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The ultimate guide to choosing the right frequent flyer program

Flying frequently can be a delightful experience but can also be heavy on the pocket. Due to this, for the benefit of their customers, many airlines have introduced frequent flyer programs to make flying more convenient and feasible. Choosing the right program as per your flying pattern can be a challenge as it makes you commit to one airline for almost all your travel needs. However, the benefits are multifold and with such diverse rewards, you will look forward to your next flight. You can check out our beginner’s guide to frequent flyer miles for a better perspective. Following are a few factors you need to keep in mind while scanning through the various frequent flyer programs available in the industry to reap the returns.

Your frequency

The biggest factor which impacts your decision of choosing the best program to suit your needs is the number of miles you fly per year. If you are periodic flyer who doesn’t travel more than 25,000 miles per year, then the need to register in a frequent flyer program is minimal. It is probably best for you to choose the best travelling deal available to augment your experience. If you travel around 50,000 miles per year, or more, it is best to get enrolled in a loyalty program as you will not only enjoy the benefits, but you will also be accumulating miles and saving a lot of cash.

Your destination

Whether you are planning to explore honeymoon destinations or checking out the places to celebrate New Year’s Eve, the perfect flyer program largely depends on your frequent point of departure too. If you live in a metropolitan city you probably have a wider range of airlines to choose from and an array of deals to narrow down to. However, if you live in a city where there are not many options to pick from, then a loyalty program may not make sense. It is important to look into all these options before making the decision. Another factor to consider is the route networks. Few airports offer connecting flights depending on their location. Since most frequent travellers usually travel for business, connecting flights may be a disadvantage as they are more time consuming. So, it is important to consider where you will be travelling to, how often, and your most preferred travel pattern.

The benefits you are looking for

Once you have decided on the frequency and pattern of travel, the benefits provided by each airline is what will help you choose the perfect flyer program for your needs. Following are a few details of the loyalty programs offered by top airlines to supplement your flying experience.

Air India

“Flying Returns” is India’s first frequent flyer program. It offers innumerable benefits based on the FR points accumulated. These points can be accrued on tickets in any currency, bought in any country. You can also obtain bonus FR points based on your booking class and combine your points with your spouse’s points for award tickets, which can be issued by you or a person recommended by you. Apart from these benefits, you can also avail the luxury of separate check-in counters and the tele check-in facility for members who carry only hand luggage.

Jet Airways

The Jet Airways loyalty program titled “Jet Privilege” has a multitude of benefits spread across five segments – Blue, Blue Plus, Silver, Gold and Platinum. One of the biggest advantages of being a Jet Privilegemember is that you can redeem the JP points on other airlines as well. The Jet Airways are partnered with Etihad Airways and as a member of the loyalty program you can also redeem JP miles on flights with Etihad Airways, Etihad Regional, AirBerlin, Alitalia, Air Serbia and Air Seychelles.

Each of the Jet Privilege segments offers a variety of privileges flight reservations and baggage allowance to lounge access and priority baggage tagging. The miles flown are converted to JP miles which can be redeemed to enjoy the benefits.

Qatar Airways

Being a “Oneworld” traveller gives you the benefits of flying with a range of amenities spread across three tier levels – Oneworld Ruby (Silver), Oneworld Sapphire (Gold) and Oneworld Emerald (Platinum). The benefits include priority boarding, fast track security lanes, preferred and pre-reserved seating, extra baggage allowance, and much more. You can also accumulate Qmiles or Qpoints which can be redeemed later on leading airlines such as American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Finnair, Srilankan airlines and many more.

Emirates Airlines

“Emirates Skywards” is an award-winning frequent flyer program with a pool of benefits. Its esteemed members have the facility of collecting more miles in a shorter duration of time and these miles can be used with Emirates or with other celebrated airlines who have partnered with Emirates. Apart from discounted flight tickets the collected miles can be used for a multitude of benefits to heighten your travel experience. Their partnered airlines include Air Mauritius, Jet Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Virgin America and Alaska Airlines to name a few.

American Airlines

The “AAdvantage” program gives you the privilege of accessing flights to over 1,000 destinations around the world along with added advantages such as easy upgrades, holiday benefits on car rentals and hotel accommodationsand many more services. The miles earned can also be used on the “Oneworld” traveller program which grants access to 1,000 other airline partners. You even have the option of buying, sharing or gifting miles to family and friends.

Make sure you get the best offers for amazing deals and have a safe and memorable flight every time you fly. You can read through the 10 things to do before boarding a flight to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free journey. Book your tickets at Akbar Travels for an unforgettable flying experience.

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