Airlines and Airports - Tips for travelers with Frequent Flyer miles

Airports, and most specifically airlines counters are my personal pet-peeve. But over the years, strategies have taken over disgruntlement... So here are my two cents about how to deal with airlines, frequent flyer edition (non-frequent flyer coming next):

- Miles programs: yup, the frequent flyer-bitch miles. Unless you're planning on getting a G5 personal jet soon, frequent flyer miles are actually truly rewarding. Being a so-called 'elite' (ha ha) traveler cuts me an average of 40 mins at the airport:

    - I get the app to deliver my boarding pass right into my iPhone. No need to print my boarding pass at home or at work. Doesn't not sound like such a time waster, but it actually is. Any little things count, and that is one less thing to do in prep for your trip. 

   - You get to jump the line at the luggage drop-off and you don't get charged a fee for the first two pieces of luggage.

   - You get a fast lane at security.

   - You board the plane earlier. Though this does not really save time, it saves a lot of grief, as you get first pick of luggage storage in the overhead bins. Nowadays with airlines charging for every piece of checked-in luggage, more and more travelers just take their suitcases on board, with the result of a complete clusterf**k as everyone vies for space in the overhead bins.

   - You should be getting better seats (economy plus) with more leg room and electrical plugs. 

Many have asked me whether there really was a benefit to frequent flyer miles (I am looking at you, Mum!), and why bother trying to retain elite status (ie be on on the miles treadmill). It is. And it costs you nothing to sign up. Make your choice of airlines based on your most frequent destination and comfort levels (but the first is most important, otherwise you won't get enough miles).

Coda: The American airlines industry is getting worse and worse in terms of services and charging the travelers fees left and right. Frequent flyer programs are also taking a hit in this race to the bottom. The major airlines, like United, are now restricting their frequent flyer programs more and more, making you spend more to achieve elite status. So, yes, we are hating on you Jeff Smizek (among others).