Racking up the Miles

I’ve mentioned before the benefits of frequent flier miles through airlines and hotel points for free trips and upgrades.  In order to gain points quickly, you need to gain status on the airline; typically, each tier includes earning bonus miles – 25-100% more.  Each airline has their own loyalty program, and I am currently a fan of Delta Skymiles after falling out of love with American’s AAdvantage program.

I had flown Delta a handful of times previously, but gained Silver status in 2011 after my first trip to Manila pushed me over 25,000 miles flown in a year.  Silver is the lowest tier but still offers plenty of rewards in upgrades and earning bonus miles.  You can also gain status by your segments, or number of flights.  I usually miss this mark because I drive to and from Augusta from the Atlanta airport and miss out on the segments.  Did you know that hotel stays and car rentals can also earn you frequent flier miles?  Avis rewards me with 500 airline miles for every week-long rental.

My current trip to Manila will ensure I once again gain eligibility with silver status and the rest of my schedule may result in Gold status.  Rumor has it I’ll be returning to Manila before the year is done!

Here’s my current travel calendar: (all of the Atlanta flights are en route to Augusta, Georgia)

August 16^th – Manila to Des Moines

August 20^th – Des Moines to Atlanta

August 24^th – Atlanta to Seattle

August 26^th – Seattle to Atlanta

August 31^st – Atlanta to Des Moines

September 3^rd – Des Moines to Atlanta

September 7^th – Atlanta to Des Moines

September 24^th – Des Moines to El Paso

September 28^th – El Paso to Las Vegas

September 30^th – Las Vegas to El Paso

October 5^th – El Paso to Des Moines

October 7^th – Des Moines to Atlanta

October 12^th – Atlanta to Des Moines

October 15^th – Des Moines to El Paso

October 19^th – El Paso to Des Moines

October 21^st – Des Moines to El Paso

October 26^th – El Paso to Des Moines

November 27^th – Des Moines to Manila

December 20^th – Manila to Des Moines

Looking over this list, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. But in addition to all the hard work, I've got some personal trips planned for fun.  I even get the feeling that I'll be a little bored between October 26th and November 27th - what will I do with a whole month at home?