Frequent flyer programs generate as much interest and heated discussion as politics or religion.What often gets lost in the profusion of advice and opinion is a decision procedure--one or more principles, or a clear set of criteria for use in choosing a program. And choosing a program, after all, is both the first and most important step in earning and burning miles.

The Rule: Consolidate

Consolidation is key to maximizing the benefits of FFP participation. By consolidating your mileage into a single FFP account, you have the best chance to (a) qualify for elite status, and therefore for elite benefits and recognition, and (b) qualify for the most desirable travel awards.

You can't expect to consolidate mileage-earning in an FFP which doesn't meet your travel needs. And since most miles are earned for airline flights, the choice of FFP comes down to the choice of airline which best meets your travel needs. Over the long run, that will be the airline with the most flights from/to your home airport.

Partners

The big picture, where mileage earning is concerned, includes not only the host airline but the complete roster of partner airlines, hotels, rental car companies, etc., etc. Consider your travel and other purchasing patterns, and whether there's a good fit with the partners participating in the FFPs you're considering.

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Online: Many (and more every day) airlines encourage online sign-ups. It's win-win. The consumer avoids the sometimes-exasperating wait to get through on the airlines' phone lines.

By Phone: This is the simplest. Call the airline's toll-free reservations number (available in the local phone book, from directory assistance, or from their web site). Request to be enrolled in their FFP. In some cases, the reservations agent will sign you up; in other cases, he may transfer you to a dedicated FFP agent for sign-up. In almost all cases, the airline will assign you a membership number on the spot, which can be used immediately to begin earning miles.

At the Airport: It's always comforting to remember that if all else fails, you can enroll at the airport. This is not the best option, however, since the transaction is bound to be rushed, for you and for the airline agent.

By Mail: Mail-in application forms can be requested still from some airlines. Many carriers, though, have discontinued use of snail-mail applications because of the costs, turnaround time, and possibility of loss or delay in the postal delivery system.

Consolidate: Miles, then, are a kind of currency that can be used to obtain free tickets, upgrades, special recognition, etc. But unlike national currencies, miles generally cannot be converted or exchanged from one program into another.

Focus: As much as possible, accrue all mileage into the primary FFP, using the host airline and the services of the FFP "partner" companies (other airlines, hotels, rental car, affinity credit card, etc.).

Earn miles aggressively: Know and use the partners. Not only the number but the type of FFP partner company has multiplied. Partner rosters now include florists, phone companies, mutual funds, etc. Charge your purchase on an affinity card and earn mileage both as a purchaser and as a user. Watch for special promotions.

Read, read, read: Read every issue of your program's newsletter. Don't forget the Bonus Box--the summary of current promotions, usually on the newsletter's back page.

Track your miles diligently: In particular, monitor your progress toward attaining elite status. If, for example, you find yourself at the end of the year only slightly short of the required mileage for elite status, reschedule an upcoming trip. The extra mileage and other elite benefits enjoyed over the next 12 months will more than compensate for any such dislocations in the short term. If you do fall just short of the elite threshold, call the FFP desk and beg: "I'm a good customer. I refer business to your airline. Please grant me elite status." Some airlines will promote near-missers if they feel the member has significant revenue potential. Worth a try!

Monitor the expiration dates of your miles: Having earned the miles, be sure to redeem them before they expire. Since award tickets are typically valid for one year, make the award-ticket request before the miles disappear... even if it's for a fictitious travel date.

Keep receipts and reconcile mileage statements: Airlines and their program partners sometimes drop the ball when it comes to tracking or reporting your hard-earned miles. And if you're not reconciling your statement against what you know to have occurred during the last statement period, those missed miles could be lost forever. Most programs will honor a retro claim if (a) you can provide substantiation that the transaction took place, and (b) you file the claim within six months of the transaction.