There's really no reason you shouldn't sign up for a reward program if you fly. First of all it's free. Second, you'll get preferential treatment from airlines if you're a member. And, after you fly a few times and accrue enough miles to your card, you'll become an elite member and reap some fantastic benefits from it. Airport Lounges Available at no additional cost mainly to gold and above status, lounges feel like the answer to most of your air travel annoyances. With amenities such as free Wi-Fi, drinks, snacks, newspapers and magazines, entertainment facilities, a shower and a bed to refresh after a long flight, lounges are one of the ultimate perks for an elite member. Upgrades Upgrades are directly related to your reward status. Obviously, if an airline is going to offer an upgrade, it's going to go to a valued member of their reward program before anyone else. Some airlines offer complimentary upgrades on domestic flights and some require you to use miles. Typically, international upgrades require earned upgrades where you have to use miles or upgrade credits based on your status. To make the most of your upgrades, check the upgrade time windows for your plan and contact your airline as soon as they'll allow your status to upgrade (usually the finals day(s) before departure). Baggage allowance Tired of paying for your checked baggage? Some airlines allow elite status members to check bags for free or at a discounted price Bonus Miles -- refer to award and status video later One of the biggest perks of being an elite member is the ability to rack up miles quickly. The bonus miles depend on your status level, but typically you'll receive 25% more miles for silver status, 50% for gold and about 75% to 100% for platinum status. These multipliers vary from program to program and also depend on whether or not you are flying on the airline of your card or an alliance partner airline. 30K takes mileage bonuses based on status into consideration when calculating mileage so you don't have to. Just sit back and enjoy racking up the miles even faster. Dedicated Customer Service This perk is a life saver when flights are cancelled! Most programs make a direct phone line to a customer-service group assigned to handle VIP calls exclusively available to their elite members, or at least to their highest-level elites. Elites can expect to get through to an agent faster and receive a higher level of service. Preferred check-in Most of us have had that sinking feeling when you get to the airport and are faced with a huge line when you are already running late. Elite members are normally entitled to check in at the airlines' first- or business-class counters, even when traveling on an economy ticket. The time savings can be significant and help you make those close calls. Preferred boarding When traveling in the economy section on a full flight, priority boarding allows elites to be among the first on board, while there's still space available in the overhead bins for carry-on bags.

• published: 30 Nov 2013
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