Multiple FF Accounts?
 

Hi,

I'm still unclear about so much here but was wondering, is it a good idea to be signed up to multiple Frequent Flyer Miles accounts with a number of different airlines ahead of time so if a good offer comes along, it would be simple to take advantage of the offer since the account number for that particular program would already be known?

Thank you!

Welcome to the board. I think you will find that most of the people here have one or two primary accounts, but several others lounging in the file cabinet. I think I have FF#s in about a dozen plans. Most of them have never acquired a point other than the sign up bonus. That way I get the special ad bonus information. I have picked up a couple of tickets from deals like a 10K credit card sign up, a 10 k phone sign up and a single domestic RT.

I'm not sure it's necessary to sign up ahead of time, as with most airlines you can sign up in a few seconds online. If it's an offer for current members though, you will only hear about it or may only be eligable if you already have an account.

Lost of us, myself included, have accounts on airlines we haven't been on in many years. I have an account at Continental, have taken like one trip on CO in probably 10 years, but they have a tie in with my grocery store, so every time I buy something I get miles. I've received thousands of miles there doing nothing but grocery shopping at the same store buying the same things I would have without the miles.

So, yes there is a benefit, but it's not all that hard to just get the accounts when you hear about most offers.

Depending on the program rules, some of what you accrue will expire and the account might be terminated if there is no continued patronage.

But, it does seem that if you're a member, many programs will send you promotions from time to time.

Two or more FF programs makes sense. Its a way to diversify in case one should go bankrupt or something similar. Make sure you manage the miles so they do not expire, most are good for three years and any account activity will extend the entire account for another three years. JMHO :cool:

I sign up for most anything that gives me free miles on most any airline. After doing this for years, I now have a zillion miles on many airline accounts, so now, with good use of partners, I never have much difficulty getting a seat to where I want to go and when I want to go there.

I consider actually paying small amounts for miles on airlines whose miles I will likely use. (Telephone deals, annual fee credit card deals, etc.)

You can find (hopefully all of) the free and cheap deals on my website, Free Frequent Flyer Miles. I see no reason to not move assets from broker to broker, gathering miles on the way, or applying for all of the free credit cards with up front miles offered, for example. It is easy to cause miles to not expire. If you plan to live a long life, most all miles will become useful sometime. So why not go for them all?

I appreciate the welcome to this fascinating forum and the good information as well about having multiple FF accounts. I rather thought having 'major' ones (in my case Delta and Air France) along with some FF accounts where I could park some miles would be a good idea. I think I will look into AAAdvantage and United or USAir next or maybe wait until they have a nice sign-up bonus!

I also have an Amex Gold Delta SkyMiles card, so I am racking (sp) up miles with that too!

And finally, pgary's site 'Free Frequent Flyer Miles' is an awesome resource, I have learned so much from it.

Thank you everyone. :)