Using your frequent flyer miles to decrease spending

It's no secret that if you're a frequent flyer, there are ways that you can use those frequent flyer miles to decrease your spending costs.Every mile that you travel on a plane is equal to one frequent flyer mile.And many of today's programs offer much more than just a free airline trip, and you don't even have to go anywhere.

Frequent flyer programs are rewards that airlines offer to keep your business.The concept behind it is that in return for your loyalty and continued business, airlines will grant you flyer miles so that you keep coming back.The more you fly with them, the more miles you accrue.

You're not an avid flyer you say, and you'll never be able to accrue enough frequent flyer points to get that free trip.Well, don't get discouraged because there are many other ways to earn frequent flyer miles to help decrease spending.Another way to do so is by using credit.What I mean by credit it using your credit card.There are many different credit cards that offer incentives for using their cards.Frequent flyer miles being one of them.Most often if you spend one dollar, you will receive one frequent flyer mile.Some credit cards even offer more than that.Some banks even offer debit cards that will allow you to build up frequent flyer miles; a definite bonus because then you know that the money you are spending is already there.By combing your air travel miles with your credit card expenditures you can really rack up the frequent flyer points and save a ton of money.Just make sure you are choosing the credit card that is right for you, and that you can pay off all those well spent dollars.Using your credit is probably by far the best way of earning points to save money, but there are also other things you can do to get you on your way.

-

• Make sure you sign up for the frequent flyer programs for all the airlines you plan to use, and even the ones you may not think you will.It's free, so if you end up using an airline you don't usually, then at least you'll get the points.


• - If at all possible try to stick to a few of the same airline.Sometimes this can get tricky when booking flights, but if you stick to flying with the same airlines, you will maximize your points.


• - Some airlines offer special bonuses so be sure to check out all your options.Sometimes you can get up to 10 000 points for certain things, so it pays off to look into everything!


• - Look for other ways to earn your miles.A lot of frequent flyer miles can be attained through eating out, buying groceries, mortgages, telephone services, stock trades, hotel services, etc.For example, today, most hotels have initiated frequent-stay programs, where they partner up with specific airlines.If you don't fly a lot and are still looking to earn points, then this would be a good way to go for you.

As we all know, to all good, there is a vice.This is true with frequent flyer programs.As a frequent flyer member you never really "own" your miles, which means you cannot transfer, or give your miles to someone else.You may also pay some fees when trying to redeem your miles for tickets (as part of the taxpayer Relief act which was passed in 1997).What does this mean for you?You will pay the taxes in miscellaneous fees.

Even with these negative aspects of the frequent flyer programs, it still may be worth your while to sign up for them if you're a regular flyer, and maybe even if you're not.You never know when you'll need to travel, and if you can ultimately use your frequent flyer miles to decrease your spending, your already one step ahead.