Frequent Flyer Programs
Frequent flyer programs have really taken off since their inception in the early 1980's. Now, after 25 years of growth in the airline industry there are well over 80 million people who subscribe to one or other of the many frequent flyer programs that are available worldwide. Even though the FFP's had their humble beginnings in the US at the hands of American Airlines, it was not long before other airlines realised the potential in a passenger loyalty award scheme. The passengers of course loved it. To be awarded a frequent flyer mile for every mile that they flew, and then to be able to redeem these accumulated miles for a nominated benefit kept them loyal and happy. There are some 80 frequent flyer programs that are available worldwide. They will all vary somewhat, but the basic structure will be the same, and that is to award loyalty points for all airline travel using their nominated airlines. The advent of the airline alliances has made this even easier for the consumer. Domestic flights have been able to be linked with international flights in a smooth and easy one-of transaction. For round-the-world trips it would be quite common for passengers to have to change planes for certain legs of their journey, with many of these legs not attracting any award miles. This all changed with the airline partner alliances. Even though the frequent flyer programs were initially structured for just airline passengers, times have changed greatly, and it is these changes that has led to their enormous growth and popularity. You would have to be living in some other time to not have heard of frequent flyer programs. They have become so intrinsically woven into our spending and travel habits. The enticement of receiving something 'free' after so many miles have been accumulated is a very big drawcard. So much so, that banks, financial institutions, hotels etc., are partnering in a big way with the FFP's. For consumers to get the best out of their frequent flyer programs they need to take into account not only their travel habits but also their spending habits. It is possible now to do nearly all one's shopping at stores that are affiliated with some program or other. Failing this, using an affiliated credit card for all purchases will at least award you a travel mile for each dollar spent on the card. This is in fact what a lot of people are doing today. They may not ever fly, but they are nevertheless collecting their points to be redeemed at some future date for one of the many goods or services that are on offer. Are the frequent flyer programs really all that they are made out to be or is it just a lot of hype? Obviously for all those people that can't be bothered belonging to one of the frequent flyer programs it really does not provide enough benefits. There is the chance of overspending in order to earn bonus miles. Redeeming points for free tickets can become difficult as there never seems to be a seat available when you want to fly. Many experts would agree that the best use of frequent flyer programs is when the accumulated miles can be used solely for ticket upgrades, and this really is what the programs were initially all about.
Frequent Flyer >> Relevant Sites >> Contact >> Privacy |
