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SCMP Reporter

BEFORE you throw away the airline tickets from this summer's holiday, check with your travel agent or airline whether you could qualify for savings in a ''frequent flier'' programme.

  At no extra cost, most leading airlines operate schemes to encourage loyalty. Register your trips with the airline and the so-called bonus kilometres add up.

  Earn the required number of points, and a free flight is yours.

  The problem is discerning which airline offers the best deal.

   Many airlines frequently do not publicise their range of services except to first-class passengers.

  Another often forgotten fact is that points can be earned not only when you fly but also with their associated businesses, such as car hire and hotel accommodation.

  Furthermore, many airlines allow passengers to pick up valuable points when flying with both larger and smaller associated carriers.

  American Airlines, for example, has a link with Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, TWA, British Airways and Qantas.

  Smaller associated carriers with ties to other airlines include Air UK, which is linked to KLM's ''Flying Dutchman'' programme, and Aviaco and Viva Air which are tied to Iberia.

  The other point to bear in mind is that benefits stretch far beyond complimentary flights; free flights can often be transferred to family or friends.

  Upgrading is also a useful perk, particularly on long-haul flights. Air France requires 500 points for a one-way upgrade from club to first-class when flying to Cairo or Lagos.

  Typically, a Paris to Hong Kong flight earns 440 points, while London to Paris adds 80 points.

  Bonus points for staying at particular hotels form part of most frequent-flier clubs. Air France added Meridien hotels in June. Five stays in less than two years in two cities, entitles you to a coupon for a free night.

  Tax-free vouchers are included in some programmes - the passenger can choose from in-flight sales as well as specified duty-free ground points.

  For added appeal, many airlines will throw in incentives to attract travellers to their programmes as well.

  Lufthansa has developed what it calls fantasy flight awards in its ''Miles & More'' programme. Through this offer, members can use their credits towards a number of packages including a 30-minute circuit flight in the veteran JU52 plane, a hot-air balloon flight and a ride in a Lufthansa flight simulator.

  But the primary reason for joining frequent flight programmes is to earn free kilometres and these are surprisingly easy to achieve.

  United Airlines grants 15,450 km for a London-Seattle return flight, almost enough for a free economy round-trip within Europe.

  And by merely joining, United's Mileage Plus members are entitled to 8,050 bonus kilometres. A round-trip within Asia or to the US in any class before December 15 merits an extra 8,050 km as well.

  Finally, by joining the frequent-flier clubs, extra sales details become available that independent travel agents may not be privy to.

  For example, American Airlines is offering special fares to travellers holding Hong Kong ID cards. Under the scheme, those flying internally within the US and Canada can achieve savings of about 130 per cent.

  Unless a frequent flier member or dealing with American Airlines travel agents directly, this savings may pass unnoticed.

  So who offers the best?   Choice will be influenced by the individual's travel patterns and preferences. Asia Business has provided a chart of what is on offer from a few selected airlines.



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Cathay Pacific

When flying time is buying fly time