« Back to Glossary Index

What is Frequent Flyer Program?
Meaning, Origin, Popular Use, and Synonyms

Frequent Flyer Program - osam tour

What is Frequent Flyer Program?

A Frequent Flyer Program is a loyalty program offered by airlines to reward their regular customers for their travel with the airline. Travelers who frequently fly with a specific airline or its partner carriers can join these programs and earn points or miles based on the distance they travel or the money they spend on flights. As members accumulate points, they can redeem them for various rewards such as free flights, seat upgrades, priority boarding, lounge access, and other exclusive benefits. Frequent Flyer Programs are designed to encourage customer loyalty and foster long-term relationships between airlines and their passengers.

Origins of the term Frequent Flyer Program

The concept of Frequent Flyer Programs originated in the early 1980s when American Airlines introduced the world’s first-ever loyalty program of this kind, known as “AAdvantage.” The program was launched in 1981, and it marked a significant shift in the airline industry’s approach to customer retention and engagement. The success of AAdvantage led other major airlines to follow suit, and today, Frequent Flyer Programs are a standard offering by airlines worldwide.

Where is the term Frequent Flyer Program commonly used?

The term “Frequent Flyer Program” is commonly used in the aviation industry and among travelers globally. Most major airlines around the world have their version of a Frequent Flyer Program, each with its unique name and benefits. These programs are popular and widely utilized by frequent travelers who seek to maximize their travel experiences and receive additional perks for their loyalty to a particular airline.

Synonyms of the term Frequent Flyer Program

While “Frequent Flyer Program” is the most widely recognized term, similar loyalty programs offered by airlines may be referred to by different names. Some synonyms or alternative terms for Frequent Flyer Program include:

  • Frequent Flier Program (used interchangeably with “Frequent Flyer Program”)
  • Travel Rewards Program
  • Airline Loyalty Program
  • Mileage Program

These terms all refer to loyalty programs offered by airlines to reward and incentivize frequent travelers.

How to say Frequent Flyer Program in other languages?

Translation - osam tour

Here’s how to say “Frequent Flyer Program” in various languages:

  • Spanish: Programa de Viajero Frecuente
  • Italian: Programma Viaggiatore Frequente
  • French: Programme Voyageur Fréquent
  • German: Vielfliegerprogramm
  • Chinese: 常旅客计划 (Cháng lǚkè jìhuà)
  • Hindi: फ्रीक्वेंट फ्लायर प्रोग्राम (Phrīkvenṭ phlāyar prōgrām)
  • Japanese: 頻繁なフライヤープログラム (Hinpan’na furaiyā puroguramu)
  • Arabic: برنامج المسافر الدائم (Barnamaj almusāfir aldā’im)
  • Russian: Программа постоянных пассажиров (Programma postoyannykh passazhirov)
« Back to Travel Terms Dictionary