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Forthe occasional flyer, it's easy to forget about the accumulation offrequent flyer miles. However, if possible, you should try toremember to book a flight before your miles expire. Take advantage ofthe points you have earned, even if it's from only a few flights!
Untilrecently, most programs require travelers to fly at least once inthree years to keep the miles alive. However, more recently, airlinesare tightening their screws on latent frequent flyer accountsmeaning, your miles are not safe unless there's some kind ofactivity in your account.
Ideally,the best way to reap more benefits is to pick a program that suitsyou best. Try accumulating as many miles as possible with oneairline or credit card, and use that airline or its partners forfaster rewards, either as free flights or elite traveler perks. So,bring your options down to one major carrier.
Ifyou fly into or out of an airport, which is the hub of a majorcarrier, you'll want to fly frequently with that airline. Mostbusiness travelers, flying several times a month, aim for the perksand services that come with the elite class status. But if you?reone of those who don't fly that often, your objective will probablybe a free flight. For that to happen, occasional leisure travelerswill require 20,000-25,000 miles over a period of time.
Eventhough you might be an infrequent flyer, you will want to have somekind of activity on the account every couple of years. Be sure tocheck the date of expiration while choosing a program. For instance,Continental Airline's Onepass and United ?s Mileage Plus milesare valid for 18 months. Similarly, Delta's Sky Miles are valid for2 years. Be sure to check the requirements and dates for yourspecific program.
Ifyou do not have enough miles for a trip even after two years, you canuse them for non-travel rewards such as subscriptions. But if youwant to accumulate more miles so that you may win free flight for thenext vacation, there are ways other than flying.
Frequentflyer credit card signup programs can earn you as many as 20,000bonus miles for a mere sign up. This can be a great jump-start. Youcan earn miles while shopping and eating using that miles card.Besides, cards such as American Express or Diner's Club givespoints for each purchase. One can convert these points into miles forparticipating airlines.
Inthe end, read the fine print carefully and keep an eye on yourmileage figures as well as the airline's figures. Check yourprogram's newsletter, which will keep you abreast of additional wayto earn miles.
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