Frequent flyer programs
Virtually all major U.S. airlines have a frequent-flyer plan, and
many foreign carriers are starting them. These programs allow you
to earn free trips, upgrades (e.g., from Coach to First Class) or
other awards based on how often you fly on that airline. In some
programs you can earn credit by using specified hotels, rental car
companies, credit cards, etc. It doesn't cost anything to join a
program, and you can enroll in the programs of any number of different
airlines. However, it may not be to your advantage to "put
all your eggs in one basket" with one plan by accumulating
a high mileage balance only to find out later that another carrier's
program suits your needs better. Here are some things to look at
when selecting a frequent-flyer program.
* Does the airline fly where you're likely to want to go?
* Are there tie-ins with other carriers, especially those with
international routes? Is some of the airline's service provided
by commuter-carrier "partners"? In both cases, can you
earn credits and use awards on those other airlines?
* How many miles (or trips) are required for particular awards?
* Is there a minimum award per flight (e.g., you are only flying
200 miles but the airline always awards at least 500)?
* Is there a deadline for using accumulated miles?
* Carefully examine the number and length of any "blackout
periods" during which awards cannot be used. On some carriers,
the Thanksgiving blackout may last a week.
* If you are planning a big trip and are thinking about joining
that airline's frequent-flyer program, enroll before you travel.
Airlines usually won't credit mileage that was flown before you
became a member.
After you join a program, there are other things that you should
know:
* Airlines reserve the right to make changes to their programs,
sometimes on short notice. The number of miles required for particular
awards might be raised, requiring you to use your old mileage
(i.e., your current balance) under the more restrictive new rules.
The airline may cease service on a route that you were particularly
interested in-or it may drop the city you live in! The carrier
may eliminate attractive frequent-flyer tie-ins with particular
airlines or hotel chains.
* Cashing in your mileage frequently will limit your losses in
case the carrier changes the rules, merges, or goes out of business.
(Some private companies sell insurance covering some of these
eventualities.) Accumulating a larger mileage balance will entitle
you to bigger awards, however.
* Carriers often limit the number of seats on each flight for
which frequent-flyer awards can be used. You may not be able to
get reservations on your first- or second-choice dates or flights.
* Awards can often be issued in the name of immediate family
members. However, if you sell or give an award to someone not
named on the award or the travel document and the airline finds
out, the recipient could have his or her ticket confiscated, and
the carrier may penalize the program member's account balance.
* Ask the airline how mileage is registered; you will probably
have to identify yourself as a program member when you book your
flight or when you check in.
* Keep your boarding passes and the passenger coupon of your
ticket until you receive a statement from the frequent-flyer program
reflecting the correct mileage earnings for that trip. If a problem
arises, get the names of the people you speak with and keep notes
of your conversations.
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