Introduction to frequent flyer programmes

In last few years it has become a standard, that every airline offers its own loyalty programme or in airline industry so called frequent flyer programme (FFP). Let's have a look how does this work and what are your benefits if you decide to join one of these FFPs.

First you should note, that in today world almost every bigger airline is part of some so called alliance along with some other airlines. The three biggest alliances are Star Alliance, Skyteam and One World. Airlines in this alliance usually have many agreements like code-share or they may be offering benefits to FFP members of every airline in this alliance.

So what are the advantages to be a member of some frequent flyer programme and how does it work? Once you register and you print your member card you can start earning points for every flight with your airline or a flight with any other partner airline of your airline. These points are called miles by airlines. And it really works the way, that for every single nautical mile you fly you receive one FFP mile. But not always. If you for example fly on some economy restricted really cheap tariff  you will get only let's say 50% of your flown miles or probably even less. But on the other side if you fly in business class, or even first class you may get 200% or 300%.

So after you fly your first flight the airline will send you a new plastic member card by post. If you manage to get enough points you may receive another card. In Skyteam they are called Elite cards. These are Silver, Gold and Platinum cards. For example in Czech airlines FFP you get a silver card if you fly 25000 miles within the period of one year. With Elite level card you will receive some benefits from your airline like free business class upgrade, priority check in and so on.

There are more ways of earning miles than just flying. You may get some miles for car rental, shopping or staying in a hotel. But you generally get most points from flying.

So what to do with your miles when you have enough? You can buy many benefits with them. The most popular is to buy a bonus air ticket. So with Czech airlines you will get one return air ticket from Europe to USA for 50000 miles for free. Another interesting thing is to buy yourself an upgrade from economy class to business class. There are more and more awards available. Just have a look at your airline website.

So if you are interested you may register on your favorite airline website. When you open that website just look for frequent flyer programme and you will able to register for free. Well, it should be free with most airlines, but I think, that for example British airways charged some symbolic registration fee.