How does frequent flyer work?

When you fly on a paid fare, you are usually eligible to earn frequent flyer miles for the trip. Depending on the airline's rules, you may earn miles based on how far you travel or the flight cost. In most cases, you will earn a number of points per dollar spent or per mile flown.



Frequent flyer programs are airline loyalty systems that allow you to earn points or miles every time you fly or spend with partner brands. In 2026, these programs are highly sophisticated; you earn "Award Miles" for redemptions (flights, upgrades, or hotels) and "Status Points" (like Tier Points or PQPs) to reach elite levels like Silver or Gold. Higher tiers grant perks such as lounge access, priority boarding, and free checked bags. Many programs now allow you to earn miles through credit card spend, car rentals, and online shopping portals, effectively making them "lifestyle" reward programs. For example, a 2026 Gold member on Emirates might receive a 75% bonus on miles earned per flight plus free business lounge access for themselves and a guest, regardless of their ticket class.

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To give you a guideline, you should fly at least ten short-haul flights a year, two long-haul flights in economy class or one flight in business class to make a frequent flyer program worth your while. However, joining a frequent flyer program is basically always advisable, as you will not suffer any disadvantages.

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Enrolling in a frequent flyer program is usually free, but some programs may offer premium tiers or credit cards with additional benefits for a fee. Some airlines may have age restrictions for enrollment, so be sure to check the program's specific requirements.

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Achieving a frequent flyer status with status miles You will become a Frequent Traveller when you earn at least 35,000 status miles per calendar year. This status is valid for two years. Alternatively, you can also achieve Frequent Traveller status with the 2022 Silver Promotion.

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Do airline miles expire? With most major airlines, your miles never expire. However, there are two notable exceptions: American Airlines and British Airways. Earning and redeeming miles on a semi-regular basis will keep your miles from expiring with these two programs.

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Most frequent flyer programs only allow you to credit mileage to the account of the person flying. Inputting the same frequent flyer number for two different passengers wouldn't work, because the name on the account has to match the name on the ticket.

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Tom Stuker has taken over 12,000 flights and flown over 23 million miles making him the world's most frequent flyer. Naturally, he's developed a few tips and tricks along the way to navigate the inevitable flight delay.

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Earning frequent flyer miles can land you free flights, upgrades, and other travel perks. The most basic way to earn points is to fly often and with the same carrier. You can earn points without flying by signing up for a rewards credit card and using it and shopping with program partners.

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Use the airline website to enter your FF number to the booked flight or call your company's travel agency. Going forward, your Concur Travel booked flights on this airline will have your FF number added to it automatically.

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Redeeming 909 Dream Miles will get you $100 off, and you'll continue to earn $1 for every $20 you spend on the booking.

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The exact process may vary slightly from Partner to Partner. Typically, while at checkout, show the cashier your AIR MILES Card and let them know you would like to use Cash Miles towards your purchase. You need to spend a minimum of $10 before tax; then every 95 Cash Miles will get you $10 off your purchase.

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While there are plenty of benefits to frequent flyer programs, there are also drawbacks that need to be considered before signing up:
  • Limited Redemption Options. Many programs have limited redemption options, which can limit the usefulness of the miles or points collected. ...
  • High Annual Fees. ...
  • Points Expiry.


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You'll get more value by using them for high-priced travel experiences. But if you're a budget traveler who just wants to save a few bucks, use your points for that economy flight or low-category hotel redemption. The key is to have a use in mind before you start earning points.

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Membership numbers are nontransferable. Only one person may be enrolled per SkyMiles account.

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