Throughout the years, people have almost always rewarded themselves with a fabulous trip to an exotic place by using their frequent flyer miles. Many chose Europe or Hawaii as their destination, with others selecting the Orient, Africa, or any other place that they desired to visit. Some referred to these trips as “second honeymoons”, especially if they were experiencing marriage problems. Today, things have changed drastically.

It is just one more sign of the economic turmoil in our country that consumers are now using their frequent flyer miles for much more mundane trips. Traveling is being limited to necessary trips such as family emergencies or visiting relatives. Whereas, in the past these trips would have been paid for from family funds, there is no extra money available for many today, so the miles are enabling trips to be made.

Many are also using their miles because they see the value of their frequent flyer miles being diminished. Airlines are raising the number of miles for a trip or placing additional limitations on usage. They have shortened expiration times and consumers are reacting by using their miles now, rather than waiting to see what other changes may be made to these programs. Currently, using them can save money at a time when most of us are looking to save, plus provide free trips that will enable us to maintain family contact when needed.