In the world of travel, every little perk can make a big difference. Airline and hotel dining programs, such as Hilton Dining, IHG Dining, and AAdvantage Dining, offer fantastic ways to elevate your travel experience. These programs not only provide delicious dining options but also offer opportunities to earn additional miles and loyalty points on top of your credit card spend. Here are some key advantages of using these dining programs:

Popular Dining Programs

Hotel Dining Programs:

• Hilton Honors Dining
• IHG Rewards Club Dining
• Marriott Bonvoy Eat Around Town

Airline Dining Programs:

• AAdvantage Dining (American Airlines)
• Delta SkyMiles Dining
• United MileagePlus Dining
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining
• Alaska Mileage Plan Dining

Other Rewards Programs:

• Bilt Rewards Neighborhood Dining

1. Points and Miles

One of the most significant benefits of participating in these dining programs is the ability to earn points or miles for every dollar you spend at participating restaurants. Whether you’re dining at a local favorite or trying out a new spot in town, your dining expenses can help you accumulate rewards. Some programs increase rewards earnings the more you use them, usually starting at 1-3 points/miles per dollar and increasing to 5 per dollar after a few visits. Most offer a small bonus (250-500 points) for signing up and dining out for the first time.

2. Local Dining Experiences

While some chain restaurants may participate, these dining programs often partner with great local restaurants, providing users with exceptional dining experiences. They offer unique opportunities to enjoy high-quality meals that you might not find elsewhere. I often use them while traveling for work to help me discover new places that I would probably overlook.

3. Flexible and Convenient Options

Dining programs often partner with great local restaurants. If you’re in a larger city, you’ll have access to more diverse options, from trendy local spots to fine dining establishments. Smaller towns typically have fewer choices, often a mix of local favorites and fast food chains. Wherever you are, these programs give you a reason to try something new and enjoy meals that stand out during your travels.

4. Loyalty Program Integration

These dining programs are integrated with loyalty programs, allowing you to maximize your rewards. For example, if you’re a member of Hilton Honors, IHG Rewards, or AAdvantage, you can log in and link your airline or hotel loyalty account. This means you can earn additional points or miles on top of what you already earn through hotel stays and flights. My favorite at the moment is AAdvantage Dining because not only do you earn miles, but also Loyalty Points towards AA status.

5. Support Local Businesses

By participating in these dining programs, you often have the chance to support local restaurants and businesses. Many programs include a variety of dining options, from well-known chains to independent eateries. This not only enhances your travel experience but also contributes to the local economy.

Important Note on Linking Credit Cards

It’s important to note that when you link your credit card to one of these dining programs, it will typically be unlinked from other programs because they are all processed by the same backend system. This means you can’t use multiple dining programs simultaneously with the same credit card. Be sure to choose the program that best aligns with your travel and dining goals to maximize your rewards.

Conclusion

Airline and hotel dining programs like Hilton Dining, IHG Dining, and AAdvantage Dining offer a wealth of benefits that can enhance your travel experience. From earning points and miles to enjoying exclusive discounts and unique dining experiences, these programs provide a valuable way to make the most of your dining dollars.