How does booking directly with an airline affect my chances of earning frequent flyer miles?

Booking directly with an airline is often the best way to maximize your chances of earning frequent flyer miles. When you purchase your ticket through the airline’s official website or app, you ensure that your flight is properly credited to your frequent flyer account. This direct booking typically allows you to enter your frequent flyer number easily, ensuring that your miles are accounted for right from the start. Moreover, airlines often have promotions and bonuses for customers who book directly, which can further enhance your mileage earning potential.

On the other hand, if you book through third-party travel websites or apps, there can be complications that might prevent you from earning the full amount of miles or, in some cases, any miles at all. Some third-party sites may not provide you the opportunity to enter your frequent flyer number, or they may book your ticket in a way that disqualifies it from earning miles. Additionally, if you need to make changes or cancellations, dealing with the airline directly is generally more straightforward when you’ve booked through them, preserving your ability to earn miles on future flights based on your loyalty status.

Ultimately, while it might seem convenient to book through a third party for price comparisons, direct bookings are usually the most reliable option for accumulating frequent flyer miles. This approach not only ensures that you earn your miles but also strengthens your relationship with the airline, potentially unlocking additional benefits such as upgrades or priority boarding in the future. So, if you're a frequent traveler looking to make the most of your loyalty program, booking directly with the airline is the way to go.