A segment requires a change in aircraft (or at least flight number). I discovered this a dozen years ago when I mistakenly booked a "direct" flight (ie same flight number, with a stop in PHX) and missed out getting a freebie ticket during the "segment hoopla" of the early 1990s.

I believe this has always been the case with all airlines.

ADDED:

http://www.americawest.com/flightfun...membership.pdf

Look on Page 4 of the HP guide: "A flight segment is defined as all travel under a single flight number."

The extra 1250 miles probably wouldn't have been worth deplaning, having a snack in the airport, and catching the next flight. Although for those hoping to make status on the segment total vs the mileage, "direct" flights can really mess you up.

[This message has been edited by RobertTheTraveler (edited 08-31-2003).]