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.
[In reference to Alexander N.'s comments in last week's newsletter] "I called AMEX and confirmed that there will be no miles given whatsoever with this card after January 1, 2009. This does not make sense to me... then why have the card? Is Delta leaving AMEX? Can you please make this clearer than they are making it. The Agent even hung up on me... not very nice at all." [Ronald G.]
[FrequentFlier.com replies - What is being discontinued are double miles for several categories of spending. The card will still earn Delta miles, and double miles for purchasing Delta tickets. The relationship between Delta and American Express remains strong.]
"Better late than never."
"Just now read The Wall Street Journal article of December 9 that quotes you at some length regarding FF mileage programs.
"As written before to you by many of us readers, these now-aging plans only work when the airline customer takes a rifle approach and is very flexible, whether it's 1-cent a mile or not. It's always been a gimmick, it will always be a gimmick, and actual cost to fly will get my booking any day. Any 'rewards' are just pure gravy. (This is even more true with hotels, and where I don't even bother anymore.)
"After multi-thousands of dollars booked, United and Delta lost me years ago and it doesn't appear much has changed.
"Best wishes, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays (you know the list).
"As in 'Happy Landings!'" [Ed N.]
"My husband and I are due to travel to India on AA on January 5th. We each used 125k miles for first class seats. We are canceling our trip and wanted to put our miles back in our accounts. Even though the State Department has an advisory against going to India at this time, AA is still charging us $150 each to put our miles back. We are both lifetime Gold members of AA. Any suggestions?" [Sandy E.]
[FrequentFlier.com replies - While you certainly have a legitimate reason to cancel the trip, the rules of the AAdvantage program don't distinguish between good and bad reasons to redeposit miles -- the fee remains the same. Your only option is taking your case to a supervisor and asking that the fees be waived as a goodwill gesture. The fact that you're elite should help.]
"Well, we all know that food at Airports is ridiculously expensive but to add insult to injury many of the fast food operators don't even honor their own coupons. Example, I was at LGA and tried to use coupons at both Nathans and Burger King and was crudely refused. On the other hand, last month (and again two months ago) Wendy's at JFK was pleased to honor their own coupons. Kudos to Wendy's and 'Boos' to Nathans and Burger King. I will be contacting top management at both Nathans and Burger King about this 'non-sense.' Why 'captive consumers' as travelers are after passing security must be ripped off to the extent of actually being charged about 50% more than in corresponding establishments off Airport property is abhorrant to me. A small surcharge is understandable, but 50%, booooo!!!!!" [Bill]
Until next week...
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