No one ever gets anything for free, and frequent flyer miles sound especially too good to be true. Every dollar you spend on your credit card counts toward free airline tickets? The truth is that the airlines will do anything to avoid putting the cash back in your pocket, but with a few simple tricks you can master the art of the frequent flyer points and fly for free to your next destination.

First, it pays to read the fine print. Before you sign up for a frequent flyer credit card, be sure you know all the regulations on the card. You can also sign up for a mailing list that will alert you to special promotions and deals. Choose your card wisely. Many will give you more bang for your buck. Research the card’s partner companies. Sometimes you can earn double points by buying books at specific book stores or buying your groceries in certain places. If you master the system, you can multiply your points. When you fly, be sure to charge your plane ticket to your credit card. Don’t be afraid to use your friends. They can buy your free tickets from you in cash while you pay for theirs on your credit card. While you are collecting flyer miles, keep track of all your flights and statements. Mistakes can be made, and when they are, you need to call the credit card company or airline to straighten them out.

Airlines will often tempt you to spend your frequent flyer miles on something other than free flights. They lose money every time a frequent flyer gets on board their airplanes, so of course they will try to get you to spend your miles on something other than your flight, which is basically cash redemption. Airlines will often tempt you to drop your flights in exchange for magazine subscriptions or other promotions. Be wary of these deals. If you cash in your miles for cheap flights or club memberships, you risk losing money on the transaction. Many of these frequent flyer credit cards have annual fees attached. You don’t want to trade in your miles for less than the annual fee, at the very least.

You don’t actually have to fly to earn frequent flyer points. With a special credit card you can earn points paying for almost anything. Put your child’s college tuition on the credit card. Put a big, social dinner on your credit card and ask your dining partners to give you cash for their meals. As long as you pay your credit card bill on time and avoid incurring the high interest fees, this is your best way to earn extra miles.

When you have finally raised enough frequent flyer miles to take your dream vacation, you will get the best value for your miles by acquiring your tickets early, ideally a year in advance. This will ensure that you get the best seats and upgrades for your air miles. Try to choose a flight that won’t be crowded with weekend travelers. Travel midweek or take an afternoon flight to avoid the early morning rush. The airline will appreciate your courtesy and you will be rewarded with better deals.

Only a wishful fantasy a hundred years ago, the modern airline can now boast being one of the largest corporate industries around the world. Spurred on by massive competition between the ‘big three’ jet manufacturers – Lockheed, McDonnell Douglas, and Boeing – the 20th century has given birth to this most technologically advanced industry.

However, these three corporate giants, located on the West Coast of the United States, have met with stiff competition from specialized companies in Europe, such as Airbus Industries. Airline manufacturers in Brazil, Australia, Canada and other parts of Europe have also increased the standards that are expected of a modern airline.

Airlines surged ahead with massive expansion and vigorous growth after the World War II. Then came the world-wide recession during the early 1980s, forcing the airlines to engage in unique new patterns to woo new customers onto their flights and keep the old ones. Bankruptcies and mergers to avoid bankruptcy became common fears on the stock markets. This resulted in the aircraft manufacturers sinking fast and needing to make sharp reductions in production. The flying customer became like almighty God to the airlines – the savior from final dissolution.

Fare cutting battles delighted those who had become dependant on airlines for business transportation and allowed the once-a-year traveler to become a traveler during every major holiday. Frequent flyer clubs were almost giving away toasters in order to sign new customers on. The airlines began to join with telephone companies to offer an extra 1000 bonus miles for switching one’s telephone service.

One of the greatest boons presented for the travelers was being able to fly from a smaller community by a commuter airline. Small town airports sprang up around the globe: one no longer needed to drive hundreds of miles to Chicago or Denver or London to catch a plane. Keeping up with a changing society, the airlines replaced ‘stewardesses’ with both male and female ‘flight attendants.’

The challenge of massive air-control for the crowded skies requires that the various airlines work harmoniously in planning and developing airports. These airports have become works of art with fountains that reach three stories up surrounded by luscious, peaceful greenery to soothe the weary travelers. Luxurious lounges for frequent travelers who pay dues are available. Merry-go-rounds and child care can even be found.

Of course, inside the airliner itself is a world of conveniences to take the traveler’s minds off of the time spent in the air. Individual movie screens can be found for each person, along with a full schedule of channels to choose from. An array of radio and music choices are also there, along with whatever electronic hook-ups one might need for their lap-top computers or cell phones.

A hundred years ago the thought of flying from one continent to another in a ‘big bird’ was fantasy, and the current airline structure couldn’t even have been created in one’s wildest dream. It pays to dream big! And to follow your dreams!