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Frequent Flyer Programs
The frequent flyer program is an incentive program operated by an airline to reward customers
for their continued loyalty. As a flyer, you earn one mile for each mile that
you fly on a particular airline. The concept behind frequent flyer programs is that the airlines
want their passengers to become loyal customers. It is much more costly for the airlines to get new
customers than it is to retain the ones they already have.
Today more than 85 million people participate, making frequent flyer programs the most pervasive
and successful marketing programs ever developed and in the process, the frequent flyer mile
has attained the status of a universal currency.
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When mileage programs started two decades ago, you could only earn miles by flying.
Today, there are about 1000 ways to get frequent flyer miles without ever leaving the
ground.
- How much is a mile worth?
A frequent flier mile is generally worth between one and two cents. So if you were flying a
route that is less than 500 miles for which most programs award you a flat 500 miles your earnings
would have a value of $5 to $10. International flights, which are approx 3,000 miles or more
would net you $25 to $75 worth of miles.
- What is the cost of joining Frequent Flier Programs?
There is no cost to join. Once you've signed up, you will receive a member guide (including the
program Terms & Conditions) and a card with your name and membership number. You can enroll over the
phone, via the Internet, or by mail. In the first two cases, you will receive a membership number
immediately, your account will be activated, and you can earn miles for a flight later that same day.
When enrolling via mail, it can take up to two months to receive your membership card and handbook.
- How to Choose a Program and Enroll
Most airlines offer several ways to earn miles on the ground, including partnership agreements
with car rental companies and hotel chains, credit cards, or other little gimmicks like ordering
flowers. Some of these are good deals. others are not worth it.
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Airline FFPs -- U.S. & Canadian Carriers
Asia Pacific Carriers
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Airline FFPs European Carriers
Credit Cards that Offers Miles
Buy Airline Miles
- Thousands of customers have discovered that buying miles actually saves them a lot of money
and allows them to use their miles when and where they want...no waiting required! Buy Airline Frequent Flyer Miles!
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Since the frequent business traveler represents the biggest group of profiable sales for the airlines,
they are rewarded with an even greater system of upgrades. This is called the "elite" awards program.
It involves three tiers: silver, gold and platinum. The elite status is often a special package
of benefits given to an airline's best customers -- business travellers -- the ones using it most
frequently.
Presently, there are several airline alliances as well as airline partner programs. You can also
earn "miles" or "points" for other travel and non-travel transactions. Travel transactions can
include hotel stays, rental cars, and more. Non travel related awards include credit card purchases,
long-distance telephone services, even mortgages and even stock trades.... Finally, shopping at
certain stores also provides an opportunity to "rack up" those miles.
The key to getting the best deal anywhere is to start doing your sums so you can make informed choices.
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International Air Travel
Information about airport checkin, immunisation, policies & restrictions, travel warnings and
documentation.
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How can I get best rate on my Airline tickets?
Advance Reservation, shop around, flexibility, off season,..
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Surviving long haul travel with young kids
Article about family travel with young children and babies....
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Frequent flyer programs
Frequent flyer miles, points, redeem, free airline tickets
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