Frequent Flyer Miles

So many programs, so little time

Every major domestic airline and most international carriers now have frequent-flier reward programs that can lead to free flights or other giveaways. The programs, which have been around since American Airlines debuted AAdvantage in the early 1980s, are supposedly the airlines' way of giving something back to their loyal customers, but a more realistic notion is that they help take some of the sting out of high ticket prices. Some people call this "Airline Card Credit"

Frequent-Flier Programs (FFP) award points for every leg of a flight, often on a one-for-one basis. That means that for every mile flown, you'll receive one point. If you travel a lot, it can add up in a hurry. How frequent-flier miles, which the points have become known as, are accumulated and when they can be redeemed vary from airline to airline.

Choosing a Program

If you do fly on a regular basis, join a program with a main airline that has a hub in your region. This makes it more convenient for you and gives you the flexibility of more flights to destinations you want. It also means you'll reach elite status quicker, opening a wide range of benefits.

If you don't really fit the frequent-flier profile, you will still have multiple ways to accumulate miles that can be converted into flights down the road. Miles can be racked up in a hurry by frequenting the program's partners - hotels, restaurants and even mortgage companies. No matter what program you join, read the fine print so there are no surprises when you try to redeem miles.

Cashing In Your Rewards

There are always blackout dates and seating restrictions that will conspire against you. Being flexible in your destinations and dates of travel will give you a better chance of cashing in those points.

How many miles you'll need to redeem to grab a free flight depends on the airline, what class of ticket you want and where you're going:

• Delta Air Lines offers return flights within the continental United States and Canada for 45,000 points, but a trip to the Southwest Pacific will require cashing in 150,000 miles.
• American Airlines lets you redeem 25,000 miles for a return ticket anywhere in the mainland United States or Canada, and you can fly to Europe for as little as 40,000 miles.
• A short, domestic return flight on Continental Airlines can be had for just 20,000 miles. But the same trip using an EasyPass ticket in business class requires cashing in 90,000 miles.

Transferring Miles Between Programs

Unless airlines have a partnership like the Delta-Continental arrangement or belong to an international alliance, FFP miles cannot be transferred or used with other programs. AAdvantage points can be used on flights offered by British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Aer Lingus but can't be redeemed on most other U.S.-based carriers. Miles can be given away - to family members, to charities or by businesses as rewards for employees - but there is usually a cost involved.

Topping Up

Most programs allow members to buy additional miles or points for a small fee. So, if you're only 1,000 miles from having enough to fly to the Caribbean for a week, you'll be able to buy them and head south quicker.