[To see all four sections of our coverage on frequent flier miles, visit the "Before You Go/Airfare" index of articles by clicking here.]
There is no downside. Frequent-flier programs are a painless way to turn everything you do (especially flying) into free trips. You don't need to be a globe-trotting frequent flier to earn major miles. Pump gas, buy a head of lettuce, stay in a hotel, make long-distance calls, or use a credit card--all of these activities rack up the miles. Now more than ever, you can shop, dial, drive, and eat your way to a free trip.
The proliferation of airline-based alliances and partnerships over the past few years has made redeeming your miles more flexible than ever. You can use them for trips to Timbuktu, hotel stays, magazine subscriptions, or dozens of other travel and consumer goodies.
But as mileage programs have grown more flexible, they've become more complicated. Just as it's worth a few hours' study to pick the right mortgage loan or retirement plan, it's worth analyzing the serpentine convolutions of plan details. If you read the fine print, and understand how to work within the restrictions, you can strike mileage gold.
How to Play the Mileage Game
Joining frequent-flier plans is free, so join as many as possible. As a frequent-flier member you'll get better customer service, more focused attention in the event that your luggage is lost or if you need to switch your seat, and a greater chance of securing a hotel voucher if your flight is canceled and you're stranded overnight.
But loyalty to one program does pay off. If you fly one airline (or within one airline alliance) often, you'll accumulate free trips quickly. Elite status--usually earned by flying at least 25,000 miles per year--gives you further mileage bonuses, free upgrades to first or business class, and VIP benefits that range from priority boarding, seating, and baggage claim to discounts on club membership.
Frequent-flier programs offer a range of options and perks. And yet even the most frequent fliers seem to favor a single program by default, rather than by educated choice. Perhaps an airline's hub is near their hometown. Or another carrier offered a great sale on flights to Europe 2 years ago, and what's the point in switching accounts and losing miles? If you take time to shop around, however, you're sure to find a plan with features that match your needs.
Among the highlights:
Southwest's plan offers the cheapest and easiest free tickets--one free roundtrip for every eight roundtrips you fly. But they have no airline partners, thus limiting the destinations you can fly to.Alaska Airlines' plan allows you to earn Alaska miles when flying on American, Continental, and Northwest flights, so it's great if you live in the West and fly those three airlines.
Continental, Northwest, and America West offer unlimited upgrades at their lowest elite level, so they're especially good for the extra-tall or long-haul frequent flier.
American, Northwest, and United have particularly good global partner networks, if you often fly abroad.
American and United allow the easiest way of earning miles: through shopping, dining, and buying a car or home.
Delta's credit card racks up free trips the quickest of all the majors, delivering 2 miles per dollar spent on many household goods.
United has the only frequent-flier program geared for college students, with a 10,000-mile bonus at graduation.
Frequent-Flier Profiles of the Major Domestic Airlines
Frequent-flier programs are in constant flux, so check airline Web sites for the latest details. There are some things most programs have in common, though.
Most airlines have two classes of frequent-flier trips. The cheaper awards, which we've shown below, cost fewer miles but are subject to blackout dates and strict capacity controls. Higher-class awards cost roughly double the miles for the same coach seat, but will get you on any flight, no restrictions.
Blackout dates vary depending on where you're flying. We've listed below blackout dates for trips within the U.S., but you'll have to check your member guide for rules for international flights. At press time, American, Northwest, Delta, and Midwest Express had completely eliminated blackout dates for 2002. While this frees up opportunities to use miles for holiday travel, capacity controls remain strict (meaning you'll still be fighting for the same small number of seats). Try to redeem your miles as far in advance as you possible can.
On most airlines, flights under 500 miles earn a minimum of 500 frequent-flier miles.
WebFlyer, the online arm of the frequent-flier magazine InsideFlyer, run by mileage guru Randy Petersen, rates mileage programs each year. (Programs are rated on a 1 to 10 scales, with 10 being the best program.) They also hand out awards called "Freddie Awards." We've included their ratings below.
