Many airlines offer rewards to loyal customers through an incentive plan called the frequent flyer program. A frequent flyer program is a points-based program in which a certain number of points are awarded per designated number of miles flown with a given airline company. Customers who enroll in these programs receive rewards for their loyalty in the form of free airfare, goods or services, or additional benefits such as VIP lounge access or priority flight booking rights.
The most common method of accruing points is to regularly fly with a sponsoring airline. Most frequent flyer programs award travelers with a certain number of points for a certain distance traveled. Additional points can be awarded for choosing to fly business or first class, while fewer points are given when using discounted tickets. Many programs also award points for activities outside of the actual airport, such as booking a room at a participating hotel, renting a car from a certain agency, using partnering credit cards, or eating at certain restaurants.
The expiration date of frequent flyer points can vary. Some points will expire after a designated period of time, while others may expire only if the account remains inactive for extended periods. Participants are advised to check their individual expiration dates in order to avoid losing well-deserved rewards.
Customers who fly often tend to receive a different status level than others. These elevated status levels provide loyal patrons with rewards which cannot be purchased otherwise. Benefits vary by airline company, but can include access to special first-class lounges, doubling or tripling mileage points, the ability to request special seating arrangements, and preferences against being bumped, to name a few. For the most elite frequent flyer members, some programs allow booking into otherwise sold-out flights.
Frequent flyer programs are a wonderful way to earn free airfares. In today’s economy, these rewards translate into big savings! Travelers of all ages, and of all flight frequencies, are encouraged to join frequent flyer programs!
For more information on frequent flyer programs visit http://www.AirlineRewards.us
