And I think that is the worst thing about the miles and benefits system we have all bought into, we get some perks but we give up our freedom of choice to get it.
I tend to disagree.
For a person who has the passion for accumulating miles and points, nothing is more rewarding than the perks. Ask any seasoned FTer and they will swear by these..
* Mileage runs are taken so that you buy the cheapest fare to have the freedom of choice to fly where you want anytime you want.
* You get to fly business or First for a price lower than what most people in coach have paid for.
* You are treated as someone special. If something goes wrong, people are willing to an extra mile to make your life more comfortable.
* You get to access lounges. Anyone who has been to one would not sit outside if he/she can help it.
* You get to stay wherever you want whenever you want. And at the price lower than what most people are paying for.
* You get to walk into a car rental lot, pick any car you want and drive off. No lines no gimmicks. Ever stood in a line at 12:30 am at MIA for an hour. You would know what I am talking about.
For all of the above, you have to have the following traits..
* Love for travelling. This life is short and I need to see my planet.
* Should not abhor flying but have a passion for it.
* Read Read Read. You know what and where.
The perks far outweigh the effort we take to get them. But you have to have a passion for getting it. If that is missing, forget it.
Just a few tips.
Benefits and economy goes up and down. If the airlines are cutting costs, naturally the benefits are going to be cut to.
Prices go up not down. For a person with a million miles, it is not a gamble. Those miles are paid at today's prices to be used for a lifetime. And miles required for a reward have historically gone down. People with a few million miles plus know what they are doing and probably most farsighted of the lot.
The ultimate reward : Lifetime elite. Get it early in your life and reap the benefits for a lifetime.
Get out and meet a few FTers
[This message has been edited by Bourne (edited 08-30-2001).]