The more business they give you, the more benefits they accrue. Here is how it works. The consumers signs up for the frequent-flyer program, thereby signaling to the airline that they will now care who they fly with. They are issued a membership member number with which the airline keeps track of accumulated miles or points that are accrued towards future benefits of free travel or travel discounts. As the number of accumulated miles increases, the status of the consumer is raised as well. Silver, gold, or platinum standing is tied to specific points plateaus reached, such as, say, 500,000 miles. As the passenger's status gets higher, the benefits increase as well. Free entry to the airport lounge, free upgrades on flights, special treatment at check-in, are some of the ways loyal frequent flyers are honored and rewarded. Why Frequent-Flyer Programs Are So Successful Frequent flyer programs are an extremely successful component of most major airlines' loyalty programs. First, frequent-flyer programs create an environment wherein the consumer's decision to fly with a particular carrier is reinforced on a regular basis. The program, by its very nature, forces the consumer to choose a favorite airline and to use it as often as possible. Second, frequent-flyer programs, for the most part, create a business environment that is oblivious to price. No distinction is made between consumers who pay a lot and a little. Everything is reduced to neutral miles flown. This means that consumers develop a loyalty that is immune to price, thereby discouraging downward price pressure as the primary means of buying customer loyalty. In fact, these programs actually create upward price pressure. Many times customers will pay a premium to get flights with their frequent-flyer airline simply because they want accumulate more miles and gain access to the other benefits. Third, frequent-flyer programs create an environment in which airline service personnel are encouraged to treat higher-rated customers better. The customer's frequent-f