Luxury Travel on a Budget: Hotel Loyalty Secrets with Ben Komenkul

Think first-class flights and five-star hotel suites are out of reach? Think again. In this week’s Landings and Layovers, hotel loyalty pro Ben Komenkul shares the exact strategies that turn everyday spending into luxury travel—without blowing your budget.

Unlocking Luxury Travel on a Budget (Focus Keyword)

Luxury doesn’t have to mean “empty your savings.” In this episode, we dive deep into loyalty programs, credit card perks, and the small tweaks that can turn a three-star budget into a five-star experience. Ben Komenkul, founder of Hotel Secrets Masterclass, has built an entire career showing travelers how to do exactly that—earning elite status, snagging upgrades, and flying first class without the price tag.

Fare of the Week – SAS Airlines Deals to Europe

Before we get into hotel strategies, let’s talk about this week’s Fare of the Week:

• Roundtrip flights from major U.S. cities to Europe for $430–$500 on SAS Airlines

• Travel window: September 2025 – May 2026

• Cities include Amsterdam, Paris, Athens, Prague, Zurich, and more

Even better? SAS now partners with SkyTeam, meaning Delta, Air France, and KLM loyalists can leverage status perks like free checked bags and priority boarding—even on basic economy fares.

Hotel Loyalty Programs Demystified

Ben’s journey started humbly—think La Quinta elite status and free breakfasts in parking-lot-view motels—but it led to Hyatt suites, Marriott lounges, and first-class flights. The secret wasn’t just collecting points. It was knowing where to focus your loyalty and when to earn vs redeem.

Pick One Program, Go Deep

Instead of chasing low-tier status across multiple brands (Hilton Silver here, Marriott Gold there), Ben recommends locking in with one chain. Why? Higher tiers unlock exponentially better perks: guaranteed suite upgrades, lounge access, late checkout, and waived resort fees.

Credit Card Shortcuts

Many hotel-branded credit cards give automatic mid-tier status or fast-track options to top-tier. Ben explains how stacking these cards with loyalty stays can slash the time it takes to reach meaningful perks.

Experience > “Free” Nights

One of Ben’s biggest lessons? A free night isn’t always a good night. Upgrades, better locations, and premium breakfast perks often outweigh saving a few bucks on a basic room.

Points vs Cash – Knowing When to Earn or Burn

The biggest mistake most travelers make: redeeming points when cash fares are dirt cheap. Ben’s advice? Save points for high-value redemptions (think $1,000+ hotel rooms or $5,000 first-class flights). When business class drops to $700 cash, pay cash—and earn elite-qualifying miles for the next big redemption.

Travel Hacks We Loved from This Episode

• Bring your pillow – A simple hack for better sleep in any hotel room.

• Use tools like AwardWallet and FlightAware – Track points expiration and know delays before the airline does.

• Book first, confirm later – Incredible deals disappear fast; you can cancel within 24 hours.

• Look beyond U.S. parks – International Disney and Warner Bros. resorts often mean lower crowds and better value.

Why This Matters for Budget Travelers

If you’ve ever thought luxury travel was only for influencers or corporate travelers, this episode is proof otherwise. With a little strategy (and the right loyalty program), luxury travel on a budget isn’t just possible—it’s repeatable.

Go Deeper – Listen to the Full Episode

Hear the full conversation with Ben Komenkul, including his wildest redemption stories, the deal that landed him first class for under $1,000, and the must-have apps he swears by.🎧 [episode link]

Keep the Conversation Going

We love hearing your travel wins—whether it’s a last-minute fare you grabbed or an upgrade you scored. Jump into our community:

• Instagram: @landingslayovers

• Twitter/X: @landingnlayover

• Facebook: Landings and Layovers

Tag us when you find a deal or share your loyalty hacks. We’ll feature our favorites in future episodes.

Help Us Keep Flying

Love the show? The best way to support Landings and Layovers is simple:

• Drop a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

• Share the episode with your favorite travel buddy

• Subscribe so you never miss a fare or hack

Ready to Upgrade Your Travel Game?

Start with this episode. By the end, you’ll know how to turn the same loyalty programs you’ve been ignoring into the key to traveling better (and smarter) than ever.🎧 [episode link]