How To Find The Best Frequent Flyer Program
Ah, the choices. The choices. There are so many choices to be made in life. Should I shower or take a bath? Do I like vanilla or chocolate ice cream more? We can’t help you decide all that, but here’s some awesome tips on how to decide what the best frequent flyer program out there is. Tip #1: Check out customer reviews. The best way to find out the pros and cons of anything you buy, whether or not it’s a frequent flyer program, is to find someone who’s already done it. By seeing what other people liked and disliked about something, you get a much better idea of who you’ll want to choose. Some reviews and surveys can be found at such web sites as WebFlyer.com, Epinions.com, and the Frequent Flyer Network (FrequentFlyerServices.com). There are also magazines and other publications that make good sources. Tip #2: Don’t miss the forest for the trees. Just because an airline company has the best frequent flyer program doesn’t mean it’s the best option. For example, let’s say you find a company with some totally awesome rewards, but the airline isn’t very close and the destinations aren’t the ones you visit the most. You may be better off with the company that offers fewer rewards but can get you to where you’re going more efficiently. Just be sure to consider all the variables before committing to any program. Tip #3: Get out your magnifying glass before enrolling. Don’t forget the old saying, “If it’s too good to be true…” Always read the fine print. They tell you the often underemphasized conditions you must meet regarding your incentives. One thing usually found in the fine print is that you only get credit for the distance between A and B. This means if you have to fly from New York to Florida and make a stop out in Seattle, you only get credit for the distance between NY and FL. Nothing more. Also, you may earn the rewards, but the airline has the right not to redeem them under certain circumstances, such as seating shortages and blackouts. They may be your points—but it’s within the context of their program. Also, watch out for hidden fees. It may be called a “free” enrollment, but the airline company will make up for it later through fees for inactive accounts, redeeming points earned, and so on. Choosing the best frequent flyer program from the get-go is important. You don’t want to hop around from program to program because you can’t build up any points that way. If you can decide who you want and stick with them, you’ll accumulate points faster. And this, of course, translates into more rewards.
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