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Flying these days can be a hassle thanks to long ticket counter lines because airlines have laid off staff and long waits at security checkpoints. Maybe you've never paid much attention to some of the perks of airlines' frequent flyer programs. Well, our Savvy Traveler, Rudy Maxa, tells us this might be the time to check out those perks.

Remember that great line in George Orwell's classic, Animal Farm? "All pigs are created equal, except some pigs are more equal than others." Well, you could say the same about airline passengers. For example, everyone who flies on an el-cheapo, advance-purchase coach ticket is equal . . . except passengers who are members of the so-called "elite" levels of an airline's frequent flyer program.

If you're not familiar with these special levels, you should know that if you fly more than 25,000 miles a year on most any major airline, you'll get a different colored frequent flyer card good for the entire next year. You'll begin earning a 50 per cent bonus on all the miles you fly on that airline. Even if you're flying coach, you'll be able to check in at business or first-class counters-the ones with the short lines. And at some major airports such a Chicago and Seattle, airlines have special security lines for their most frequent flyers so you can avoid the regular security lines-you know, the ones with all those people in them.

If you fly 50,000 miles or more, well, things get even better. You'll earn double miles every time you fly. If there's room in business or first class, you'll be able to upgrade more easily using special certificates that you can buy or earn as you fly. If an airline is overbooked in coach, you'll be at the head of the line to get upgraded and at the end of the line if anyone needs to be bumped. Some airlines, like United, recognize flyers who accrue 100,000 miles or more-they're called "1Ks," and they get perks the rest of us can only dream about-like upgrade coupons for international flights with no restrictions-free.

Now keep an eye peeled for special offers. Right now, for example, US Airways flyers can get double miles that will be credited toward reaching elite status. The offer begins Thursday and ends March 20th, and you pre-register with the airline.

So if you know you're going to be flying a lot this year, why not plan ahead? Find out if there are one or two airlines that serve your destinations-and concentrate on them so you can achieve elite status. Now, you and I know that's exactly why the airlines started these mileage programs in the first place-to foster "brand loyalty" as they say in Marketing 101. Why not use that to your advantage?

Now, remember, we're only talking miles you actually fly-not miles you earn by using an airline-affiliated credit card or for staying in a particular hotel. And you must re-qualify each year-elite status can melt as quickly as spring snow if you don't keep at the game. Don't want to spend a year qualifying? Well, if you have a lot of miles on an airline, you might want to copy your mileage statement and send it along to the marketing department of an airline you intend to fly a lot this year. Tell them you frequent Brand X but are thinking of switching to their airline-if they'll grant you immediate elite status. Trust me, I've done this. Nothing makes an airline happier than snaring a rival's frequent flyer.

So this year, vow to stand out of the crowd. Sidle up to the trough and gorge yourself on miles. But be calculating about how you do it.

From the Savvy Traveler, I'm Rudy Maxa for Marketplace.

You can read - and hear - more from Rudy and company at SavvyTraveler.org!