Frequent Flyer Miles – Miles are Good, Benefits are Great!

I have started traveling quite a lot with work, going to conferences to speak about my research, and to meet others to build new scientific collaborations. I recently decided to join a frequent fliers program, to earn the miles for a free flight and to share in the benefits of becoming a member. I thought I would share my experiences with everyone, because so far it has been really great.

I became a US airways dividend miles member, including getting their credit card to get more bonus miles when I book flights on this carrier or if shopping (I make sure to pay this card off every month).
I’ve managed very quickly to rack up the miles, so now I can take a free return flight or two to great destinations, such as Hawaii. Also, I can use multiple, international carriers to go pretty much anywhere now, because US belongs to the One World alliance of airlines.

I am only at the basic level of membership, which is known as ‘Silver Preferred’, but I still really like the benefits I’ve been enjoying. This includes first class check-in at the counter and my first bag checked for free. The priority access through security on one occasion saved me from a huge line of people in LAX that I would guess was 300-400 strong, and so was hugely appreciated! After that, I can get access to the business lounges a couple of times a year for free, and I can get zone 1 boarding to get on the plane right at the beginning, and can also get priority seats when booking online, such as near the front of the plane or exit isles, etc. However, my favorite has been the first class upgrades. Even though I am on the lowest rung of their membership ladder, I’ve been bumped to first class several times this year, including my return trip from Mexico and another one to and from DC (I live in SoCal). Although I am trying to live frugally and not waste money and resources, I still greatly appreciate being bumped up to first class for free! If you haven’t tried a frequent fliers program, I would say although I hear a lot of criticisms about them, the benefits I have been enjoying have really made my recent travel experiences much more pleasant.