Frequent flyers are those who fly often and commit to using the same airline. As a result they have certain opportunities that are not open to others. As part of this they offer quite a few perks for customers such as free flights.
How to Qualify?
In order to become a frequent flyer, it is necessary to join a frequent flyer loyalty scheme. You can typically sign up on their website. There is no limit to how many loyalty schemes you can join. This means that you can sign up for one on more than one airline. In addition, however, in order to reap the benefits, you would need to take frequent flights with that airline. So in reality it may only be logical to commit to one airline in order to maximise the benefits gained.
In certain cases, signing up in itself can convey benefits. British Airways for example offers free priority boarding and free onboard wi-fi messaging for those who sign up as part of their most junior Blue Member offering. What this means is that they can message family, friends and colleagues when they are on board their flight. However in order to get more benefits, more flights need to be taken.
The Benefits
The real benefits offered to frequent flyers are graded depending on the number of flights taken. Traditionally frequent fliers are offered discounts on future flights. It was the case that these discounts were based on the distance flown by the customer. However as frequent flyer programs have evolved they have tended to reward people on how much they spend rather than the distance flown. In addition, loyalty programs such as that offered by British Airways link in day to day spending on credit cards offered by themselves with partners such as American Express to rewards gained on flights. Day to day spending means that you collect a British Airways Club Currency called Avios which you can then use to spend on flights with the airline.
Rewards now given by companies to frequent flyers have also increased in terms of options given. Both British Airways and Emirates for example offer free lounge access to their more frequent flyers. In addition cabin upgrades may also be available as well as an extra baggage allowance. In certain cases, customers are also allowed to choose their seats a week in advance before their flight.
Which Are The Top Rated Frequent Flyer Programs?
The top-rated frequent flyer programs Air France KLM’s Flying Blue, Air Canada Aeroplan, United MileagePlus, British Airways Executive Club and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Air France/ KLM Flying Blue is noted for its flexible options to redeem air miles as well as its extensive network of airlines. British Airways Executive Club is described as a perk packed scheme. As one can see however, there are many airlines to choose from even among those that are top rated, if you want to benefit from being a frequent flyer.
All in all therefore, there are plenty of choices available for those who are frequent flyers and in more recent years more benefits are being offered. Airlines will also no doubt benefit from loyal customers and will no doubt continue to provide more incentives for passengers to fly with them. We have to wait to see how this progresses.
In conclusion therefore, there are many frequent flyer programs available with a variety of benefits being offered. Do you have any experience of being part of a frequent flyer program?
