Back to basics. Learn again and newbie love.
Oct 28, 2006 | 3:23 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 2
Back to basics. Learn again and newbie love.
Dearest FlyerTalk members!
I was reading a blog when the author said something like "I have flown free to asia, morocco, and europe in the past thanks to information I learned on flyertalk). Well, that was a hell of a marketing pitch and here I am.
I find however, that a newbie like me can find the flyertalk forums quite a bit intimidating.
It also occured to me that even an experienced flyer could be unaware of of some users in order to find free travel. Even the most experienced professional sometimes needs to get back to basics. And let's show newbies like me some love. so, concretely...
What are the best ways to find free travel?
I was reading a blog when the author said something like "I have flown free to asia, morocco, and europe in the past thanks to information I learned on flyertalk). Well, that was a hell of a marketing pitch and here I am.
I find however, that a newbie like me can find the flyertalk forums quite a bit intimidating.
It also occured to me that even an experienced flyer could be unaware of of some users in order to find free travel. Even the most experienced professional sometimes needs to get back to basics. And let's show newbies like me some love. so, concretely...
What are the best ways to find free travel?
Oct 28, 2006 | 3:48 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 23,999
Welcome to FT! ^
I think that you are misinterpreting "free travel." I don't know of any way to go anywhere for free, since that does not seem to make any sense.
Maybe when people say "free" they mean by using their hard earned miles to visit exotic places on top airlines? That is all I can think of...
I think that you are misinterpreting "free travel." I don't know of any way to go anywhere for free, since that does not seem to make any sense.
Maybe when people say "free" they mean by using their hard earned miles to visit exotic places on top airlines? That is all I can think of...
Oct 28, 2006 | 4:21 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 2
Oh yes, that is what I meant. Sorry if the post was unclear. so to clarify.... what are the best ways to maximize miles? best ways to use them? tricks on what frequent flyer programs to join... stuff like that.
Knowing that all of that is probably here on FT already, maybe just a helping hand on how to navigate!
Knowing that all of that is probably here on FT already, maybe just a helping hand on how to navigate!
Oct 28, 2006 | 4:24 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 23,999
I understand FT can be overwhelming at first, but it is impossible to help you with the info you give us. We need a LOT more information. Since there are people all over the world here on FT, what is good will differ from someone who is from Alaska, Australia, or Austria. Also, I recommend that you check out the Mileage Run forum, and read the FAQ's there, as they will answer a lot of questions.
Oct 28, 2006 | 4:29 pm
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: back to my roots in Scotland!
Programs: Tamsin - what else is there to say?
Posts: 47,843
Welcome to FT!
Basic rules are - find the mileage programme which suits you best and stick with it. Concentrate on one airline, rather than trying to get lots of miles with many airlines. Are you interested in miles or status? Where are you based, which airlines offer the best fares and best offers out of your local airport? Generally, best ways to accumulate miles are through a mixture of flying, credit card and taking advantage of other offers which come along - idine is popular in the US, but non-existent in Europe for example. Ultimately, your mileage earning strategy will be down to you, but if you give us some pointers then it's likely someone on here will be able to give you some pointers. But warning.. it can be terribly addictive. If you ever find yourself contemplating a 8 or 10 sector flight, for no other reason than the miles, then you've been on here for too long
And also, to do it really well, you have to invest the time to learn the systems (another reason for sticking with one airline programme!)
Basic rules are - find the mileage programme which suits you best and stick with it. Concentrate on one airline, rather than trying to get lots of miles with many airlines. Are you interested in miles or status? Where are you based, which airlines offer the best fares and best offers out of your local airport? Generally, best ways to accumulate miles are through a mixture of flying, credit card and taking advantage of other offers which come along - idine is popular in the US, but non-existent in Europe for example. Ultimately, your mileage earning strategy will be down to you, but if you give us some pointers then it's likely someone on here will be able to give you some pointers. But warning.. it can be terribly addictive. If you ever find yourself contemplating a 8 or 10 sector flight, for no other reason than the miles, then you've been on here for too long
And also, to do it really well, you have to invest the time to learn the systems (another reason for sticking with one airline programme!)
Oct 28, 2006 | 9:29 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2006
Programs: HH Diamond, MR Platinum, AA EXP
Posts: 400
Many on these boards (but not all!), travel for work weekly, so it is on the company's tab and the airline miles and hotel points add up quickly that can be used for 'free' travel. Otherwise you need to travel a lot on your own dime to get miles for free tickets. Some people have found a gift for finding low fares for mileage runs that help too. Credit card offers, partner offers, etc will also boost your mile totals.
Besides accumulating miles, try to get bumped off your flight and earn free trips. These days airlines are over-selling flights in the hope to fill every seat after people miss connections or cancel at the last minute. In many cases airlines ask for volunteers to give up their seat in exchange for a seat on a later flight + vouchers or free trips for future travel. Some flight patterms always over sell and others never do.
Hope that helps and good luck.
Besides accumulating miles, try to get bumped off your flight and earn free trips. These days airlines are over-selling flights in the hope to fill every seat after people miss connections or cancel at the last minute. In many cases airlines ask for volunteers to give up their seat in exchange for a seat on a later flight + vouchers or free trips for future travel. Some flight patterms always over sell and others never do.
Hope that helps and good luck.
Oct 29, 2006 | 2:54 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BER
Programs: Hilton Diamond, SAS Gold, BA Bronze
Posts: 15,758
simarilion, welcome to Flyertalk 
this thread fits to travelbuzz - I'll move it for you. Don't hesitate to contact a moderator for further questions
chrissxb
co-moderator
communitybuzz!
this thread fits to travelbuzz - I'll move it for you. Don't hesitate to contact a moderator for further questions
chrissxb
co-moderator
communitybuzz!