Travel hacking is FULL of slang, jargon, and acronyms. So much so that I can see how a newbie would look at this list and be like – you’ve lost me forever, goodbye. I’m here to tell you, though – don’t fear the jargon! Lean into it and embrace it! It’s not as complicated as it sounds, and before you know it, you’ll be dropping these acronyms like the reward travel pro that you are.
Here is a cheat sheet of the points and miles jargon I use the most:
Ready for a deep dive? Here goes a more substantial list:
- AF = Annual Fee: The fee you pay every year on specific credit cards
- AMEX = American Express
- AU = Authorized User: A person with a credit card on an account that they are not the primary owner of.
- DP = Data Point: When discussing successes (and sometimes failures) in reward travel, you will refer to your particular scenario as a “data point.” For example: As a DP, Marriott agreed to extend the expiration date on my free night certificate.
- F = Airline code for first class seats
- Hard Pull = Refers to the inquiry on your credit report whenever you apply for a new card.
- HUCA = Hang Up, Call Again: If you don’t like the information given by a hotel/airline/bank representative, it’s suggested to thank them for their time, and then HUCA hoping for a more favorable response from a different agent.
- J = Airline code for business class seats
- LOL/24 = A term people use to indicate they are SO FAR over 5/24, that it’s laughable.
- Mileage Run = Booking a flight or a hotel room just to earn points. Sometimes, this is done when you are close to earning status with a specific loyalty program. For example: Once, I was one night short of earning Hyatt Globalist status, so I booked a night at a local Hyatt, checked in to get the stay credit, and then went home. I never actually stayed in the room.
- P1 = Player 1: This is you, babe! The brains behind your family’s points, miles, and free travel.
- P2 = Player 2: This person (usually a significant other or close family member) also begins travel hacking so that you can pool points and refer each other to new card bonuses. Teamwork makes the dream work!
- SUB = Sign Up Bonus: The large bonus you receive for reaching the minimum spend requirement on a new card.
- Y = Airline code for economy class
- 2x/3x/4x/5x = This refers to the number of points you’ll earn per $1 spent on a card. For example: Be sure to use your Amex gold at the market; it earns 4x on groceries!
- 5/24 = Refers to Chase’s 5/24 rule about opening no more than 5 cards in a 24 month period.
Conclusion
When you first start, the terminology of the points and miles world can be daunting and off-putting. Don’t let it intimidate you! Instead, use this trusty list of travel hacking jargon as you get accustomed to the acronyms of the hobby.
