Had a fantastic day today at the Chicago DO Seminar in Elk Grove Village. I was there to learn more about some of the tips and tricks that frequent flyers use to maximize their miles, trips and membership points. Some of the data was review for most of use but there was quite a bit of new information that I found very useful.
Since both kids will be in college next year, I plan on taking more frequent trips with my wife and knowing some of these strategies will help us do that less expensively and more often. I also want to get the kids familiar with what I am learning from the seminar presenters and other attendees so they can get a leg up on accumulating miles. I made sure to get them signed up early for all the free travel programs (airline, hotel etc) that they are eligible for, so that they can start accumulating now.
One of the presenters has been a 1K member on United since he was 17, so it is possible if you plan and execute correctly. I only wish I had known some of these things when I was younger so that I could have started accumulating points, miles and free trips at an early age.
But, let’s not dwell on the past. I like to keep moving forward, and for me that means making the most of what I know now.