Use Travel Rewards points before they expire

[Life_is_Simple]

I was just thinking today that my Amtrak rewards points may expire at some point. And sure enough, they expire 3 years after the last paid trip. So I am redeeming for $250 in retail gift cards, which should lighten my expenses this year.

I think hotel rewards points also expire.

Don't forget to check expiration dates on yours!

[Fawn]

Wow! How much did you have to spend to get enough points for $250 in gift cards?

[gimmethesimplelife]

I just found out I have enough miles (or is it points now, I think?) with Southwest Airlines to get a $25 Amazon gift card code. I am waiting for my pending points or miles to get deposited into my account and I am claiming that pronto, as I don't travel often and don't have faith that the program won't change thereby requiring more to get the $25 gift card code. LOL. I see a book on Mexican history in my future, thanks Southwest Airlines! Rob

[lhamo]

Another way you can keep your miles active on some programs is to use them to subscribe to magazines. This is also a way to use up balances that are below what you need to get an airline ticket or something more substantial. My inlaws still have miles on Delta from a trip they took over a decade ago. They will never use them -- not in good enough health for another big trip -- so I have been slowly using them up by subscribing to magazines I like. Nice little perk for no cash outflow. I do a massive magazine catchup every time I am back in the US (we typically visit my family 2 times a year).

lhamo

[Life_is_Simple]

Wow! How much did you have to spend to get enough points for $250 in gift cards?
Fawn, It was numerous long trips half-way across country for 10 years.

Now I drive those trips, so the Hotel points are racking up instead ;) It's easier to take hotel points as free stays, however.