Jane's been noticing something is up with airline frequent flyer programs. Many are introducing changes that actually favor the consumer. Imagine that!
To wit, American Airlines recently introduced One-Way Flex, which allows AAdvantage members to get a one-way ticket for just half the points of a round-trip ticket. That's right, instead of having to waste 25,000 award points (the redemption level for a round-trip ticket), you only have to spend 12,500 points if you just need to get from Point A to Point B...and not back to Point A. Furthermore, American's program allows passengers to mix and match awards for round-trip flights. You can book economy one-way and business the other (for half the round-trip "fee" for each category), or combine restricted awards for one flight with an unrestricted award on the other flight. That addresses a common problem faced by frequent flyer point redeemers---when no restricted seats are available for one leg of the desired trip.
Next, there's an airline that's actually subtracted a fee. You heard Jane right. United's Mileage Plus program has gotten rid of its charge for booking frequent flyer travel within 21 days of departure. Previously, there were fees up to $100 for procrastinators. United's the first airline to make this change and Jane approves.
Then there's the merged Delta and Northwest. Through December 31, members of the two-fer airline's frequent flyer program--Delta SkyMiles-- can receive double miles for all Delta and Northwest flights in all classes of service. But there is a catch. To qualify, you need to have an American Express-issued Delta SkyMiles credit card. The other thing is that you have to pre-register by the end of September to qualify.
Many of the low-cost carriers are getting into the frequent flyer free-for-all as well. JetBlue is offering True Blue members one-way flight awards for as little as 5,000 points. Members also get bonus points for booking on the JetBlue website, and even more points for booking with a JetBlue-branded credit card.
Finally, Southwest is offering double credits for Rapid Rewards members traveling to and from New York. That offer is good through the end of October. Once again, registration prior to travel is required.
To keep up with the newest deals being offered by frequent flyer programs, check in at your favorite airline's website early and often. Also, you might consider signing up for Twitter feeds. Many airlines are now offering special promotions via Twitter.
