“Everything you think you know about frequent flier programs is wrong. Even the name “frequent flier program” is misleading. And every misperception you embrace helps the airlines beat you at the game.” – Joe Brancatelli What can we as frequent fliers do to protect our miles? Can we still collect on those “rewards” promised by the airlines? What can we expect if the airlines spin their FF programs off into separate companies?

Joe Brancatelli has a great article on Conde’ Nast Portfolio.com about the misconceptions most of us have about frequent flier programs.

Joe is quick to point out that regardless of how these programs started, they’re no longer “loyalty programs.” They are, at heart, major marketing and promotion tools for the airlines.

They get us to shop differently, pay higher prices, and even pay higher interest rates on credit cards. Joe offers some very wise and sage advice on how to best deal with your frequent flier miles and how to “beat the airlines at the game.”

I would like to add that many airlines are considering spinning their frequent flier programs off into separate companies. The FF programs already generate billion(s) of dollars in revenue a year for the airlines. In fact, Air Canada has already taken the step. While this might help the airlines stay in the black, what will it mean for consumers?

If the frequent flier programs are no longer in- house, will we see something akin to a sibling rivalry develop between the airlines and their FF programs? Will we be hit with hundreds of more marketing pushes that only make it harder for us to actually get any use out of our frequent flier miles?

Take a look at Joe’s article, Frequent Flier Fallacies, and let me know what you think will happen to frequent flier programs in the next few years. With jet downsizing rampant and load factors in the 90% range at peak times, oil at $100 a barrel do you really think there is going to be a “free” seat for you and your family?