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How to Make the Most of Your Frequent-Flier Miles

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Airline Tickets
  • Frequent-flier Programs
  1. Step 1

    Choose one frequent-flier program and concentrate on maximizing your benefits within that program.

  2. Step 2

    Know and use the frequent-flier program's partners, who may range from florists to telephone companies to hotels.

  3. Step 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. Step 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. Step 5

    Save your free miles for flights that are usually expensive.

  6. Step 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.

Comments  

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Don't fall into the trap of purchasing upgrades, magazines, and club memberships with your miles. Chances are you will get far less for your miles than if you were to save them for expensive flights, or perhaps flying somewhere in business or first class

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If you accrue miles faster than others in the family, transfer your free ticket to your spouse when you are traveling together. That way the paid ticket's miles go on the most active account, which will get you another free flight faster!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 See if your employer will let you pay for trips with your own credit card - one that rewards miles of course - and be reimbursed. Use this card for tickets and rentals and plan your stay at bonus/partner hotels. Easy way to obtain maximum miles, for free!

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