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What are Frequent Flyer Programs?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Frequent flyer programs, or FFP, are a reward system created by airlines to increase customer loyalty to a particular company. Most award points or miles to the customer are based on certain actions the customer can take, such as buying an airline ticket or renting a car from one of the airline’s partners. Frequent flyer programs are a great way to earn discounted tickets or other rewards, but customers must be aware that there are often hidden fees associated with redemption of their points.

In 1981, American Airlines began the FFP craze by introducing AAdvantage, partnering with Hertz rental cars and Hyatt hotels. The basic system meant that for each mile flown with the company, the customer would get one free mile in their account. Unfortunately, the system is a bit more complicated as one frequent flyer mile does not equal one actual mile of a flight. Most rewards, such as domestic airline tickets, aren’t achievable until you have reached a certain set number of miles, usually 25,000 or 50,000. Some consumer studies put the actual cash value of a frequent flyer mile at about 2 cents in US Dollars (USD).

American Airlines introduced the frequent flyer program in 1981.
American Airlines introduced the frequent flyer program in 1981.

After American Airlines debuted their system, most other major airlines followed suit, partnering with various travel companies, rental car distributors, and hotels. Frequent flyer programs became much more complicated as the airlines now competed to offer incentives and draw in customers. Many airlines formed alliances with global carriers in areas they did not operate, so customers would receive points or miles for flying with carriers associated with their FFP airline. They also partnered with credit card companies, allowing customers to earn points for each dollar spent on their credit card.

Some airlines let passengers upgrade to business-class seating in exchange for their frequent flyer miles.
Some airlines let passengers upgrade to business-class seating in exchange for their frequent flyer miles.

Particularly loyal customers or regular flyers who accrue high numbers of miles are often upgraded to an elite status within the FFP. These higher levels, often branded as gold, silver and platinum, allow greater bonuses for active customers. Free domestic upgrades to business or first class seats, access to exclusive lounges, and doubling the amount of mileage earned for some flights are common benefits for elite customers of frequent flyer programs.

Frequent flier miles may be used to purchase free flights.
Frequent flier miles may be used to purchase free flights.

Points can be redeemed for many things other than airline tickets. Some frequent flyer programs have options to donate the money to charity organizations that need airline tickets, such as the Make-A-Wish foundation. They can also usually be redeemed for gift certificates to retail stores, such as Macy’s and Amazon. You may also be able to use them for discounted travel options with other partners, like free nights in hotels or extra days with a rental car.

Understand if you are using frequent flyer programs that you will probably be charged taxes on the purchase, and may even be charged a fee for redeeming your miles at all. You may also be charged a fee if there is not any activity on your account for a long period of time. Some redemptions may be a better value than others; if you have enough for a free domestic flight in the United States, flying to somewhere 3000 miles (4828 km) will be a better value than flying to the next state over.

When choosing a frequent flyer program, try to meet your personal travel needs. If you visit one area repeatedly, make sure you choose an airline that flies there or offers additional rewards for repetitious flights. Frequent flyer programs can be a great asset to any regular travelers looking to save money. Although because of fees, the rewards are rarely actually free, they are often steeply discounted from regular prices, and that can be wonderful.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WikiMotors writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WikiMotors writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Wisedly33

@Scrbblechick -- My cousin married a guy who works for an advertising agency, and he's on a plane two or three times a week, so the frequent flyer program is a good thing for him. They got free tickets to Hawaii several years ago, and a hefty discount on tickets to London when their oldest daughter graduated from high school.

But he has said that the programs are getting more and more difficult to deal with, and even someone who has like, Solid Platinum Super Deluxe Elite status still doesn't get the benefits members used to get, and he is paying more now for tickets than ever. He said it's really turning into a racket, which is a shame.

Scrbblchick

Frequent flyer programs aren't worth the paper they're printed on. Half the time, you can't get the dates you want if you're using "award miles," and if, for some reason, the travel plans don't work out, then it's nearly impossible to get the airline to refund the miles.

The Internet is crammed with horror stories about people dealing with the airlines over their mileage programs.

A lot of travel experts don't even recommend joining the frequent flyer programs anymore, unless someone is a business traveler who is on a plane at least once or twice a week. That's the only way you can get enough miles to make it worth anything.

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    • American Airlines introduced the frequent flyer program in 1981.
      By: Shutterbas
      American Airlines introduced the frequent flyer program in 1981.
    • Some airlines let passengers upgrade to business-class seating in exchange for their frequent flyer miles.
      By: rebius
      Some airlines let passengers upgrade to business-class seating in exchange for their frequent flyer miles.
    • Frequent flier miles may be used to purchase free flights.
      By: mimagephotos
      Frequent flier miles may be used to purchase free flights.