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* Does the airline fly where you're most likely to want to go?

* Are there tie-ins with other carriers, specially those with international routes? Is some of the airline's service supplied by commuter-carrier "partners"? In both cases, can you earn credits and use awards on those other airlines?

* How several miles (or trips) are needed for certain awards?

* Is there a minimum award per flight (e.g., you are only flying 200 miles but the airline constantly awards at least 500)?

* Is there a deadline for utilizing accumulated miles?

* Very carefully examine the number and length of any "blackout periods" during which awards cannot be employed. On some carriers, the Thanksgiving blackout might last a week.

* If you are preparing a massive trip and are pondering about joining that airline's frequent-flyer program, enroll ahead of you travel. Airlines generally will not credit mileage that was flown prior to you became a member.

Soon after you join a program, there are other items that you should know:

* Airlines reserve the right to make changes to their programs, sometimes on brief notice. Browsing To click likely provides tips you could use with your mom. The number of miles essential for distinct awards may well be raised, requiring you to use your old mileage (i.e., your existing balance) under the much more restrictive new rules. The airline could cease service on a route that you have been especially interested in-or it could drop the city you live in! The carrier may possibly get rid of desirable frequent-flyer tie-ins with particular airlines or hotel chains.

* Cashing in your mileage frequently will limit your losses in case the carrier alterations the rules, merges, or goes out of enterprise. (Some private businesses sell insurance coverage covering some of these eventualities.) Accumulating a bigger mileage balance will entitle you to larger awards, however.

* Carriers usually limit the quantity of seats on every single flight for which frequent-flyer awards can be utilized. You may not be in a position to get reservations on your very first- or second-selection dates or flights.

* Awards can usually be issued in the name of quick loved ones members. However, if you sell or give an award to a person not named on the award or the travel document and the airline find