These are usually newer airlines, which fly to only a
relatively few locations. In many cases,
their miles or points expire in only one year, such as on ATA and jetBlue.
Since the discount carriers usually do not have partnerships with other
airlines, hotels, car rentals, or other sources of miles, it can be hard to
earn a free trip unless you fly them regularly. Despite the many benefits of
these newer carriers (somewhat lower fares, often newer planes, better on-board
service), they won't get you free trips as quickly, or maybe not at all. Also,
their lack of partners means you'll never get to Europe or Australia from flying one of them,
no matter how often you fly. But if their routes and fares work for your
planned paid travel, and you want free trips on their same routes, then they
can be very good deals. On average, it takes 6 to 8 round-trips to earn one
free round trip, and remember, you have only a year to make all those paid
trips. If that fits your plans, go for it as one of your two "focus"
airlines. But make sure you also have a focus airline from one of the three big
alliances.