Airlines and establishments are creating packages that try to entice new frequent flyers. Bonus points, attractive compensations and best deals are just some of the carrots that they use to try and get more customers to remain loyal to their carrier. For those who are considering signing up with a frequent flyer program, here are 5 of the best kept secrets that you can take advantage of:
1. Bonus Miles
Most programs and airlines are now giving away miles upon registration. On top of the mileage you earn for purchasing your ticket, you get bonus miles on top of it. This stacks you up on points even before you start planning your second trip. The amount of bonus miles also depends on your booked ticket. Business and first-class booking normally earn double the bonus miles compared to coach class tickets. Make sure to do your research first before you sign up with a reward program, to guarantee that you get the best incentives for new frequent flyers.
2. Credit Card Sign-Up
For those who want to load up on free miles the fastest, you might want to consider signing up for a partner credit card. These creditcard companies often offer as much as 20,000 free miles upon registration alone, with more bonus miles for every extra person added to the account. Purchasing your ticket with the card also earns more bonus miles on top of the ones your ticket accrues.
3. Referral Bonus
New members may want to bring their friends, families and travel buddies into their frequent flyer programs as well. Some promotions allow for as much as 1,000 free miles for every member you refer. The new members you referred will get bonus miles themselves, so that's an added incentive for them to join your reward program. That's a step closer towards free flights, without even having to fly yourself. Existing members are often exempted from these deals and promotions, so new members should take advantage when such an offer comes up.
4. Faster Elite Status
Why do you suppose new members achieve elite status faster than existing members? Airlines are making it very easy nowadays for people to become elite members, sometimes even going as far as giving away memberships for free. Some reward programs run promotions where they automatically upgrade new frequent flyers to elite status. In other cases, they would offer elite status to new members for a certain period of time, after which they would revert the membership back to ordinary status. This is to entice members to try and achieve elite membership.
5. Bonus Points with Airline Partners
Some airlines are offering bonus free miles for those who participate in their partner establishments. This is often exclusive to new frequent flyers in order to retain their loyalty. Sometimes, simply staying at a partner hotel will triple the miles you would've normally earned.
Most of these promotional offers are
exclusive to new members. Before signing up for a reward program, make
sure you do your research to get the best deals that you can get upon
sign-up.