FREQUENT FLYER Meaning and
Definition
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Frequent flyer is a term used to describe an individual who regularly travels by air and accumulates a significant number of flight miles or points with a specific airline or airline alliance. This term is often associated with airline loyalty programs, where passengers are rewarded for their frequent travel with various benefits, such as upgrades, priority boarding, access to airline lounges, and the ability to redeem accumulated points for free or discounted flights.
A frequent flyer is someone who frequently takes flights for both business and personal reasons, resulting in earning elite status within an airline's loyalty program. These individuals are often referred to as "elite frequent flyers" and enjoy additional perks, such as increased luggage allowances, expedited security checks, and the ability to earn more points per flight. Frequent flyers often use airline credit cards to further enhance their benefits and earn additional points or miles with each purchase.
The concept of frequent flyer programs originated in the 1980s as a way for airlines to incentivize customer loyalty and encourage repeat business. Today, frequent flyers play an important role in the profitability of airlines, as they tend to spend more on air travel and are more likely to choose the same airline for future flights.
Overall, a frequent flyer is an individual who has established a significant relationship with a specific airline or alliance, accumulating flight miles or points, and enjoying a range of benefits and privileges as a result of their loyalty and frequent travel.
Etymology of FREQUENT FLYER
The word "frequent flyer" is a compound noun that consists of two parts: "frequent" and "flyer".
The term "frequent" has its origin in the Latin word "frequens", meaning "crowded" or "repeated". Over time, it was adopted into Middle English and subsequently evolved to mean "often" or "recurring".
The word "flyer" stems from the verb "fly", which traces its roots back to Old English and various Germanic languages. "Flyer" refers to a person or thing that flies, such as an aircraft or a bird.
When combined, "frequent flyer" refers to an individual who flies frequently, typically in the context of airline travel. The term gained prominence in the late 20th century with the advent of frequent flyer programs and has become a commonly used expression in the travel industry.
