I am a member of virtually every frequent-flyer program out there. Not necessarily because I fly with a variety of different carriers, but you never know which airline will offer you the lowest fare, so I like to be prepared.
Just about every major U.S. airlines offers 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. If you are not already a member, here are some things to look at when selecting a frequent-flyer program.
· 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?
· 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. For example, today I found out that United Airlines (I have been a member of their frequent-flyer program for more than two decades) is raising the number of miles required for particular awards.
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.
Finally, keep your boarding passes until you receive a statement from the frequent-flyer program reflecting the correct mileage earnings for that trip. And remember to document, document, document. If a problem arises, get the names of the people you speak with and keep notes of your conversations.