The Ultimate Guide to Award Travel Terms and Definitions
Award travel terminology can be confusing, especially for beginners navigating points and miles. Airlines and hotels use different names for the same concept—miles, points, redemptions—while rules vary widely between programs. With ever-changing policies, learning award travel jargon takes time, but mastering it can unlock incredible value and nearly free travel when used strategically.
5/24: Unwritten and unofficial “rule” for determining if you are eligible for a Chase credit card. The “rule” states that a person cannot have opened more than five credit cards in the last 24 months and if they have they are not eligible for a Chase credit card.
Airline Alliance: Airline brands (ex: American Airlines, United Airlines) have agreements with other airlines to work together. There are three main alliances that we should be familiar with: Star Alliance, Sky Team, Oneworld
Annual Fee: For the privilege of using a credit card the companies will charge an annual fee. in exchange for the fee you gain access to a variety of benefits that can be worth more than the fee.
Auto Pay: Priority number 1 when you are approved for a new card so that you never miss a payment and maintain a good credit score
Churning: Different card companies have different rules regarding when you can apply for a card that you have already had and earn the Sign-up Bonus (SUB) again.
Coupon Book: A derogatory term some people use for American Express cards, typically for the Platinum card.
Downgrade: A method to reduce annual fees but maintain credit score
Earn and Burn: The value of points and miles is constantly changing so many people believe it is better to use points as quickly as you can instead of maintaining a stockpile.
Guest of Honor: Award given by Hyatt that when used to reserve a hotel stay, provides the user the same privileges as top tier Hyatt Globalist (free parking, no resort fee, lounge access)
Hard Inquiry: When you apply for a credit card, the issuer typically conducts a hard inquiry on your credit report. This process allows them to assess your creditworthiness.
HUCA: Hang Up Call Again
Loyalty Program: Every airline and hotel has loyalty program and requires membership to use the airline or hotel “currency” (points or miles).
Membership Reward: currency earned with Amex credit cards
Miles: Type of currency usually associated with Airlines
Points: Type of currency usually associated with hotels or credit card companies
Reconsideration: If you are denied approval of a new credit card it is highly recommended that you make a reconsideration call.
Referral Bonus: If you are a card holder you can refer friends or family to the card and if they are approved you will earn a referral bonus.
Shopping Portal: Websites that if you shop through the links available you will earn points and miles in addition to the points and miles earned by using a credit card.
Sign Up Bonus (SUB): Also known as Welcome Bonus. Incentive to apply for a new credit card and the key to amassing more points and miles for travel
Suite Night Award: Hyatt Award that will upgrade a stay of up to 7 nights to a suite for the points booking value of a standard room.
Transfer Bonus: A bonus when transferring points from a credit card to an airline or hotel loyalty program
Transferable Currency: Credit card points that can be transferred to a variety of airline or hotel loyalty programs.
Travel Hacker: Slang term for someone who maximizes everyday spending to earn points and miles
Ultimate Rewards: Currency earned with Chase credit cards
Vacasa: Similar to VRBO and Airbnb but far superior because bookable with points.
