Frequent Flyer Program Guide: How to Apply and Earn More Miles

Do you know how to apply for a frequent flyer membership? In this article, Trip.com will take you on a quick tour of what frequent flyers are, how to apply for them, redeem ticket discounts, and how to log in as a frequent flyer member on Trip.com!

What is the Frequent Flyer Program?

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Frequent Flyer Programs (FFPs) are membership schemes launched by major airlines to boost passenger loyalty. By simply entering your frequent flyer number when booking a flight or checking in, you can automatically accumulate corresponding mileage points based on the actual distance flown or the ticket price.

Most Frequent Flyer Programs feature a tiered system, with common tiers including Blue Card (entry-level), Silver Card, Gold Card, and Platinum Card. The higher the tier, the greater the benefits you can enjoy, such as:

• Exclusive check-in counters and priority boarding lanes
• Bonus or complimentary checked baggage allowance
• Access rights to airport lounges
• Priority or discounts when upgrading or redeeming reward tickets

Joining a Frequent Flyer Program ensures that every flight you take earns you tangible rewards. Don't fly often? That's fine—but when you do, you'll be earning!

How to Join Frequent Flyer Program?

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Joining a Frequent Flyer Program is actually very simple! Most airlines now allow you to apply online, and the registration process can be completed in just a few minutes, after which you will receive your dedicated frequent flyer number.

First, go to the airline's official website and fill in your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport to become a member. After a successful application, you can obtain your membership card in the following ways:

• Digital Membership Card (supported via the airline's mobile app)
• Physical Membership Card (some airlines still offer mailing services)

⚠️ Small Tip:

• Please ensure that the name you use during registration exactly matches the details on your passport to avoid issues with mileage accumulation in the future.
• We recommend using your most frequently checked email address so you can receive immediate notifications about status upgrades, mileage expiration reminders, or promotional offers!

How to Add Your Frequent Flyer Number on Trip.com

When booking a flight ticket on Trip.com, simply enter the corresponding airline's frequent flyer card number on the booking page, and the system will automatically accumulate the mileage of this trip to your frequent flyer program account. It's simple and convenient.

Don't worry if you accidentally miss filling it in. Just go to the "Order Management" page and you can fill in the frequent flyer number. There is still a chance to get the mileage of that flight back up.

Trip.com also offers more exclusive air ticket discounts

• Extra mileage rewards
• Exclusive discounts for frequent flyer members
• Limited-time upgrade offer

It is suggested that you follow the Trip.com official website to keep abreast of the latest air ticket discount information at any time, so that you can always get discounted air tickets every time!

Forget to Log in to the Frequent Flyer Membership when Booking Flights?

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If you forgot to enter your frequent flyer number when booking your ticket or during check-in, don't worry—you still have a chance to credit the miles from that flight to your account by using the retroactive credit process:

• Log in to the member area of the Frequent Flyer Program on your airline's website.
• Submit the relevant information, such as your boarding pass and ticket number.
• The rules usually differ for each airline, but most programs require you to submit the retroactive credit application within 3 to 6 months after the flight is completed.

How to Get My Frequent Flyer Number

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• Select a program aligned with your travel habits—typically the airline you fly most or an alliance you prefer.
• Sign up directly on the airline’s website or app to receive your Frequent Flyer Number instantly.
• Begin adding it to every booking. A smart approach is to join a program within your most-used alliance (Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld), allowing you to earn miles across multiple airlines with one number.

💡 ​​Tip​​: If you're unsure, base your decision on the airline you fly most frequently. Elite status and miles earned are usually recognized across all partners within the same alliance. Not sure which to pick? Review your common routes and see which airline alliance dominates those flights.

Top Frequent Flyer Programmes for Australia-Based Travellers

Here is a snapshot of top frequent flyer programmes for Australian travellers — highlighting each airline's key features, how and where you earn and redeem miles, status tiers, elite perks, and what makes them stand out in the market.

How to Choose the Best Frequent Flyer Programme for You in Australia?

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Frequent Flyer Program | Where do you fly (mostly)?

The airline you fly most often should be your primary program to ensure you earn status and elite perks.

Frequent Flyer Program | How do you earn most of your points?

The value of a program often comes from how easily you can earn points on the ground, not just in the air.

• Credit Card Transfers (Flexible Points): If you use a premium credit card that earns bank rewards points (like Amex Membership Rewards, NAB, Westpac), you gain flexibility. KrisFlyer and Asia Miles are often the best recipients for these points when aiming for high-value premium redemptions.
• Supermarket/Everyday Shopping: Qantas (QFF): Partners with Woolworths Everyday Rewards (a major earning pathway for Australians). Velocity (VFF): Partners with Coles Flybuys (an equally significant earning pathway).
• Small Business Spend: Both Qantas and Velocity have dedicated programs (Qantas Business Rewards and Virgin Australia Business Flyer) that reward business spending.

If you primarily earn points via everyday Australian spend, Qantas is generally considered to have the widest range of partnerships.