ALASKA AIRLINES MILEAGE PLAN (tel. 800/654-5669) mileageplan.alaskaair.com
Basic Accounts
WebFlyer rating: 8.1
Miles earned: Mile per mile; 500-mile minimum
Mile longevity: Miles do not expire as long as there is activity in the past 36 months.
Minimum number of miles needed for a domestic roundtrip: 20,000
Minimum number of miles needed for a U.S.-Europe roundtrip: 40,000 to 50,000. Note: Alaska does not fly to Europe, but its partner airlines do--so the minimum mileage requirements vary by partner airline.
When can you confirm a seat? Up to 330 days in advance of departure
Domestic blackout dates for 2002 (will change each year): January 1; November 27, 30; December 1, 2, 20 to 22, 27 to 29.
Do first or business class tickets earn more miles than economy tickets? Travelers flying first class receive a 50% bonus.
Can you maintain a new account without accruing miles? Yes, for 9 months.
Is literature available? The program guide is available on the Web site.
What are the penalties for canceling a ticket purchased with frequent-flier miles? Members are charged $50 to change the name on an unused award, extend unexpired certificates, or redeposit miles for an unused award. There is no fee for a simple date change on an award.
Can you buy miles? Yes, $25 per 1,000 miles. The limit for how many miles you can purchase depends on which award level you're trying to reach.
Partners: American Airlines, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Hawaiian, Horizon Air, KLM, LanChile, Northwest Airlines, Qantas; also hotels, car rental, Amtrak, restaurants.
Can you accrue miles on partner airlines? Yes.
Can you use miles on partner airlines? Yes.
I live east of the Rockies. Should I ignore all of this? Not necessarily. If you fly American, Continental, and Northwest, but not enough to earn rewards on any single one of them, look into joining the Alaska plan, which allows you to combine miles flown on all three airlines for rewards.
Elite Accounts
All MVP members receive priority boarding, first-class check-in privileges, a priority reservations line, and priority seating. Members are entitled to purchase first-class upgrades for only 5,000 miles on Alaska Airlines.
MVP: Members must fly 15,000 miles per calendar year on Alaska or Horizon Air, or 25,000 miles (or 30 flight segments) on a combination of Alaska, American, Horizon, LanChile, KLM, and Northwest. Members earn a 50% bonus; two one-way upgrades per 10,000 miles; and additional bonuses for each 10,000 miles from 35,000 to 75,000.
MVP Gold: Members must fly 45,000 miles per calendar year (or 60 flight segments) on a combination of Alaska, American, Horizon, KLM, LanChile, and Northwest. Members earn a 100% bonus for miles accrued, free airport lounge access, one first-class upgrade per 5,000 miles and a 25,000 mile bonus for reaching 100,000 miles on Alaska and its elite-qualifying partners in one calendar year.
AMERICA WEST FLIGHTFUND (tel. 800/247-5691) www.americawest.com/flightfund/ff_home.htm
Basic Accounts
WebFlyer rating: 7.9
Miles earned: Mile per mile on both domestic and international flights; 500-mile minimum
Mile longevity: Miles will not expire if you accrue miles every 3 years.
Minimum number of miles needed for a domestic roundtrip: 20,000
Miles needed for a roundtrip from the U.S. to Europe: 50,000. (You'll be flying on Continental or Northwest.)
When can you confirm a seat? Up to 320 days in advance
Blackout dates for domestic travel in 2002 (will change each year): January 2, 5, 6; March 24, 29; April 7; November 16 to 18 (flights to Las Vegas only), 22 (all flights), 24 (flights from Las Vegas only), 27 (all flights); December 1, 2, 20 to 22, 27 to 29.
Do first or business class tickets earn more miles than economy tickets? First-class travelers receive a 50% mileage bonus.
Can you maintain a new account without accruing miles? Yes.
Is literature available? A complete membership guide is available on the Web site and mailed to new members.
What are the penalties for canceling a ticket purchased with frequent-flier miles? The cost is $75 to redeposit miles in your account, or to change the city pair from the original reservation. However, you can change the date on the ticket with no penalty.
