Frequent Flyer Miles

Frequent Flyer Miles, in the context of aviation, refer to a loyalty program offered by airlines. Essentially, it is a reward system where airline passengers accumulate points (miles) based on the distance flown on that airline or its partners. The 'miles' accumulated are metaphorical miles that can be redeemed for air travel, upgrades, or other services. The concept was first introduced in the 1970s as a promotional strategy to encourage customer loyalty. Over time, it has evolved into a complex system with partnerships extending beyond airlines to include credit card companies, hotels, car rental agencies, and more. The value of these miles can vary greatly depending on factors such as the airline, flight distance, booking class, and time of booking. Some airlines also offer 'tier miles' which are earned on the same flights as award miles but can't be spent. Instead, they count towards elite status, which comes with perks such as priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and access to exclusive lounges.