Combined FF Program -- what changes would you make?
Jul 28, 2010 | 3:13 pm
#31
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Premier Silver, AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 813
Yes, but with a twist due to the F9 international routes.
Standard US* is 25K. Mexico and Costa Rica are 35K.
Choice US* is 45K. Mexico and Costa Rica are 55K.
Last Seat US* is 50K. Mexico and Costa Rica are 60K. (Open to Ascent & Summit Members only)
* = includes Alaska
I don't know all of the differences between Standard and Choice, but with a Standard award you still pay the baggage fees, unless it is an international trip. All Choice awards includes 2 free bags.
Personally, I have never seen Standard award availability when I have looked to cash in some miles.
Standard US* is 25K. Mexico and Costa Rica are 35K.
Choice US* is 45K. Mexico and Costa Rica are 55K.
Last Seat US* is 50K. Mexico and Costa Rica are 60K. (Open to Ascent & Summit Members only)
* = includes Alaska
I don't know all of the differences between Standard and Choice, but with a Standard award you still pay the baggage fees, unless it is an international trip. All Choice awards includes 2 free bags.
Personally, I have never seen Standard award availability when I have looked to cash in some miles.
Jul 28, 2010 | 3:17 pm
#32
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Premier Silver, AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 813
- Star Alliance, or
- One World, or
- something along those lines.
Jul 28, 2010 | 4:39 pm
#33
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: MKE
Posts: 2,161
We heard rumors of this in April. Still nothing. I grow less optimistic with each passing day.
Jul 28, 2010 | 8:01 pm
#34
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: MKE
Programs: Delta Skymiles, Frontier EarlyReturns Summit
Posts: 766
I highly doubt we will see any alliance membership anytime soon. My bets are on JetBlue joining an alliance before any of the other LCCs. What I do see them doing is gaining an international partner or even a domestic one (AA was thrown around) that they can give their flyers international access. Since I don't see them starting long haul service anytime soon it would make sense to find a partner willing to fly to DEN or MKE or provide easy connections through a city on either coast. Another idea would be to fly MKE-SJU and DEN-SJU and codeshare with Eagle to give their flyers access to central america and the carribean without having to start their own flying.
Jul 29, 2010 | 10:12 am
#35
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Premier Silver, AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 813
If they did a MKE-SJU, I just hope they would time the departure in such a way to enable connections from the west.
Jul 30, 2010 | 9:33 pm
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,653
Here's something that doesn't appear to be part of Frontier Early Returns that I'll miss very very much: the 20,000 mile companion award.
The companion award is an excellent deal for both the consumer and the airline. It saves the passenger miles, yet it brings in revenue by requiring a ticket purchase. And it keeps people invested in the FF program and discourages draining ones account.
Let's say I have 50,000 miles. In the new world that will be two free tickets, perdiod. If my SO and I are flying to NYC, there's no incentive for me not to drain my account. Every $25k is a ticket.
With the companion ticket, if I have 50k miles, and we're going to NYC, there's a real incentive to use the companion ticket for one and pay for my own. Not only do I have 30,000 instead of 25,000 miles left because of the discount, but because I earned miles on my paid ticket I actually have about 31,500 miles, which encourages me to continue to accrue miles in the program.
So the companion ticket brings in revenue and discourages people from draining their account, which is a point of danger. If you use up all your Frontier miles and next time decide to use another carrier, there are not any residual miles languishing in your account.
I very much hope they give serious consideration to adding a companion ticket award to Early Returns. It's a win-win.
The companion award is an excellent deal for both the consumer and the airline. It saves the passenger miles, yet it brings in revenue by requiring a ticket purchase. And it keeps people invested in the FF program and discourages draining ones account.
Let's say I have 50,000 miles. In the new world that will be two free tickets, perdiod. If my SO and I are flying to NYC, there's no incentive for me not to drain my account. Every $25k is a ticket.
