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July show: Air miles special

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It has been 25 years since American Airlines introduced the first frequent flyer program.

YOUR E-MAIL ALERTS

Biz Traveller
Richard Quest

(CNN) -- In July, we take an in-depth look at air miles, an issue close to the heart of all business travelers.

It has been 25 years since American Airlines introduced the first frequent flyer program. Since then, airline loyalty schemes have multiplied and mutated. Now you do not even have to fly to inflate your account.

25 years of air miles

Back in 1981, American Airlines set itself the task of inventing a plan to build brand loyalty. In the end it came down to one man and his childhood experience of S&H green stamps.

Tom Plaskett, then AA's vice president of marketing, figured that if shops could offer toasters, airlines could offer flights and so began a marketing phenomenon that has spread worldwide.

Mileage runs

There is no mistaking a mileage runner. They will have just arrived at the airport when they turn around to fly back. Many know each other through Internet chat rooms where they trade information about the latest bonus offers.

Richard Quest joins them and air mile expert Randy Petersen on a typical run from Dallas to Austin and back again -- three times.

Cashing in

Business travelers may spend hours on planes, shuttling to and from meetings, but the reward at the end is a large personal stash of air miles. Or is it? A court in Germany recently ruled that air miles accrued through work belong to the company. We will explain how it affects you.

Earning alternatives

These days you do not have to be in the air to top up your air mile account. Airlines have teamed up with credit card companies so you earn points with every purchase. And you can double them if you stay at the right hotels.

Escape

You worked hard for your air miles, now here is an idea how you spend them. We take a luxury break to Dubrovnik, Croatia. We stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town and sightsee in style aboard a yacht.

Show times

ALL TIMES GMT

Airs the second weekend of the month and the following Thursday.

Next air dates: July 8/9/13

Saturday 07:30, 13:30, 16:30

Sunday 11:30, 17:30

Thursday 13:30, 17:30

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