Originally Posted by tusflyer
I just got a "reminder" email that my miles will be forefeited if there's no "activity" by Jan. 31. This is outrageous, because I, too, have no recollection of having received an initial notice.
It's one thing to scale back the programs, but it's quite another to spring the news on people in such an underhanded way.
Yes, notice the timing of that "reminder." 12-24 hours after that and the NY Times article hit the press (thanks Tom 911).
IMPORTANT NOTICE
DON’T LOSE YOUR DIVIDEND MILES
Dividend Miles #: XXXXX
Member Since: 2004
Dear XXXXXXX:
It’s been a long time since you’ve used the US Airways Dividend Miles program. As an important customer, we want to make sure you keep the miles that you’ve earned.
Mileage balance: XXXXXX
Your last activity date: 04/21/2004
Several months ago, we introduced a new policy that rewards our customers for keeping their Dividend Miles account active. Effective January 31, 2007, you must earn or redeem miles within a consecutive 18-month period in order to keep your account active. If you don’t have activity by January 31, 2007, you’ll forfeit your miles.
Our records indicate that you have been inactive since 04/21/2004. To keep your account active and hang on to your miles, you have several options:
Earn miles by flying on US Airways or any of our airline partners.
Sign up and earn miles with one of our two credit cards.
Use any of our other partners for everyday activities such as dining out, sending flowers, and more.
Redeem miles
When you take advantage of any of the opportunities above by January 31, 2007, your miles will remain active for another 18 months.
Thank you for choosing US Airways.
Sincerely,
John M. Reistrup
Director, Marketing Programs
However, I really do not see that having activity within 18 months is so onerous. After all, Hyatt has a 1 year account acitivity requirement otherwise you lose your points. Moreover, Hyatt has exactly 3 partners where you can earn GP credit: Avis, Sixt (car rental as well), and Diners Club.
Compared to the numerous opportunities presented by Dividend Miles, Hyatt's opportunities are quite scant, indeed.