Miles People Frequent Flyer Redeem Airport Free Lounges

Most people enroll in frequent flyer programs because they want to "earn" (get) miles and redeem them for reduced-price or free tickets, or get free upgrades to "first class" (more comfortable, larger seats with better service). However, a customer must have a lot of miles "built up" (accumulated; collected) before he or she can get these "benefits" (the advantages or good things about being in a program). Fortunately, other benefits are available to people with fewer frequent flyer miles.

Many airlines let people redeem their frequent flyer miles for "access" (permission to use or do something) to their airport "lounges" (rooms where people can relax). Airport lounges are often quieter than the areas in front of airport "gates" (the areas where people wait for their planes) and they have more comfortable seats. Many airport lounges also have free coffee or "snacks" (food eaten between meals). The nicest airport lounges might even have showers.

People can also redeem their frequent flyer miles for other products and services. For example, you might be able to redeem your miles for magazine "subscriptions," where you receive the new edition of a certain magazine in the mail each month. Or you might be able to redeem your miles for a piece of electronics, like a stereo or an mp3 player.

Some people don't fly very often, but they still want to participate in frequent flyer programs. These people can earn miles by staying at "affiliated" hotels (hotels that have an agreement with the airline) or by renting cars from affiliated companies. Some people even buy frequent flyer miles, although this is an expensive way to get the benefits.