Can you buy miles? Yes; miles cost 2.5¢ for up to 15,000 miles.
Partners: British Airways, Continental, Northwest, Virgin Atlantic; also hotel, car rental, MCI, long-distance, dining, Earthlink Internet access, online shopping.
Can you accrue miles on partner airlines? Yes.
Can you use miles on partner airlines? Yes.
How many miles do you get for a Slurpee at the Circle K? Two. With an America West credit card, you get 2 miles per dollar at the Circle K.
Elite Accounts
All elite members receive priority boarding and standby, first-class check-in, a priority reservations line, and preferred seating. Members also receive $75 off club membership.
Silver: Members must fly 25,000 miles per calendar year (or 30 flight segments) and receive a 50% bonus for miles accrued. Upgrades are unlimited, complimentary, and on a space-available basis.
Gold: Members must fly 50,000 miles per calendar year (or 60 flight segments) and receive a 100% bonus for miles accrued. Unlimited complimentary, space-available upgrades and companion upgrades are available.
Platinum: Members must fly 75,000 miles per calendar year (or 90 flight segments) and receive a 125% bonus for miles accrued. Unlimited complimentary, space-available upgrades and companion upgrades are available. Platinum members also get to bless one friend with Silver Elite membership, plus one friend per 25,000 miles or 30 segments flown over the Platinum minimum.
AMERICAN AADVANTAGE PROGRAM (tel. 800/882-8880) www.aa.com/aadvantage
Basic Accounts
WebFlyer rating: 8.6
Miles earned: Mile per mile; 500-mile minimum
Mile longevity: Will not expire if you accrue miles every 3 years
Minimum number of miles needed for a domestic roundtrip: 25,000
Minimum number of miles needed for a U.S.-Europe roundtrip: 35,000
When can you confirm a seat? Up to 330 days in advance. Book 21 days before departure to avoid a $50 fee.
Domestic blackout dates for 2002 (will change each year): No blackout dates for 2002.
Do first or business class tickets earn more miles than economy tickets? Business-class travelers receive a 25% mileage bonus. First-class travelers get a 50% bonus.
Can you maintain a new account without accruing miles? Yes.
Is literature available? Members receive detailed literature after joining. Some information is available on the Web site.
What are the penalties for canceling a ticket purchased with frequent-flier miles? You may use the ticket at a later day within a year. It costs $50 to reinstate miles. It costs $100 to change the routing.
Can you buy miles? Yes, up to 15,000 miles. Prices start at 2.75¢ per mile, dropping with larger purchases.
Partners: Aer Lingus, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Pacific, Alaska Airlines, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Crossair, EL AL, Finnair, Grupo Taca, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia Airlines, Japan Airlines, LanChile Airlines, LOT, Qantas Airways, SWISS, TAM, and Turkish Airlines; also dining, MCI, AOL, and online shopping.
How many miles do you get for feeding hungry children? A $50 donation to UNICEF nets you 500 miles.
Elite Accounts
All elite members receive priority boarding, a priority reservations line, and priority seating. Members do not receive priority baggage, guaranteed reservations on sold-out flights, or free club membership.
Gold Elite: Members must fly 25,000 miles or 30 flight segments per calendar year and receive four one-way North American upgrades every 10,000 miles.
Platinum Elite: Members must fly 50,000 miles or 60 flight segments per calendar year and receive four one-way North American upgrades every 10,000 miles.
Executive Platinum: Members must fly 100,000 miles per calendar year and receive a 100% bonus for miles accrued, eight one-way system-wide upgrades, plus four one-way upgrades for every 10,000 miles.
CONTINENTAL ONEPASS PROGRAM (tel. 800/621-7467) onepass.continental.com
Basic Accounts
WebFlyer rating: 8.7
Miles earned: Mile per mile traveled; 500-mile minimum
Mile longevity: Miles never expire, even when account is inactive.
Minimum number of miles needed for a domestic roundtrip: 20,000
Minimum number of miles needed for a U.S.-Europe roundtrip: 40,000
When can you confirm an award seat? 320 days in advance.
