Tips for Earning Frequent Flyer Miles

Tips for Earning Frequent Flyer Miles

Today's globalized marketplace favors consumers, in view of the flexibility of choice facilitated by competition. The airlines industry is no exception, as evident from the emergence of cheaper options, such as low-cost carriers brought in by the competitive atmosphere. This trend has led many a consumer to fly frequently and take advantage of incentive programs, such as frequent flyer programs. These programs date back to the early 1980s, after American Airlines planned to devise a loyalty program to keep track of customers and reward those who flew frequently. In due course, the idea revolutionized the way people travel.

A frequent flyer program allows customers to earn free miles for the actual miles they fly on an airline. Airlines intend to gain lifetime customers by using the program, given that the cost of acquiring new customers is much higher than retaining existing ones. The reward system is implemented by tracking customers with their database. Consumers may enroll for the program by applying online or signing up at the airport or mailing the registration form. While signing up for such a program, customers are advised to have a look at the fine print pertinent to the terms and conditions laid out by the airline.

It is best to consider airline alliances, as the miles credited can be used interchangeably. Alliances between domestic and foreign carriers facilitate seamless travel and also allow faster accumulation of miles. Once a critical mark is reached, customers can move to a higher level or status, which offer additional awards. Another important suggestion is to choose the dominant airline in the region, as it will have the most flights to the places frequented by the traveler. Flying in the first class or business class generates more points when compared to flying in the economy class.

Infrequent flyers can also earn points through many non-flight activities. These include using hotel accommodations, car rentals and shopping facilities that are tied to an airline's frequent flyer program. Credit card companies that have tied up with airlines offer air miles for each purchase made using their cards. Upon reaching the set number of points, customers can get a free ticket proportionate to the accumulated mileage.

The process of redeeming miles is similar to purchasing a ticket with cash. The airline uses the membership number to access the customer's account and subtracts the accrued miles to provide the ticket. Customers may also have to pay a fee to redeem miles. It is advisable to focus on accruing enough points to get a free ticket rather than giving into the temptation to simply accumulate miles. If the accrued points are close to the total miles required for a free ticket, customers can directly purchase additional points from the airlines company and redeem the miles.

Frequent flyer programs have evolved to include reward accumulation through several non-flight activities, such as credit card usage, shopping and hotel stays. Customers must be cautious not to let the miles expire by redeeming them or requesting to convert soon-to-expire points into a certificate.
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