With proper expectations and a few proven strategies, you can head off disappointment

There was a time when mileage programs really were a ticket to ride. Loyalty paid dividends; miles were like money in the bank; and Hawaii and Paris in First Class were within reach. I don’t have to tell you that those days are long gone for most travelers. The astounding success of frequent flyer programs has made the airlines implement stringent restrictions on usage, most notably limiting the number of award seats—in effect, clipping the wings they bestowed. To make your frequent flyer program work for you now, you have to be a bit of a tax lawyer, looking for loopholes, sub-clauses, and fine print that will let you use those miles. But while you’re at it, don’t overlook the obvious—moves that aren’t difficult to make but that will keep you from being trapped by a system that was supposed to set you free. Here are five things to keep in mind.

Read the program’s fine print

You’re a tax lawyer, remember? You can’t afford to learn that your carrier’s lowest upgradeable domestic economy class fare is an exorbitant $1,500 when you call to make a booking (and when economy is only $500 and First Class costs only $1,200). Or that you could have saved a bundle of miles by booking an award ticket on a partner carrier. Or that you could have gotten a free stopover for the same number of miles. So sit down with a cup of java and read the convoluted rules so you can have your day in court—and win.

Don’t expect too much from elite status membership

It’s not a cornucopia of domestic upgrades on most carriers anymore, although that depends heavily on the routes you fly, as there are some where upgrade seats aren’t hard to come by. Find an agent who can help you identify the flights with the lightest loads so your chances of seat availability on day of departure are improved. On major transcon routes, get it out of your head that an elite upgrade might come through. You’re only setting yourself up for disappointment.

Don’t think that elite status means never having to shop for fares

Okay, so you’re willing to roll the elite-upgrade dice. But on many routes I have to ask, why? The savvy traveler always checks the published domestic First Class fare and then weighs it against the cost to upgrade. Sometimes it pays to pay. For example, if you can purchase San Francisco-Miami for $800 in First Class round-trip, why buy an upgradeable coach fare at $300, then keep your fingers crossed that you’ll be able to use elite upgrades, which can add another $500? The cost is the same, but buying a normal First Class fare eliminates the gamble.

Be willing to date other carriers

Sometimes your carrier just won’t go along with your plans. You want to fly to South America, but your carrier doesn’t have deeply discounted Business Class fares to Brazil, although the competition does—for half the price. Or your primary carrier’s fares to Hawaii are $500 more than the competition’s and it tells you that mileage upgrades aren’t available on your dates. At this point I say play the field. Your carrier is just not always into you.

Plan, plan, plan

Don’t book time off until you’ve checked award availability. Watch for new routes since award availability is usually very good on them for the first few months. Carry the right credit cards to maximize your mileage-redemption options. (See FCF July 2006 for best credit cards).

Follow these guidelines, and fare thee well.