They lure millions of travelers each year with the promise of free flights, first-class upgrades, and a chance to cut the security line. But are frequent-flier programs really worthwhile?
Free flights are the most obvious perk. Miles can also be traded in for things like magazine subscriptions.
But some fliers argue the programs are difficult to maintain and aren’t of much value to travelers who fly once or twice a year. And there’s no guarantee of getting the flight you want.
Associated Press writers Samantha Bomkamp and Scott Mayerowitz argue the programs’ worth:
Mayerowitz: Travelers taking only one or two trips in a year can benefit. You won’t be upgraded to first class, but there are still plenty of perks. Just one round-trip flight between Washington, D.C., and Orlando earns enough miles for a magazine subscription.
Bomkamp: Most travelers don’t care about getting a free Sports Illustrated. They’re lured to the programs by upgrades that are hard to snag and free tickets that can be impossible to redeem. And if they focus too much on racking up miles, they may miss out on cheap flights.
Mayerowitz: Some hotel programs are particularly generous to even the lowest-tiered members, giving away minibar credits or free WiFi.
Bomkamp: What’s your time worth? With the sheer number and complicated nature of frequent-traveler programs, they’re too much trouble to keep track of for too little gain.
Mayerowitz: Free sites like AwardWallet and Points.com keep track of login information, point balances, and provide warnings about expiring points.
Bomkamp: If you travel twice a year like the average American, it would take you at least six years to be eligible for a free flight on most US carriers.
Mayerowitz: There are plenty of ways to earn miles without traveling. Many credit cards offer a generous signup bonus. Online shopping portals allow you to earn points at retailers such as Best Buy, Gap, and L.L. Bean.
Bomkamp: Most airline credit cards have higher interest rates and annual fees than traditional cards, making them a lousy deal and not worth the possible “free’’ trip down the road.
Mayerowitz: I will admit that if you can’t pay your credit card bill in full each month, branded cards aren’t a good option.
Bomkamp: Another problem: Miles and points with some airline and hotel programs expire in as little as a year.
Mayerowitz: It’s easy to keep miles alive. For example, miles with American expire after 18 months of inactivity. But just one 99-cent song purchase at iTunes - though American’s shopping portal - keeps your miles active for another 18 months.
Bomkamp: All right, fine. But good luck redeeming them. A recent industry survey showed that on some of the stingier airlines, passengers were only able to find award tickets on one in every four flights they wanted.