Air Miles is coming. The free consumer program, set to start by the end of this month, will award airfare as a bonus for everyday purchases, with the potential to add tour-package and cruise awards.

American Airlines, United Airlines, US Air and Air Canada are the participating airlines, according to Loyalty Management Corp., a Boston-based, full-service travel agency. Purchases leading to awards include department-store merchandise, some grocery-store items, movie tickets, long-distance calls, fast-food meals, gasoline fill-ups and other shopping options. Participating companies will be announced next month, when a central reservations system in Orlando will be set up with an 800 number.

Consumers may combine their purchases in one Air Miles account per household.

A similar program, Air Miles U.K., has operated in Great Britain for several years.

Stay tuned. Call (617) 457-2800.