MilePoint is one of a few popular frequent traveler communities, and I happen to like it because it at least seems to have a more relaxed attitude. If everyone knew everything, they wouldn’t be talking about it online, right?
Last year MilePoint introduced a “premium membership” offer that included a few valuable perks like some bonus miles from United, bonus points from Hyatt, and elite status with National Car Rental. These are all my go-to travel partners, so I took them up on the offer. These three perks alone were worth more than the membership fee. But there were a limited number of packages, and not everyone got in.
Now MilePoint is back with an even better package, at a lower price, and with more of them to reduce the number of disappointed frequent travelers. There are many, many partners that have chipped in to offer free items or discounts all for a price of $49.95 — kind of like an Entertainment coupon book.
My Favorite Perks
1,000 bonus miles from United
These are worth about $20. I rarely get less than 2 cents per mile in value on award tickets, and often much more.
Gold status from Hilton
This is worth about $95 since you could otherwise get Gold status by paying the annual fee for the Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve credit card.
10% discount from Hyatt
Hyatt is giving a 10% discount on the purchase of up to $5,000 in gift cards. That means up to $500 in savings, and gift cards can be used to pay for eligible rates and still accumulate elite status and points. Costco use to have a similar discount on gift cards, but not for several years.
Other Perks Worth Consideration
Executive status from National Car Rental
This is worth about $50, though I already get it with my Amex Platinum Card. Elites get a 10% discount using the Executive member discount code and an automatic upgrade from the Emerald Aisle whenever you book a mid-size car.
PointsHound upgrade and bonus points
This is not worth a ton because PointsHound has pretty regular promotions, but it’s worth it if you still haven’t tried this service that lets you earn bonus miles while still collecting hotel points and status.
20% discount from ExpertFlyer
This is worth about $20 since an annual membership normally costs $100. I think this is an excellent service and is usually my go-to source for information on fare rules and availability.
Conclusion
Many other benefits are available, so it isn’t hard to get your money back. If you took advantage of all of them you could easily save a couple hundred dollars (and I’m not counting the Hyatt gift cards). Most won’t — but I bet you’ll still get at least $50-100 out of it. You can sign up while supplies last at MilePoint.
