| We all like to get something for free but | | | | annual fee. You need to use the card as much |
| there is an old adage that says "nothing is | | | | as possible to make this worth it. There are |
| ever free". A free airplane ticket is the | | | | creative ways of spending and earning. Offer |
| draw of frequent flyer points but since | | | | to pay using your credit card when you dine |
| airlines are not in the business of giving | | | | out with a large party. You can also use |
| away seats for free there are some things you | | | | your credit card for large purchases and on |
| need to be aware of. There are also some | | | | line shopping. These will add up quick and |
| tricks to using your accumulated air miles so | | | | collecting flyer miles will become second |
| you can get the most benefit out of them. | | | | nature. |
| | | | |
| First off you need to choose a frequent flyer | | | | Now that you're earning air miles make sure |
| program and stick to that one program. | | | | you stay organized and on top of your |
| Research the program and choose one that you | | | | accumulated miles. Since there are so many |
| will use most often. These programs also | | | | partners and vendors involved there is a |
| have partners including other airlines, | | | | likely chance that some of your miles won't |
| retail stores, dining and car rental | | | | show up. Keep your receipts and any flight |
| companies. Also research how many miles you | | | | stubs in case you need to submit proof to |
| receive for your flights and how many miles | | | | receive credit. |
| it takes to redeem a free ticket. Keep in | | | | |
| mind that some airlines only give a | | | | Once you have a significant number of miles |
| percentage of the actual miles on discounted | | | | it's time to redeem them. Don't be too hasty |
| tickets so if you're a bargain hunter then | | | | in redeeming your miles. The more you |
| pick a program that gives you one hundred | | | | accumulate the better the free ticket's |
| percent of the miles on cheap tickets. | | | | value. Since airlines don't like to give |
| | | | away things for free there are only a limited |
| Once you've chosen and signed up for a | | | | number of seats per flight for frequent flyer |
| program it's time to start earning frequent | | | | redemption. Plan and book as far in advance |
| flyer points. Sign up for email newsletters | | | | as possible. Most airlines permit booking |
| and check the airline's website constantly so | | | | nine to twelve month in advance. Also check |
| you are on top of any promotions. Check if | | | | for redemption promotions since airlines |
| there are any retail partners that will earn | | | | often offer off season destinations at a |
| you points before shopping online. Christmas | | | | discount. Don't waste your miles on a cheap |
| shopping can earn you a free flight so | | | | flight; use them on trips that would normally |
| research before you buy. | | | | be out of your price range. |
| | | | |
| Credit cards are also available that will | | | | Airline flyer miles are a great way to earn |
| earn you miles for each dollar you spend. Be | | | | free flights but keep organized and wisely |
| cautious of these; they usually have an | | | | redeem them to get their full benefit. |