)

Using pay points

Karthik highlighted that pay with points is one of the most lucrative facilities that lets users spend their points all at once on travel bookings, without any issues like blackout dates or seat unavailability. This is indicative of a broader change from passive rewards to active rewards.

Partnership rewards

Last but not least, the role of partnerships also provides travellers with the opportunity to earn rewards. Karthik highlighted that, be it hotels, taxis, or in-flight purchases, travel ecosystems are now allowing users to earn across categories, thus transforming a singular travel experience into a multi-dimensional rewards experience.

Karthik concluded that at its heart, travel rewards are no longer just about flying more, but flying smarter. And this is where those who understand this change are set to reap more from each and every experience.