Summary

  • Earn miles for free flights & upgrades based on flights, spending, & promotions.
  • Enjoy benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, & expedited TSA PreCheck.
  • Access airport lounges for work, relaxation, & more with elite status or miles.

It was only a few days ago that a frequent flyer of Delta Air Lines crossed the 14 million mile mark. Flying for such an incredible, impressive number of times also gives access to some secret tiers that airlines have. Joining a frequent flyer program is a great way to enhance your travel experience while staying loyal to a specific airline. And what’s more, there are airlines that offer you a status match as well.

Related

5 Top Ways To Boost Your Airline Miles Balance In 2024

Some of the unconventional tips can surely boost your mile balance.

United Airlines MileagePlus, American Airlines AAdvantage, and Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards are some of the most popular frequent flyer programs. While being a frequent flyer might be perceived negatively for environmental reasons, airlines are now offering points for Carbon offsets. We all know that there are a great range of benefits that come with being a frequent flyer. In this article, we are going to delve into the top 4 reaons why you should join a frequent flyer program.

Fly for free by earning miles

While American Airlines offers free flights for 7500 miles, the number of miles you need for a free flight depends upon routes and date.

Frequent flier programs allow you to earn miles through flights and for various non-flight activities. Accumulated miles can be redeemed for future flights or other rewards. Let’s take a closer look at how “Earn Miles” benefits in frequent flier programs.

N794AN American Airlines Boeing 777-223(ER) (1)

Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Accrual Methods:

  • Flight Miles: You earn miles based on the distance flown. Longer flights typically yield more miles.
  • Segment Miles: Some programs award miles per flight segment (each takeoff and landing).
  • Dollar Spent: Many programs now calculate miles based on the fare paid (e.g., 5 miles per dollar spent).

Airlines often run promotions where you can earn bonus miles for specific activities (booking online, flying during certain periods, etc.). Also, one can earn miles through partner airlines, hotels, car rentals, credit cards, and retail partners. Furthermore, co-branded credit cards offer accelerated earning rates for specific airlines. The earned miles can be used for free flights, upgrades, lounge access, or other expenses.

Free checked bags and priority boarding at the airport

The number of free checked bags depends upon the loyalty program.

Frequent flier programs offer several benefits to their members, including free checked bags and priority boarding. Airlines also offer expedited boarding for its frequent flyers. Some airlines also allow you a chance to get free TSA PreCheck. United Airlines and Southwest Airlines offer you a chance to pay the TSA Precheck fees with miles, while some select credit cards offered by different airlines also cover the fee.

When you have frequent flier status, you typically receive a certain number of free checked bags on your flights. The number of free checked bags depends upon your elite status as well. For instance, American Airlines’ AAdvantage program provides one free checked bag for its Gold members, while AAdvantage Platinum and AAdvantage Platinum Pro members can have two and three checked bags for free, respectively. This benefit can save you money, especially if you travel frequently or with multiple bags.

TSA precheck fast lane line before security at Reagan National Airport

Photo: David Tran Photo l Shutterstock

Remember that the baggage allowance varies by airline and program, so it’s essential to check the details for your enrolled program. Conversely, frequent flier programs allow passengers to access priority boarding. Let us briefly look at the benefits.

  • Ample time to settle in after boarding first and find space for your carry-on luggage.
  • Be in one of the earlier boarding groups.
  • Securing overhead bin space
  • Some airlines also extend priority boarding to your travel companions.

Get complimentary upgrades

While upgrading with cash is also possible, frequent flier miles can also be used for upgrades.

Complimentary upgrades are a valuable benefit offered by frequent flier programs. They allow passengers to move from an economy class seat to a higher class (such as business or first class) without paying an additional fare. These upgrades are typically available to elite members of frequent flier programs based on their status and availability.

Airlines allocate a certain number of upgraded seats on each flight. On American Airlines, for example, elite members receive priority for these upgrades. You can request an upgrade during booking or at the airport when eligible. You’ll move to a more comfortable cabin if upgraded seats are available.

LATAM

Photo: LATAM

Benefits of Complimentary Upgrades:

  • Comfort: One can enjoy better seats, more legroom, and enhanced amenities.
  • Priority Services: Priority check-in, security, and boarding.
  • In-Flight Experience: Premium meals, drinks, and personalized service.
  • Productivity: Business class offers a conducive environment for work.

However, one has to watch out for the various factors that affect upgrades. Upgrades are more likely if you book higher fare classes. Some routes have more upgrade availability. And the earlier one requests an upgrade, the more likely (s)he will receive it.

Related

4 Airlines That Let You Earn Miles On Airbnb Stays

Only four airlines worldwide enable direct mile earnings with Airbnb.

Get access to airport lounges

You can pay miles and points earned to get access to some coveted airport lounges.

There are various other perks of being a frequent flier, such as the free Wi-Fi Delta Air Lines provides for SkyMiles members or Singapore Airlines for its KrisFlyer members. But getting lounge access has to top all the other benefits of joining a frequent flier program. Having an elite flying status is one of the cheapest ways to access an airport lounge. Some airlines, like American, also offer you a chance to pay for airport lounges using points and miles. Lufthansa invites its Star Alliance Gold members and Miles & More Senator members to access the Senator lounge.

Coral-Lounge-1

Photo: TMA

The airport lounges are great ways to not only relax but also get some valuable work done as they offer high-speed Wi-Fi. Emirates has a chauffeur drive service that you can access using frequent flier points. You can also get access to airport lounges for free by using any of these methods:

  • Frequent flyers can use certain credit cards such as the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®* for a complimentary Admirals Club membership.
  • Be a frequent flier for alliances like Star Alliance, oneworld, or SkyTeam.

What do you think is the best reason to join a frequent flier program? Let us know in the comments below.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *