Most savvy frequent fliers would readily agree that the only thing that trumps cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages is when you can redeem frequent flier miles/points for free travel.
American Airlines introduced the first frequent flier program called AAdvantage in 1981. Its purpose was to keep passengers incentivized to fly on American. Other major airlines quickly introduced similar programs.
Over the past 30 years experts estimate that fliers have earned over 10 trillion miles, though no exact number is available.
As travelers became more committed to earning as many miles as possible, the number of ways they could do so have grown dramatically:
Hotels and car rental companies have started their own programs and/or participated with airline frequent flier programs.
Airlines now sell frequent flier points in bulk to banks and credit card companies empowering them to dispense points based on how much their customers spend.
Major airlines offer a variety of non flying ways to earn points including financial services, banking, mortgages, and dining.
Some frequent fliers have embraced what is referred to as The Mileage Run whereby frequent fliers take flights not because of the destinations but because they want to earn more miles either to reach elite status or just earn more miles.
Obsessed frequent fliers have been known to route themselves through different airports, going out of their way to make additional connections if additional stops will add to their point total.
Many frequent fliers pay rent, make car payments, and purchase groceries on their credit cards to earn more miles.
Travelers desiring to earn as many points/miles as possible may want to check out an online company called FlyerTalk which bills itself as an interactive community that provides up to date information on travel related loyalty reward programs. It helps travelers strategize as to how to best maximize their points/miles.
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