flight rewards

[rockundergirl]

I was wondering what flight rewards program is best. My goal is to have my work travel earn me flights for my vacation travel I don't use/have credit cards so any of them that need a credit card to work wont help me. I started using continental one pass, seems ok so far, wanted to hear what you guys have to say about other ones?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

As a frequent traveler I would suggest to look at the places where you will tend to go most often and which airline tends to provide the best service to those destinations. Then stick with that airline as much as possible.

And if you will be doing a lot of business travel I would suggest also investing in either an American Express Membership Rewards card (where you can transfer points to many airlines) or a credit card cobranded with the airline you have decided to primarily stick with. Then put all your business expenses on that card and pay it off in full when you get your expense reimbursement.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I was wondering what flight rewards program is best. My goal is to have my work travel earn me flights for my vacation travel I don't use/have credit cards so any of them that need a credit card to work wont help me. I started using continental one pass, seems ok so far, wanted to hear what you guys have to say about other ones?

The best FF program really depends on your personal travel patterns. If you will fly enough to earn elite status every year or a reward every 18 months by flying Continental or flyign other airlines and crediting the miles to Continental, then that may be the best program for you. Gary Leff who writes the "View form the Wing" blog at boardingarea.com just gave a nice write up to Continetal's One Pass program in the February Conde Nash Traveler magazine.

Personally, I switched my travel to American because it allows you to earn lifetime elite status using miles earned from any source. As a result, I am well on my way to lifetime platinum status (2M miles earned) even though I only fly about 10,000 miles per year. With elite status, I get free checked baggage, advance booking of exit rows and the opportunity for free upgrades to first class.

The best sources for information about FF programs is flyertalk. Best of luck -- Suzanne