FlyerTalk Rules

  1. Usernames
  2. User Profiles
  3. Signatures
  4. Thread titles
  5. Stay on topic
  6. Cross-Posting
  7. Linking to content on other websites
  8. Posting of Images
  9. Posting Copyrighted Material
  10. Commercial Posts
  11. Charitable Posts
  12. Abusive or disruptive behavior or content
  13. Non-contributive posts
  14. Post-Padding
  15. Deceptive, Dishonest, Illegal or Fraudulent Posting
  16. Use of obscene or offensive language/material
  17. Cyber-bullying
  18. Discussion of Moderator Actions
  19. Private Messages, Emails
  20. Gatherings of Members ("Dos")
  21. Privacy
  22. When you believe someone has violated the rules
  23. Consequences of Rule Violations and Discipline
  24. Appealing disciplinary action
  25. Reinstatement
  26. Changes to and scope of rules

Introduction

Welcome to FlyerTalk. Built by and for frequent travelers, FlyerTalk is the world's largest website devoted to discussing how to optimize the use of miles, points and status for the enhancement of your travel experiences. It is an extraordinary resource for the frequent traveler.

As with any large community, the quality of your experience depends upon the goodwill, consideration and civility of everyone. While participating here, you are expected to be respectful and helpful. The following rules help guide everyone toward that goal. By posting on FlyerTalk, you agree to be governed by these rules. Nothing in these rules supersedes the Internet Brands/FlyerTalk Terms and Conditions of Use.

FlyerTalk is overseen by a group of volunteer moderators. When posts don't comply with these rules, the moderators may remove or edit them or request that you do so. Moderators will use their best judgment and common sense will prevail in situations that are not explicitly addressed by these rules. Members who violate the rules may see their posts edited or deleted and face disciplinary action, up to and including the revocation of posting privileges.

We hope you enjoy your time with us — learning and sharing the many ways to leverage miles, points and status to upgrade your travels.

  1. Usernames

    To post on FlyerTalk, you must register for an account and select a username. The following rules apply to usernames:

    • Usernames cannot be a URL or an email address.
    • They must contain only characters of the Roman alphabet and/or Arabic numerals.
    • They are subject to all the other rules of FlyerTalk (e.g. those that forbid the furthering of illegal or fraudulent activities, the use of profanity, vulgarity, hatred, abusiveness and harassment). In other words, appropriateness is required.
    • For privacy purposes, it is strongly recommended that you not use your real name in your username.
    • If your username is long, please incorporate spaces so that it does not distort the column width, or it may be changed by an administrator.
    • Travel industry professionals who are registering an account in order to post in an official capacity on behalf of their employer or company can be identified across FlyerTalk by their green-colored username. In order to obtain such an official designation, please contact the Community Director.
    • You may not use multiple usernames and doing so will subject you to suspension of all usernames you have registered. The only exception to this rule is approved travel industry professionals, who may also have a personal username in addition to their official company username. Contact the Community Director for such approval.
    • Should you have second thoughts regarding your choice of a username, one-time changes can be arranged by contacting the Community Director.
    • Username changes are only available to members with fewer than 500 posts.
  2. User Profiles

    You are allowed to create a profile containing information about yourself. The following rules apply to profiles on FlyerTalk:

    • Profiles are subject to the rules governing all FlyerTalk content (e.g. those which forbid the furthering of illegal or fraudulent activities, the use of profanity, vulgarity, hatred, abusiveness and harassment).
    • Use your profile to share information such as your location, frequent travel programs you belong to and your program status, and similar information.
    • Don't place information in your profile that is more suitable for a signature. (See Rule 3 — Signatures).
    • Place spaces between words so that your profile does not distort the column width.
    • You are encouraged to use caution with the information you include in your profile — it's strongly suggested that you guard your privacy.
    • You may include a picture of yourself in your user profile. Images and emoticons may not be inserted into any other profile fields.
  3. Signatures

    A personalized signature is available to you once you have achieved 180 posts and 180 days as a member. Because these signatures appear at the bottom of every post you make, the following rules apply in order to minimize distraction within the forums:

