How to Make the Most of Your Frequent-Flier Miles

Flying can earn you frequent-flier miles, as can charging purchases on a credit card with an airline tie-in. After all that spending, don't waste those precious miles'learn the tricks to using them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Airline Tickets
• Frequent-flier Programs

1. Choose one frequent-flier program and concentrate on maximizing your benefits within that program.
2. Know and use the frequent-flier program's partners, who may range from florists to telephone companies to hotels.
3. Consult the program's newsletter frequently for updates on new partners and promotions. If you don't receive the newsletter in the mail, call and request a subscription, or check online for newsletter postings.
4. Keep track of your miles. Work toward attaining elite status if you are a high-frequency traveler, or a free trip if you are a leisure traveler.
5. Save your free miles for flights that are usually expensive.
6. Check your statements carefully, and keep your travel receipts in case the airline forgets to credit your account properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase tickets using frequent-flier miles as early as possible'even a year in advance if you can. These tickets get snapped up quickly.