The Extra Mile

Airlines Ring In 2004 with Bonus Miles, Free Tickets

Q&A: Will Airlines Match Elite Status on Other Carriers?

January 26, 2004 - Several airlines have ushered in the new year with lucrative promotions designed to keep their planes filled during this traditionally slow travel period. By selectively combining these incentives, travelers can multiply their awards substantially.

United launched the year's first major mileage initiative by offering bonus miles to members of its Mileage Plus program who fly 10,000 miles on United, United Express or Ted during the first quarter of 2004.

Those who fly 10,000 miles between Jan. 1 and Jan. 31 will earn triple bonus miles on subsequent qualifying flights through Mar. 31. Those reaching the 10,000-mile threshold between Jan. 1 and Feb. 29 will earn double bonus miles through Mar. 31. And those who fly 10,000 qualifying miles between Jan. 1 and Mar. 31 will earn 5,000 bonus miles.

There are some fare-type restrictions, and registration is required.

Predictably, United's arch-rival American immediately matched the offer, and it's a safe bet that other U.S. carriers will do so as well.

Alaska Airlines took a less complicated promotional approach, offering Mileage Plan members double miles for all flights between Jan. 3 and Mar. 15 on Alaska, Horizon or American.

And lastly, American is offering one free ticket after two roundtrips flown between New York or Boston and Florida or California from Jan. 7 through Apr. 15. The free ticket may be used for travel anywhere American flies, including overseas.

Since American's free ticket offer is combinable with the mileage promotions offered through both American or Alaska's programs, American customers may earn free tickets plus bonus miles for the flights required to qualify for the free tickets.

Not a bad way to begin the new year.

Current News & Offers

On Dec. 15, 2003, American Express announced changes to its miles-for-charges program scheduled to take effect on Mar. 15, 2004.

Of primary concern to Membership Rewards members, American Express will begin charging cardholders 40¢ for every 1,000 points redeemed for miles in participating U.S. airline programs, up to a maximum of $50 per redemption.

At that rate, the cost to convert 25,000 Membership Rewards points to 25,000 miles -- enough for a free domestic award ticket in most airline programs -- would be $10.

For comparison, Diners Club, American Express's principal competitor, charges $23.75 to exchange enough Club Rewards points for the same airline award.

According to American Express: "We charge this fee to offset the federal excise tax we must pay on such transfers."

American Express will also increase the fee charged to reinstate points forfeited for late card payments to $29 for each month of points reinstated (versus $15 charged by Diners for the same service).

Readers: Miles on their Minds

Question from Thomas V.

I heard a rumor that if you attain elite status on one airline you can ask another airline to match it. I lost my gold status on America this year but still managed to keep it on Continental. Does anyone know whom I should contact at American for this?

Answer

Although rarely publicized, "elite matching," as it's called, is a common practice among the major airlines. But you won't find the rules or procedures printed in the programs' member guides.

The conditions under which a given airline will match elite status achieved in another carrier's program vary both by airline and according to the prevailing competitive environment.

Generally, your chances are better if you've already reached elite status with a rival carrier.

To determine whether you can regain your status with American, call the AAdvantage customer service desk at 1-800-882-8880. If they are willing to match your elite status with Continental, you will be asked to fax a recent copy of your OnePass statement to confirm your status.