Frequent-flier programs give travelers a chance to earn free travel, merchandise and special privileges from airlines. Spreading out these miles among several airline programs, however, dilutes the reward potential from these miles. Fortunately, most airlines have forged partnerships with other airlines to allow travelers to earn miles on their programs even when traveling on different carriers. Using these partners lets travelers earn miles faster and among a wider range of travel options. Redeeming these miles is simple with careful travel planning and proper registration whenever you book air travel.
Check with your preferred frequent flier program to determine from which airline partners it will allow you to accrue miles. Most major airlines operate under one of three alliances: Oneworld, which includes American Airlines and British Airways; SkyTeam, which includes Delta Air Lines and Air France; and Star Alliance, which includes Continental, United Airlines and U.S. Airways. Many airlines allow mileage accrual from select airlines outside these alliances as well. Airlines also might reduce or disallow mileage accrual for some discounted tickets through airline partners.
Consolidate your travel, both business and leisure, through your preferred airlines and its airline partners as much as possible. Alliances are designed to have a global reach, so chances are if your destination is not served by your preferred airline, one of its partners will serve it. Keep in mind, however, that frequent-flier miles have a value of at most a few cents each, so it is not worth paying substantially more for a ticket just to get on a partner airline.
Get your frequent-flier membership number from your preferred airline into the partner airline's system before you take your flight. You can do this when booking a flight online, either through the airline's website or through a distribution website like Expedia or Travelocity. You also can give the number to the agent at the airport when checking in to your flight. If you forget to give your number, you can call your frequent flier program hotline and give them the flight information to gain credit for the miles, but most programs impose a time limit on doing this.
Monitor your frequent-flier account online after your flight to make sure you get credit for the airline partner miles. It generally takes a few days for the miles to appear on your statement. Keep your boarding pass stub until you see the credit appear.
Determine how you want to redeem your miles. Besides travel rewards, most frequent-flier programs offer shopping options for mileage accrual, such as electronics, accessories or tickets to sporting or entertainment events.
Redeem that your miles through the process directed by your frequent-flier program. Most will let you search for travel or merchandise and redeem them directly through their websites. Airline partner miles will be integrated into your mileage total.
