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Some people are starting to think of Frequent Flyer Miles as Frequent Fraud Miles and while fraud may be a little harsh, we do hear from a lot of folks who are getting tired of seeing the value of their miles being whittled away. The latest down-grade news comes from Delta (their program is called SkyMiles, which includes the premium program, SkyChoice). According to Delta’s website, effective December 1, 2007, SkyChoice Award Ticket Reservations will no longer be available on every Delta flight… |
Before, this premium program pretty much assured you of getting on a flight, provided there was an empty seat (these premium programs, like Delta’s SkyChoice generally cost you double-miles).
The folks at Upgrade: Travel call this latest bulletin, “a stab in the back to frequent flyers.”
Blogger Gary Leff calls it, “a nail in the SkyMiles Coffin.”
And, Delta’s not the only one devaluing its program; we saw something similar with Northwest, and we are hearing that others are making noises about doing something similar.
Here’s what it all comes down to: for the average person, it’s getting harder and harder to USE those frequent flyer miles.
I would love to hear what you think. Anybody for scrapping these programs altogether? Maybe in exchange for, oh, I don’t know, maybe a bit of a break on ticket-prices?
I have been a real Lufthansa fan. I gathered miles and was successful in using those miles. While planning my next trip for my accrued mileage I saw that insaed of the 60,000 miles you need to fly to distinations like the Far East, USA(I do not live in the USA) etc. Lufthansa simply increased the needed mileage to 80,000. Its the first time in 5 years I am contemplating using other airlines that might give me the same service but a bit cheaper. I am all for cheaper flights but it seems that with every increase in the price of oil (gas) we pay more, same applies to airport fees. Maybe we should stop flying???
Comment by Nora — October 11, 2007 @ 1:45 am
Got so tired of funneling all my purchases thru my Am Ex / Delta Skymiles card to save up LOTS of miles, only to be VERY disappointed when I tried to redeem for tickets. No matter how many months in advance I tried to book, no matter how many days I shifted my plans, I could never get tickets for the “advertised” miles. But lo and behold, if I were willing to part with DOUBLE the miles, there were seats available. So I switched all my purchases to my Wells Fargo Visa and can now use my rewards points to purchase ANY ticket on ANY airline. So yes, scrap the airline programs, give us a break on costs, or maybe a bite to eat on a long flight?
Comment by Tom — October 11, 2007 @ 2:28 am
I think the value of the program depends on how you fly. I commute on a regular route. I use an airline that uses one of the cities I travel between as a hub so the ticket prices are competitive. I am upgraded frequently along with other perks not to mention the free travel. If it were not for the frequent flyer program I would book with whatever airline had the best deal going. Because of the frequent flyer program I get a few perks and the airline gets a loyal frequent customer. The airline I fly is continental.
Comment by TLH — October 11, 2007 @ 6:44 am
I flew TWA almost exclusively from the mid-sixties until its demise. TWA Frequent-flyer miles were converted to first-class upgrades. They paid the annual Ambassador Club membership. And in Vegas, the agent at the airport saw your miles and asked if you were comfortable with your seat. A change from 16A to 1A wasn’t uncommon (especially with the earlier less-frequented flights).
The change-over to American’s program was seemless. I continued to upgrade on domestic flights. Then the changes started. I sometimes think the available award seats averaged 2 per plane! American has a very user-friendly website. Unfortunately, my itineraries abound with the “NA”s under the upgrade columns.
My domestic flights make up a small percentage of my flying miles today. So, I don’t pay much attention to the frequent flyer programs and offers of miles from gasoline to groceries. They’ll just accumulate like pennies in a change jar.
Comment by Cigar Jon — October 11, 2007 @ 7:05 am
I think the airlines have forgotten how most of us got those frequent flyer miles to begin with…we FLEW on THEIR airlines….yes, we spent money..and, in the case of my husband, hours and hours away from our family. He put up with delays, cancellations, etc., etc. to get those miles. When it comes time to use them, they seem to be worthless. We no longer are loyal to any one airline and choose whichever one has the most convenient scheduling, along with the most competitive price. Ah, yes, schedules…..long connections…now there’s another item that needs serious looking into by the airlines. As a result of how awful flying has become, we’ve flown less and less each year…vacations are supposed to be FUN!
