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Old May 20, 2008 | 6:51 pm
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Kiwi Flyer
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Originally Posted by guniver
1. What is the difference between a point- and a mile-based programme? What I found in wikipedia that’s not correct (they refer to different calculation methods when miles / points are accumulated).
A point is just a label for a different currency used by some FFPs. Just as money sometimes can be measured in dollars, pounds, euros, etc; so can FFPs use different currencies for their own programs. It doesn't have to mean anything in particular. Each FFP is free to define points/miles in their own fashion.

Originally Posted by guniver
3. What do you forsee for the (European) “FFP-market” for the future? What about the trends, some news, innovations?
This is a broad question. Do you have aspects of FFPs in mind?

Originally Posted by guniver
4. What is a mile worth for an airine? I found different numbers: “a mile is worth about 1.7 cents in revenue” on insideflyer but on wikipedia “The airlines themselves value miles in their financial statements at less than one thousandth of a cent a mile”. I suppose the first (1,7 cents) in closer to the truth – or??
The answer very much depends on context. An airline may charge an amount for partners to buy miles (could be 1.7 cents per mile for some), charge a different (higher) amount for FFP members to buy miles, hold a different value again in their accounts as a liability (actual amount will depend on accounting rules and policies as well as each FFP's judgement based on experience), and have a different value again for their internal analysis.

Originally Posted by guniver
5. What about the general redemption value of a mile?
That depends on the program terms and any promotions made, as well as decisions by the individual. Some people get great financial value redemptions and others not so good (or nil if miles expire).

Originally Posted by guniver
7. How do airline measure customer satisfaction? Do they often ask for feedback about their services?
That question is best asked to the airlines directly.

Originally Posted by guniver
8. It is also the airline’s interest that the miles / points would be redeemed, instead of accumulating them forever that also worsen their financial results. Do you see that the airlines would motivate their members to burn (and not only to earn) their miles / points?
Not necessarily. Some FFPs have expiry policies. If an airline is in financial difficulties it may prefer few redemptions and more cash tickets. Etc.
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