Domestic blackout dates for 2002 (dates change every year): January 1; February 15, 24; April 7; June 28; July 7; November 27; December 1, 2, 20, 21, 27 to 29.
Do first or business class tickets earn more miles than economy tickets? Both receive a 50% mileage bonus.
Can you have an account without miles? Yes.
Is literature available? Members receive literature after joining; complete information is available on the program Web site.
What are the penalties for canceling a ticket purchased with frequent-flier miles? There's no penalty to change tickets, but it costs $35 to redeposit miles in your account.
Can you buy miles? Yes, for $25 per 1,000. You can purchase up to 20% of an award's value.
Partners: Aces, Alaska Airlines, America West Airlines, American Eagle, British Midland, Continental Connection, Copa Airlines, Emirates, EVA Air, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Horizon Air, Midway Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and Qantas; also dining, car, hotel, and shopping partners.
Can you accrue miles on partner airlines? Yes.
Can you use miles on partner airlines? Yes.
How many miles are there in a box of chocolates? A $30 purchase from Godiva nets 300 miles.
Elite Accounts
All elite members receive priority boarding, use of the priority reservations telephone line, priority baggage, priority seating, and guaranteed reservations on sold-out flights. Members do not receive free club membership.
Silver Elite: Members must fly 25,000 miles or 30 segments per calendar year. Silver elites earn a 50% bonus and unlimited complimentary, space-available upgrades.
Gold Elite: Members must fly 50,000 miles or 60 segments per calendar year. Gold elites earn a 100% bonus; unlimited complimentary, space-available upgrades; and standby companion upgrades.
Platinum Elite: Members must fly 75,000 miles or 90 segments per calendar year. Platinum elites earn a 150% bonus unlimited complimentary, space-available upgrades and standby companion upgrades.
DELTA SKYMILES PROGRAM (tel. 800/323-2323) www.delta.com/skymiles
Basic Accounts
WebFlyer rating: 8.3
Miles earned: Mile per mile; 500-mile minimum
Mile longevity: Will not expire if account is activated at least once every 3 years
Minimum number of miles needed for a domestic roundtrip: 25,000
Minimum number of miles needed for a U.S.-Europe roundtrip: 50,000
When can you confirm a seat? 331 days before departure
Domestic blackout dates for 2002 (will change each year): No blackout dates for 2002.
Do first or business class tickets earn more miles than economy tickets? Business-class travelers receive 25% bonus mileage; first-class travelers receive 50% bonus mileage.
Can you maintain a new account without accruing miles? Yes, for 12 months.
Is literature available? Complete information is available on the Web site. Members receive detailed literature 1 month after date of first activity on the account.
What are the penalties for canceling a ticket purchased with frequent-flier miles? Members may reinstate the miles for $40, or change the destination city for $50. They can change the date, within 1 year, for free.
Can you buy miles? Yes. Miles cost $25 per 1,000, up to 5,000. Buy them when you make your award reservation.
Partners: Air France, Air Jamaica, Korean Air, SAA, AeroMexico, Alitalia, Czech Airlines, China Southern, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, United Airlines; also hotels, car rental, dining, Nextel wireless phones, and shopping partners.
Can you accrue miles on partner airlines? On United, yes. For non-U.S. airlines, only on more expensive tickets.
Can you use miles on partner airlines? Yes.
Can you use miles on Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine? Yes. Delta partners with MilePoint.com to offer magazine subscriptions and online shopping for miles. A year's worth of AFBTM costs 600 miles.
Elite Accounts
All elite members receive priority boarding, use of the priority reservations telephone line, priority baggage, and priority seating. Only Platinum members receive guaranteed reservations on sold-out flights (24 hours before departure). Only Platinum Medallions receive free club membership. Silver and Gold Medallions receive discounts on club membership.
Silver Medallion: Members must fly 25,000 miles, 30 segments, or 5 transoceanic segments per calendar year. Silver elites receive a 25% bonus for miles accrued, two North American upgrades after reaching 40,000 miles, four 800-mile segment upgrades plus four more every 10,000 miles after achieving elite status.
