You’re Not Rich Enough To Stick To One Airline
Out of love for our clients, please take our advice: unless your last name is Bezos or Musk, you’re not rolling in enough $$$$$ to be loyal to a single airline. Your love affair with one carrier is costing you more than you realize. We all love Delta! And yes, Southwest offers two free checked bags! They also charge hundreds to thousands of dollars more for convenience. Travel is rarely convenient. The moment this is realized, any vacation, trip, or excursion goes better!
The Myth of Loyalty Programs
Firstly, the loyalty programs and credit cards that airlines force down your throat? They’re not your friends, they are most likely your enemies. Sure, they promise exclusivities & elite status but they’re designed to squeeze pennies from your pocket before you see a reward worth anything. Airlines know you’re more likely to stick with them and spend more money chasing those perks. The math rarely works out in your favor often meaning you need 140,000 points to travel from San Diego to San Francisco.
Have you ever heard of a mileage run? They’re crazy trips where people fly to Timbuktu and back just to rack up points in a marathon of money-wasting. Unless you’re a business traveler with an expense account or a TLC Extreme Couponer, this is not the way to go. Spend your time and money wisely—on actual travel experiences, not just numbers on a screen providing a false boost of oxytocin.
Loyalty programs that are worthy do exist! HBTT prefers the credit cards outside of airlines like Chase Sapphire. This program gives you free travel insurance for no extra cost and you earn points towards expenses other than travel.
Get in the Trenches
Here’s a secret: airlines are constantly at war. They’re continuously undercutting each other, slashing prices to lure you in. If you’re stuck on one airline, you’re missing out on deals worthy of planning an entire vacation around. HBTT uses comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Going to get the best prices for clients who are traveling on a budget.
Being loyal to one airline is like going to the same restaurant and ordering the same dish every single time. Flexibility is your wallet’s best friend. Playing around with different departure dates, times, and yes, airlines can save you hundreds.
Budget Airlines Are Not the Enemy
I get it, who wants to fly Spirit carrying a LV duffle…no one. Sure, they don’t offer you a free checked bag and soda can, but they get you from A to B without emptying your bank account. Pack a snack, many don’t know you are allowed to bring any type of food through the TSA checkpoint - takeout included. Don’t forget headphones and fill up on water once your through TSA.
We mostly recommend budget airlines when flying under ~2 hours. Any longer, convience starts to cost. However, to dispute this Spirit Airlines has been killing it on airport hub destinations and flight paths. They also offer a bidding system for Bigger Seats & emergency exits rows. I’ve travelled first-class for $20!
Embrace the Layover
Direct flights are great, but layovers can be goldmines for savings. Are you familiar with stopover programs? It’s the perfect opportunity to actually see everything on your bucket list. Many cities can be explored amongst days or hours. Some of our favorites include Istanbul and Amsterdam.
Loyalty is a beautiful thing—in relationships, not in travel. Ditch the single-airline mindset and embrace the freedom of choice. Your bank account will thank you, and you’ll have more cash to spend on what really matters: your adventures. Fly with whoever offers the best deal or work with a travel agent so they can do this on your behalf.
Let’s face it, you’re not rich enough to stick to one airline. <3
With Love,
H & B @ HBTT
