Aviation News Update: Changes in Frequent Flier Programs

Filed in archive Aviation News on February 27, 2008

Here's the best of the aviation news, which, ironically, is all about frequent flier programs. Take note to see if these changes effect you.

Major Change in Frequent Flyer Miles

US Airways, which dominates the market at Syracuse's hancock Airport will no longer offer 500 minimum miles on short trips. This means you'll earn fewer miles on every connecting flight in and out of Central New York. US Airways no longer will offer 500 minimum miles on short hops, a move that is angering frequent fliers. Beginning May 1, the Tempe-based airline will award actual miles flown on short flights.

US Airways Tweaks Incentives to Offset Costs

US Airways Group Inc. said Thursday it will begin awarding frequent-flier miles based on the actual number of miles flown rather than a preset minimum in an effort to offset higher fuel and other costs. The carrier also said it will begin charging customers who redeem miles online within two weeks of departure a $50 "quick ticketing fee."

Considering Redeeming Miles? Don't Wait

Last week I reported on the sad state of affairs of unredeemed (and hard-to-redeem) frequent-flier miles. And just when you thought it might be getting tougher to redeem miles, a number of airlines announced it's about to get even tougher than that. Each airline managed to use language that made the announcements appear to be valuable "enhancements" to their programs - enhancements to their bottom lines, perhaps, but not for consumers.