Reading from the USPS Mover's Guide: Mail Forwarding Facts:

The following mail will be forwarded at no charge for the period indicated:

First Class (also Priority & Express): 12 months

Newspapers and magazines: 60 days

Packages over 16 ounces: 12 months locally, charges apply out of the local area (you can ask that this class of mail not be forwarded).

NOTE: Circulars, books, catalogues and advertising mail under 16 ounces will NOT be forwarded unless requested by the mailer.


Most frequent flyer materials are sent PRESORT STANDARD (the USPS's cute name for bulk/junk mail). The official change-of-address card that the consumer sends to the postmaster does not have a place to make the above-mentioned request for bulk forwarding, so I would guess very few people take the time to personally go into their local Postal Service office to request the special forwarding.