The news could be worse, but I’ve been in better shape. 380,000 and 350,000 in my primary programs. I have a rule of thumb for miles and points that is comfortable for me – If my balance is below 500,000 (airline or hotel), it’s time to fly, buy, and think. The bottom line – it’s time for MJ to fly, buy, and think. The flying part will start taking care of itself as July winds down. I have plenty of travel booked, mostly business, some personal. Buy means that I’ll make sure I’m using the right credit cards for every purchase to maximize my points earning, but think? Think simply means review the first two things, and think about what I could be doing better to increase my mileage balances.
Is it time to retire a credit card from one program and switch to one that is more useful to me and is offering a big mileage/point bonus? Do I have time to toss in a few extra connections in upcoming trips to up my mileage earning? Or heaven forbid…a mattress run? My minimum points threshold is what I am comfortable with. I know people that have lower thresholds, and some who will scoff at my 500,000 number thinking it far too low. Here’s my take. With 500,000 airline miles and 500,000 hotel points I can put together a pretty solid vacation itinerary and have a little left over for surprises like my recent party trip to DFW. This number works for me because I travel outside the country by air once per year on average…..and I’m proud to say, I have never crossed the pond in coach. 🙂
Others are more aggressive with international travel and might have a higher comfort zone. Honestly, if I didn’t cruise so much, I would feel the same way. I know I’m not the only traveler who has a minimum balance of miles and points in mind, and would love to hear from others. What’s your number?
-MJ, July 26, 2013
@Jonathan — I’m not as stupid as my 7-figure mileage balance might make me look. My partner and I earn 2 to 3 million miles per year and spend the same amount. We are extracting tremendous value from our miles, but the balances just won’t go down. We will undoubtedly get burned at some point, but in the meantime, I think we’ve done very well with our miles.
a few MM in air and less than 1 MM in hotels
As I look at it, a family trip eats up 700k or so to anywhere
So one has to account for that much in each program to have flexibility to travel.
Marshall, We think along the same lines. 500K in hotel and 500K in airlines feels comfortable. I always struggle to keep the 500K hotel points.
See you in Chicago
Rick
I don’t understand you people who maintain seven-figure mileage balances. You do understand that the average cost of awards increases at a rate even greater than that of inflation, correct? So while the rest of us are extracting measurable value from our awards, yours are constantly depreciating. Interesting strategy. While you’re at, you might as well close all your retirement accounts and stuff that money in your mattress.
I think 200k in any one airline program or transfer partner is a good base. Multiply that by 2 or 3 as I like to have a few airlines to choose from. That’ll get me anywhere in the world in comfort, and around the US a bit if I need.
10.3 million for two of us.
Gene, I had 5 million before i spent Down. You’ve inspired me to try harder. 🙂
Wait, that’s four programs. Do you mean 500,000 between AA/DL and 500,000 between HH/MR?
Although I didn’t realize Membership Rewards counted as a hotel program. 🙂
MR = Marriott.
What are your programs?
Hotel programs vary widely in value, and — for example — 500,000 Hilton points is quite different than 500,000 Starwood points.
Oh, no doubt they are valued differently. Airline – AA (US) and DL. Hotel – HH and MR. Have a few SPG points and Ultimate Rewards hanging around in my rainy day fund.