Outside the U.S., there is no difference between flyer and flier. They are used interchangeably, though flyer is about twice as common as flier. American writers tend to use flyer for a small handbill and flier for one who flies. This is only a preference, however, and exceptions abound.
An earlier version of this post said simply that flier is the American spelling for all senses of the word while flyer is preferred everywhere else. Since posting the original, we’ve noticed that American publications display a definite pattern of distinguishing between the two spellings. But the two are so commonly mixed up that we can safely say neither is correct or incorrect for any sense of the word.
Related
Outside the U.S., the issue is equally confounding. The Guardian style book, for example, says “flyer, not flier,” while the Daily Telegraph style book says “flier, not flyer” (though below we include a Telegraph example that goes against this). Obviously there is no agreement on the issue, and the flier–flyer distinction apparently comes down to preference no matter where you are.
Examples
For example, these American publications use flier for someone who flies and flyer for a small handbill:
American Airlines introduced the first of what we now know as frequent flier programs in May 1981, with 283,000 members. [USA Today]
According to the flyer—which depicts a raised, clenched fist holding a pencil, a play on the movement’s symbol—Duggan plans to bring in guest speakers . . . [Wall Street Journal]
The infrequent flier about to get on the plane at Reno-Tahoe International Airport had sores all over him . . . [Los Angeles Times]
“Join us as we revisit a familiar and beloved neighborhood of the Christmas Tour,” a flyer for the event says. [Boston Globe]
And outside the U.S. flyer is preferred for all senses of the word:
Something of his alert oversight probably came from his experience as a flyer … [Guardian (U.K.)]
Once inside a store, look for items that are on the outside cover of the weekly specials flyer. [Globe and Mail (Canada)]
Elected just 18 months ago, already a high-flyer. [Telegraph]
They must also stop distributing or displaying any literature, flyers or signage containing any unregistered business name … [Sydney Morning Herald]
