Comments on: Joining a Frequent Flyer Program

By: Talia Clare

Talia Clare — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:58:43 +0000

I can’t help but think that you are missing out on some MAJOR, MAJOR bonus miles. I am an avid mileage hog, and I have to say, having accounts with the airlines directly always nets me TWICE the miles as going with one major program or a credit card program. I say this because with the appropriate credit card, you get miles for every $ you spend when shopping and booking flights. But, if you have that airlines mileage program, you get all those same points AGAIN. Plus, you get extra bonus points when shopping in grocery stores or at gas stations. Then, you get better deals on flights.

For example, my favorite airline mileage program is United. They have the “Online Mall” where you can get up to 10 points per $1 for shopping there with ANY credit card. You also get points for registering and using a grocery “Club” card like Pavilions/Safeway/Vons, and the same for Dining. Then, I also use the Citibank Flex Points card when purchasing, so I get an additional 10 Points per dollar just for grocery shopping. To top it off, in the off season, I can book a flight for as little as 13K miles…it’s 25K miles any other time, or through Citibank. So, I accumulate the miles and the free trips faster just because I have their mileage program directly.

Lastly, although I openly admit to never having heard of these mileage programs (and thus WILL be checking them out), many of the airlines let you swap miles between carriers just for being one of their people. So, I share my miles between accounts without signing up for a bigger mileage company.

By: AmyEmilia

AmyEmilia — Sun, 25 May 2008 12:40:00 +0000

I forgot to mention – I’ve paid personally for a President’s Club membership for years now, and it is a great investment in sanity and peace. Usually there are also simple snacks like cheese and crackers, apples, toast and english muffins in the morning. And free wifi. I pay about $250 a year but get it all back (and more) on the food and wifi.
Amy

By: AmyEmilia

AmyEmilia — Sun, 25 May 2008 12:37:00 +0000

Matt, you might want to consider SkyTeam Alliance. Here is the link: http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/company/alliance/default.aspx?SID=4521A2E4A11046ED82FB97A444E970B2 .

I fly Continental all the time for work and pleasure, and believe that of the big airlines, they are the best. They treat frequent fliers with respect and offer nice perks like actual food, and automatic upgrades on domestic flights according to your status etc. The SkyTeam Alliance has lots of partners including Emirates and KLM.

I am loyal to the Continental brand as much as possible since they do take care of me. Most of the time, their domestic flights are the same or maybe 5 dollars more. International can be all over the place as I’m sure you know!

Amy

By: Debo Hobo

Debo Hobo — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:38:00 +0000

I agree I am more concerned about quality and price not brand loyalty because the airlines are not loyal to me the consumer.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:21:00 +0000

Christine,

You can't get Oneworld points but your AA miles can be used on any of the one world partners. So picking one, gets you them all.

I'm picking JAL because besides Oneworld carriers I can also get Emirates and Air France

-Matt

By: backpakker

backpakker — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:32:00 +0000

Im with a local frequent flier group ..not yet in an international flier group..maybe I should travel abroad more often..
Lakshmi

By: christine gilbert

christine gilbert — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:33:00 +0000

Hi Matt,

I'm with American, (my work flies with them alot) and they do suck. They've stranded me 2X at a diverted airport because of engine trouble and stuck me on a bus to my destination.

I didn't know you could sign up with OneWorld directly, I should look into that... good tip!