Pin Number stuff!!!
 

I just called CO to see about upgrading a flight on America West. I have not been able to use any miles for years. Every time a different excuse. Anyway I go through the entire process and they ask me for a pin number. I nearly blew a gasket! I have not used my account in years. I thought the pin code might have been a number I created. It was not. They created the pin code. I asked for a supervisor. I had to be persistent to get them to reserve the seas and mail me this pin code. I asked what the big deal was. The pin code is for my protection. I cant believe it is necessary when my other airline accounts do not require one. She told me it was for my protection. I am using miles for myself. I need to show tickets/etickets or otherwise plus ID to board the plane. What protection is this. I told her that Continental was voted the number one ff program. I dont get it. If they want some pin code thing, it should be one that I assign not them anyway. Any other thoughts on this. Rob

Your PIN code is necessary so someone else cannot steal your miles, or at least it makes it harder to do. Without it, anyone who glanced at your card, or got your number any number of ways <like off of PC Luggage Tags> could book tickets with your miles.

By the way, welcome to FlyerTalk. Since all you have done since you started with FT is complain about how much you dislike CO, I hope things improve for you, or you find another airline you like better.
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Hell hath no fury like that of an elite frequent flyer in coach.

I can give up getting FF miles anytime, sure I can, I am not addicted, I swear.

[This message has been edited by Seth (edited 12-31-2001).]

What other airline do you have miles on that you don't have to use a pin code. I know CO is not alone on this. I know on Delta and NWA you need a pin code as well.

I have a related complaint. The CO fine print aggresively states that CO will not be held responsible and will not reimburse any miles if the PIN code is used, even if the member did not authorize it.
Well that's all fine and good, but they put the pin # on just about everything they send out, right there along with your other account info. If a thief steals my mail, I'm not the one who gave him my pin, it was CO.
Seems the most prudent thing is to mail PIN numbers separate from all other account info.....just like CC's do.
Just a thought

CO stopped putting the PIN # on statements, etc. years ago. I think it is only on the elite rolodex sticker now. When they used to do it, I thought it was kind of silly too.

I guess it's been a while since I received a paper statement, so if they are no longer doing that, good!

robert: no offense, but something leads me to believe that if your account was fraudulently accessed you'd be on here stating that CO must do a better job safeguarding the integrity of the OnePass system...

as for what someone would do with your miles: 1) tickets can be issued in someone else's name, 2) paper upgrade certificates could be issued, and used or sold, 3) they could purchase goods from ShopOne pass and send them to various addresses as "gifts", etc... there are devious, and profitable things that people can do with FF miles...

so, most reputable companies have a zero-tolerance policy for these kinds of things... it would not be good to have one policy for people booking travel for themselves, and another for alternate travel plans...

I am not trying to tow the company line here, but they are actually safeguarding your "property" and not opening themselves up to a potential problem...

As far as complaining, I have not always received the best service with CO. I could pick a fligght to alaska in the winter and they would tell me sold out! Anyway doesnt it make sense if they are going to use a pin coide, why cant I make my own number anyway. I have no problem complimenting airlines on good service. I also feel that airlines must treat the "frequent fleyers" better in light of Sept 11th, new security measures, and bigger problems flying.

you can... once you get your new one, you can change it via telephone or the web...

You CAN choose your own number, but you have to know the EXISTING number in order to make that change. I've had DELTA miles stolen in the past, and I'm glad to see that airlines protect the miles with PIN codes.

If you enroll with OnePass online, they allow you to choose your own PIN number at the time of your original enrollment.