How to Earn and Redeem Frequent Flyer Miles

Obtaining a frequent flyer membership for airlines you use regularly is a smart way to lower travel costs on future trips. Once you have flown the minimum number of miles, you can redeem your frequent flyer miles for free upgrades or round-trip tickets. Although joining a frequent flyer program is free and easy, you may find that redeeming the frequent flyer points for free tickets isn't always as simple.

Instructions

1. Choose an airline that offers good service from your home-based airport and to your frequent travel destinations. Also consider participating travel partners and the program details such as the minimum mileage required to earn award travel.

2. Apply for a frequent flyer card by contacting the airline immediately or when booking your next ticket. Remember to get separate frequent flyer cards for every member of you family that will be traveling with a purchased ticket.

3. Book future tickets using the airline that you have selected for a frequent flyer membership. Restricting travel to a single airline will keep your frequent flyer points consolidated and result in faster accrual of award travel.

4. Provide the frequent flyer number of each traveler when booking a trip. The frequent flyer number can also be provided during airport check-in.

5. Use partners of the airline to earn additional mileage when staying at a hotel, renting a car, dining and selecting other travel-related services.

6. Verify frequent flyer mileage accrual and track usage by accessing the airline Web site or checking your mailed statement.

7. Begin redeeming mileage once you have flown the minimum number of miles required. Contact the airline directly by phone or use the airline's Web site to redeem award travel.

Tips & Warnings

• Read frequent flyer program terms and conditions carefully to familiarize yourself with restrictions on mileage usage, expiration clauses and other important details.

• Frequent flyer members may be eligible for special promotional offers from the airline. Check airline Web sites for discounts before booking travel.

• Do not overpay for services from participating partners just to receive frequent flyer mileage, unless of course, your company is reimbursing you for the expense.

• Airlines typically have a limited number of frequent flyer award seats for each flight. Flexibility in travel plans may be required to redeem frequent flyer miles. Booking farther in advance will result in a better chance of securing a frequent flyer award seat on a specific flight.

• Never expect to use frequent flyer miles right before or after a major holiday.