Gold Medallion: Members must fly 50,000 miles, 60 segments, or 10 transoceanic segments per calendar year. Members receive a 100% bonus for miles accrued; two North American upgrades plus two every 20,000 miles over 40,000; four 800-mile segment upgrades and eight more every 10,000 miles after achieving elite status.
Platinum Medallion: Members must fly 100,000 miles, 100 segments, or 20 transoceanic segments per calendar year. Members receive a 100% bonus for miles accrued and unlimited complimentary upgrades.
NORTHWEST WORLDPERKS PROGRAM (tel. 800/447-3757) www.nwa.com/freqfly
Basic Accounts
WebFlyer rating: 8.8
Miles earned: Mile per mile; 500-mile minimum
Mile longevity: Miles never expire as long as there's been activity in the past 3 years.
Minimum number of miles needed for a domestic roundtrip: 25,000
Minimum number of miles needed for a U.S.-Europe roundtrip: 40,000
When can you confirm a seat? Up to 11 1/2 months in advance
Domestic blackout dates for 2002 (will change each year): No blackout dates for 2002
Do first or business class tickets earn more miles than economy tickets? First- and business-class travelers receive 150% mileage.
Can you maintain a new account without accruing miles? Yes.
Is literature available? The full member's guide is available on the Web site.
What are the penalties for canceling a ticket purchased with frequent-flier miles? Members may reinstate miles for $50.
Can you buy miles? Yes.
Partners: KLM, Continental, Alitalia, Alaska, Braathens, Hawaiian, Air China, America West, Cebu Pacific, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Air Systems, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Midwest Express, Pacific Island Aviation, Swisswings, Transavia; also dining, lodging, car rental, Sprint phone service.
Can you accrue miles on partner airlines? Yes, on Alaska, Hawaiian, Braathens, KLM, Continental, Alitalia, Cebu, Jet, JAS, Kenya, Malaysia, Pacific Island, Swisswings, Transavia, and Midway; sometimes on other airlines.
Can you use miles on partner airlines? Yes.
How many miles do you earn for flying a B-2 bomber? 700, if it's a remote-controlled Stealth bomber from www.eToys.com. WorldPerks members get 2 miles per dollar spent at the online toy shop.
Elite Accounts
All elite members receive priority boarding and priority seating. Gold and Platinum elites receive use of the priority reservations telephone line. Full-fare Fold elites and full-fare or business-class Platinum elites receive guaranteed reservations on sold-out flights. Members do not receive priority baggage, but they do receive special bag tags. Elite members do not receive free club membership.
Silver Elite: Members must fly 25,000 miles per calendar year (excluding bonus miles). Silver elites receive a 50% bonus for miles accrued and unlimited domestic upgrades.
Gold Elite: Members must fly 50,000 miles per calendar year and receive a 100% bonus for miles accrued. Gold members receive unlimited domestic and companion upgrades.
Platinum Elite: Members must fly 75,000 miles per calendar year and receive a 125% bonus for miles accrued and unlimited domestic and companion upgrades.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES RAPID REWARDS (tel. 800/248-4377) www.southwest.com/rapid_rewards
Basic Accounts
WebFlyer rating: 7.9
Miles earned: Southwest counts "credits," not miles. Each one-way flight is considered one credit.
Mile/Credit longevity: Each individual credit is valid 12 months from the date of travel.
Number of credits needed for a domestic roundtrip: After 16 flight credits (or 8 roundtrips) within a 12-month period, travelers are awarded a free ticket.
Number of credits needed for a U.S.-Europe roundtrip: Southwest does not fly to international destinations, and has no partner airlines.
When can you confirm a seat? No boarding passes are issued on Southwest flights, so it's first-come, first-served on the day of the flight.
Domestic blackout dates for 2002 (will change each year): January 1; May 24, 27; July 7; November 26 to 27; December 1 to 2, 20 to 21, 24, 27 to 29.
Do first or business class tickets earn more miles than economy tickets? Southwest only has one cabin class, but there is the opportunity to earn "double credits" if you book your ticket online.
