Frequent Flyer Programs
Frequent flyer programs allow you to earn certain travel benefits
based on the number of miles (or occasionally the number of trips)
you fly on a particular airline. Typical awards include a free ticket
or a free upgrade from coach to first class. Some airlines also
offer "elite" programs which provide check-in and boarding
priorities, and "affinity" credit cards which earn mileage
credits when you use them for purchases.
In order to earn these benefits you must become a member of that
airline’s program; this can often be done through a travel
agency. There is no limit to the number of programs you may join.
Before deciding which program(s) to join, compare them carefully.
You don’t want to get "hooked" on one program by
accumulating a high mileage balance, only to learn that another
program offers superior benefits for your particular situation.
In making your decision you should consider:
* the rate at which credits are earned,
* minimum credits earned per flight (e.g. you are only going 200
miles but the airline always credits at least 500)
* whether you are most interested in free tickets for yourself,
"companion tickets," or upgrades,
* how much credit is needed for the awards you are interested
in,
* deadlines for using accumulated credits (e.g., in some programs
miles expire after three years),
* whether the airline serves the cities you would like to travel
to, and whether it has tie-ins to other airlines (especially foreign
carriers) and to hotels and car rental companies you would use,
* whether awards are transferable or for the member’s use
only.
Each airline’s program carries certain conditions and limitations.
You should carefully read the promotional material and the "fine
print" booklet that the airline should give you when you become
a member. Also, pay attention to notices that you receive in the
mail after you enroll; they sometimes describe changes in the program.
Here are some other important considerations to keep in mind when
comparing frequent flyer programs:
* Airlines reserve the right to make changes, often on short
notice. This can include changes to the conditions and limitations
and also to the awards and the rate at which awards are earned.
* Keep track of the mileage you have earned, and check it against
the statement that the airline mails you. Keep your boarding pass
and the "passenger coupon" portion of your ticket
* If the airline adds a new route after you enroll, especially
an international one, you may be able to earn mileage on that
route but not use awards there.
* Don’t plan to use an award immediately after earning enough
credit for it. The airline needs time to credit the most recent
mileage and then issue an award certificate or ticket.
* Availability of space on flights for frequent flyers is often
treated in the same manner with many of the same conditions as
deeply discounted air fares. This could include advance reservation
requirements, blackout periods (generally during peak travel times,
including holidays), length-of-stay limits, and limits on the
number of frequent flyer seats on many flights (to as few as zero
on some flights).
* If your award flight is canceled or greatly delayed, can you
travel on another airline? If your own plans change after an award
ticket is issued, can the ticket be used on another flight, or
can the trip be canceled and the mileage re-credited to your account?
One special reminder: airlines often restrict the transferability
of mileage earnings. Almost without exception, the sale (or even
attempted sale) of credits or awards violates the provisions of
the program and may result in the revocation of all accumulated
mileage and/or termination of your participation in the program.
However, awards can usually be given to others as gifts.
Persons who buy coupons also run a risk. If the airline suspects
that the bearer of a coupon or ticket is not the party designated
to use the travel document, the airline may refuse to honor it and
may even confiscate it. In such cases, the airline invariably disclaims
any obligation to the bearer of the coupon or ticket; the purchaser’s
recourse, if any, would be with the seller of the travel document.
The Department of Transportation does not regulate airline frequent
flyer programs. These are matters of individual company policy.
If you are dissatisfied with the way a program is administered,
changes which may take place, or the basic terms of the agreement,
you should complain directly to the company. If such informal efforts
to resolve the problem are unsuccessful, you may wish to consider
legal action through the appropriate civil court.
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