http://www.smartertravel.com/all/?content_type=column&column_type=winship_on_ff&source=rss Tim Winship: Tim Winship on Frequent Flyer Sun, 19 May 2013 22:22:58 -0400 Sun, 19 May 2013 22:22:58 -0400 The past year was a depressing one for the traveling public, and 2008 should be no different. Here are five resolutions to get you through another year of travel. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/frequent-flyer-resolutions-for-2008.html?id=2488829&source=rss fftw Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:23:31 -0500 Are the mileage programs operated by the full-service airlines still superior to those of the low-cost carriers? Tim Winship investigates. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/do-low-cost-carriers-have-low-class-mileage-programs.html?id=2471825&source=rss fftw Tue, 04 Dec 2007 12:49:25 -0500 Frequent flyers are wondering whether Virgin America will change the travel landscape. Tim Winship gives his take on how this new airline measures up to its competitors. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/will-virgin-america-trump-jetblue-and-southwest.html?id=2457530&source=rss fftw Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:46:07 -0500 Fall is a great time to cash out your miles, but you still need to be smart about where and when you travel. Tim Winship tells you how to work the system to get a free flight. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/simple-strategy-for-redeeming-miles-this-fall.html?id=2439703&source=rss fftw Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:34:08 -0400 For some, elite status is an affordable answer to the problem of travel discomfort. Our expert explains which travelers have a shot at these perks and who shouldn't bother. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/are-elite-perks-the-antidote-to-travel-discomfort.html?id=2418359&source=rss fftw Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:19:22 -0400 Mileage junkies sometimes look overseas to find better ways to earn miles. Tim Winship explains why the best loyalty program for you is most likely found in your own backyard. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/the-best-mileage-programs-are-close-to-home.html?id=2406424&source=rss fftw Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:34:25 -0400 Airlines have been sneaking mileage program changes under the radar, leaving many consumers unaware of new policies. Tim Winship suggests a step back might be a step forward. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/when-airlines-change-the-rules-timing-matters.html?id=2386596&source=rss fftw Tue, 03 Jul 2007 09:56:37 -0400 The loyalty programs operated by hotel chains and rental car companies should be included in the tool kit of anyone who travels. The more you travel, the more you can gain. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/world-of-benefits-beyond-airline-programs.html?id=2373256&source=rss fftw Tue, 19 Jun 2007 11:28:01 -0400 The historic price advantage claimed by the low-cost carriers has never been slimmer. Does that mean that legacy carriers now offer the best value for your miles? http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/competition-heats-up-for-the-best-mileage-program.html?id=2351803&source=rss fftw Tue, 01 May 2007 09:46:45 -0400 It's always worth a check of airlines' award charts to see if any awards offer especially good value. Although most airlines toe the party line, award bargains can occasionally be found. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/best-award-bargains-for-2007-get-more-from-your-miles.html?id=2338315&source=rss fftw Tue, 03 Apr 2007 09:00:10 -0400 Even as the allure of first class has heightened, airlines have cut back on upper-class seats. Tim Winship reveals three ways to get to the front of the plane. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/three-ways-to-snag-a-first-class-seat.html?id=2324214&source=rss fftw Tue, 06 Mar 2007 09:02:23 -0500 Flyers must be vigilant to avoid losing their account balances. Mileage collectors have options for renewing their miles, and many of these won't take much time and money. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/cheap-and-easy-saves-for-at-risk-miles.html?id=2308777&source=rss fftw Tue, 06 Feb 2007 09:00:03 -0500 Tim Winship identifies a few key areas where important developments will play out. Within those areas, he discuss some possible scenarios. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/more-miles-fewer-smiles-in-the-new-year.html?id=2286423&source=rss fftw Tue, 02 Jan 2007 10:07:51 -0500 US Airways has announced its intention to purchase Delta but details of the proposed merger are sketchy. For consumers, many questions are left unanswered. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/delta-merger-talk-produces-more-questions-than-answers.html?id=1633909&source=rss fftw Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0500 American and Southwest are fighting tooth and nail for the business of Dallas travelers. Tim Winship gives the backstory behind this skirmish. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/the-saga-of-double-miles-for-dallas-flights.html?id=1620244&source=rss fftw Tue, 07 Nov 2006 10:19:01 -0500 Will Northwest be left standing when the current industry shake-out is over? If not, what is the airline's likely fate, and the fate of miles in Northwest's WorldPerks frequent flyer program? http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/the-uncertain-future-of-northwest-airlines.html?id=1601068&source=rss fftw Tue, 03 Oct 2006 09:24:15 -0400 Some credit cards award points that can be exchanged for flights on any carrier. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/the-quest-for-universal-miles.html?id=1330421&source=rss fftw Tue, 05 Sep 2006 09:37:07 -0400 When it comes to choosing a loyalty program, flyers can use a number of features as tie-breakers. Here are four things to consider when picking a miles program. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/how-to-choose-the-best-frequent-flyer-program.html?id=1293062&source=rss fftw Tue, 08 Aug 2006 10:15:53 -0400 Miles-for-dining programs are one of the most lucrative sources of miles. The largest airline programs have dining promotions and two of them award enough bonus miles for a free ticket. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/on-the-menu-miles-for-dining-promotions.html?id=1272439&source=rss fftw Tue, 11 Jul 2006 11:34:37 -0400 Discomfort, inconvenience, and higher prices characterize flights to and from traditional summer destinations. That is, if you can get a seat at all. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/summer-travel-will-be-no-vacation.html?id=1254881&source=rss fftw Tue, 06 Jun 2006 13:17:44 -0400 As frequent flyer programs have evolved, so have the assumptions underlying them. But there's often a lag between the latest version of mileage program reality and the public's grasp of it. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/Time-change-mileage-program.html?id=1235328&source=rss fftw Tue, 02 May 2006 10:43:04 -0400 Whether you spend half your life at 30,000 feet or are an earthbound type, there's a card out there for you. The trick is finding the right card among the ever-growing mountain of cards. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/ways-earn-travel-rewards.html?id=332160&source=rss fftw Tue, 04 Apr 2006 10:35:36 -0400 Airlines have been forced to look beyond free tickets, adding hotel stays and electronics to their award catalogs. Find out what your options are, and why non-travel awards just won't fly. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/free-flights-Airlines-alternative.html?id=317290&source=rss fftw Mon, 06 Mar 2006 09:06:03 -0500 On May 1, 1981, American unveiled AAdvantage, the first mileage program. Twenty-five years later, the programs have experienced a loss in value but still manage to retain consumer loyalty. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/25-mileage-programs-healthy.html?id=300032&source=rss fftw Tue, 07 Feb 2006 09:24:59 -0500 In 2006, travelers will be paying more for less comfort. But as airlines become more profitable, frequent flyers will benefit from more services and fewer cutbacks. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/year-ahead-mileage-programs.html?id=280496&source=rss fftw Tue, 03 Jan 2006 09:57:02 -0500