Why 'booking direct' doesn’t always make sense anymore

Reading Time: 3 min

The golden rule in travel has long been to book directly with airlines and hotels. Skip the online travel agencies (OTAs) and the portals to earn loyalty points, enjoy elite perks, and avoid headaches when things go wrong.

But times have changed. With some third parties now offering loyalty-eligible hotel bookings, the “book direct or bust” rule doesn’t always hold up anymore.

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Let’s start with when booking direct is still the right move — because sometimes, it is.

If you have elite status with an airline or hotel chain, booking directly is the simplest way to guarantee upgrades, bonus points, and perks like early check-in or free breakfast.

It’s also the best option if there’s a chance your plans could change. Rebooking or canceling is almost always easier when you go straight through the airline or hotel.

Even when a credit card travel portal offers extra points, I value the flexibility and direct control over my reservation more. One delayed flight or missed connection can negate the value of those bonus points.

I still book flights directly with airlines nine times out of ten. But that other 10% of the time? That’s where things get interesting.

Some third-party platforms now offer perks that rival or beat what you’d get by booking direct. For example, Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Edit by Chase Travel℠ both include benefits like complimentary breakfast, late checkout, and property credits that mirror elite perks. These bookings can also qualify for statement credits from premium cards.

Even better, some of these portals now mark “loyalty-eligible” properties, meaning you can still earn hotel points and elite-night credits at participating hotels. That’s a big shift, considering historically, booking through a third party usually meant forfeiting those perks.

Rove Miles, a newer platform, also highlights loyalty-eligible stays. You can double-dip by earning hotel points and Rove rewards on the same booking, and there’s even a search filter to show only eligible properties.

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It’s easy to assume booking direct guarantees the best rate, but that’s not always the case.

Hotels love to advertise “best rate guarantees,” but actually getting a price match approved can sometimes be a struggle. Meanwhile, OTAs and portals often bundle extra value you won’t get booking directly.

For example, I sometimes book Costco Travel vacation packages because they include perks like free airport transfers, property credits, and digital Costco Shop Cards. Even if the nightly rate is similar to booking direct, those extras can easily offset the difference.

And sometimes, it’s not about price at all but how you earn rewards. Certain credit cards offer higher earning rates when booking through their travel portals. If you know your plans are locked in and you won’t make changes, that can be an easy way to stretch your earnings.

Here’s my quick decision guide:

• Need flexibility or guaranteed elite perks? Book direct.
• Want extra perks or statement credits? Check Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or Chase’s The Edit.
• Looking to double-dip on rewards? Try Rove Miles.
• Booking a flight you’re unlikely to change? Consider your card’s travel portal for bonus points.
• Chasing bundled value or vacation packages? Don’t overlook Costco Travel or other OTAs.

So before you rush to book your next trip directly, take a minute to compare your options. The right option always depends on what matters most to you, and the key is to weigh the tradeoffs rather than following hard-and-fast rules.

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