Frequent Flyer Programs – Are they worth it?

Virgin Atlantic recently took a slightly different approach and opened up more of the somewhat restrictive booking classes (E, Q, V and X), so even more Flying Club members can perhaps treat themselves to an upgrade to a higher cabin using miles should there be availability. The downside: A few weeks later they decided to increase the number of miles required to upgrade to higher cabin, per sector by 5,000 from Economy to Premium, and 10,000 from Premium to Upper, plus availability in the three reward classes (T, P and G) is still limited. Sigh.

When BA announced they were going to slash the amount of tier points earned on the cheapest Economy tickets from 50% to 25%, you can guarantee the Frequent Flyer world went into meltdown. The announcement to introduce peak and off-peak pricing however made sense and I'm glad that was well-received by the majority, or at least my friends agree with me.

Some of the US carriers have also made a few changes. United followed Delta move to switch from members earning points based on mileage flown to earning based on how much they actually paid for their ticket. I find American Airlines to be an exception, where you will earn at least 1 Elite Qualifying Mile (EQM) per mile flown, even when flying in a discounted Economy class. The amount you earn when flying on a partner airline does vary.

You'll also notice airlines have somewhat tried to simplify the rather confusing terminology between EQMs, MQMs, EQS and what other acronym they will come up with next.

Sure you might be able to grab yourself a great flight reward, but having enough miles and then being able to find availability on the dates you want can become a total headache; not just for you, but also for the employee who may be looking for you on the other end of the phone.

Some airlines market "Points and Money" options a fantastic value. Typically this is where you may use 3,000 of your miles and save £30 on the price of your flight. However be warned that most likely you'll loose the opportunity to probably earn an additional 10,000 miles on a return flight from the UK to the West Coast of America; which may have been enough for you to take advantage of a mileage upgrade or combination reward.

Then there's that minor little thing which really annoys everyone. The tax. There is no such thing as a free flight. Unfortunately some individuals may still not realise that with a full flight reward, you'll still need to pay for the taxes and fees in cash. I totally get it, but I wish airlines would make it clearer so people really know what they are doing.

In some instances, it pays to be fussy for when you decide to book your reward flight. For example, you may be able to use all your miles for a flight reward and then pay X amount in taxes and fees. During a promotion, the sale fare may only cost approximately £100 more than if you used your miles, inclusive of taxes and fees - plus you'd earn additional miles too.

If your airline of choice happens to be a member of an alliance such as oneWorld, Star Alliance and Skyteam to name a few; it's great that you may be able to earn and possibly redeem your Frequent Flyer miles when travelling on partner airlines. However it's always worth checking the T&C's just in case some of the associated benefits cannot be used at specific locations, such as lounge access, fast-track security and in some cases extra baggage.

I admit some Frequent Flyer programs are great; and if you are lucky enough to belong to one which will give you a Recognition Upgrade and Lounge Vouchers for remaining loyal, then by all means continue; but just make sure you really know what you are getting and be prepared to put in the effort to ensure you make the most of all the benefits that may be available to you.

If you are thinking of transferring your points from your credit card spend to a Frequent Flyer program, which one would you choose?

For example, American Express membership rewards points are something that you earn through everyday spending on your Amex card; and these can be transferred to select airline loyalty programmes such as British Airways, Delta and Etihad

I think BA's is a good deal where 1,000 points will get you 1,250 Avios.
Transfer to Etihad or Delta on the other-hand, and you'll only receive 750*.

*Figures are correct as of March 2016 and have been calculated based on holding a UK American Express Card.