The Year Ahead

Well, another year is behind us. With an average of eight newsbites per issue in the "Miles & Points" section, that means we've covered about 400 promotions and program changes during 2006. Mileage programs are as newsworthy as ever.

But much of the more substantive frequent flyer news for the past year was bad news. Increasingly consumer-unfriendly mileage expiration policies from Air Canada, Delta, and US Airways. Higher-priced award stays for members of the programs of Hilton, Hyatt, and Starwood. All set against the backdrop of a rising tide of complaints from program participants.

In short, it was yet another year during which loyalty programs shed value, in the process losing ever more of their grip on consumers' attention and behavior.

Will 2007 be any better?

Unfortunately, the most likely scenario is for more of the same over the next 12 months. The question is: When will consumers dig their heels in and say "Enough"? Until they do -- until WE do -- the airlines will continue stripping away the programs' appeal, daring travelers to spurn miles.

In theory, if current trends continue, the programs could become more trouble than they're worth. But I have faith that the airlines are smart enough, self-interested enough, to stop short of strangling the goose that has been laying golden eggs for 25 years.

Let's hope that faith turns out to be well founded.

My best wishes for the New Year.

FrequentFlier Forum Topics

As always, there's plenty of activity on the FrequentFlier Forum.

In the "Airline Programs" Forum, ronald has information and a link to an online survey which rewards participants with a chance to win 100,000 Mileage Plus miles (must have flown United recently and have their ticket numbers).

Thinking of buying or selling your miles? See the thread started by ncvet61 in the "Other Loyalty Program Topics" Forum for options (few) and caveats (many).

And much more. Questions, answers? Post them to the Forum!

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Continued Next Week

We'll resume coverage of promotions and other programs news in next week's Crier.

Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) Southwest Sale from $29 Each Way

Southwest has a new systemwide sale for travel through early May. Although it advertises fares from $49 one-way, prices as low as $29 are available. Destinations include Orlando, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.

Travel is valid through May 10, 2007. Book tickets at least 14 days in advance, and by January 22.

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2) Spring Flights to Europe from $399

1-800-FlyEurope is offering sale fares for spring flights to Europe. Prices start at $399 roundtrip for April and May travel, and destinations include Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Venice.

Departures are valid midweek from April 1 through May 25, 2007. Book tickets by January 15.

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Win a Gulf of Mexico Cruise

Enter Travelocity's "Maya Giveaway" sweepstakes by January 11, 2007, for a chance to win a seven-night Crystal cruise for two to the Gulf of Mexico (sailing: November 24, 2007).

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[Visit http://frequentflier.com/sweeps.htm for more travel sweepstakes.]

Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

"You may wish to remind those frequent travelers out there of the Hilton HHonors policy regarding inactive accounts.

"My work status changed this past 18 months and I have not had the opportunity to travel and stay in a Hilton family hotel. After twelve months of inactivity, they wipe your account out and take the miles with it. Of course… there is no advance notice of this going to happen. You eventually discover it when you get around to checking on your account or wanting to use your account once again. By the way, getting a live person on the HHonors customer service telephone number is next to impossible. You will have to do it by email." [Rusty J. - Cary, NC]

"A friend of mine used some of his United FF Miles to get his brother's fiance and her girlfriend tickets to Japan. My friend mostly accumulates miles from his United credit card and hasn't been doing much traveling lately.

"The girls took the trip (which cost my friend 60K miles/each) at the beginning of September. When they returned my friend got a notice from United that said they determined that he violated the terms of the FF account (they claim he sold the tickets) and they were deducting an additional 120K from his account. He now has -72K miles in his account, yes NEGATIVE miles.

"United claims that the two travelers 'did not know' who my friend was, which was evidence enough for United to determine that these tickets were sold not gifted. Funny thing is the tickets have my friend's name on them, the women know him, and it's just so crazy anyway." [Wayne P. - Ellicott City, MD]

"I changed dates only of my award roundtrip ticket going from LAX to YUL, and United charged me $100 because the connecting flight is in different city (Chicago instead of Washington).

"I beleive that this is bad practice, since my departure city and arrival city remain unchanged." [Benny D.]

"I love your website - but one program I participate with is not covered: Elite Rewards (www.eliterewards.com).

"I'm hoping you may cover it in the future." [Linda B.]

[FrequentFlier.com replies - We weren't familiar with them. But now that they're on the radar, we'll try to report on any significant developments.]

Until next week...