Want to know more about the Faces of FlyerTalk?

Terry (sophiegirl) grew up traveling and spends the majority of her travel on the road for business.  She’s got a few bucket list places to do such as the Galapagos, Australia, Thailand but with a house on the Atlantic coast she thinks she’ll be spending some significant time there as she gets closer to her retirement; nothing like the beach life  Terry, thank you for sharing your perspectives and experiences with us all.  We’re thrilled to you be a part of “Faces of FlyerTalk”.

When did you find FlyerTalk and how did you find it?

2007; I was talking with someone about Marriott Bonus Bucks, and somehow the conversation turned to FlyerTalk … I went to check it out and became an immediate participant.

Do you consider yourself an infrequent, fairly regular, or miles and points addicted reader?

I think that depends on who you ask!  Mr. Sophie certainly thinks I am addicted, but compared to others I believe I fall into the fairly regular category.

How often are you on FlyerTalk, and what forums do you typically visit?

Almost daily.  I always check Marriott, sometimes Hilton or National, and of course (as an Ambassador in the forum) Hyatt.  If we have a trip coming up, I may follow Coupon Connection for a bit, or ask for recommendations in Destinations.  Quite honestly, there are others that would be helpful, but they are too snarky and who needs it?

Do you travel for business, leisure, or both?

Both, but way too much business and far too little leisure!  We have a corporate travel site that we are asked to use for all bookings, but is mandatory for air.  If there is a hotel with a negotiated rate, we are expected to book it.  We do not force a per diem on our reps, but there are (fairly generous) limits.  I call it expense management by common sense!  We get to keep all of our miles and points … which I think is under-appreciated by some.

What credit cards are you carrying in your wallet right now, and which ones do you recommend to friends?

Chase Sapphire, Hyatt, and Marriott.  Mr. Sophie has SPG American Express, and Barclay’s USAir.  Unless it is a friend who travels with us very frequently (so that a particular card would make a difference in the quality of their travel), I try to stay out of other people’s credit card life!

What’s the single most successful thing you’ve done to acquire points and miles?

That’s easy – finding FlyerTalk!

How many miles / points have you accumulated in the past year? In your lifetime?

In the past year 350K or so.  In my lifetime – way too many to count … and just like the years, I wonder where they all have gone!

Do you use a tracking program to keep track of your miles / points? Which one?

No, but I think I need to – I realized last month 2 free car days were going to expire that I had forgotten I had.

How does your spouse / partner / family / friends feel about this hobby?

Well, none of them want to be banished to coach, so they don’t say anything to my face – but behind my back is probably another story!

What’s your most memorable trip?

The first time we rented a house in Puerto Vallarta that came with a full staff, a private pool, and a spectacular view.  I loved it – more spacious than a hotel and I didn’t have to get dressed up to go to dinner!

What suggestions can you give to rookies and newbies on FlyerTalk?

1. Understand that points are only a part of your travel life.  Look beyond the program to see if the locations fit your needs, and if the redemption properties are in a place your family will enjoy.
2. Finding a program that offers lifetime benefits is a lasting benefit worth chasing.
3. Make an attempt to learn the basic rules from the T&C’s of your program, then use FlyerTalk to extend your knowledge.
4. If you ask for help or recommendations, acknowledge it, and most importantly, return to post the outcome!
5. Once you learn, start to give back.

Are there any particular fellow FlyerTalk members whose advice you follow?

I definitely follow the advice of the Marriott and Gold Passport Concierges!  :>).  There are also quite a few members whose posts I respect – Mr. Vker, Peteropny, SkiAdcock, VA1379, Socrates, RichardInSF, and GrizShel to name a few.

What’s the one thing you’d like to see change on FlyerTalk?

Snarky responses from our members, and a formal corporate representative for all Air/Car/Hotel forums.

Have you attended or are you planning on attending any FlyerTalk related events?

I have not, I just don’t have the time at this point.  I did however walk right smack into one during a business trip!

Any other comments / questions / suggestions / advice?

FlyerTalk is an amazing resource.  Thank you to all of those who work to maintain it (100% volunteers!), members who participate regularly, to those companies who have a corporate representative on board, and finally, to the longest term members who have made this community what it is today.

Terry, thank you again for sharing with us.  We’ve got a couple of thank you gifts to get to you, and your avatar will now show you, as one of the Faces of FlyerTalk for years to come.

Here are a few pictures Terry has shared with us:

Deal of the Day