    • Signatures are subject to the rules governing all FlyerTalk content (e.g. those which forbid the furthering of illegal or fraudulent activities, the use of profanity, vulgarity, hatred, abusiveness and harassment).
    • Affiliate or referral links resulting in any form of compensation, including points or miles, are not permitted in signatures.
    • All links and referrals to credit card sign-up pages, marketplaces with a primary purpose to promote the sale or referral of credit cards, or any other offer related to credit cards, are prohibited in signatures. For clarification, if you author a blog focused in the areas of travel, miles and points, your signature may link to your blog — provided that the link is not directly to a post or webpage about credit cards.
    • Except for credit card sign-up offers, signatures that specifically relate to your travel-related commercial ventures are allowed. Other commercial signatures are not allowed.
    • Signatures of a religious or political nature are not allowed.
    • Signatures containing direct links away from FlyerTalk to charitable activities are not allowed, but you may use a link to your thread in the FlyerTalk Cares forum. (See Rule 11 — Charitable Posts.)
    • You may not manually insert a signature into the body of a message or user profile unless you are an official company representative, as designated by a green-colored username. A brief close in the body of a message, such as, "Regards," "Cheers," "Travel Safely," or "Thanks," with or without your name or user name, is permitted.
    • Graphically, your signature must conform to the following standards:
      • Use no larger than the FlyerTalk default posting font size.
      • Limit it to two lines.
      • Limit the use of emoticons or other highlighting characters/symbols/other keystrokes to 2 (total) per signature.
      • Do not use spaces, characters, symbols or other keystrokes that stretch your signature beyond standard column widths.
      • Do not use all-caps, alternating caps, alternating use of color, or other unconventional methods of attracting attention to your signature. Two emoticons, characters, symbols or other key strokes in addition to text are permitted.
      • Do not embed images of any kind in your signature.

    Should you wish to not see signatures at all, you may shut them off. You can do so in the Edit Options section of your personal profile. If you have any questions as to whether your intended signature is acceptable, or to report a signature you believe violates the rules, contact the Signature Review Team.

  4. Thread titles

    Please create thread titles that are specific and descriptive and that contain an accurate (not misleading or sensational) characterization of the topic. If you wish to change your thread's title, please contact a moderator. Moderators may also edit thread titles to clarify content.

  5. Stay on topic

    FlyerTalk exists for the discussion of frequent flyer programs and the related travel experience. With the exception of the few areas specifically designated for the discussion of other topics, confine your comments as closely as possible to these topic areas and to the topic of the thread and forum in which you are posting.

  6. Cross-Posting

    Don't post your topic more than once. Duplicate threads or posts will be deleted, combined or locked. You may cross reference a post in another forum. For example, if you are questioning whether American Airlines or United Airlines may be the best fit for you, post the primary question in perhaps the American forum and then post a link to that thread in the United forum. An exception to this rule includes posts related to charitable activities, please see Rule 11 — Charitable Posts.

  7. Linking to content on other websites

    FlyerTalk is here for the purpose of sharing meaningful information. Don't simply post a link by itself to another source, such as an article or blog. (See also, Rule 9 — Posting Copyrighted Material.) Posts containing such links should contain enough information so as to be contributive to FlyerTalk itself.

    If linking to your own blog, to a blog on behalf of someone, or to a blog of which you are a periodic or regular contributor, you must identify that fact in your post and you must include enough content for the FlyerTalk post to stand on its own without following the link. Do not post repeatedly in a manner that has the effect or purpose of driving traffic to a blog or website.

    Exceptions to this rule include:

    1. Linking to a travel program website page containing information relevant to the discussion (such as a ticketing rule or terms & conditions of a promotion being discussed in the thread);
    2. Linking to the websites of established news organizations or to company press releases with details of an ongoing news event (such as an airline or hotel incident). In such a case, merely providing the headline of the new item along with a link to it, without posting additional content, is allowable.

    Posts that do not conform to these rules may be deleted and repetitive offenses may subject the poster to discipline.

