Frequent Flyer Miles
The benefits of frequent flyer miles are fantastic for people who travel more than the average credit card user. We'll explain how frequent flyer miles work, and how you can use flyer miles to save money on anything related to travel.
Miles Work Like Points
Miles accumulated with frequent flyer programs are not explicitly miles. This means that you cannot turn every mile you accumulate into a mile of travel or travel expenses. Instead, miles are redeemed for airfare on a dollar-basis. One mile might be worth anywhere between one-half cent to two cents' worth of travel expenses.
Miles are not strictly redeemable for airfare, either. In the most common scenario, those who have frequent flyer miles redeem their rewards for anything related to travel including free stays at resorts, a single night in a hotel, airfare, or even the use of a rental car. American Express's travel cards allow you to redeem for anything so long as you have a receipt, or you make the charge with your card, for example.
Why Frequent Flyer Miles Rock
Frequent flyer rewards cards often give users additional benefits, as well. A travel card from Chase allows you to check-in a second or third bag on any Delta Airlines flight for free. Others give you more cash back when you use your credit card to pay for a flight or trip through a specific brand of airline. Consider these cards to be very similar to any loyalty card, where you are incentivized with lower prices and bigger savings when you become a loyal passenger on a particular airline.
Frequent flyer rewards can be matched with last-minute travel packages usually sold at a discount. Those who have the ability to leave at a moments notice can secure travel at prices 50% off or less from the retail price, making their rewards go even further when it comes time to redeem.