Comment by Kim Qamar — October 11, 2007 @ 8:00 am
My plan of attack using miles is to keep the credit card and fly with the airline it is afilated with
Comment by Sunny — October 11, 2007 @ 8:29 am
“Anybody for scrapping these programs altogether?”
A resounding NO to that question. One of the few benefits these days that frequent business travelers get is the frequent flyer program. I doubt that a scraping of the programs would actually lower prices, or if there was a slight down-tick initially it would soon be erased and then we would truely be left with nothing.
The airlines seem to be structuring their programs too broadly in MHO. Let the most frequent flyers retain these beter perks and stop trying to give every frequent flyer the same benefit. A person who flys 4 times as often and attains the highest FF level should get more benefits and flexibility than the person who flys 25k miles or 30 segments in a year. These anytime seats for double miles are an example of such a differentiator that the airlines could use.
Comment by Mike Milas — October 11, 2007 @ 8:35 am
Delta is leading the pack when describing something that sucks. The diddling of the skymiles is just the latest thing in their list of disappointments. Also on the suck list are their fares that are high if not highest on the flights I want to use. If I had other options that offered similar flight times to Key West without stopping three times and diverting three to five hundred miles out of my way I would use them. Really pathetic. Can’t wait for Spirit to start flying into Key West.
Comment by Walt — October 11, 2007 @ 9:05 am
This is interesting, especially compared to Aeroplan in Canada, who last year just announced that you would be able to get any reward seat on the plane, for a price (which often included lots of miles, and in Canada, hefty taxes, of course). This is the opposite strategy, of course.
However, I have to say, when I started to see the results of this, I never would be willing to pay the price. When I looked at a Chicago - Toronto round trip once, I found it was clost to 90,000 miles, the equivilant (or maybe slightly more) than a business class seat to Europe. Also, 6 times the mileage cost of a normal, restricted award ticket. Does anyone actually pay this much?
Comment by Elliot Campbell — October 11, 2007 @ 9:44 am
I think the airlines should continue tracking the frequent traveler to allow for some of the perks others have mentioned, not related to use of miles. I travel weekly and more times than one my status has gotten me home a lot faster than if I weren’t a frequent traveler in the event of a cancellation or delay of my original flight. However, I think part of that is, as a frequent traveler you are more knowledgeable of your rights.
But most of my miles are on Delta, and I consider those the least valuable because I never seem to be able to use them. I have about 250k sitting in my account now. It seems as soon as I hit 25k on United I use those though.
But why shouldn’t a platinum member get a 10-15% discount instead of miles…well that is probably because the airlines use the mileage programs as a profit center (selling to credit card companies, mortgage companies, etc.) not as a way to attract customers.
Comment by Jeff M — October 11, 2007 @ 9:45 am
I have avoided accruing these miles for many years although recently I have tried to accrue some and found it very frustrating and counter-productive. I live in the DFW area and find that American Airlines can always be counted upon to be the most mercenary of all airlines and with possibly the worst service. I am lucky to have Southwest available and it is a fantastic contrast!
When miles were first started I worked for a government agency that initially considered them a form of receiving an unauthorized gift. So, I never did get into the program in its hey-day. Second, it was too big a hassle. I don’t like being locked into a specific carrier.
Instead, I looked either for the lowest available fare or the best schedule/price combination.
I have known some who were wild about these programs and claim to have used them a great deal. Most people I have personal knowledge of seemed to limit their redemptions to seat upgrades.
Instead of miles, if an air carrier would like to earn my continued loyalty then my preference is for a carrier to give good service for a fair price and with a reasonable schedule. I will even pay a few dollars more to avoid flying some airlines (like American) even if they give me miles.
I agree with the person who referred to them as fraud miles. I feel the airlines have made many offers that they cannot deliver upon and they know they can’t deliver on them. Indeed these are truly fraud miles rather than loyalty miles. I think it is just a very slow moving version of bait and switch.
