Airline loyalty programs- Are they worth it?

Airline loyalty programs are great for "saving" towards future trips. However, the process of accumulating points is a tedious one. Unless you are constantly flying or paying for more expensive fares, earning points can take a while. Although you earn miles on every flight, the miles earned often do not equal a trip you want to take. However, if you let them pile on, they accumulate and can pay off big.

While the value of the flights will vary, with just a few thousand miles you can book a one-way award flight. You just have to cover the taxes and fees. Earning miles, when you aren't flying is also possible. In addition to earning miles from flying, airline loyalty programs let members earn miles through online shopping portals, hotels and car rental partners, dining programs, and other activities. These partnerships and promotions vary between programs, for example whenever I take a Lyft Ride- I can choose between Hilton reward points or Delta SkyMiles. Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite or Ambassador Elite members can claim United Silver elite status by linking their Marriott and United accounts. Merging your two accounts allows access to perks like free upgrades, free checked bags, miles, and points toward a free room.

However, depending on the airline and the program, they do not always provide members perks like free Wi-Fi or waived fees. Based on your tier, your level of perks varies- the more you fly, the more you accumulate. Every airline will award you some sort of miles or points when you pay for flights directly through the airline.

If you are a true adult, you can use a credit card. But only if you plan to give that airline quite a bit of money. Each purchase accumulates miles per dollar, so everyday purchases add miles that can be later exchanged for a flight. Imagine paying your rent and electricity for 3 months, only to see that you have enough points for a RT flight to Los Angeles. For example, I was able to book a free RT flight to Rome for later this year using my AAdvantage miles. I was also able to use my airline miles to come home during the holidays for a funeral.

There's no "best" airline miles program. Rather, there's the best fit for each style of travel. If international travel is your goal, stick with Alaska, American, Delta, and United (these airlines also have international partners, that you can book flights through) On the other hand, if you're perfectly fine in North America, Southwest can be an excellent value.