What You Need to Know About Travel Rewards Programs: Winning this game isn't easy, even when you play your cards right

摘要

EARNING MILES IS A CINCH. USING THEM IS TOUGH. Airlines discovered that they could make more money by selling miles to "partners" than by selling seats. You can earn miles when you buy at retailers and even when you take out a mortgage. But good luck trying to exchange them for tickets because airlines are filling planes with paying customers. And although you may be able to use your miles for hotels or rental cars, don't count on using them to buy merchandise. Advantage, American Airlines' frequent-flier plan, won't let you. Delta's Sky-Miles and United's Mileage Plus limit purchases to elite members. Other than award tickets, the best way to use up those miles is to buy an upgrade to first class, says Tim Winship, editor of FrequentFlier.com.