The Joy of Miles

A Complete Guide to Earning Miles
by Tim Winship

Table of Contents

Welcome to The Joy of Miles, a 12-part guide on how to maximize your frequent flyer mile-earning and redeeming potential. The Joy of Miles will take you through the complicated world of airline loyalty programs step-by-step, showing you how to get on the road to more travel rewards. Any traveler can discover the joy of miles.

1. Frequent flyer programs...from the beginning
   The basics of earning and redeeming miles, partner networks, joining a program, and more.
2. How to choose the 'best' program
   Choosing the right program is the first and most important step on the road to travel rewards. Find out how.
3. Elite status, the ultimate frequent flyer perk
   What is it? How do you get it? And why do savvy travelers hold it in higher regard than free tickets?
4. Frequent flyer awards: How to get yours
   You can get the free trip of your dreams. Find out how to go where you want, when you want.
5. For credit card miles, just say 'charge it'
   Credit cards are the second most popular way to earn miles. Don't leave home without one.
6. Online programs
   Digital miles and points now abound. Reap the rewards, and steer clear of the pitfalls.
7. The value of a mile
   A mile is worth...how much?
8. How to evaluate a 'special offer'
   How special is that special offer...really?
9. Annual to-dos for the mileage set
   As one year ends and another begins, follow this checklist to keep your mileage house in order.
10. When not to earn miles
    As alluring as miles are, there are times when it pays to forego them.
11. Exchanging miles between programs is possible, but pricey
    Yes, miles from one program can be exchanged for miles in another. Find out how to do it and why in many cases you shouldn't.
12. Online resources for mileage-earners
    Never before has so much information been so readily available to so many. We separate the good websites from the bad and the ugly ones.