- Q: I'm thinking about applying for some credit cards, where should I start?
- A: Read the intro letter I've sent to all interested in churning and get your free credit score here at CreditSesame.com and then contact me.
- Q: After I get my points, when can I cancel my credit card?
- A: There should be no hurry. Read the May 14, 2010 blog post from the blog archives.
- Q: Besides using points, how do you cut your hotel room costs?
- A: I use one of two techniques: the Priceline/BiddingForTravel technique I describe in the October 30, 2007 post, and the Expedia Best Price Guarantee described in the October 15, 2010 post.
- Q: What is your primary credit card for your everyday spending?
- A: For the last nine years it has been theStarwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express The annual fee is now $65 but worth every penny. Here's why.
- Q: What programs should I join (Frequent Flier, Hotel, etc)?
- A: All of them! THEY'RE FREE! Add them to your Awardwallet.com account.
- Q: What past blog posts should I read if I want to apply for credit cards?
- A: Read the series from August 10 - 17, 2008
- Q: What should I do as a Rookie with little credit history?
- A: Read the series from December 14 - 16, 2009
Have you ever wondered how this travel hacking game we enjoy so much actually began? We’ve done the research, and it dates back to Texas in 1979...
The Genesis
Texas International Airlines offered the first frequent flier miles/points program in 1979. This good idea was destined to be emulated and taken over by a competitor with greater computer resources. That’s exactly what happened in May of 1981 when American Airlines introduced AAdvantage. AAdvantage offered special fares to its loyal customers by issuing frequent flier miles every time those customers flew American. As was expected, other airlines quickly jumped on board with their own frequent flier mile rewards programs, including United Airlines (the Mileage Plus program) later in 1981, and Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles) and British Airways (Executive Club) in 1982.
Gathering Miles through Flying
The main way to accrue frequent flier miles -- until recently -- was to fly with an airline that offered them. Most programs reward travelers with a specific number of points for a specific distance – say, one point per one mile flown. When airline alliances and promotional code-share flights were introduced, frequent flier programs began to allow customers to use their benefits with partner airlines.
Admittedly, the methods used for calculating rewards can be complicated. For some programs, additional points are awarded as a “cabin bonus,” which is usually part of a percentage multiplier, over the standard economy-class mileage, for customers flying First Class or Business Class. Fewer frequent flier miles/points are rewarded for discounted economy tickets. Sometimes additional “bonus points” are rewarded when members of a frequent flier program reach specific levels of flying activity.
Frequent flier programs also differ on when the miles you’ve accrued will expire. Some expire after a fixed time, while others expire if the account remains inactive for an extended period of time.
Gathering Miles through Promotions and Partnerships
Many frequent flier mile programs allow you to accumulate points by using their favored "partners" on the ground, including participating hotels, rental car companies, and department stores.
Another method for accruing thousands of frequent flier miles is by paying attention to banks' credit card and debit card promotions. These programs reward points for charges or usage of their cards. Some even allow you to earn extra miles by dining out at participating restaurants, provided you charge those meals to the registered credit card or debit card.
By far, the best way to earn massive amounts of frequent flier miles with minimal cost to you is by taking advantage of special promotional offers on credit and debit cards. This is the Frugal Travel Guy’s specialty.
