I used to fly to different cities in the US for business reasons. It took me some time before I could trust the frequent flyer program and get on one. My two years experience with frequent flyer program has unearthed some tips that will be useful to all my readers.

1. Read the contracts on your credit card carefully before signing up. Cards that come with an annual fee provide better flyer miles than the free ones.
2. Fly in the same airline network frequently to make most use of the offer and sign up for all the frequent flyer programs with all the available airlines.
3. If you travel long distances, then choose the miles option but if you travel for short distances numerous times, choose the trips (segment) option.
4. Some programs are valid only for a certain period. Make sure you have an eye on the validity period.
5. Some airlines have partners like a hotel, a car rental agency or a grocery store and purchases made at these places will accumulate miles. Some places redeem miles for goods.

If you feel that there are some important tips that I left out, feel free to share it.