Comment by Jack Haley — October 11, 2007 @ 11:05 am
In my opinion, I’m sick and tired of ALL coupon offers, rebates and frequent flyer points. It’s just more stuff to keep track of; more paperwork; more junk mail and spam; more stress; and more trees being cut down to make paper. And, it creates more waste and the filling of our landfills.
Why can’t manufacturers and the producers of services just give us their very best price right off the get go????
SAVE THE PLANET! SAVE MY NERVES!
Marcy
Comment by Marcy McCann — October 11, 2007 @ 12:01 pm
Just returned from Europe, US Airways, Phx Philly Zurich. 1st class for two 2 160,000 miles rnd trip. Worked well. Started the process about 6 months ago with a helpful Elite class telephone contact.
Did the same in 2001 on British Air (Am West partner at that time) 1st Class which was excellent and easy. Returning to USA on 9-11 which did extend the trip by 5days. Would have traded that trip to save 3000 NYC lives anytime.
Believe the secret is to find a helpful telephone representative. Ask for their help and if their attitude is not good, thank them, hang up and call back for another shot at it. Helps the frustation level on both ends.
Comment by Curt Sorenson — October 11, 2007 @ 12:17 pm
I agree 100% with you and others that it has gotten to the point that you can not get a seat on Delta with your skymiles. I have been so upset many times after I have worked so hard to accumulate enough miles to fly only to find out there are no seats. I did a survey the other day after trying to get a set on a Delta flight to visit my grandchildren in Little Rock, Ar and one of the questions was “How likely are you to recommend Delta to others” with 1 being the lowest that is what I rated them. I had also ask if I could fly with one of their “partners” and he was sooooo sorry that they didn’t have anything either.
Oh well, go figure!!!!!
Comment by aridth oakes — October 11, 2007 @ 12:40 pm
I have been sticking with United just because of the seating in their “economy plus zone” with extra legroom for premiere flyers. It makes a difference when you aren’t cramped for a five hour flight…however, my comments are echoed by others…I have 140,000+ miles that I can never use…the saver seats just aren’t available (the higher levels are). If you try to book a frequent flyer seat a week out, United charges $75! So the miles are useless as far as I can tell…the premiere status is beneficial for other perks.
Comment by Catherine Radecki — October 11, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
After being a loyal US Airways customer from the days when it was Piedmont Airlines, I found recently that they had deleted about 15000 miles. I had not used them lately because their fares were almost TRIPLE the rate of Spirit Airlines to the same destination AND the Spirit flight, though it has problems, is non-stop. I have written them to complain, but I doubt they will reinstate the miles. It would take forever for me to build up miles on Spirit because they only give 50% of the miles one travels, but at least the price makes up for it. I fly the same route up to four times a year, which is frequent for me.
Comment by Barbara — October 11, 2007 @ 2:13 pm
If it is free you can’t afford it!
Comment by Jean De Lapp — October 11, 2007 @ 2:35 pm
The main problem with the airlines is that they have so many MBAs running around that basic common sense is often forgotten. Think about policies like charging the full two-way price (at least in FF miles) for a one-way ticket; this sounds great on paper, but in practice it’s like begging your customers to try a discount airline. Same for restrictions on going standby; you may collect the occasional $50, but you are still annoying paying customers by denying them a convenience that costs you nothing at all to provide.
Simple common-sense actions build goodwill and loyalty, and often cost nothing at all. I’m normally a critic of USAir, especially given their outsourced call centers and their history with my city, but I have to admit they did right by me when I last flew with them a few days ago. I had bought a ticket from PIT to PHL to FLL for $160-ish because the direct flight was another $100; when I got to the airport, the path to my gate took me past the direct flight’s gate. I got curious, and in the end, customer service let me upgrade to the other flight for $25. This wasn’t a standby, but an actual change to being a ticketed passenger on the other flight. Even the gate agent was surprised; apparently this is a new change to the old “difference in fare + change fee” policy. But it makes sense! Empty seats plus a passenger who wants to change should always equal a change. I had been all set to give up on USAir before that, but I have to admit, it was a pleasant surprise.
Comment by selkie — October 11, 2007 @ 7:27 pm
My mileage plan is Alaska Airlines. I use miles every year to get my husband and myself across the country, First Class. Each year we go somewhere in the Caribbean for dive trips and we would not be able to afford these trips if it wasn’t for the free miles.
