Frequent Flyer Programs
Whenever you fly, it pays to make sure you pick up frequent flyer rewards. There are several major programs and they are free to join.
There are almost as many frequent flyer programs as there are airlines. Have you joined Belama Club (Solomon Airlines) or perhaps Dream Miles (Rwanda Air)?
If you expect to fly a fair amount on your forthcoming trip, or have many trips on your future bucket list, then look to join some frequent flyer programs.
Even if you expect to only fly once on Vietnam Airlines, join LotusSmiles. You may find that the miles you collect are valid for several years and you never know when Vietnam Airlines will be on a future itinerary. However, this airline is part of the SkyTeam alliance, so your LotusSmile miles are added to your SkyTeam total.
Rules for these frequent flyer programs vary, so it is worth checking what you may need to do to claim rewards down the line. Some programs will give you a free flight, a cabin upgrade, or access to an airport lounge.
The main six alliances each have dedicated smartphone apps, where you can book flights, check your bookings, and see your points or miles balance. Other independent frequent flyer programs may not have an app and will issue you with a credit card-sized membership card. Some will do both.
The secret is to always ask before your book about joining the airline’s program or alliance. In some cases, you may be able to add your points after the flight, but that isn’t always the case. And if you can add them later, there may be a time limit.
The Alliances
There are half a dozen frequent flyer alliances, where you can earn rewards from one airline and use them on another.
Generally, you join just one frequent flyer program from a single airline and that gives you access to the appropriate alliance. If you join more than one alliance member from different airlines, you may not be able to amalgamate your points in a single alliance account. Check the rules to make sure you gain the maximum benefit.
Rewards vary depending on which airline and alliance you use.
Here are some typical frequent flyer rewards* :
Priority check-in
Priority boarding
Lounge access
Extra baggage allowance
Waitlist priority
Standby priority
Transfer desk priority
Access to preferred or pre-reserved seating
Credit cards where whatever you spend results in miles added
Discounted and free flights
* Rewards vary by airline and points accumulated
Joining a Program
Generally, when you join one airline’s rewards program, you are automatically joined to the alliance used by that airline. For instance, if you join Lotus Miles with Vietnam Airlines, you become a member of SkyTeam.
Whenever you book a flight, make sure that you are a member of the appropriate alliance, so your flight is credited to your account. When booking online or through a travel agency, have your membership number on hand to ensure you receive the rewards credit.
What Are the Main Frequent Flyer Programs?
There are six major frequent flyer programs, each an alliance of several airlines. Here are brief details on each.
Oneworld
Launched in 1999, Oneworld is aimed at the international traveller and currently includes 13 member airlines.
Alaska Airlines - American Airlines - British Airways - Cathay Pacific - Finnair - Iberia - Japan Airlines - Malaysia Airlines - Quanta’s - Qatar Airways - Royal Air Maroc - Royal Jordanian and Sri Lankan Airlines
SkyTeam
SkyTeam was the third of the three largest alliances to be formed, opening in 2000.
Currently, there are 19 full-member airlines.
Aerolineas Argentinas - Aeromexico - Air Europa - Air France - China Airlines - China Eastern Airlines - Czech Airlines - Delta Airlines - Garuda Indonesia - ITA Airways - Kenya Airways - KLM - Korean Air - Middle East Airlines - Saudia - TAROM - Vietnam Airlines - Virgin Atlantic - XiamenAir
Aeroflot used to be a full member of SkyTeam but was suspended due to the war in Ukraine.
Star Alliance
Star Alliance is the largest of the six main alliances, serving 195 countries and almost 1,300 airports across the globe.
There are currently 26 full members of Star Alliance, along with 40 affiliated airlines.
Aegean Airlines - Air Canada - Air China - Air India - Air New Zealand - All Nippon Airways - Asian Airlines - Austrian Airlines - Avianca - Brussels Airlines - Copa Airlines - Croatia Airlines - Egyptair - Ethiopian Airlines - EVA Air - LOT Polish Airlines - Lufthansa - Scandinavian Airlines - Shenzhen Airlines - Singapore Airlines - South African Airways - Swiss International Air Lines - TAP Air Portugal - Thai Airways International - Turkish Airlines - United Airlines
Value Alliance
The Value Alliance is for exclusively low-cost carriers, with five current members, covering 30 countries.
Cebu Pacific - Cebgo - Jeju Air - Nok Air - Scoot
U-FLY Alliance
Made up of three airlines from China, Hong Kong. There are just current four members, covering 18 countries.
Eastar Jet - Lucky Air - Urumqi Air - West Air
Vanilla Alliance
Based and operating in the Indian Ocean region, the Vanilla Alliance launched in 2015.
There are five current members, covering 89 airports in 26 countries.
Air Austral - Air Madagascar - Air Mauritius - Air Seychelles - Int’Air Lles
** Member airlines can change at short notice.
Frequent Flying
If you fly frequently, or just occasionally, look to join one or more of the alliances. Their rewards can last for several years, and you never know when you will want to cash some in to sit in a comfortable airport lounge.
Safe travels!