Can you maintain a new account without accruing miles? Yes, but credits will expire 12 months from the date of travel.
Is literature available? Some information is available on the Web site. Once you achieve Freedom Reward status (meaning once you earn 16 credits), detailed membership packets are mailed to you.
What are the penalties for canceling a ticket earned with flight credits? No penalties; free ticket is valid for 1 year from date of issue.
Can you buy miles? No. But airfares can be very cheap, making credits easy to earn. Same-day, Saturday roundtrips between Islip and Providence, Phoenix and Las Vegas, or Houston and Austin can all net you two credits for under $100.
Partners: No airline partners, but like other airlines, Southwest has partnerships with hotels, car rental companies, and credit cards.
Can you accrue miles on partner airlines? N/A.
Can you use miles on partner airlines? N/A.
How else is Southwest's program unlike the others we've listed? Tickets are fully transferable (this has created a major black market on eBay). There are no capacity controls--if there's a seat available when you call, you can have it. Each award ticket comes with an in-flight drink coupon, so you can toast your good fortune on your free flight.
Elite Accounts
A Freedom Reward Member (someone who has already reached the 16-credit level) who accumulates 100 flight credits within 12 consecutive months becomes a Companion Reward Member and is eligible for a Companion Pass, which entitles one friend to fly free with you for 1 year. You are limited to one Companion Pass at any time, and the designated Companion can be changed three times within the 12-month period. Companion Reward Membership must be re-earned every 12 months.
UNITED AIRLINES MILEAGE PLUS (tel. 800/421-4655) www.mileageplus.com
Basic Accounts
WebFlyer rating: 8.5
Miles earned: Mile per mile; 500-mile minimum
Mile longevity: Will not expire if you accrue miles every 3 years.
Minimum number of miles needed for a domestic roundtrip: 25,000
Minimum number of miles needed for a U.S.-Europe roundtrip: 35,000
When can you confirm a seat? Any time.
Domestic blackout dates for 2002 (will change each year): March 15, 17, 22, 24; November 27; December 1, 2, 19 to 21.
Do first or business class tickets earn more miles than economy tickets? Business-class travelers receive a 25% fare bonus.
Can you maintain a new account without accruing miles? Yes, for 12 months.
Is literature available? The complete member's guide is available on the Web site.
What are the penalties for canceling a ticket purchased with frequent-flier miles? If cancelled more than 14 days from travel, no fee. Within 14 days, members may reinstate miles for $75.
Can you buy miles? Yes. Buy up to 15,000 miles for 2.5¢ per mile, plus tax, at www.ualmiles.com.
Partners: Aeromar, Aloha, Cayman, Delta, Emirates, LAPA, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Austrian Airlines, BWIA West Indies Airways, Cayman Airways, Lufthansa, SAS, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Spanair, Thai Airways International and VARIG; also shopping, Nextel phones, MSN Internet access, hotels, and car rental partners.
Can you accrue miles on partner airlines? Yes.
Can you use miles on partner airlines? Sometimes, though the agreements are constantly in flux; call or the airline or check the Web site for the most up-to-date rules.
Are miles worth a hill of beans? That's for you to decide. But a hill of beans is worth miles. Mileage Plus members who shop at five supermarket chains get 125 miles per $250 they spend on groceries.
Elite Accounts
All elite members receive priority boarding, use of the priority reservations telephone line, priority standby, priority waiting list, and Economy Plus seating with extra legroom in coach. Members do not receive priority baggage or guaranteed reservations on sold-out flights.
Premier: Members must fly 25,000 miles or 30 segments per calendar year. Premiers receive a 25% bonus for miles accrued and four 500-mile upgrades every 10,000 miles after reaching elite status.
Executive Premier: Members must fly 50,000 miles or 60 segments per calendar year and receive a 100% bonus for miles accrued, free access to airport lounges, and four 500-mile upgrades every 10,000 miles after reaching elite status.
Premier 1K: Members must fly 100,000 miles or 100 segments per calendar year and receive a 100% bonus for miles accrued, free access to airport lounges, and four 500-mile upgrades every 10,000 miles after reaching elite status.
