Bonus Frequent Flyer Deals Exist -- You Just Have to Find Them
Jun 06 '00
I am a frequent flyer miles junkie. I'm always looking for the deals -- and I find them quite often. Here's how I do it.
First of all, let me state that I travel for business several times a year and for pleasure a couple times each year. I may have more opportunities to collect miles than some. That being said, here we go...
Airline Newsletters
Every frequent flyer program I belong to has a newsletter that arrives either monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly. Read them. Quite often they list special deals for double miles, triple miles, or bonus miles. Double or triple mile flights typically require travel between select pairs of cities. Every so often, one of the airports in my area (Dayton / Cincinnati) is listed. I just tuck that tidbit of information away in my head just in case my business travels happen to take me to a bonus mile city. In some instances, the special requires pre-registration by phoning into a special number or accessing a website. I pre-register for any deal that I have even a remote chance of using. I'd rather pre-register and not use it than realize it when it's too late.
Airline Websites
Visit each airline's website at least once a month. Every so often they will have new bonus mileage opportunities that were not published in the newsletter. I missed a portion of a special deal on TWA when they matched US Airways Double Mile offer from April 1 - May 15. I had two flights on TWA during that timeframe, but I missed gaining bonus miles for my first flight because I was unaware of this special and it required pre-registration. Ouch!
I have also found occasional surveys on some sites that offer 1000 miles for completing 10 - 15 questions about the airline and your last flight.
Bestfares.com
Ok. So I've reviewed the website in previous review and stated that it's not worth the $60 fee. One feature that I have used is their list of frequent flyer bonuses. Some airlines offer special mileage opportunities for products and services you'd never even think of. For example, one airline offered 500 miles for cutting out and sending in a specific brand of soup label. You can get miles for referring friends to apply for credit cards. Earn miles for buying or selling your house through select realtors. Buy flowers, earn miles. Switch long distance carriers, earn more miles. Everything is game!
Hotels / Car Rentals
When you register at your hotel or get the keys to your rental car, ask them if they accept any frequent flyer cards. Many do. You can earn anywhere from 500 - 1000 miles per rental / visit.
Sponsor New Frequent Flyer Members
Some airlines occasionally run specials offering anywhere from 2000 - 5000 miles for sponsoring a new member to their program if the new member travels on the airline within a specified time period. I used this offer with TWA to sign up my kids right before a vacation. I earned an extra 10,000 miles in my account in one day.
Use the Same Airline
Whenever possible / practical, use the same airlines. If you travel enough, you can earn "elite" status within the airline's program. Upon earning this privilege, you typically earn an extra 10 - 25 percent bonus mileage on every trip. This will cause your miles to accumulate even faster.
If your company is booking your flights, ask them to check the fares on your preferred airlines first. Fares among major airlines between city pairs is often comparable. My company doesn't care which airline I fly so long as the fare is comparable (within 5 percent) to the lowest fares available.
Credit Cards
Some airlines offer affinity credit cards. These cards typically (always?) have an annual fee. However you can earn miles for every dollar spent. If you know you'll be making many large purchases, it may be worth the annual fee. Check the terms and conditions carefully. I am a member of American Express' Membership Rewards program. I earn one point per dollar. I can then transfer the points one-for-one into miles with one of many frequent flyer programs. The fee is $75 for me because I use a Corporate card. You may get by for less. For me it's a good deal because I'll ring up at least $25,000 in charges for business each year. So for the $75 fee, I've earned a free ticket. Not bad!
Travel Smart!
When you redeem miles for a vacation, consider buying your ticket and redeeming miles for your companions' tickets. This way, you earn miles and you still save a lot of money on the vacation.
Conclusion
As you can see (or read), there are many opportunities to earn extra miles. You just have to look for them and use them.
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Epinions.com ID:
johnwc937
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Member: John
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Reviews written: 36
Trusted by: 20 members
About Me:
Highly educated manager with scores of hobbies and travel experiences.
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