All The Extra Mile Columns

• Frequent Flyer Miles, Thirty Years Later
  May 17, 2011 12:00 am
  Airline mileage programs turn 30 in May. We take time out for a look back at the 10 most important events and trends of the past three decades. read more
• The Most Rewarding Credit Card? It Depends
  April 21, 2011 4:16 pm
  Miles and points are just the beginning when choosing a travel rewards card. Also on the table: elite status, reduced fees, and award discounts. read more
• The Value of a Frequent Flyer Mile Revisited
  March 15, 2011 12:00 am
  Are you getting the best value for your frequent flyer miles? We have tips on what to do, and not do. read more
• Long Run of Generous Hotel Bonuses May Be Ending
  February 15, 2011 12:00 am
  Most of the largest hotel groups are offering bonus points or free nights for stays during the next few months. After that, it may be slimmer pickings for their customers. read more
• Southwest Changes Course With New Rewards Program
  January 18, 2011 11:25 am
  When Southwest's new loyalty program comes online on March 1, it will fundamentally change the way the airline is perceived by the traveling public. It could be a bumpy ride. read more
• The Top 10 Miles-and-Points Events of 2010
  December 21, 2010 9:26 am
  Reviewing the loyalty program highlights of 2010 is likely to be heartening for travelers. The year's most significant developments were mostly positive. read more
• Airlines Get Serious About Non-Flight Awards
  November 16, 2010 8:00 am
  Thanks to American, at least one airline now offers non-flight awards that rival flights in value. Could this be the start of a new era for loyalty programs? read more
• Two Reasons Elite Status Matters More Than Ever
  October 19, 2010 9:34 am
  Elite status offers some relief for two of air travel's biggest downsides, packed planes and high fees. This may be the year to put a mileage run on your schedule. read more
• Hotel Bonuses: Get 'Em While They're Still Hot
  September 21, 2010 2:13 pm
  We're at the end of what could be the longest sustained period of hotel promotional activity ever. So travelers should take advantage of the big bonuses before time runs out. read more
• Warning: Don't Let Your Frequent Flyer Miles Expire!
  August 17, 2010 9:48 am
  While it's easier than ever to lose one's miles to harsher expiration policies, it's also easier than ever to keep them alive. read more
• No Frequent Flyer Seats? There Are Alternatives
  July 20, 2010 12:23 pm
  With flights fuller than ever, and airlines desperate to squeeze every last dollar from every last customer, award seats are scarce. Magazine subscriptions, anyone? read more
• Can the Airlines Teach Us to Love the Fees We Love to Hate?
  June 15, 2010 12:00 am
  Can the airlines convince travelers that nuisance fees are actually fair and reasonable? There's a case to be made, although the airlines may lack the moral authority to make it. read more
• In Tough Times, Airlines Get Nasty, Travelers Get Crafty
  April 20, 2010 8:30 am
  The recession hit the airlines hard, and their passengers harder. Travelers have borne the brunt of the airlines' desperate attempts to regain profitability. read more
• Five Signs of a Frequent Flyer Rebound
  March 16, 2010 8:23 am
  After several lean and mean years, airlines are again making nice with frequent flyers. In particular, they're revamping their loyalty schemes to make it easier to redeem miles. read more
• With Frequent Flyer Programs, Keep up or Lose Out
  February 16, 2010 10:12 am
  Frequent travelers must stay abreast of changes in their rewards programs. Because the only thing worse than bad news is being blindsided by bad news. read more
• New 2010 Promotions Look a Lot Like Last Year's
  January 19, 2010 9:36 am
  Latest travel offers are deja vu all over again, which is just fine. A blast from the past is still a blast. read more
• Pile Up Miles with Holiday Shopping
  December 15, 2009 10:20 am
  Although Christmas is almost here, there's still time to put a mileage spin on holiday shopping. Tim Winship shows you how to maximize your mileage-earning potential this year. read more
• Full Flights Will Cost Flyers (Not Just Money)
  November 17, 2009 9:09 am
  If the new airline reality is full flights throughout the year, flyers should expect more congestion and frustration. And higher ticket prices. read more
• Delta Bulks Up With Acquisition of Northwest's Mileage Program
  October 20, 2009 9:00 am
  After 23 years, Northwest's loyalty program issued its last mile. Members' miles will be transferred to Delta's program, now the world's largest. read more
• Elite Perks ... Get 'Em While You Can!
  September 25, 2009 9:29 am
  With so many ways to earn elite miles, so many elite bonuses, and rollover miles in some programs, qualifying for elite status has never been easier than it is today. read more
• Grounded Frequent Flyers Have a New Mantra: Buy Now, Fly Later
  September 25, 2009 9:39 am
  Although airlines have been stingy with flight bonuses, opportunities to rack up scores of frequent flyer miles for non-flight transactions abound. read more
• For Elite Travelers, Bad News Means Good Times
  July 21, 2009 9:11 am
  With travel in a funk, airlines need their most frequent flyers more than ever. Result: They're offering extra perks for elite members of their mileage programs. read more
• Ongoing Hotel Slump Is Boon for Summer Travelers
  June 16, 2009 8:39 am
  With generous bonuses from 12 major hotel chains, summer travel can be more rewarding than ever. In fact, never before have so many hotels offered so many incentives. read more
• InterContinental, Starwood Offers Reveal Key Differences
  May 19, 2009 12:00 am
  Comparing the latest offers from InterContinental and Starwood highlights critical considerations in assessing any hotel loyalty program promotions. read more
• Five Ways Mileage Programs Are Like Ponzi Schemes
  April 21, 2009 10:45 am
  The sinister forces that gave rise to Bernie Madoff are now in play in the world of mileage programs. There's a lesson there for frequent flyers. read more
• Five Reasons to Travel Now
  March 17, 2009 10:22 am
  While the news is mostly grim for airlines, hotels, and other travel suppliers, their pain means gain for the traveling public. Deals abound. And comfort makes a comeback. read more
• Amid Travel Gloom, Hopeful Signs for Frequent Flyer Programs
  February 17, 2009 12:00 am
  While frequent travelers are indeed facing more fees and higher award levels, there are positive signs for travel rewards programs. read more
• A Silver Lining to Travel Turndown: More Loyalty Points
  February 17, 2009 3:41 pm
  With travel demand weak and still falling, the major hotel chains are offering extra points for stays at 15,000 hotels. It's a bonus bonanza. read more
• The Five Most Significant Travel Events of 2008
  December 17, 2008 2:48 pm
  In a year full of news, these five stories are required reading, either because they are particularly indicative of the year itself, or especially suggestive of what lies ahead. read more
• Airline Policy Changes: 25 You Need to Know
  December 8, 2008 3:50 pm
  Recent changes have made it nearly impossible to determine the true cost of a flight. Tim Winship is here to sort out the mess. read more

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