ABCNew.com Column: How You Can Save Thousands (Seriously)

March 25, 2009 | Posted in: Airline News,Frequent Flyer,Sports

I’m not saying you WILL save thousands, but you CAN – if you join a frequent flier program. If you don’t do it, you’re just leaving money on the table. Especially in today’s “sale” environment airlines are practically throwing bonus miles at members – for domestic and international travel. That means more chances to easily reach “elite status” – and more chances for: Free flights Waived bag fees Upgrades First-in-line boarding privileges and more Do you fly three times a year? If you typically check a bag, you’ve just saved yourself nearly 100 bucks! Read my weekly column on ABCNews.com for more. I think a lot of people don’t join – because it involves some work. True! But I’ll bet you do more work on your March Madness festivities – and unlike those office pools, joining a frequent flier program is free. In this economic environment, mileage programs are like “free money”. And who turns down free money? Not this travel guru…

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2 Responses to “ABCNew.com Column: How You Can Save Thousands (Seriously)”

1. Dave says:

   March 25, 2009 at 2:04 pm

   Rick – 2 cents
   You can’t be serious.
   Any momentary advantage these programs offer will and are quickly depleted by the airlines ability to change the rules as the the economy strengthens. Miles are being depreciated by the day.

   My only advice is don’t be a victim. “Carry on” and burn your miles today and not tomorrow..

   Christopher Elliott puts it perfectly in his article(link below) from last Sept ….. “mindless customer drones”….

   See section titled “Thinking frequest flier miles are a reward for your loyalty”

   http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/business.travel/09/15/business.travel.mistakes/index.html

   Thanks for keeping up a great forum for these discussions.
2. Rick Seaney says:

   March 25, 2009 at 6:41 pm

   Dave,
   I know that mileage programs today are just as much about marketing/branding as they are about “rewarding” customers, and yes, these programs have lost value over the years. The number of people that say they are less loyal has definitely increased.
   But, that said, mileage programs DO have some value. And since these miles are freebies, and because many don’t pack light and because business travelers have lost the perks (like biz class travel over the pond), it is definitely a good idea to grab them and put them to good use.
   Rick