Airlines know the price of getting a new customer. And they know that its a whole lot easier and less expensive to keep the customers that they already have. For this reason, airlines started frequent flyer programs. These programs reward you the more you fly.
Frequent flyer programs let you to receive certain travel benefits based on the number of miles (or sporadically the number of trips) you fly on a specific airline. Standard awards include a free ticket or a free upgrade from coach to first class.
Some airlines also offer “elite” programs that provide check-in and boarding priorities, and “affinity” credit cards which earn mileage credits when you use them for purchases.
In order to earn these benefits you must become a member of that airlines program; this can often be done through a travel agency.
There isnt a how many programs you can join. But before you decide which program to join, you should compare different programs carefully.
Every airline program carries conditions and limitations. So you should be careful to read the promotional material and the all the fine print. Here are a few things you should...