Question
On many of the cc which have fly "free" systems (Citibank Premier Pass, for example), when you reach a certain level (usually 25,000 points), you can fly free domestically. I believe from some of the posts I've seen, that in effect the cc company (or their agency) purchases a ticket from an airline. If you are in that airlines frequent flyer program do you get airmiles? [Some classes of fare do NOT earn miles, do any of these programs purchase fares in those classes?]
Answer
I've redeemed points (pseudo miles) w/ Capital One Go Miles & Bank One TravePlus for several (10+) tickets and always received miles.
I've also had tickets issued in other names (family & non family). All rec'd miles for trip. Additionally, the miles qualified for all bonus programs in effect @ time of travel. Mr 2411 & my FFF4 qualifing flights were acquired by redeeming points thru Cap. One Go Miles. I've redeemed points/miles for tickets on DL & NW ~ therefore, all info in my post is limited to my personal exp. w/ those airlines.
Before calling the agent, I choose my flight #, date, time, etc - even seat #choice when possible and provide the info to agent when I call. There has never been any problem. There is usually a $$ cut off for the ticket issued and all has been fine, as long as the fareclass I want is within limits. Some CC allow you to pay the extra if you want a different class. Read the small print.
The negative - the 3 week advance ticketing req. (on my cc) But, that's okay w/ me because I can use the CC points for planned trips and since the trips earn miles I can use the miles for trips < 3 wk advance thru DL/NW. A bit of having my cake & eating it too.
I charged >$10,000 on my Cap. One last month. I was temp. crushed when I later read max. 8,000 'miles' per month. However, statement gave me the full 10,002 miles on statement. :) (again, read all small print first)