“The Cabin Crew Carried Me up the Stairs to First Class”

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Welcome to the next installment of our interview series where folks share their thoughts about Big Travel with Small Money!

Miles & Points Interview:  JetsettingBen

Ben writes JetsettingBen to inspire like-minded people, and give them tricks and tips for their own adventures.  You can also find him on Twitter and Instagram!  And if you have any questions, you can email him here.

JetsettingBen
The Face of JetsettingBen

How and when did you start collecting miles and points?

In the early 2000s, when I became a member of the British Airways Executive Club.

Why did you start your blog?  What’s special about it?

I began my blogging journey in 2012 and it has gradually grown as the years have gone by.  I love to share my personal travel experiences with others and discuss my thoughts on current industry trends and happenings.

JetsettingBen
Staying in Luxury at the Four Seasons Orlando

What’s the one single thing people can do to get more miles?

Always do a bit of research before booking anything and keep an eye out for special promotions offering additional miles.

What’s your most memorable travel experience?

That’s a hard question.  One of my most memorable travel experiences was probably flying to New York when I was very young.  My family and I were upgraded to First Class and the cabin crew even carried me up the stairs on a 747 and took me to the flight deck.  I still have my British Airways SkyFlyers logbook somewhere!

JetsettingBen
An Amazing Sunrise From 30,000 Feet

What do your family and friends think of your miles & points hobby?

My family love it and regard me as the “go-to” person when it comes to booking anything.  My friends on the other hand think I’m a bit of a travel and miles geek…but they soon change their mind when I show them how easy it is to earn enough miles for a reward or free upgrade.

Is there any tool or trick which you’ve found especially useful in this hobby?

There are multiple tools available online, however I simply keep track of my own mileage and points earnings in a simple spreadsheet.

What was the least expected way you’ve earned miles or points?

Hmmm, I’d have to say from my loyalty card at a well-known UK high street retailer.  The thought of buying a cupcake and earning points that can be converted into travel miles is fabulous.  It counteracts the calories if you ask me.

JetsettingBen
Business Class Plating Entrée

What do you now know about collecting miles and points which you wish you knew when you started out?

How easy it is to collect miles and spend them on just about everything.  When I started out, I thought it would be a waste of time.

What would your readers be surprised to know about you?

I actually don’t mind airline food.  I’m that passenger who will take a photograph of every dish served at 30,000 feet.  I go with the saying that there are no calories in the air.  It works.

JetsettingBen
Food, Glorious Airline Food!

Any parting words?

Travel has changed my life.  I don’t see it as just an opportunity to escape from work every now and then; but as a means to broaden my horizons and learn about different cultures, cuisines and heritage. Ben – Thanks for sharing your thoughts on having Big Travel with Small Money!

Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)

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