Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel
We welcome reader feedback on issues related to travel generally and frequent flyer programs in particular. Please use this link to submit comments.
Expired: 162,000 United Miles
"Although it's too late for this person [writing in last week's newsletter], what I would suggest to those with the same situation is to purchase something using their miles.
"For example, my Delta miles were expiring last year, so I purchased the cheapest magazine (300 miles) that they listed in their catalogue. That activity refreshed my account (and mileage) for another 24 months." [Tom M.]
Stick With One-Class Peanuts
"It's pretty clear that 'the Southwest model' is fraying about the edges with premium boarding fees and the threat of a revenue-enhanced mileage program.
"The traveling public is not so stupid where there's nothing in it for them. So, rather than gum up the simple reward concept that set Southwest apart in a positive way, better to just get rid of it altogether and keep fares low. To otherwise engage the airline version of 'stupid pet tricks' assures a future reward for 'What were they thinking?'" [Ed N.]
Southwest Rapid Rewards Hotel Credits Problems
"I have been traveling with Southwest for years. I always book flights, rental cars, and hotels through their website, if I can. That may change.
"This summer I took a trip and stayed at five different hotels. I had trouble getting my partner credits from all the hotels. Every hotel required a call from me (after the eight week waiting period) to post to Southwest. I finally got my base credits (after about 10 weeks). However, it has now been 11 weeks and none of the hotels that advertised bonus rapid rewards credits have delivered. I have been calling Southwest and the hotels and now they are each blaming the other.
"I wonder if other travelers have been having the same problem." [Brian A. - Austin, TX]
First Class?
"Upon reading your glowing comments about American's lounge at NY I wondered it if was the same airline I flew.
"In Miami while flying First Class there is no free Wi-Fi and no free snacks while waiting for a flight to Beunos Aires.
"Flying to Tokyo in Business the food was so bad we sent it back and ate snacks. When asked what people in first class were eating, their menu was same as business.
"In June flying Lufthansa first class from Toronto to Frankfurt we were surprised at the extremely great service at the gate, on board and in their First Class lounge in Frankfurt. The lounge has a chef who prepares great meals, fresh while you wait, sleeping rooms, a selection of premium wine and alcohol that truly says, THIS IS FIRST CLASS." [Juan F.]
United's New Elite Upgrades
"I fly international 98% of the time as a 1k. I never used the 500 mile upgrade certificates, but each year I would have over 20 of them be converted to miles added to my account. It was a nice benefit that I will now lose. I think united should offer elites the option of the two, but I doubt they will. This is really not an increased benefit, but a saving of miles for United. Every upgrade not available now costs United nothing. Before, at least we had unused 500 mile certificates converted to miles in our accounts." [Per J.]
United Price Deception & Withholding of Elite Upgrade Seats
"Anyone who flies United and uses their on line booking site to purchase has probably noticed something United did to us all without a peep... they changed the pricing engine to display the fares WITHOUT all the taxes and fees. Prior to this the price displayed INCLUDED all the taxes and fees. Now after you select the flight and time, which will only price with the lowest fare if you take the God Awful 6 am departures or the red-eyes, it adds the fees and taxes and your final price is somewhere around 10% - 20% higher. Kinda reminds you of the health care "reform" that will be put in behind all of our backs in the dark of night, against most of our wishes ...... one day you have your money the next day it's been redistributed or spent for you!
"United also continues to claim they are opening up more upgrade seats with their change in business and first class purchase policy - you now have to pay when you book. True they changed the policy to extract your money from your pocket when you make the reservation now.... LIE..... they haven't opened up any additional upgrade seats at all. In fact, you can search most routes and find the business and FC cabins nearly empty a week from flight time with a wait list to use the miles we all paid for and were promised we'd be able to upgrade with for our loyalty. Now, if your lucky and 1K/Global Services, you may get the upgrade 3 or 4 days before your flight in the lousiest seats that remain IF and only IF all the people in coach didn't accept the last minute cheap upgrade for revenue they were offered. What a way to treat your best customers! How shameful." [Bret T.]
Delta Bonus for Transferring Northwest Miles?
"Was it just my imagination or did Delta offer a 10% bonus on all miles transferred to Sky Miles from World Perks? That was the only reason I made the change so early. Funny how I haven't received the bonus.
"By the way... I really enjoy the newsletter." [Jeff D.]
[FrequentFlier.com replies - There was a 500-mile bonus for Northwest-to-Delta transfers completed by March 15. If you linked accounts by that deadline, you should have received the bonus by now.]
Until next week...
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