ON BOARD WITH RANDY PETERSEN

Randy Petersen SET GOALS FOR MILEAGE PROGRAMS
February 2003
by Randy Petersen

Want to really get ahead this year? The simple and most effective way is to create your own personal frequent-flyer plan for 2003. With the industry and economy in a seemingly permanent state of flux, perplexed frequent flyers don't have any easy fixes. Make up some goals and strive to make them happen.

1. WHO MOVED MY MILES?
This advice has been inspired by the now-famous business book, Who Moved My Cheese? The story shows what happens to the mice-like characters Hem and Haw when their "cheese" has been moved to another part of the maze. One is prepared for it and does well. The other is surprised by it and has a difficult time. As you watch what the characters do, you may see a part of yourself in each. The story ends with Haw realizing that when you can read the "handwriting on the wall," you can do well in changing times. My advice? Learn to read the handwriting on the wall. Actions by your favorite frequent-flyer program will be that handwriting.

2. TURN AWARD REDEMPTION INTO A PLAN
You must have a plan when considering using an award to a popular destination. The best plan is to know which days offer the best award travel opportunities.

BEST DAYS
Within U.S.: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
to Florida: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Hawaii: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Asia: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Caribbean: Tuesday, Wednesday
Europe: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Mexico: Tuesday, Wednesday
S. America: Tuesday, Wednesday

WORST DAYS
Within U.S.: Friday, Sunday
to Florida: Friday, Sunday
Hawaii: Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Asia: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Caribbean: Monday, Saturday, Sunday
Europe: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Mexico: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
S. America: Friday, Saturday, Sunday

3. REWARD YOURSELF FREQUENTLY
With ever-increasing competition for award redemption, it might be wise to re-evaluate how you use your awards. Consider rewarding yourself often and keeping just enough miles to use as upgrades on your next paid vacation flight. With proper planning, it's a better idea to purchase that ticket to Europe this coming summer and use those miles you have for weekend getaways.

4. TIME THE CHANGE
I know, you've always been told that it's impossible to time change. And that's largely true. But don't interpret that to mean you should ignore the ability to take advantage of change. Watch for announcements and implementation dates so you can always get in under the wire.

5. RE-BALANCE YOUR PORTFOLIO
Any good financial portfolio is a balance of risk and reward. One size (program) doesn't fit all, of course, but in general, you'll want a diversified portfolio of large and small programs, both airline and hotel as well as credit-card. One good thing about times like this—it's easier to spot the really good programs. If you notice change out of the ordinary with several of your programs—none to your liking—consider making the programs with no change part of your re-balanced portfolio.

You can contact Randy Petersen at randy@insideflyer.com.

Back to top