  8. Posting of Images

    You may embed non-animated images in your posts. Your images must conform to all FlyerTalk content rules, must convey relevant, on-topic information and are not allowed in signature lines or user profiles other than in the space designated in your profile for your picture. (See also, Rule 2 — User Profiles.) Please size your images large enough to get your point across but not so that they distort FlyerTalk standard column widths.

  9. Posting Copyrighted Material

    Do not post information protected by copyright or owned by another without the owner's consent. If you infringe on someone else's rights you will be held solely responsible. Neither FlyerTalk nor its owner shall be held responsible for information you post that may violate copyright law.

    When posting a news article or other published information, credit the source of the information and give a brief, one-to-three paragraph summary or clip of the content, providing an appropriate link and/or cite to its source.

    FlyerTalk's Infringement Policy, found in its Legal Notices disclosure, is made a part of this rule and nothing in this rule is meant to conflict with that Infringement Policy.

  10. Commercial Posts

    Posts of a commercial nature on FlyerTalk are limited to the following:

    • Signatures that specifically relate to your travel-related ventures (this does not include credit cards), once you have achieved both 180 posts and 180 days as a member of FlyerTalk.
    • Travel-industry related professionals who have received official recognition by the Community Director and therefore identified by green-colored usernames.
    • All other posts of a commercial nature – whether in a post, signature or profile – are prohibited. In this rule, commercial posts include those containing promotional messages for commercial products or services, including but not limited to internet sites and business advertisements.
    • FlyerTalk is not a marketplace and nothing may be offered for sale or barter. The exception to this rule is those items in the Coupon Connection (C.C.) Forum, which is governed by specific posting rules, and access to which is granted once you have achieved 180 posts and 180 days as a member.
  11. Charitable Posts

    FlyerTalk has a forum dedicated to the charitable ventures and activities of our members. It is called FlyerTalk Cares. All posts of a charitable nature must be limited to the FlyerTalk Cares forum. The guidelines and requirements for posting in FlyerTalk Cares can be found within that forum.

    Once a FlyerTalk Cares thread has been approved, you may also choose a single forum you frequent in which to post a thread for the announcement and discussion of your charitable activity. Note, however, any link to another website for the purpose of pledging financial support may only be posted in the FlyerTalk Cares thread.

  12. Abusive or disruptive behavior or content

    • 12.1 Friendly, Respectful and Welcoming

      FlyerTalk is a community and is intended to be a friendly, helpful and collegial place.

      Please post in a friendly, respectful, welcoming manner. 'Snarky,' unfriendly posts will not be allowed. If you don't have something constructive to contribute to a thread, please do not post.

      Unhelpful posts, such as "Do a search" or those that merely comment on the worthiness of others' posts or threads are neither friendly nor welcoming and will not be allowed. If you can't be helpful or contribute substantive content to a thread, please refrain from posting.

    • 12.2 Avoid Getting Personal

      If you have a difference of opinion with another member, challenge the idea — NOT the person. Getting personal with another member is not allowed. Personal attacks, insults, baiting and flaming will not be tolerated.

      FlyerTalk is a diverse, multi-cultural community. Expressions of prejudice or discrimination in any form are not permitted (such as those concerning race, nationality, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, etc).

      If another member gets personal with you, do not retaliate. Retaliation may well subject you to the same discipline. Instead, please use the 'Alert a moderator to this thread' button in the lower-left-hand-corner of each post, send a note explaining your concern to the moderator team, and leave it to them to handle. Please also see Rule 22 — When you believe someone has violated the rules.

    • 12.3 Disruptive or repetitive posting

      Posts that are inflammatory, inciting or unnecessarily provocative are not allowed.

      Disrupting a forum by repetitively posting comments of the same general theme or 'piling-on' by posting merely to reinforce or bump a prior post of a disruptive nature are both examples of disruptive posting and not permitted.

  13. Non-contributive posts

    Posts must be contributive to the thread and/or the topic of the forum.

    All content must be of a size and color such that it is comfortably readable.