It is easy to earn loads of miles with Alaska Airlines and I have never had a problem redeeming them. You can see for yourself on their website. There are no blackout dates and you can always find seats. They do a good job of finding seats on the partner airlines for overseas trips as well. I did a multi-city trip this year and it was a piece of cake.
Partners include, American Airlines, Delta, Northwest, Lan Chile, British Airways, Continental,Quantas
Comment by Irene — October 11, 2007 @ 8:33 pm
I have no reason to stop using my charge card to get frequent flyer miles. I recently saved over $700 purchasing 2 free tickets from Continental using my miles. Until they stop honoring it I’ll continue to acquire them. It doesn’t cost a thing.
Comment by Sandy — October 11, 2007 @ 9:33 pm
I like Jean De Lapp’s comment. Delta’s free miles are a fraud. My family and I recently needed to take a bereavement flight to Florida. Delta no longer offers discounted tickets for bereavement so I decided to use my SkyMiles. Because of the short timeframe between the time I booked and the time we had to travel, there was a $75 charge per ticket. My wife and I didn’t have enough miles in our accounts, so other family members had to transfer miles to our account. Delta had the nerve to charge $10 per 1000 miles transferred, for what is basically an electronic transaction. I believe there was a also a $10 per ticket charge for something else. I won’t even get into Delta charging a different number of miles depending on what flights you choose. When all was said and done, 3 “free” tickets from Connecticut to Florida cost over $300.
Comment by Alan — October 12, 2007 @ 7:17 am
Mileage programs are best suited for truly frequent fliers (read business travelers). The problems started when carriers co-branded with credit cards so that everyone could accrue thousands of miles. But like any loyalty or volume program in any industry the best opportunities always rest with the best customers of the company; the airlines in this case (not the credit card companies).
To have access to the most seats for use with miles you must be a premier member (active flier, not active shopper), which is mostly fair, but the business of having to pay $75 or more for use of the miles is criminal in my mind. Some airlines also charge you the fair difference if you want to use miles to upgrade. Why would I pay $700 and use 50,000 miles when I could have just spent the money when I booked the flight in the first place?
Fly the airlines for the service first, price second and pretend the miles dont exist. I just switched to a hotel chain points credit card. Its a little better than air, but the same accrual rules I listed above apply. And yes, I do travel for business.
Comment by Jerrod Kowalski — October 12, 2007 @ 11:40 am
We earn miles on US Airlines through their Mastercard.
Since there is a large number of flights leaving from Phila., Pa., in view of it being one of their hubs, and since we are flexible with days of the week we can travel, we use our frequent flyer miles often and are satisfied with their program.
Comment by Stephen Rosenfield — October 12, 2007 @ 1:43 pm
I have moved to Japan, unexpectally. Alaska Airlines will not let me use my points unless I fly from the US to somewhere. So I have stopped using their credit card and am using AmerExp Hilton to get points for a room on my vacations, this is working out a lot better! Going to Aussie Land and staying a week in a Hilton for free! Yea! Paid for airline tickets but planned 4 mos in advance like Rick says and got excellent prices!
Comment by Karen — October 12, 2007 @ 9:16 pm
I have been unable to get frequent flier tickets earned on my AmericanExpress/Delta Sky Miles card, even when I tried on the first day they were available for Nov. 2008. I see no reason to use this credit card if the seats will not be available.
Comment by Lynn — October 13, 2007 @ 11:18 am
Delta is the WORST WORST WORST. Try booking award travel 5 months in advance. A different answer from every person. They told me to try calling twice a week. Who has the time to stay on the phone for at least an hr twice a week only to hear from some snippy reservationist that there is no availability. Try booking award travel over 11 months in advance — IMPOSSIBLE! Imagine that, NO Availability EVEN with flexible dates. Just who is Delta giving award travel to? I’d REALLY like to know. The only way I’d fly Delta is if they gave me a ticket in 1st class free. Otherwise they can take their miles and snippy b—-y reservationists and stick it.
