Flying, and its cheap thrills.

Byline: C.Gopinath

In just this last week, Air France offered me an exclusive deal of 50 per cent discount on hotels worldwide if I signed on to something new. British Airways tried to entice me to a new level of membership. Lufthansa also had some special deal that I've forgotten.

These airlines try to make me feel special because I am a member of their frequent flyer clubs. You see, membership has its privileges, as the slogan of American Express often reminds us.

The problem is that I am not such a frequent flyer. It takes me awhile before I get to any significant level of benefits and that frustrates the airlines that are constantly selling me dreams and trying to get me to act. I am also not a very smart flyer …