| Frequent Flyer Programs |
Virtually all major airlines have a frequent-flyer plan, which 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. 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. It doesn't cost anything to join a program, and you can enroll in the programs of any number of different airlines. All travelers benefit by being members of a carrier's frequent flyer - leisure or business travelers alike.
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.
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;
- whether the carrier’s program ties in with other carriers, especially those with international routes, and you can earn credits and use awards on those other airlines;
- whether some of the airline's service is provided by commuter-carrier "partners" and can you earn credits and use awards on those other airlines.
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. Carefully examine the number and length of any "blackout periods" during which awards cannot be used. On some carriers, the Christmas 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, 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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, in the same manner with many of the same conditions as deeply discounted air fares. This could include advance reservation requirements, blackout periods, length-of-stay limits, and limits on the number of frequent flyer seats on many flights (to as few as zero on some flights). 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. So, always check with the airline whether you can give an award ticket to someone not named on the award.
- 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?
- 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 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 a problem arises, get the names of the people you speak with and keep notes of your conversations.
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.
- Business travelers: If you are just starting your traveling career, enroll in all of the major domestic carriers or international alliances. The latter gives you the benefit of earning bonus miles on all carriers that are member of the alliance and, in many cases, on all of their partners.
- Should your itinerary change for a delayed or cancelled flight quickly, it's better to already be a member of the second carrier's program. Most carriers offer bonus miles for enrollment initially.
- If you making your reservation directly over the phone with the carrier, you can make both the reservation and join in their frequent flyer program at the same time.
- Loyalty builds respect and recognition with the airlines. If you travel twice a month or more, it's important to limit your carrier preferences to one or two carriers at the most.
- As a member of a carrier's frequent flyer program - you'll always get better seating than a non-member in heavily booked flights.
- Check the credit card you use to see if they offer bonus miles for specific carriers, or for travel vendors.
- New entry into a market by a carrier generally brings bonus miles. Be aware of them.
- 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.
Note that 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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