Have you ever wondered how those little pieces of plastic we call “frequent flyer cards” came to be? In this article, we’ll take a brief look at the history of these ubiquitous cards and how they’ve come to play such a big role in modern travel – this information might help you decide what’s the best type of frequent flyer card for you.
The first frequent flyer program was introduced in 1981 by American Airlines under the name “AAdvantage”. The program was designed to reward loyal customers with free flights, upgrades, and other benefits – it was an instant hit, and within a few years, nearly every major airline had followed suit and introduced their own frequent flyer programs.
Today, there are more than 100 frequent flyer programs in existence, with millions of members worldwide. The largest program is United’s MileagePlus, which has over 86 million members. And in 2017, the total value of all frequent flyer points and miles earned was estimated to be a whopping $16.3 billion!
How do frequent flyer cards work?
While the details of each program vary, most operate on a similar principle: customers earn points or miles for every dollar they spend on airfare, which can then be redeemed for free or discounted travel. Some programs also offer additional ways to earn points, such as through credit card spend, hotel stays, or shopping with partner retailers.
Frequent flyer programs have come a long way since they were first introduced in the early 1980s – today, there are hundreds or even thousands of programs to choose from, and millions of people worldwide take advantage of them to save money on travel.
Whether you’re a casual traveller or a globe-trotting jet-setter, there’s sure to be a program that’s right for you. So next time you book a flight, be sure to whip out that trusty frequent flyer card and start racking up those points!