Do not Be Loyal to frequent flier programs

Do not Be Loyal to frequent flier programs -

A few years ago I wrote a post about joining frequent flyer programs. At the time I had to join in the process of picking, but now I feel the post is a little dated, and my thoughts on this subject as I have more to get in Miles programs and accumulating frequent flyer miles begun , Which means it's a good time, a new article on the subject.

to write

Back in 08, I wanted to join the JAL awards program because they come together not only with Oneworld, but also some other airlines I enjoy, as Emirates. But in the end I came up with American Airlines, which is also a oneworld partners.

I joined Americans over JAL because I realized that if you do not fly as much (and at that time I did not), it is much more difficult to earn airline miles when you do not collect the points by a trip Credit card. So I took Americans as they with JAL a partnership, and I could use their credit card to get bonus miles and miles of my day to day spending. Since then I have been faithful to AA / Oneworld.

Now, three years after my first post, I believe that if you are a super pilot, you should not stay at an airline or airline alliance. Credit cards and special offers with you receive any extra points and miles, you need to get free flights on any alliance. There is no need to be faithful. The only thing gained by being loyal to an airline's elite status and the amazing perks that come with it.

And therein lies the problem. If you spread your flights among a large number of different carriers, you dilute your mileage balance. It will last forever enough Earn miles for a free flight redeem, and you are definitely not enough on an airline flying elite status to obtain. It takes 20,000 miles on most airlines to obtain the lowest elite status. Most people who fly much not per year.

Elite status is everything I take care of us. I want the extra perks - the free baggage allowance, airport lounges, priority boarding and free upgrades. I'll pay more for a ticket, and be true, because in the end, to make the benefits of higher price value.

But for the casual flyer? I do not think loyalty is worth.

I do not think that someone who flies less than 20,000 miles a year should be the trouble, an airline "faithful". Unless you have a real affinity for an airline, are the advantages for your "loyalty" received not worth the extra price you will pay for your fare. If you are flying in hotels or tens of thousands of miles per year, remain faithful, you will get a lot of additional benefits. But why pay more if you fly only a few thousand miles a year to? Do not be faithful. Go easy on the price. If you know that you are not going to meet the elite status threshold, why pay extra?

loyalty is high, if you know you much to use a service. I stuck with the US this year, because I knew I fly at least 20,000 miles and at least their "Gold" status. My platinum status with American gets me upgrades, lounge access, and the ability to skip the long check-in line. These amenities are worth the extra money I by paid American and its partners of cheaper airlines.

It is to be meaningful faithful do when you're a road warrior.

But if you're a casual traveler, it makes no sense, because you pay more, without the added benefit of seeing "status". there are so many ways to get free miles in those days, that if you just a casual, a few times -per-year pilot, you are better off to get these methods with the free business or first class tickets , who are all elite benefits for this flight anyway.

This year I will not make platinum status in Oneworld. When I get back to Europe, will I have flown 29,000 miles with American this year and it takes 50,000 miles to get on board, the status on gold. With only one large flight this year left (to Asia), there is no way, I'll make Platinum. So for the rest of the year, I fly on price alone. There is no point for me to pay a higher tariff for Status I'll never get. If I can not be treated as an elite pilot, why, how to pay?

I think everyone should sign up for frequent flyer programs. So if you use a company accumulating You are rewards. Never miss a chance to get rewards. I am a member of any airline and hotel loyalty program for this reason. But if you only take a few trips a year, there is no reason for a program to be faithful.

Save money and go with the cheapest ticket.

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