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Frequent
Flier Plan Links
Here
is some information about frequent flier programs that
helps if you are looking at signing up with a new frequent
flyer plan:
Virtually all major U.S. airlines have 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. 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.
Here are some points to look at when selecting a frequent-flyer
program.
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Does
the airline fly where you're likely to want to go? |
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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? |
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How many
miles (or trips) are required for particular awards? |
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Is there
a minimum award per flight (e.g., you are only flying
200 miles but the airline always awards at least 500)? |
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Is there
a deadline for using accumulated miles? |
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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. |
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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:
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Airlines
reserve the right to make changes to their programs,
sometimes on short notice. 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!
The carrier may eliminate attractive frequent-flyer
tie-ins with particular airlines or hotel chains. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Keep your
boarding passes and the passenger coupon of your ticket
until you receive a statement from the frequent-flyer
program reflecting the correct mileage earnings for
that trip. If a problem arises, get the names of the
people you speak with and keep notes of your conversations. |
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