People sometimes ask if I’m loyal to a particular airline.

The answer is yes. And no.

I absolutely believe in loyalty programs. In fact, every traveler should join them—they’re free, easy to use, and over time they open doors to experiences you might never pay for with cash.

But when it comes time to book a trip, my loyalty doesn’t belong to an airline logo on a tail fin.

It belongs to my checkbook.

That doesn’t mean I always choose the cheapest option.

• Sometimes I intentionally spend more.

• Sometimes I use points instead of cash.

• Sometimes I save my points and pay cash.

• Sometimes I pay for a more expensive flight because it saves six hours of travel, offers a better connection, or gets me home in time for dinner.

The goal isn’t to spend the absolute least. The goal is to get the most value.

Hidden Costs Don't Show Up on a Receipt

Planning a long-haul trip always reinforces this philosophy.

Could I spend fewer points? Pay lower fees? Fly through a different airport? Sure. I could accept a tighter connection or an overnight layover in a terminal.

Instead, I choose the experience that matters most for that specific journey. We want our vacation to begin the moment we leave home—not after twenty hours of chaotic connections, rushed layovers, and trying to sleep upright in the back of an airplane.

For those trips, spending a little extra is worth every penny.

On a two-hour domestic hop? Economy or Premium Economy is completely fine. A quick overnight stay? I don't need a luxury hotel. A rental car? Something simple and comfortable gets the job done.

Every trip carries different priorities. That's why making the exact same decision every time rarely makes sense.

Loyalty programs should work for you. You shouldn't work for them.

If one airline offers the best value for this trip, great. If a competitor offers a better route or experience next time, even better. The logo on the airplane isn't what I'm buying.

I’m buying an experience.

I’m buying time.

I’m buying convenience.

And often, I’m buying peace of mind.

Value Over Habit

The cheapest decision isn’t always the best one, and the most expensive decision isn’t always the one that costs the most.

Missing a day of vacation because of a poor connection has a real cost. Arriving at your destination completely exhausted has a cost. Parking at the airport for three weeks instead of arranging a one-way rental has a cost.

Over the years, I’ve stopped asking: "Which airline should I be loyal to?"

Instead, I ask: "What is the best value for this specific trip?"

Sometimes the answer is obvious. Sometimes it takes hours of research. But when you focus on total value instead of brand habit, you make better decisions every single time.

So when people ask who I'm loyal to, I just smile and tell them: "I'm loyal to my checkbook."