  14. Post-Padding

    Post-padding or other methods of repeated posting to artificially inflate a post count, enhance visibility on the board, or for any other reason, are not allowed.

  15. Deceptive, Dishonest, Illegal or Fraudulent Posting

    Posts that misquote or mischaracterize other posts or members, or contain deceptive, dishonest or knowingly inaccurate information are not allowed.

    Supporting, encouraging or promoting illegal activity or fraud upon an individual or company is prohibited.

  16. Use of obscene or offensive language/material

    Posts containing obscene, profane, vulgar, abusive, hateful, threatening, harassing, or otherwise offensive language or material will not be tolerated.

    Using symbols, spaces or other methods to mask vulgarities is not allowed.

    If you consider a post by another member to fit into this category, please refer it to the moderator team for action and refrain from drawing further attention to it by posting a reply.

  17. Cyber-bullying

    Posts that stalk or harass other posters in any way are strictly prohibited.

  18. Discussion of Moderator Actions

    Moderators value your private views and feedback related to their actions and duties. You may submit appropriate feedback to moderators by private message or e-mail. Do not post comments about moderator decisions or actions, or about the work of moderators, unless a moderator has invited members to post feedback in a particular thread.

    Any concerns about the actions of a moderator should be directed exclusively and privately to the Community Director.

  19. Private Messages, Emails

    The FlyerTalk private messaging and email systems are subject to the same rules as FlyerTalk posts. If you have received a message that you believe violates the rules, contact a moderator or senior moderator. The posting or otherwise sharing of a private communication, such as an email or private message without the author's permission, whether on FlyerTalk or elsewhere, is not permitted.

  20. Gatherings of Members ("Dos")

    A gathering of FlyerTalk members, often referred to as a "Do," is to be posted in the CommunityBuzz Forum, but the main thread may be in a different forum and then cross referenced to CommunityBuzz. Members may not be excluded from events announced on FlyerTalk based on factors such as gender, age, number of posts or location.

  21. Privacy

    Respect the privacy of other members and non-members. Do not post private information of others. Do not post the names or contact information of travel company and program employees unless they hold executive management status (e.g. presidents, vice-presidents, managing directors).

    Do not post restricted contact information, such as elite access telephone numbers, or e-mail addresses, which is not otherwise made publicly available by the travel company or program. FlyerTalk has adopted a Privacy Policy for how it uses Individual Information. This Privacy Policy is made a part of this rule. Nothing in this rule is meant to conflict with FlyerTalk's Privacy Policy.

  22. When you believe someone has violated the rules

    When you believe someone has violated the rules of FlyerTalk, DO NOT respond by posting in a thread. Instead, report the post to a Moderator, either by Private Message, or by sending a note by clicking on the "Alert a Moderator to this Post" icon, which appears in the lower-left-hand-corner of each post. Then, please leave the issue to the moderator team to handle — do not post your concern in the thread.

  23. Consequences of Rule Violations and Discipline

    Violations of FlyerTalk Rules subject you to one or more of the following consequences:

    1. edit or deletion of the concerned post or thread;
    2. reduction of post count;
    3. exclusion from posting in specified forums; and
    4. formal warning, suspension or revocation of FlyerTalk membership and posting privileges.
  24. Appealing disciplinary action

    If you receive discipline, including the limiting of access to a forum, you may appeal to the Community Director. Your appeal should specify the discipline imposed, the moderator's or administrator's stated reasons for it and concisely state the basis for your appeal.

    Send your appeal to the Community Director via Contact Us Page. The Community Director's decisions related to all appeals shall be final.

  25. Reinstatement

    Not less than one year after revocation of membership, you may seek reinstatement by addressing your request to the Community Director. In such a request, please provide a concise statement of the basis, including the date and grounds for your revocation. If the request is denied, a subsequent request cannot be made for at least one additional year, except as stipulated by the Community Director.

  26. Changes to and scope of rules

    FlyerTalk reserves the right to make changes to these rules at any time. As it is impossible to address in these rules every situation which may arise on FlyerTalk, posts made to these forums may be disallowed even if one of these rules does not expressly prohibit the post.