For frequent travelers, earning airline points is a fantastic way to enhance your travel experience and enjoy various benefits. Many airlines have partnered with car rental companies, creating opportunities for travelers to earn additional points on their car rentals. In this article, we will explore how you can maximize your airline points by utilizing car rental partners effectively.
- Choose an Airline with Car Rental Partnerships: Start by researching airlines that have established partnerships with car rental companies. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and others have collaborations with well-known car rental brands. Visit the airline’s website or contact their customer service to obtain information about their car rental partners.
- Enroll in Loyalty Programs: Join the loyalty programs offered by both the airline and the car rental company. This will enable you to earn points or miles for your car rentals and accumulate rewards more efficiently. Ensure that you provide your loyalty program number when making reservations to ensure proper crediting of points.
- Book Through the Airline’s Website: When reserving a rental car, make your booking directly through the airline’s website. Most airlines have dedicated car rental portals that allow you to search and compare prices across multiple partners. By booking through the airline’s portal, you can ensure that you earn points for your rental and potentially enjoy exclusive discounts or bonus offers.
- Check for Promotions and Bonus Offers: Keep an eye out for promotional campaigns and bonus offers from the airline’s car rental partners. These special deals can significantly boost your point earnings. Visit the airline’s website, subscribe to their newsletters, or follow their social media channels to stay informed about the latest promotions.
- Pay with the Right Credit Card: To maximize your point earnings, consider using a credit card that offers additional rewards for car rental expenses. Some credit cards provide bonus points or miles when used for car rentals or offer benefits such as primary insurance coverage for rental cars. Review the terms and conditions of your credit card’s rewards program to determine the best card to use for car rental expenses.
- Take Advantage of Elite Status: If you have elite status with the airline or the car rental company, you may be entitled to additional perks and benefits. Elite members often enjoy priority service, complimentary upgrades, and increased point multipliers on car rentals. Check the terms and conditions of your loyalty program to understand the benefits available to you.
- Monitor and Track Your Points: Regularly review your loyalty program accounts to ensure that points from car rentals are properly credited. If you notice any discrepancies, promptly contact the airline or car rental company’s customer service to rectify the issue. Keeping track of your points will help you maximize their value and redeem them for exciting rewards.

Earning airline points through car rental partners is a valuable strategy for frequent travelers. By choosing the right airline, enrolling in loyalty programs, booking through the airline’s website, utilizing promotions, and using the appropriate credit card, you can accumulate points faster and unlock a range of benefits. Remember to monitor your points and take advantage of your elite status if applicable. With these tips, you can elevate your travel experience while earning rewards along the way.