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Some scheming flyers who covet first-class
upgrades (which many airlines won't let them reserve more
than 24 hours in advance to insure as many "paying" first-class
travelers as possible), are booking phantom travelers in first-class
seats. When the seat goes unclaimed at the airport, the frequent
flyer, standing by with his award in his hand, steps forward
and claims his first-class seat. The frequent flyer also has
the option of canceling his phantom reservation less than
24 hours before the flight, then immediately calling back
and upgrading his own ticket taking the canceled space.
There are, however, certain times of the
year and certain situations in which airlines need and eagerly
reward their frequent-flyer members. To spur travel during
slow winter months, several airlines recently offered free
tickets to travelers who took a certain number of trips during
a specific time period. For example, Continental awarded free
companion tickets to members of their OnePass program who
made two round trips by a certain date. America West inaugurated
its nonstop 747 New York-Las Vegas or Phoenix service by offering
members of its FlightFund program free round-trip tickets
to any America West destination after connecting through these
cities to any California destination.
In a final effort to reward and maintain
customer loyalty eroded by membership in multiple programs,
the airlines are offering special perks to the most frequent
of frequent-flyers. Known as "elite" programs, members are
bumped up to a new, exclusive level of membership that often
makes it easier to attain free trips by lowering redemption
levels and giving mileage bonuses. There are also services
like priority checking, wait-listing, baggage handling, free
drinks, and use of the airline club.
The tax bill passed in the summer of 1997
could seriously affect frequent flyer programs. While Congress
has managed to tax frequent flyer miles at the top of the
award chain, the burden of the tax still manages to trickle
down to the flyers. We may not pay up front, but rest assured
our awards will be harder to earn or won't be worth as much
in the long run. But this back door tax is not the only tax
on miles. The IRS has several regulations regarding miles
earned through business travel.
As you can see, it is nearly impossible for
members to keep up with changes in frequent-flyer programs.
Our advice is that if you're entitled to
an award and there's a trip you want to take, redeem your
credit and take the trip as soon as possible before the airline
changes its and award requirements. Try checking out the WebFlyer
at WebFlyer
for the latest information on Frequent Flyer Awards.
We recommend you enroll yourself and your
family (it's free) in all of these programs, both to be ready
to take advantage of mileage rewards and to be eligible for
program bonuses and offers as they occur.
Frequent Flyer Clubs:
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