Tip #1 Choose a Preferred Airline

One thing I’ve learned about traveling, and flying in particular, is the benefit of choosing a preferred airline and taking full advantage of their loyalty programs. Even if you only travel enough to get into the bottom tiers or must do a couple mileage runs throughout the year (trips taken for the purpose of gaining rewards status), it is definitely worth it. From upgrades (free drinks and business class) to endless ways to earn and spend points, the airline industry can be rocky at best and their business models are surely built around catering to their customers.

And besides, that’s how I took a week long trip to Japan and Singapore from Chicago for $90.91 USD (after a few work trips and cashing in only 54k miles).