Airline executives must be looking at new efforts to get us back flying. Are we likely to see double or even tripple miles again? Has anyone heard what promotions/bonus miles the airlines are looking at and when they'll start?



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UA1K,Plt. AA, M/M DL,
Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Plt, Starwood Plt.

I would agree, mileage promos do not affect outbound cash flow one bit and could bring additional heads on flights. The liability of the miles is negligable and if the airlines don't survive; these liabilities are pretty much meaningless. Its a no lose for the airlines to try to use mileage promos; they may be waiting for the paranoia of flying to calm down first.

Alaska Airlines is offering double miles for all flights flown on American through mid November.

I think you'll see several current promotions pulled back such as the Alaska/American one mentioned above.

I'm preparing a report of what's ahead for frequent flyers which centers around three things: 1) all current communications with members have been pulled, which means newsletters and statements will be late for most of you. 2) All programs are reviewing changes to requalifying standards for elite levels. Three scenarios emerge: lower levels, extended periods to requalify into Jan/Feb next year and bonuses that count toward requalification such as double miles and partner activity; 3) bonuses such as double and triple miles aren't as effective in the current situation. I believe you'll see the emergence of promotions like "Fly Three, Get One Free" which do stimulate threshold flight activity. These free tickets you might earn will only be valid for a 6-month to one-year period and you might see "Fly Five Get the World Free" which for more flights allows you to use the free ticket anywhere in the world. Again, all designed for getting people on the planes. This way, airlines don't muddy up their usual double and triple miles offers which lead to extended liability while the free tickets mentioned above only have limited long lasting liability and using the free tickets will stimulate partner activity with hotels, car rentals and even credit card activity.

But hey, what do I know. This is somewhat uncharted territory and we'll all know much more in about a month's time.

Sounds like you know a lot more Randy!! I look forward to the report, but can't help but think that if the airlines wait a month they will be making a mistake. If the cries to Congress are to be believed they need cash now and mileage runners cash is just as green as the next guys.

rich

ps. does anyone remember the exact terms of the "fly 3 get 1 free" promo were 10 years ago? From what I recall it was fly 3 rts (or 7 segments) and get 1 rt in the usa. Combine 2 free usa flights to get to europe or Combine 3 and go to asia. Was there an option to get into the premium cabin?

The double miles offer from AA on Alaska and vice versa was actually advertised just before the horrors- and was a repeat from last year.
I haven't seen new promotions on any airlines.

Indeed, this promotion has been pulled, at least for new registrants.

Randy,

You said, "...extended liability." What extended liability? I thought flyertalkers horded and collected their miles.

Dan

I think from a priority standpoint the airlines need to focus first and foremost on the security concerns of passengers then they can take a look at how to get the American public flying again. From a PR standpoint it would be IMO bad taste to come out with promos so soon in light of the tragedies of 9/11/01.

I would think that it is in the best interest of hotel chains and car rental cos. as well as cruise lines to get together with the airlines to address what kind of promotions will get us flying/traveling again. Of course reasonable air fares will be a big plus. But, I agree with Randy that double/triple miles would not be as effective as fly x number of segments and get a free R/T ticket.

I realize that life must go on. I know that we're all wondering what will be happening in terms of mileage promotions, etc. But all this seems so unimportant to me now, in light of what's happened.

A few weeks ago, I exposed a scam here in South Florida. One of the local TV stations got the whole thing on tape, as it unfolded, and is doing a big story about what I did. They're saving the story to air during the November ratings sweeps. (At least they had planned that as of one week ago.) But that too, just seems so meaningless to me right now.

I'm not saying that I think it's insensitive to talk miles now or anything like that. I guess I just have the need to express how I'm feeling now. Thanks!

[This message has been edited by Neal (edited 09-18-2001).]

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum50/HTML/007864.html

As outlined a day or two back in above thread I'd expect a UA plan much like last year's reduced bar entry 84K for 1Ks, 42K for 1P etc. I personally will fly 120K paid UA miles so will not directly benefit at all as to geting 1K status, but others here may.

I'd also expect some major incentives to fill planes using sale fares and/or reduced levels of FF points on selected routes from mid Oct - early December as CO does now and again. Say 'two for one' points deals or "50% off" points offers to Chile or Caracas or Amsterdam or Bangkok or India or wherever revenue bookings dry up. It reduces their FF point liability at a time when planes are not full, and gets folks BACK onto UA metal.

These thoughts gel pretty much it seems with how Randy sees airlines reacting, and of course all majors will need to more or less match each other to avoid lossing customer share and loyalty in these REAL tough months.

It is all about building CONFIDENCE, bolstering staff morale, and securing planes as full as they possibly can be, and I think you will surely see some enticing offers to acheive this very soon.

(Oops - edited to add correct UA thread link!)



[This message has been edited by avgas (edited 09-19-2001).]

Randy--thank you for your comments on this. Factual information based thoughts is what I was looking for.

I'll have 140,000 UA miles by the end of this month and probably 180,000 but the end of this year. So much for the lower elite levels (two years in a row for me). Maybe there is something that can be done for those of us who ACUTALLY do reach the elite levels?


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UA1K,Plt. AA, M/M DL,
Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Plt, Starwood Plt.

Randy,

I appreciate your post and am looking forward to any additional information you share.

V/R
-levi aka eastwest

Since the airlines are flying at low capacities, I would think not only promotions to incent people to fly more but: Why not some specials for using miles when so many seats are empty? I think the airlines could reduce their liability with very little incremental cost by giving an approx. 25% discount for travel awards (i.e. 18K for a RT in US). This would also help boost confidence with more people flying, filling hotels, restaurants, etc.

Comments?

IF I were a travel exec (thank goodness I am not), I would explore mutually beneficial options to all in the industry. As Sapman points out, people flying means people in hotels, restaurants, etc. For example, perhaps a deal like, Book x nights at xyz hotel and get a ff tix for 1/2 normal miles. I'll bet the airlines would "sell" the hotel the miles to make up the "free" 1/2 pretty cheap over the next few mos. to fill seats which would remain empty anyway. As Avgas and Randy point out this reduces future ff liability, as well as get people traveling again.

P.S. My e-mail addy is in my profile to mail the royalty check for the idea..lol