Do you have a travel rewards emergency fund? I am intentional about how and when I use travel rewards to offset the cost of a vacation. However, life happens, and you may need to use your travel rewards for an unexpected trip. My former student canceled our trip to Houston. The next time I checked on Parris, she was in labor. The baby arrived by cesarean delivery on September 8, 2022. I was by her side in St. Louis, Missouri September 10. If you need luggage for a quick trip, click on this Amazon link.

Southwest Rapid Rewards 

I searched my Southwest account for travel funds and Rapid Rewards Points. A round-trip flight was averaging $400. Because I found a lower fare for my trip to Salt Lake City, I received a $70 travel fund which I applied to the flight to St. Louis. I redeemed 14,545 points and paid $5.60 in taxes and fees to return to Chicago. I maintain at least 30,000 Rapid Rewards points in my Southwest account. As an A-List Preferred member, my benefits include a 100% earning bonus, priority boarding, standby priority, Fly By (Priority Security Line), a dedicated customer service phone line, and free inflight WiFi. The best part of A-List Preferred boarding is my automatically assigned position 36 hours before departure. Yes, I flew 50 times in 2021 to earn my A-List Preferred status.

DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Airport

I redeemed 35,000 Hilton Honors points for a room at the DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Airport. The hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle, and Mercy is only 20 minutes away. The front desk clerk allowed me to check in even though it was 10:00AM. She handed me a bottle of water and two DoubleTree cookies. I headed to my room quickly; guests were still in the room. Of course, I went back to the front desk. No apology. She handed me the keys to another room on the same floor; I opened the door slowly. I booked a king bed, but the room had two queen beds. I went back to the front desk. No apology. Finally, I received the keys to a room on the 5^th floor. I am a Diamond Member and should have received the upgrade to my preferred room since it was available.

Hilton Honors

There is a Hilton Brand property in 122 countries and territories. I am a Hilton Honors Member because I can find a hotel or resort where ever I travel. MyWay Hotel Benefits allow me to select rewards for the way I travel. For DoubleTree, I receive an upgrade to a preferred room (based on availability), 1,000 Hilton Honors bonus points per stay, and the $15 Daily Food & Beverage Credit. I downloaded the Hilton app to ensure I receive the most from my membership. It is also easier to change your benefits on the app. Changes post within 24 hours, so plan accordingly. Research the American Express Hilton Honors Card to complement your Hilton Honors membership if you are not ready for the American Express Platinum Card.

Daily Food & Beverage Credit

The Burger Bar opened at 5:00PM, but breakfast was unavailable on Sunday. If you are in St. Louis, stop by the Underground Burger Bar. I ordered the Mexican Burger with jalapeño peppers and pepper jack cheese. The bun was soft, the burger well-seasoned, and the perfectly sliced jalapenos provided just enough heat. Although I did not see potato chips on the menu, the hostess/bartender asked the chef to make a batch. The potato chips were crispy. Most of the customers ordered the Jack Daniels Burger. I already know what I am ordering when I come back. My final bill reflected the $15 Daily Food & Beverage Credit. My meal was only $7 without the tip. If you are traveling with a guest, do not forget to add their name to the reservation. Guests also receive the credit.

Airport Lounge 

I did not worry about breakfast because there was a lounge at the airport. I entered Wingtips as the lounge was changing from breakfast to lunch. It took 20 minutes for an employee to put out sandwiches, refill the potato chips and pretzels, and replenish the cookies. The lounge was short-staffed. If you stop by Wingtips, remember they are not open on Saturday and close from 1:00-3:00PM on Sunday. My flight boarded at 1:20. The trip back to Chicago should have been less than 45 minutes. Instead, I was on the aircraft for over three hours. Because of the weather in Chicago, planes could not land immediately, and the pilot needed to refuel in Indianapolis. I love Southwest. I received a $100 voucher for the inconvenience. 

Travel Rewards Emergency Fund Budget