Finding a bargain flight is rare these days, more so now that some airlines are warning they may have to raise ticket prices to cope with the increased cost of jet fuel on the back of the resurgent oil price, which topped US$110 (Dh404) last week.
And with summer on the way, traditionally a peak season for air travellers in the UAE, finding an economical flight, let alone a seat, will be even more difficult.
One common way to keep travel costs down is to plan ahead and utilise air miles, either to book a free flight or to upgrade your ticket. But for those of you who haven't enrolled in a frequent-flyer programme yet, it's not too late.
Sign up for a Prestige British Airways Barclaycard before April 13, and new clients will receive 40,000 BA Miles - enough for a return economy-class flight to London.
New cardholders also receive automatic membership to BA's Executive Club, the airline's frequent-flyer programme. Once enrolled, members can earn BA Miles every time they fly with the airline or on one of its oneworld partner airlines.
Also until April 13, new and existing cardholders can collect two BA Miles for every $1.50 spent on everyday purchases.
If cardholders use the card to buy BA tickets and in-flight merchandise, they can collect four BA Miles for every $1.50 spent.
"The Prestige British Airways Barclaycard was successfully launched in November 2008 and this latest promotion is designed to reward our loyal customers with double rewards and encourage new applicants to sign up for the card with the additional benefit of bonus BA Miles," says Mark Elliott, the director of sales for Barclays UAE.
The Prestige British Airways Barclaycard charges an interest rate of 2.75 per cent per month, or a total of 33 per cent a year. The annual membership fee is Dh650.
Other sign-up benefits include a Priority Pass, which gives members access to more than 500 airport VIP lounges in 90 countries, and a complimentary UAE e-Gate card.
"With this promotion, the Prestige British Airways Barclaycard has new and better collection rates for BA Miles, giving our customers in the UAE an even faster route to a reward flight to London," says Paolo DeRenzis, BA's regional commercial manager for the Middle East.
For more details and the full terms and conditions, go to www.barclaycard.ae.