Sell Frequent Flier Miles in Washington
A new bill could allow consumers to sell frequent flier miles…
Proposed legislation in the state of Washington would offer a way for consumers to cash in unused frequent flier miles. Rep. Chris Hurst, D-Enumclaw, argued at a House committee hearing in favor of the bill that would let Washington consumers sell hundreds of thousands of unused frequent-flier miles for cash. With 14 trillion miles owed to U.S. consumers, translating into $480 billion, consumers need a way to cash in, a state leader said. Given the right to trade or sell their accumulated rewards, consumers would earn $0.02 per mile.
Frequent flier programs have mushroomed in recent years as credit card companies and merchants join the push to offer consumer rewards. But many consumers including Brad Carey of Tahuya in Mason County, commented that it has become harder to cash in miles and that being able to sell or transfer them would benefit consumers. “This bill won’t cost the taxpayers or anyone any money,” added Carey.
Facing an uncertain future, Attorney General Rob McKenna’s staff prefers to study the issue this summer before maing a decsision, accord to spokeswoman Janelle Guthrie. Several frequent fliers testified along with spokesman, James Stevens, director of state and local government affairs for the national Air Transport Association.
Opposing the legislation, an airline industry spokesperson said that House Bill 2707 could jeopardize frequent flier programs and harm consumers. “I think the system has been working appropriately,” said frequent flier George Tsoukalais of Edmonds, who questioned why loyalty program rules should be changed in mid-course.
* Be sure to see our complete list of airline mile credit cards >
