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