Infrequent Fliers Pile Up Air Miles

Many airline passengers are earning free air travel without ever leaving the ground.

Once, points toward free flights could be earned only by actually flying. Now, miles can add up by hiring maids, talking long-distance and paying the mortgage.

Programs had been oriented toward business travelers who logged thousands of miles a year, but today frequent flier miles have become what some industry insiders call “Green Stamps without the licking.”

Airlines have made agreements with an array of businesses to award mileage to their joint customers. Name the product, there’s probably a company that will include miles along with a purchase.

“The programs are finding out that’s an easier way to get people to fly with them because of the ability to earn points toward a ticket,” said Steven Lincoln, managing editor of InsideFlyer, a trade magazine.