In the current environment the Frequent Flier program determines the validity of a retro-credit request, to ensure the request is valid carriers have requested we review the original boarding pass and a copy of the ticket.

Sarbannes-Oxley audit rules have caused airlines to audit more processes and determine accuracy in billings. Airlines have found that they are paying multiple times for mileage accrual on the same flight in what is referred to as “double dipping.” Now airlines, in an effort to reduce costly “double-dipping” are creating flight validation systems to check these requests. (as it is the operating airline that pays for the miles ).

Doing flight validation also helps improve accuracy during irregular operations.
Within Star Alliance carriers are trying to determine what flight validation systems to put in place and how to develop more customer friendly systems for the future.
Without collecting the documentation and comparing it to flight validation records the frequent flyer programs cannot accurately reconcile with the operating airlines in an audit and develop new systems.

Mileage Plus just launched an industry leading retro-credit page on United.com that allows accurate real time postings for United flights without documentation. This process is valid for all tickets issued not just United issued (016) ticket stock. Hopefully this process will be implemented with select airline partners in the near future.