Airline/hotel points.......Advice needed............

[WaterBullDawg1980]

For those that travel, who is the best as far as what you get for your points??

I have a ton of Delta points simply bc I am in Atlanta and that is who is easiest to use. But I have recently started using AirTran bc Delta has jacked me around too many times. Hate Airtrans seats but their point program is better than Delta's. Wish I was able to fly Southwest more often.

On Hotels, I have been using Starwood for years. Westin's, W's etc. But it seems like I am not getting anything of real value for all these points that take forever to accumulate. I recently added Hyatt to the plan and have been told Marriott is a good one as well.

On average I am in a hotel about 8 days a month, and on a plane about the same.

What say you Moomba Maniacs?

[deerfield]

I will be interested in responses from those who travel multiple airlines and stay at multiple hotel chains and, therefore, are in a position to compare. I started a regular commute in 2005 and have stuck with American Airlines and Starwood properties. Work okay for me. Just want pre-boarding privilege for a place to put my carry on bag and nice hotel within walking distance of the office.

[wolfeman131]

Tried 'em all over the years and where I lived played a big part in the decision. Living in the Atlanta area, I am almost 100% on Delta because I can get almost anywhere I need to go with a direct flight. And, while their Medallion program might not be the greatest, once you get status it's hard to justify splitting between airlines. BTW - I can't stand getting nickled & dimed by AirTran over exit row seats, aisle seats, etc.

I'm a fan of Marriott because I can almost always find a place to stay close to where I need to be and you have a good selection of price points.

I book all flights & hotels on the respective brand's credit cards as it helps to build points faster then I use them to take the family on vacation.

[04OUTBACK]

pretty much delta.. so I maximize with the delta card.
no real loyalty in hotels..
Get treated well by National Car rental exec emerald..
I get most out of the combined Delta CC and using delta.
Choice hotels usually gets me more nights free than any of the others.. (clarion, comfort, etc.)

FLYin thru ATL in am.. CHIK FILA here I come @ 8:30!

[jester]

For airline it is Delta because they go everywhere i need to fly but almost all the airlines are bad. Would fly Southwest but they do not go into any airports i fly out or into.

For hotels I am a Hilton. I can always find a Hilton or Hamption inn where i go too. The thing i really like is almost all the Hamptions have the same beds. Great beds to sleep in.

Now the thing is who has time to use their points? I have used some of mine for stays at Hilton and it was quick and simple but needed to plan ahead.

[wolfeman131]

I used my Delta AmEx points to buy both girls an itouch for Christmas last year!

Also, with the Delta AmEx you can get hotel "gift cards" that we use for weekend overnight stays