The Basics of Various Frequent Flyer Programs
Tracking the frequent flyer programs of various airlines to get the best deals can be full-time (and, in fact, for a handful of travel bloggers). The rules are constantly changing, points expire, and earning miles doesn’t go as far as it used to.
But for a comprehensive overview of major US carriers’ plans, the New York Times Frugal Traveler article highlighted the key differences.
Air alliances
You can subscribe to any number of frequent flyer programs, and since most of them are free, there is nothing wrong with doing so ahead of time.
But also remember that there are international airline alliances that can bring you more revenue. Alliances between carriers are mutually beneficial: carriers can feed passengers with a cooperating airline rather than a competitor, and passenger benefits such as redemption of miles, business class or lounges are often carried over without issue. As for your major American carriers, United belongs to the Star Alliance, American belongs to One World, and Delta belongs to the Sky Team. If you are traveling to different parts of the country or the world, these alliances will prove to be helpful.
american airlines
Program American Airlines AAdvantage requires that travelers flying 25,000 qualifying miles and spent 3000 dollars qualifying to reach the base of the elite level of Gold, which provides benefits such as free checked baggage and seven miles for every dollar spent.
The highest tier of awards, Executive Platinum, requires 100,000 qualifying miles and 12,000 qualifying dollars, and gives you free baggage check-in and priority boarding.
Delta
Delta’s SkyMiles program gives Basic Members five miles per dollar spent on Delta flights and increases from that point onward . Diamond Medallion status, which is the most exclusive, gives you 11 miles for every dollar spent , but you need 125,000 qualifying miles and $ 15,000 to achieve it.
You will earn Silver, which is a level higher than General Status, if you fly 25,000 qualifying miles and spend 3,000 qualifying dollars. You will receive a free checked bag and occasional upgrades.
One of the big benefits of the Delta program is that your SkyMiles never expire, but the Times notes that Delta has devalued its points on several occasions without warning. So this must be remembered.
United airlines
United Airlines’ MileagePlus program requires 25,000 qualifying miles and 3,000 qualifying dollars to reach the lowest tier, Silver, which gives you free check-in baggage and Economy Class seats. You will need 100,000 qualifying miles and 12,000 qualifying dollars to achieve 1K status, the highest level.
Gold status, which requires 50,000 qualifying miles and 6,000 qualifying dollars, gives you Star Alliance Gold, which gives you access to lounges around the world.
Overcoming Frequently Used Programs Flier Mile | New York Times