US AIRWAYS DIVIDEND MILES (tel. 800/428-4322 or 336/661-8390) www.usairways.com/dividendmiles
Basic Accounts
WebFlyer rating: 7.8
Miles earned: Mile per mile with a minimum of 500 miles
Mile longevity: Will not expire if you make at least one flight every 3 years
Minimum number of miles needed for a domestic roundtrip: 20,000
Minimum number of miles needed for a U.S.-Europe roundtrip: 40,000
When can you confirm a seat? Up to 331 days in advance
Domestic blackout dates for 2002 (will change each year): January 2; November 26 to 27; December 1 to 2, 20 to 21, 28 to 29.
Do first or business class tickets earn more miles than economy tickets? First-class travelers receive 50% bonus for miles accrued.
Can you maintain a new account without accruing miles? Yes, for up to 3 years.
Is literature available? Literature is available at the airport and on the program Web site; members do not receive literature by mail.
What are the penalties for canceling a ticket purchased with frequent-flier miles? Members may reinstate miles for $40 or change the destination city for $50.
Can you buy miles? Yes, with no limit for 3¢ per mile.
Partners: Alitalia, LatinPass, Northwest, Qantas, SWISS; also hotel, car rental, dining, shopping.
Can you accrue miles on partner airlines? Yes.
Can you use miles on partner airlines? Yes.
Excuse me, are those your miles calling? Yes, if you use a Nextel mobile phone. Nextel offers 5,000 Dividend Miles for each handset purchased.
Elite Accounts
All elite members receive priority boarding, use of the priority reservations telephone line, priority baggage, and priority seating. Members do not receive guaranteed reservations on sold-out flights or free club membership.
Silver: Members must fly 25,000 miles or 30 segments per calendar year. Members receive a 50% bonus for miles accrued; four complimentary, 800-mile, one-way upgrades; plus six more for every 10,000 miles flown.
Gold: Members must fly 50,000 miles or 60 segments per calendar year. Members receive a 100% bonus for miles accrued; eight complimentary, 800-mile, one-way upgrades per 10,000 miles flown; plus 10 more per 20,000 miles flown.
Chairman's Preferred: Members must fly 100,000 miles or 100 segments per calendar year. Members receive a 100% bonus for miles accrued and unlimited upgrades.
Where to Find Up-to-Date Information Online
While the information in this chapter was current at press time, the terms of an airline's frequent-flier program can change without notice. For the latest information on special frequent-flier offers or changes in airline policy, log on to the individual airline's Web site or try the very helpful WebFlyer (www.webflyer.com). The online arm of Inside Flyer magazine, WebFlyer is a clearinghouse for frequent-traveler information concerning flight, hotel, and car-rental programs. In addition to a continually updated list of last-minute deals and bonus award opportunities, Webflyer.com is constructed so that you can establish new frequent-flier accounts and access existing accounts from within the site.
What if Your Airline Goes Under?
If one airline purchases another, your miles on the purchased airline are usually safe. Members of the TWA Aviators program were able to transfer their miles to American's AAdvantage program on November 30, 2001, after American absorbed TWA. They even kept their elite-flier levels intact. Fliers on Eastern and the original Pan Am saw their miles become Continental and Delta points when those airlines were purchased.
Miles on bankrupt airlines, or miles on airlines that end scheduled service, simply vanish. When Sun Country suspended scheduled flights on December 8, 2001, thousands of "Smiles Miles" went on indefinite hiatus. When the original Midway Airlines went belly-up in 1991, 700,000 frequent fliers lost all of their miles.
If you're holding miles on an airline in shaky financial health, redeem them as soon as possible--ideally, for tickets on partner airlines with better economic prospects. Or invest in AwardGuard (tel. 800/487-8893; www.privilegeflyer.com), which "insures" miles from 12 airlines. If insured airlines go belly-up, AwardGuard will let members use their miles for trips on other airlines as if the bankrupt airline still existed. The brainchild of one-man frequent-flier industry Randy Petersen, AwardGuard costs $119 for a 1-year subscription.