Talk to your favorite airline about different airline rewards programs it offers and which credit card companies it works with in order to provide miles. Talk to the airline about how much you have to spend in order to receive miles and how many miles it will take to build up discounts for the trips you desire. It will vary according to the company.
Pick a credit card and miles program that works for you. Be aware that some miles rewards cards require you to have excellent credit in order to receive the cards. Some may also charge annual fees and/or have high annual percentage rates.
Calculate your miles yourself by logging onto the airline's website and entering your frequent flier ID number and password. You can also sign up at MileageManager.com to help you keep track of your miles at all times.
Be aware that miles can expire. Ask the airlines or a credit card company for a "used by" date for your miles so you don't end up accruing them and losing them. If you don't have enough miles for a full flight, consider doing something else with them like upgrading to first or business class so they won't go to waste.
Decide where you want to go with your miles, but be flexible about dates and how to get there. This can ensure that you'll be able to use all of your miles. You should also be aware that if you cancel a flight, you may lose the miles, or the airlines may charge a fee to give the miles back to you.
Call the airline when booking your flight instead of booking online, especially with international travel. This can help ensure that your miles will be appropriately put to use.
