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How nervous flyers can increase their sense of control whilst flying
FG TradeOne of the key causes of anxiety and stress for fearful flyers is their perceived lack of control. This in turn can make them avoid air travel – limiting their lives considerably – and if they do get on a plane, cause them suffering.While it’s true that as passengers we have no control over the flight itself (fortunately), this doesn’t mean that there’s nothing anxious flyers can do to feel that they do have some control over the situation. And here are five simple ways you can do…
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Comments
Agreed. If I am not mistaken, AF allows a stopover in CDG on its award travel without penalty of miles.
True, but I was talking specifically about award redemptions. :)
Sometimes the farebasis rules allow for a stopover for free (or nominal charge). I have stopped over in Amsterdam, Paris on my way to South Asia on Skyteam metal. A good way to enjoy these two lovely cities and reduce fatigue and jetlag :)
Thanks for that, Donna! If at any point (while trying to follow those rules) however, you find yourself running into some trouble.... Fear not! First Class and Beyond is always there to help!! :-)
Ari, I will never buy miles from an airline, even at 1.3 cents. And I didn't know any of your other general rules, but I will live by them from now on.
Correct. That said, with the exception of El Al (and their "Matmid") program, I don't know any airline that charges to join their mileage program.
My general rules are:
1) NEVER buy miles from an airline (unless a promotion puts them at a cost of 1.3 cents or less).
2) NEVER redeem miles for domestic trips or any kind (unless they're short flights using BA Avios, or long cross-country business class flights using LH Miles and More).
3) NEVER redeem miles for int'l coach tickets.
4) Try to avoid flying on the airline whose miles you are using. For example, are you using United miles? Try flying on Thai, Asiana or Lufthansa instead!
5) ALWAYS try to include a stopover (and/or open-jaw - depending on airline redemption rules) in each award booking.
6) If using bank points, make sure they can be transferred (at a 1:1 ratio) to airline partners.
6a) ONLY redeem miles after they've been transferred.
Following these rules will almost guarantee a five cent (or even 12-15 cent) valuation on each of your redeemed miles/points!
Thanks, Ari and Anil. You've confirmed what I know, which is, it's hard to know what your miles are worth. 20 years ago it was simpler to figure that out, so it was easier to determine if it's worth it to pay a fee (say, $75) for a frequent flyer credit card. Today, too many variables for a quick answer to that question, right?
Certainly all airlines assign value to those miles. Some airlines even sell you miles to make up any shortfall (at fairly outrageous rates). The Airlines also sell miles to businesses as a part of company promotions.
Award ticket for short haul turn out in favor of the airline; Award tickets for long haul international turn out in favor of a smart pax :)
Well Sam, this is not actually as simple as it seems. The very short answer is no: Your airline miles can not be cashed out for any value. That said, many credit card points (think AMEX, Chase, Capital One) can be - they often encourage people to use points to pay off bills or to redeem them for gift cards.
Unfortunately, those CC points are often redeemed at a one cent value (as you mentioned). In reality however - when you really maximize the value of those airline miles or CC points on int'l business and first class flights - you can easily get 5, 7, 10 or even up to 15 cents of value out of each point/mile! That's generally where I (and my business) come in.
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