Comment by Connie — October 13, 2007 @ 10:49 pm
I am happy with my Alaska miles. I have a son in the military and his orders often are changed. By using a combination of money and miles I can purchase him a fully refundable ticket with no change fees.
Comment by Elizabeth — October 18, 2007 @ 10:33 pm
I would NOT be in favor of frequent flyer programs being dropped. They may take some work but it is a myth that you can’t find free seats if you plan way ahead. I have gotten lots of free trips on different airlines over the last 12 years. My husband and I just got back 2 days ago from free roundtrip flights from Chicago to France using Delta miles on a partner airline. In the middle of April ‘08 we have free flights on American non-stop to Rome and back for 40,000 miles each since it is still American’s lower miles season. Last year we flew our son and his new bride to Maui via free tickets on United. 2 years before that we flew our daughter and her husband to their Honeymoon on Maui using flequent flyer miles on Delta. Also 2 years ago we flew to Germany using miles on Lufthansa. These are just the latest examples. What you have to do is plan ahead and 4 or 5 months is not enough!! It also helps to have a bit of flexibility but in the case of the two Honeymoons I had none, so booking as soon as the dates became available was necessary. I always use our miles internationally(or to Hawaii) because that is by far the best value for us and I have always gotten the lower mileage (or saver)awards rather than the double mileage ones. Most of these free trips have been economy class but some have been business. We don’t have elite status any more as my husband has been retired for 7 years. To repeat—you have to plan way ahead (and most people don’t) and don’t forget using partner airlines. Also don’t expect to get 5 or 6 people on the same flight—either split up or get some seats free and pay for the others.
Comment by Linda — October 21, 2007 @ 4:21 pm
I am a travel agent and a traveler. I often help clients use their miles which is nearly impossible now. Recently I checked Delta availability for next July from Portland, OR to Rome, Italy. Delta wants 100,000 miles roundtrip and the flight takes over 30 hours one way???? What kind of deal is this?
I’d like to see them eliminate the program entirely and reinstate legroom and service. Remeber when it used to be fun to fly?
With kind regards,
Susan
Comment by Susan Knudsen — November 1, 2007 @ 12:25 pm
I recognize all of the symptoms you describe. I have most of my dealings with Delta. Virtually nothing availible when I want to fly. 30% availibility if I pay double points. Fraud might not be the best word, extortion comes to mind. Now, even the “pay double miles” option is being reduced.
I can appreciate the concept that these outfits are bleeding money now, and have been for most of the past 15 years. Seeing as they are in business to make money, I can’t fault the idea of doing things differently. I do object to the inherent dishonesty that accompanies the barrage of advertisements that the airlines source. Each claiming the “great value” in thier individual programs.
Comment by Brian King — November 4, 2007 @ 12:44 pm
Delta had no problem handing those things out like candy. They had no problems letting people thing they were buying something (air travel) and accumulating something (mileage) they could actually use. They had no problem letting people “buy” miles nor did they have a problem letting businesses “buy” miles to give as premiums. As long as the cash was flowing in they were happy. I accumulated a lot of miles…and actually used them in the “old days”. In the last few years they’ve made it almost impossible for me to use them, unless of course you paid this fee and that fee which made your “free” trip cost the same as a paid trip on one of the discount carriers near where I live. I never take Freq Fly trips anymore because the seats are never there. In turn, Delta has lost all of my business…and I used to fly them exclusively. And, you know what, they don’t give a rats butt either!
Comment by Roger — December 17, 2007 @ 2:49 pm
What are these miles truly worth??? aren’t they just numbers on a paper slip? how come so many people get upset that they can’t redeem their miles? I can’t get my head around what the value of these artificialy created thinggies are. can anyone PLEASE explain to me how they work out what their say 200.000 miles with airline xyz is worth in cash terms. I’d love to know. cheers from australia.
Comment by Nathalie — January 14, 2008 @ 1:49 am
Delta Sky Miles seem to never work for me either. I tried booking a trip in March for an October flight and could get seats only if I flew on the day before I need it. This means a hotel room and food that makes the free seat cost more than the savings. How can seats be not available this far ahead?
Comment by Robert — April 4, 2008 @ 10:51 pm