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The number of travelers using air transportation has increased significantly in the recent years. This can be attributed to several factors such as the more affordable air fares due to the sheer number of competition.
The airline industry has become very competitive and in order for them to attract more passengers as well as sustain the loyalty of their existing customer base, they have come up with marketing campaigns like the frequent flyer program. Passengers can earn incentives for every trip that they take with the airline companies. They also get to have other benefits from it other than the mileage earned.
Best Frequent Flyer Programs
AAdvantage. American Airlines’ frequent flyer has often been cited as an excellent program. This is mainly due to the number of partners it has, such as other airlines, hotels and other establishments. The ways to earn mileage are quite varied.
Skymiles. This is a frequent flyer scheme prepared by Delta Airlines and the way to earn miles can also be done many different ways, including booking for holidays, use of car rentals, shopping and so on.
Mileage Plan. Alaska airlines may not be a global airline but it is useful for frequent travelers in the western area of the US. Its coverage may not be that comprehensive but it serves its purpose since it also has quite a lot of partner establishments.
Dividend Miles. US Airways consider themselves as a budget airline, thus almost everything has been stripped down to the basics. Despite this, their frequent flyer program is still quite good since it has partners like hotels, restaurants and even credit card purchases.
One Pass. This program of Continental Airlines can be beneficial for travelers on a tight budget. There are features that this program has that cannot be found in others, like on rail travels, as well as the privilege of not getting the middle seat as long as the full fare is paid for the coach section.
The mileage earned – as well as the other benefits that the frequent flyer has – can be converted to the various rewards or airline tickets. In most cases, the various frequent flyers schemes of the different airlines have an expiration date. Whatever points they have earned should be redeemed within a certain period of time. Some airlines give the frequent flyers 18 months to make use of the rewards or mileage earned while others have it pegged at 24 months.
The mileage earned – as well as the other benefits that the frequent flyer has – can be converted to the various rewards or airline tickets. In most cases, the various frequent flyers schemes of the different airlines have an expiration date. Whatever points they have earned should be redeemed within a certain period of time. Some airlines give the frequent flyers 18 months to make use of the rewards or mileage earned while others have it pegged at 24 months.
Worst Frequent Flyer Programs
In terms of the worst frequent flyer scheme, the verdict is still in the air because there instances in which even the ones considered in the best categories may not be perceived favorably by others. There are things to note though such as that most traditional airlines or established airline companies are not that generous with their rewards program for frequent flyers.
Innovative Frequent Flyer Programs
Unlike in the past, frequent flyers can make use of their rewards in more novel ways. Some airline companies were able to realize early on that personalizing their program can be attractive to passengers.
One of the more innovative ways was conceptualized by SAS. They personalized their frequent flyer program website so that the passengers can see what they can earn and have an update on the number of points that they still have to earn for their reward.
Customizing the program also worked with Air Berlin’s MyRoute scheme in which members can determine the routes frequently used or the ones they consider as their favorite. Whenever they travel using it, the mileage earned is doubled.
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