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Frequent Flyer programs not what they used to be

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Frequent Flyer programs not what they used to be

Q. I was shocked to learn that just changing the date on my frequent flyer ticket (booked several months ago) is going to cost me $150.  As far as I could make out from the fine print on my ticket print-out, there should be no charge, but the agent said the change applies retroactively. How can they do that? Do I have any rights here?

A. Unfortunately, all frequent flyer program rules state that they can change the rules at any time.  With all the new (and rising!) fees required to cash in/change miles, we are advising people to look into cash back cards rather than using frequent flyer program-affiliated credit cards. Frequent flyer programs just aren't what they used to be. Visit our Frequent Flyer fee chart and see for yourself.


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I think the credit cards are a good deal. You get lots of miles upfront and there are often deals involving using the cards for airline travel. But even if you don't, you get the miles. Just remember to cancel after the first year, if that's the arrangement. They will offer you a free card instead which is good for half the mileage - your call whether that is worth it or not. I've taken several free trips with mileage coming mostly from credit card bonuses.
by srdshelly on Friday, July 24, 2009
The airline that I frequently fly is Southwest. Since they are new to carrying animals I have not seen or heard what their rules are on flying animals. Has anyone had an experience with them?
by laceeroses on Friday, July 24, 2009
If you are concerned about your credit score (FICO), then becareful about opening and quickly closing credit cards. Most credit rating agencies will mark down your score.
James
by James on Friday, July 24, 2009
Go to Southwest Airlines, go to bottom of page, click on site map. Click on Southwest Airline Polices. Click on Pet Policies. To save you the time, here is the url, you can cut and paste into your browser...
http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/animals.html
Sorry to make this a lecture, just trying to show you how you can find info otherwise not easily found... "Give a person a fish and they can eat for a day." Teach the person to fish, and they can eat forever." Assuming they have a license, a place to fish, the required equipment, etc.
by James on Friday, July 24, 2009
Now can you understand why I do not participate in frequent flier programs? I just as soon pay for a ticket than have any allegience to any of these shysters. I fly on 3 different airlines to the one int'l destination I go to at least 3 times a year. It ain't worth it. My time and peace of mind is more valuable than that.
by spaceman on Thursday, July 23, 2009
I read an article regarding involuntary bumping due to overbooking that said sometimes members of an airline's frequent flier programs have an advantage over non-members. Since there is no charge for joining a frequent flier program, if the author of the article is correct, then joining the programs for the 3 different airlines you use could at least give you a little insurance regarding involuntary bumping. Just a thought.
by James on Thursday, July 23, 2009
I do a reasonable amount of flying in the past 3 years without belonging to a Frequent Flier Program (FFP). It appeared to be such a waste to not gain flyer miles when you fly. I did belong to a program who gave me miles when I purchased, but nothing when I flew, so I just recently applied for a card that does both. The first year there's no annual dues but they start charging dues the second year. For the new FFP there are no black out dates which is nice, but you're paying for the perks with the annual dues if you ask me. I need to do more research using the link from this website and the one in one of the comments to see what else I can learn about this part of flying. Be safe out there!
by LiveToTravel on Friday, July 24, 2009
I wonder if accompanied with an animal what tpe carrier has to be used . One that will fit under the seat ? Do their shots have to be current and signed by a vertrinarian? Please post the list of rules that must be complied with.
by laceeroses on Thursday, July 23, 2009
It all depends on the airline. See:
http://www.pettravelcenter.com/page_items/itemList/49

by James on Thursday, July 23, 2009
SLC is my home airport. I used to see international fares all the time. Now I only see weekend international fares and they're always for Canada! Last year I got in on that fabulour AA sale to BZE; I check everday hoping to jump on something similar but I see nothing! Is my airport just out of the cheap fare loop?
by brogli1 on Thursday, July 23, 2009
All this points to the fact that the laws that govern airlines and the way that they treat their customers were written by the airlines' lobbyists--not by the people we elect to represent US.

If you don't like it, tell your representative, tell your senators, and tell your newspaper and your TV stations. The ONLY way that these horrid laws will be changed is if we complain. But. Complaining without a solution offered gets us nowhere. Complain, but offer a solution: Congresswoman X, here is what happened to me. It's appalling. This is how it works in the EU (give example) and I think that the US should expect our airlines to treat passengers at LEAST as well as they have to there.
by mickisue on Thursday, July 23, 2009
If you purchased your ticket from a middle man (eg Orbitz/Expedia, etc.) they may say there is no charge for a change. That does not apply to the airline itself...only to their site.
by turtletrot1 on Thursday, July 23, 2009
This started happening to me in June with United and mileage tickets issued in March 2008. The agents do not know the rules. For UAL the magic cutoff of 14 days ended with all mileage tickets issued after May 15, 2008. They call these fees 'close-in fees'. I have now changed my third and last mileage ticket. The third, just yesterday, took 33 minutes of their telling me NOW their information states REGARDLESS OF WHEN ISSUED. Nowhere is this stated in the rules on their website. I would not take fee for an answer and was accommodated. An early UAL proposal was for me to pay the $75 and then to issue me a vochure. No thank you.
by on Monday, September 15, 2008
They seem to have staff being paid to stay up at night thinking of ways to devalue these programs. NEVER spend anything to earn miles that you wouldn't spend anyway. Miles expire, they have fees, they have capacity limitations and the rules keep changing, every time FOR THE WORSE.
by on Monday, September 15, 2008
In their continuing attempts to shoot themselves in the foot (feet?) and alienate formerly loyal passengers (so they can fill seats with paying passengers) airlines have been quite successful. Consumer rights - hah! Service - hah! If my grandson didn't live 3,000 miles away, I'd love to find another way to travel.
by on Monday, September 15, 2008
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