Frequent flier miles are the Holy Grail of business travelers. It's what makes the TSA screenings, uncomfortable seats and lost luggage worthwhile. Below is a short overview of the top frequent flier programs for business travelers. Any of these programs take American Express Membership Reward points to supplement miles and program points.
Billed as the original travel rewards program since its inception 20 years ago, American Airlines' program rewards frequent travelers with free air travel. Basically, travelers earn miles equivalent to the distance that they travel. Once an AAdvantage member earns 25,000 miles, he or she gets a free flight (economy seating) anywhere in the continental United States. Flight rewards for first class, business class, and premium class require more mileage points.
Continental Airlines' program is similar with points accuing based on miles flown. One difference is that OnePass members earn a minimum of 500 miles on every flight regardless of actual miles flown. Also, OnePass has an online auction where members can use their miles to bid on VIP travel packages and products.
Delta's program also bases points on actual mileage. However, there are two different levels of service. SkySaver, or the value option, is for travelers with flexible travel dates and requires 25,000 points for economy flights and 45,000 points for first class. These seats have limited availibility. SkyChoice, or the flexible option, allows travelers to fly round-trip anytime as long as seats are available and requires 50,000 points for economy flights and 90,000 points for first class.
Southwest's travel program is favored by many travelers because it uses points instead of miles as the basis for free flights. Each one-way trip earns one point so travelers get two points per round trip. After 16 points or 8 trips, travelers get a free flight to any destination of their choice within the United States. Free flights are accompanied by drink coupons.
Airtran's loyalty program is similar to Southwest in that it is based on points and not miles. Members earn 1 point for each one-way flight and earn a round-trip after 16 points.
JetBlue's travel program is quick and efficient. You sign up online and receive an account number almost immediately. You earn points based on the length of your flight. Short flights (JFK to Buffalo, NY) are worth 2 points, medium flights (JFK to New Orleans) are 4 points, and long flights (JFK to Long Beach, CA) are 6 points. If you book online, the number gets doubled. When you earn 100 points, you get a free flight. Points expire after 12 months.
Rated as #1 frequent flier program eight years in a row by Business Traveler magazine, United is doing something right. Mileage Plus members earn 100 percent of their actual miles flown on any flight with United or its airline partners. Mileage Plus members also earn 150 percent of their miles towards Elite status. After members reach 25,000 miles, they earn a free economy class flight anywhere in the continental United States.
WorldPerks is Northwest Airlines' frequent flier program. Members earn points on each travel segment that they complete. Once a member reaches 25,000 miles, their points can then be redeemed for free flights to anywhere that Northwest flies.
I first flew Spirit Airlines on a business trip to the Dominican Republic. I urge you to do the same for any business trips to the Caribbean. Spirit's frequent flier program is unique and innovative with member levels like Somebody, Elite, VIP, A List and Celebrity. Free Spirit also rewards the member that accrues the most points in a year with a free Spirit vacation. It's not a bad deal for road warriors.
