Flying with miles: what they are, how to collect them, and how to use them
Almost all airlines have their own system of loyalty, or customer retention, called frequent [...]
Almost all airlines have their own system of loyalty, that is, of retaining their customers, referred to as frequent flyers.
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But it often happens that many of them are consociated in alliances. which on the one hand allow the creation of industrial synergies (code share flights, lounge sharing, cross marketing activities) and on the other hand guarantee the traveler the recognition of exclusive benefits and the possibility of accumulating miles/points by flying on the associated airlines.
The world alliances are:
Skyteam
The latest and the one best known in Italy, because it saw Alitalia as a partner until last May. The main partners are Delta, Air France/KLM and Korean Air.
One World
The beating heart of this alliance is the duo formed by the IAG group (British Airways, Iberia) and American Airlines. In addition to these two giants we find Qatar, Quantas and JAL.
Star Alliance
Perhaps the largest alliance formed by the Lufthansa Group, United, Singapore Airlines, ANA and Turkish.
Then there are large companies such as Emirates and Ethiad that do not belong to any alliance but have commercial agreements with individual air carriers.
What are "miles"
Each airline, as mentioned, has its own accumulation system, counting mode, validity and "spending" table to convert miles into airline tickets or class upgrades and other benefits.
Miles are in fact a "currency" with which the traveler can buy a variety of services offered by the airline with which he or she flies. One always thinks of award tickets, but thanks to miles it is also possible to pay for a portion of a ticket (cash & miles) or services such as onboard WiFi, lounge access, seat upgrades, etc.
How to collect miles
Of course, the most direct and natural way to earn miles is to fly. Each traveler earns a different number of miles depending on the flight segment and class of travel. Recently, some airlines have also introduced a different way of accumulation, based on the cost of the ticket paid by the user.
Very important is to be aware that even if you do not fly with your favorite airline, you can also earn miles with one of its partners. For example, if I fly TAP Portugal, I can choose to accrue miles on my Singapore Airlines or Lufthansa card.
Over the years, opportunities to earn miles have grown: staying in hotels, renting cars, using credit cards to business deals with electric and gas companies, shopping malls, gas stations, and many others.
How the miles are spent
Each company has its own table that allows miles to be turned into airline tickets. The miles earned can be used both with the airline you are a member of and with its partners.
The "award" seats on each flight are limited, and each airline has its own way of providing them. For example, Alitalia puts an average of 2 seats in Magnifica (business) class and 3 to 4 seats in economy. In other airlines, however, the number varies according to seasonality: more seats in low season and fewer in high season.
