The most meaningful gifts aren't always tangible. For businesses, offering the gift of travel can be a remarkably powerful way to show appreciation and build loyalty among employees. It’s a gesture that speaks volumes, creating a connection far beyond a simple bonus.
Surprisingly, making travel affordable isn’t limited to large corporations. Smart use of points and miles earned through business expenses can unlock incredible opportunities, even for smaller companies. Imagine providing an employee with a much-needed vacation, or even more profoundly, facilitating a last-minute trip to be with a seriously ill family member – a deeply personal impact.
Redeeming rewards for others is generally straightforward. Airlines are typically the easiest, allowing you to book award flights in anyone’s name. Changes and cancellations are often flexible, with miles promptly returned to your account. This ease of use provides peace of mind when arranging travel for someone else.
Hotel loyalty programs present a slightly different landscape. World of Hyatt stands out, simplifying bookings for others and even allowing you to gift free night certificates and elite benefits. Top-tier Globalist members can designate employees as “Guests of Honor,” extending perks like free breakfast and room upgrades.
Other hotel chains have limitations. Hilton allows adding a second name to a reservation, but booking solely for another person is restricted. Marriott requires a “Gifted Award” request, limited to five times annually, with no rewards earned on the stay and potential booking difficulties reported by travelers.
However, directly booking travel for employees can come with responsibilities. You may need to collect sensitive information like dates of birth and Known Traveler numbers, and manage any travel disruptions that arise. It can quickly turn you into a part-time travel agent.
An alternative approach is pooling or transferring rewards. Some airlines allow shared mileage pools, though with specific rules about contributions and usage. United MileagePlus, for example, allows inviting employees to a pool, but miles cannot be reclaimed once added.
Flexible rewards programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Capital One offer another avenue. While Chase is the most restrictive, Capital One provides the simplest transfer process, allowing points to be sent to anyone. These transfers are generally irreversible, so careful consideration is crucial.
Before transferring, remember the permanence of the decision. If an employee leaves or changes plans, the rewards are committed. Weigh the risks and benefits carefully before making a transfer.
Don’t overlook the potential to earn rewards while gifting. Purchasing airline or hotel gift cards with a rewards-earning credit card can generate additional points. Some airlines, like Delta, even offer bonus miles on gift card purchases, maximizing your return.
Ultimately, leveraging points and miles to provide travel opportunities for employees is a powerful demonstration of care and appreciation. It’s a gesture that can create lasting loyalty and make a genuine difference in their lives, extending your impact far beyond the workplace.
