Frequent flyer programs could get you many perks like access to airport lounges, upgrades, priority checking, and flight tickets. But at what cost? It could take many miles or dollars to reach those required points. For example, American Airlines requires 5,900 miles ($59) to access their airport lounge or United requires at least 26,000 miles to get a domestic flight.
One could take advantage of some airline credit cards that have an introductory offer for 60k, 80k, and more miles when applying for their Visa or Amex (after $3k or $4k in qualifying purchases) but this would only allow you to get a few tickets the first year, thereafter you would have to pay yearly fees and then expect to pay for those precious miles.
Very few airlines have good frequent flyer programs like Southwest or Frontier. Frontier offers a yearly membership that includes free tickets. Be aware that even if they offered you a free ticket you still need to pay the taxes and extra fees (pay for a seat selection and luggage).
My point is it takes a lot of time, effort, and investment in these frequent flyer programs before you see the benefits unless you are exactly that “a frequent flyer” meaning someone who travels mostly every weekend. If you travel for work a lot, I would get one of these frequent flyer programs, or if you own a business that requires a lot of traveling.
There is another option if you are not exactly a frequent flyer but fly often on different airlines: joining a global airline network such as Star Alliance (Copa, Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Aegean, Turkish Airlines, United, Portugal Airlines,… others) or Avios (British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and Vueling). These global networks allow transferring miles between airlines within their network aside from the availability to purchase miles.
I prefer to get tickets at a modest average price for an economy flight and then as the day of travel approaches, I make my upgrades for a deal. I have seen this with Copa, Lufthansa, and British Airlines.
To summarize, I do not think frequent flyer programs are worth my time and money. There are other ways to save money and get great perks for your flights:
–Joining a Global Airline Network such as Star Alliance, or Avios.
–Getting a non-affiliated airline credit card not only gives you 2X miles for qualifying purchases but also gives you access to airport lounges and free luggage check-ins such as Capital Venture X, and Marriot Bonvoy Visa (watch out for annual fees on some of these cards).
–Or buy an economy class flight ticket with time ( 6 or more months) and upgrade later if available. Many airlines offer you an upgrade for a reduced fee.
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