Frequent flyer miles and one-way or round-trip flights?

Question

Airlines try to force customers to buy round-trip tickets by offering discounts on round-trip tickets that usually make them cheaper than one-way tickets. My question is, if I buy a round-trip ticket and only use it one-way, can I still claim my miles for the entire trip?

Answer 1

In general, no. The miles are credited for flights actually flown. While different airlines have slightly different rules, most only credit after the flight. In fact, some airlines have looked badly upon people who use only 1/2 of a round-trip ticket, although I did this once without repercussions.

Answer 2

Worse, they could take all your miles and cancel your membership. You broke one of their rules and there is a 50/50 chance they will cancel your account and take everything away. There is a high probability they will take away the miles for your first leg since you did not complete the trip.

If you plan to do this don't do it with your membership. Better yet do it with a different airline than the one you have a membership with because they can still track you even if you don't use your membership and cancel your account (I heard this happens only to repetitive offenders)

Answer 3

Miles earned by actually flying are referred to as "BIS" miles... "butt in seat" miles. Your butt has to be in that seat for you to earn them. You could pay with a mileage-earning credit card and since you would not get a refund on the unused portion of the fare, you could keep all the miles from the purchase price itself, but for the rest, you're gonna have to be on the plane.

Answer 4

no, you have to fly to get the miles. some airlines are now offering cheap 1-ways. you should check it out.

Answer 5

no. you still have to fly on the return flight to get the miles

Answer 6

no. they usualy pass the points when u r doin the check in!