Be Aware Of Travel Hacking Problems

travel hacking

When you are traveling it is not an uncommon problem to be hacked.  This is especially true if you are using reward loyalty programs.  When you are using loyalty rewards program travel hacking is an easy way for you to earn the rewards and/or points that can be used for reduced travel costs or even free travel.  Unfortunately there is a dark side to the travel hacking and you can run into some problems.  Read on to find out what some of the common issues are.

The Fine Print Should Be Read

Before you start to operate in a travel hacking strategy you need to be sure you read the fine print before you make your reservations.  This is especially true if you are intending on using the booking you are making to secure your loyalty points, upgrades or anything else to can obtain through your loyalty program.  An example of this is making sure that the hotel you are staying at participates in the loyalty rewards programs and is connected to the program you are participating in.  It is not a wise choice to just assume it is.  All of the details you need to know should be released to you when you reserve your stay.  If you have problems or questions you should contact the company immediately and work with them to resolve it.

Buyer Beware

You might also find that things being omitted from the fine print are a problem within the travel hacking system.  An example of this is through the Star Alliance network.  Often times customers who are using this reward program receive only part of the mileage credits or worse even no credit at all.  This is caused by not all airfares being the same.  Of course you will notice that all airfares are not the same when you are booking your trip.  They are all rated differently depending on the day or the week you are traveling, the time of day and of course whether or not it is a holiday.  Also some connecting flights will not allow for the credit of mileage points to happen.  It is always important to be sure you ask if the mileage will be credited to your rewards account.

Change Can Mean Problems

If you find that a company has merged with another it can mean trouble for you.  This is because not all employees are educated on what is happening with the merger and travel hacking problems and disruptions are very common.  Unfortunately this can mean troubles for you as a traveler.  But unfortunately these problems and any disruptions can cause problems for your travels and can ultimately ruin your travel plans because you are unprepared for the issues you are encountering.

Tips To Avoid Travel Hacking Problems

There are several general tips that you should follow that will help you to avoid travel hacking problems.  The first of these tips is to read the find print.  Many people cause their own issues simply because they did not read.  A second tip is to make your travel plans simple.  Often times the simpler the plans are the less chance of problems will arise.  You should also check your point balances carefully and often.  If you find something not right you should start complaining immediately.

When you are traveling by way of travel hacking there is always a possibility that you will run into issues.  However there are many things that you can do so that you will have less of a chance to have issues.  If you happen to run into problems you should start working on the problem as soon as possible.

Image via Flickr by Peter

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About the Author: Mikkie

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