| For the occasional flyer, it’s easy to forget | | | | will want to have some kind of activity on the |
| about the accumulation of frequent flyer miles. | | | | account every couple of years. Be sure to check the |
| However, if possible, you should try to remember to | | | | date of expiration while choosing a program. For |
| book a flight before your miles expire. Take | | | | instance, Continental Airline’s Onepass and United |
| advantage of the points you have earned, even if | | | | ’s Mileage Plus miles are valid for 18 months. |
| it’s from only a few flights! | | | | Similarly, Delta’s Sky Miles are valid for 2 years. |
| Until recently, most programs require travelers to fly | | | | Be sure to check the requirements and dates for |
| at least once in three years to keep the miles alive. | | | | your specific program. |
| However, more recently, airlines are tightening their | | | | If you do not have enough miles for a trip even |
| screws on latent frequent flyer accounts meaning, | | | | after two years, you can use them for non-travel |
| your miles are not safe unless there’s some kind | | | | rewards such as subscriptions. But if you want to |
| of activity in your account. | | | | accumulate more miles so that you may win free |
| Ideally, the best way to reap more benefits is to | | | | flight for the next vacation, there are ways other |
| pick a program that suits you best. Try accumulating | | | | than flying. |
| as many miles as possible with one airline or credit | | | | Frequent flyer credit card signup programs can earn |
| card, and use that airline or its partners for faster | | | | you as many as 20,000 bonus miles for a mere sign |
| rewards, either as free flights or elite traveler perks. | | | | up. This can be a great jump-start. You can earn |
| So, bring your options down to one major carrier. | | | | miles while shopping and eating using that miles card. |
| If you fly into or out of an airport, which is the hub | | | | Besides, cards such as American Express or |
| of a major carrier, you’ll want to fly frequently | | | | Diner’s Club gives points for each purchase. One |
| with that airline. Most business travelers, flying several | | | | can convert these points into miles for participating |
| times a month, aim for the perks and services that | | | | airlines. |
| come with the elite class status. But if you’re | | | | In the end, read the fine print carefully and keep an |
| one of those who don’t fly that often, your | | | | eye on your mileage figures as well as the |
| objective will probably be a free flight. For that to | | | | airline’s figures. Check your program’s |
| happen, occasional leisure travelers will require | | | | newsletter, which will keep you abreast of additional |
| 20,000-25,000 miles over a period of time. | | | | way to earn miles. |
| Even though you might be an infrequent flyer, you | | | | |