When Frequent-Flyer Credit Cards Are Worth Time and Effort

Owners of frequent flyer credit cards are developing the habit of playing the ever changing game of the airlines. US major airlines, such as US Airways, Delta and Continental are altering their miles programs and the result may be frustrating for most travelers. Among the recently made changes are a greater number of redeemable miles required, fewer bonuses and new fees.

Whether suchlike alterations hurt consumers has not been revealed yet as the number of mileage cards currently in use holds steady. For over three years that number has been around 45 million, according to The Nilson Report. While it's curious to observe future developments, let's lay out the specifics of the established new requirements. It may influence your choices when you decide to apply for a card online.

Most frequent flyer programs are valid at different airlines, so it makes sense you find out about as many as possible to avoid being trapped. Delta has introduced surcharges and raised the number of miles to redeem for free flights. Perhaps its most curious innovation is a three tier price chart, according to which customers may chose to redeem 25,000, 40,000 and 60,000 miles for a flight to 49 states and Canada.

It seems fair that a customer can choose which flight to take but the fact is the 25,000 miles are almost impossible to convert. As flights are extremely crowded, available seats on the 25,000 level are very rarely found.

Moving on to US Airways and its Dividend Miles program. The airline renounced the practice of giving bonus miles and introduces its own surcharge - a reward booking fee. American now requires paying a certain fee to upgrade to the front of the plane.

The reason for the new rules may be the great occupancy of the airlines and their persistence in selling miles to credit companies and other organizations. Why not raise prices if the tickets will still be sold out? It is becoming a big question whether an airline will have an available seat for you and it will not be harder to get it.

With all this the popularity of frequent flyer cards is not flagging. We don't know of cases when a traveler fails to get a free seat and ends up buying the ticket with cash - we can only guess that. It's simple logic. The amount of miles sold by an airline is only rising, but the number of free seats remains.

How the new rules will affect cardholders and whether they'll decide to quit the airlines' mileage rewards game is uncertain yet. But if you're already shopping for an alternative to the top of your wallet, there are some good options to consider.

Cash back credit cards give you something real unlike a distant future's free flight or seat upgrade. Once you earn an amount of cash, you can get it as a check or a credit towards your balance. The procedure is distinctly defined. Big spenders can usually get high yields with American Express Blue Cash.

Point rewards card offers are also a fine alternative. The points earned can be redeemed for a wide range of merchandize, including airline miles. Just like them, hotel rewards cards allow collecting points which can be redeemed for free hotel stays and airline miles.

There are many of them out there. The key to compare the offers, apply for a card based on your spending pattern and use it accordingly.

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