The online tool provided by the airline determines the distance, often expressed in miles, between two destinations served by the carrier or its partners. This calculation assists passengers in understanding how far they will travel and, more importantly, how many miles they will accrue within the airline’s frequent flyer program for a particular flight itinerary. For instance, a flight from Seattle to Anchorage will yield a specific number of redeemable miles based on the distance calculated.
The availability of such a calculation offers several advantages. It allows program members to effectively plan travel to reach desired elite status tiers or accumulate miles for future award travel. Historically, distance-based earning was a standard model in frequent flyer programs. Knowing the mileage allows travelers to estimate the number of miles earned prior to booking, helping them make informed decisions about flight selection and maximizing rewards.
