How to choose a loyalty program?

Currently, almost every airline has its own loyalty program for frequent flyers. Naturally, there’s no point in joining all programs; you’ll never accumulate miles that way.

The main rule for a mile hunter is consolidation, i.e., combining all your miles into one program. Only then will you have a chance to accumulate enough miles to move to a more privileged level or purchase an airline ticket. Don’t spread yourself across multiple programs; choose one or two. But which program should you choose? The fastest way to accumulate miles is to fly more often. This leads to the first rule when choosing a suitable FFP:

Join the loyalty program only of the airline that best suits your travel needs.

There’s no point in becoming a member of AirAsia’s BIG Loyalty Programme if you never travel in that region.

Join the loyalty program of the airline that dominates your region. Or whose hub is located at your city’s airport.

A hub is an airport used by an airline or an alliance of airlines as a transfer point for passengers and has a high percentage of connecting flights. If your city is served by several major carriers, you should base your decision on the destination you fly to most often, preferring the airline whose prices, service, or convenience suit you best. Sometimes, airline prices and conditions are almost equal. In this case, pay attention to the terms for accumulating miles and points. First, you need to decide why you are collecting miles:

• to purchase award tickets;
• to get a more privileged member card.

Depending on the specific goal, we look for the necessary information in the loyalty program terms. If our goal is an award ticket, we look at which program allows us to accumulate enough miles faster to acquire it. Compare how many flights at your preferred fare are required to earn a free ticket or to reach a higher tier status. Don’t forget that you can earn miles not only through flights. Most airlines issue co-branded cards with banks. Thus, you can accumulate miles not only by purchasing airline tickets but also by paying with your card in stores. Many carriers have signed contracts with various retail chains, hotels, car rental companies, etc. By using their services or purchasing goods from them, you can also accumulate miles. Remember to consider these factors when choosing a loyalty program.