You’re booking a flight when all of a sudden you realize you don’t have your frequent flyer number handy. If you’re having trouble remembering or finding your frequent flyer number among your notes, what should you do? Let’s learn more about frequent flyer numbers and how to track them down.
What is a frequent flyer number?
Just what is a frequent flyer number, anyway? To get a frequent flyer number, you must be part of a frequent flyer program. These are essentially loyalty programs run by airlines to benefit people who frequently book with them and to lure new customers. These programs usually allow members to receive benefits and earn rewards based on how many miles they accrue during travel.
Depending on your loyalty status, some common benefits for members are complimentary checked bags, priority boarding and lounge access. There are also additional benefits available via redemption of your miles, which we’ll discuss further below.
Typically, you can sign up for a frequent flyer program at no cost on the airline’s website. Once you do, you’ll be assigned a frequent flyer number. From then on, you can usually enter your frequent flyer number when purchasing tickets to earn miles or points. Eventually, you may earn enough to redeem rewards.
If you know you’ve already signed up for a frequent flyer program but aren’t sure what your frequent flyer number is, there are a few ways to find out.
Ways to find your frequent flyer number
If you find yourself muttering, “What is my frequent flyer number?”, while trying to book a flight, there are steps you can take to figure it out.
- Look for a membership card: Some frequent flyer programs may issue a membership card when you sign up. It will most likely have your frequent flyer number on it.
- Search your email: Your frequent flyer number may be included in an email from the airline, such as the sign-up confirmation email, a newsletter, or monthly rewards statement.
- Try old flight bookings: If you have old itineraries or flight bookings available, your frequent flyer number may be listed there.
- Reach out to customer service: You may be able to do this online or by calling. They may be able to provide you with the number after they confirm your identity.
- Check your credit card account: If your frequent flyer program is through an airline credit card, you may be able to find your account number through your online account.
How to spend your frequent flyer miles
As you book more flights with whichever airline’s frequent flyer program you’re a member of, you’ll likely earn more and more points or miles which you can eventually redeem for various perks. After all, what is a frequent flyer number if not a way to help make travel more comfortable? Depending on the program, the redemption options may differ, but some common ones include:
Using miles toward flights: You can use your airline’s website to see what a particular flight will cost if you pay with cash vs. reward points or miles. In some cases, you may be able to redeem your miles for the full price of a flight but note that you may not be able to use them towards taxes and fees.
Upgraded seats: If you have a long-haul flight, you may want to see if you’re able to upgrade your seat using your accrued points or miles. A 12-hour flight may be a lot more enjoyable in first class.
Other amenities: You may also be able to redeem your miles or points for things like airport lounge membership fees, hotel stays, car rentals, cruises or more. This will vary depending on your frequent flyer membership.
In summary
Joining a frequent flyer program may be a good way to earn rewards when traveling. Be sure to use your frequent flyer number when booking flights to accrue points or miles. If you can’t find your frequent flyer number, check old documents and emails, or reach out to a customer service representative at the airline. That way, you won’t miss out on earning points toward rewards!
