Recent & Upcoming Frequent Flyer Changes
Airlines are trying to make up for high energy and fuel prices…
Frequent flyer mile program changes are coming this fall with air carriers proposing new ways to rein in the number of free trips awarded to consumers. With the rising cost of fuel affecting every aspect of our economy, it stands to reason that our ability to cash in on free travel will be affected, as well. So, if you have enough miles to redeem for a ticket, now is the time cash in before additional fees of $25 and $100 are charged for each ticket purchased.
The Alaska Air Group - Mileage Plan
- There continues to be no award fee or fuel surcharge for frequent flyer travel on Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air
- A $25 fee has been added to use miles on partner airlines
- The number of miles to redeem a “Coach Saver” ticket has been raised from 20,000 to 25,000
- Expanding its offer of a 15,000-mile award ticket for intra-state travel
- A mid-level award called Choice has been introduced, which will offer “coach travel at mileage redemption levels below unrestricted awards, but with much greater availability than Super Saver levels”
American Airlines - AAdvantage Awards
- A $5 award processing fee will be added in early August
- Added a $50 - $350 fee to upgrade from discount economy to coach beginning October 1, with fees and miles doubling for a round trip
- Discontinued award tickets that require miles plus a co-payment
US Airways - Dividend Miles
- Eliminated bonus miles for elite frequent fliers in August
- Added a processing fee of $25 to $50 for tickets booked using rewards
- New “cafe” service including $2 for coke/water and $7 for liquor/beer
Frontier - Early Returns Program
- Added a $25 redemption fee per ticket on award tickets in mid-September
- Added a $75 expedite fee per award ticket purchased within 14 days of travel
- Increased level for a domestic roundtrip ticket from 15,000 to 20,000 miles
- Increased all redemption levels by 5,000 to 10,000 miles
Delta - SkyMiles
- Added a $25 fuel surcharge for travel between the 50 states and Canada, and a $50 fuel surcharge for travel between the 50 states/Canada and all international destinations
- Is adding a third tier to its reward program that will require 60,000 for a last minute domestic coach ticket
- Requires 25,000, 40,000 or 60,000 miles for frequent flier tickets
Northwest - WorldPerks
- Adding a $25 to $100 fuel surcharge to WorldPerks tickets in mid-September
Continental Airlines - OnePass Miles
- Easy Pass Rewards will be subject to capacity controls in early September making it more difficult to get seats at peak times and to popular destinations.
- One Pass Rewards Travel Service fees increased in mid-August; $75 fee will be assess if a ticket is confirmed less than 20 days before the travel date.
- The fee to change OnePass Reward Travel or to redeposit miles will be $150.
Consumers need to be aware of the changes to their miles programs, as well as the reduction of available flights and seating capacity that will affect how and when they may redeem for a reward. It may be wise to consider applying for a card that offers a variety of rewards, not just airline miles, to maximize your reward opportunities long-term. .
* Be sure to see our complete list airline mile credit cards >