With the companion ticket, if I have 50k miles, and we're going to NYC, there's a real incentive to use the companion ticket for one and pay for my own. Not only do I have 30,000 instead of 25,000 miles left because of the discount, but because I earned miles on my paid ticket I actually have about 31,500 miles, which encourages me to continue to accrue miles in the program.
So the companion ticket brings in revenue and discourages people from draining their account, which is a point of danger. If you use up all your Frontier miles and next time decide to use another carrier, there are not any residual miles languishing in your account.
I very much hope they give serious consideration to adding a companion ticket award to Early Returns. It's a win-win.
Jul 31, 2010 | 7:07 am
#37
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,638
Here's something that doesn't appear to be part of Frontier Early Returns that I'll miss very very much: the 20,000 mile companion award.
The companion award is an excellent deal for both the consumer and the airline. It saves the passenger miles, yet it brings in revenue by requiring a ticket purchase. And it keeps people invested in the FF program and discourages draining ones account.
Let's say I have 50,000 miles. In the new world that will be two free tickets, perdiod. If my SO and I are flying to NYC, there's no incentive for me not to drain my account. Every $25k is a ticket.
With the companion ticket, if I have 50k miles, and we're going to NYC, there's a real incentive to use the companion ticket for one and pay for my own. Not only do I have 30,000 instead of 25,000 miles left because of the discount, but because I earned miles on my paid ticket I actually have about 31,500 miles, which encourages me to continue to accrue miles in the program.
So the companion ticket brings in revenue and discourages people from draining their account, which is a point of danger. If you use up all your Frontier miles and next time decide to use another carrier, there are not any residual miles languishing in your account.
I very much hope they give serious consideration to adding a companion ticket award to Early Returns. It's a win-win.
The companion award is an excellent deal for both the consumer and the airline. It saves the passenger miles, yet it brings in revenue by requiring a ticket purchase. And it keeps people invested in the FF program and discourages draining ones account.
Let's say I have 50,000 miles. In the new world that will be two free tickets, perdiod. If my SO and I are flying to NYC, there's no incentive for me not to drain my account. Every $25k is a ticket.
With the companion ticket, if I have 50k miles, and we're going to NYC, there's a real incentive to use the companion ticket for one and pay for my own. Not only do I have 30,000 instead of 25,000 miles left because of the discount, but because I earned miles on my paid ticket I actually have about 31,500 miles, which encourages me to continue to accrue miles in the program.
So the companion ticket brings in revenue and discourages people from draining their account, which is a point of danger. If you use up all your Frontier miles and next time decide to use another carrier, there are not any residual miles languishing in your account.
I very much hope they give serious consideration to adding a companion ticket award to Early Returns. It's a win-win.
I totally agree, knope. You would think that one more revenue passenger on the flight, who is flying on dollars, not miles, would be desirable to F9.
Aug 23, 2010 | 8:49 am
#38
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,638
From the current and final MidwestMiles newsletter:
While this is the final edition of Midwest Miles Monthly, rest assured that you'll maintain your Midwest Miles account number and all the miles in your account. Beginning in September, you'll receive your statement, news and offers from EarlyReturns -- the frequent flyer program of the new Frontier Airlines. In addition to our improved program, you'll benefit from our expanded route map and more flying options than ever before. We look forward to welcoming you aboard the fastest growing airline in the country, now serving more than 70 cities throughout the Americas.
Midwest Airlines News
Flying After 10 a.m.? Have a Cookie! We're famous for a lot of things, but our chocolate chip cookies are probably one of the most popular. The new Frontier Airlines now continues the tradition on every flight after 10 a.m.
Welcome to EarlyReturns. We'll soon be moving all Midwest Miles members to the Frontier Airlines EarlyReturns program. You'll keep the same Midwest Miles account number and be able to log in on frontierairlines.com using your current number or e-mail address and password. Watch for details soon.
Thanks for Your Patience. As the new Frontier Airlines continues to take shape, we'd like to thank you for your patience as we integrate our operations and systems.
Midwest Miles News
Just a reminder: Your miles and current program account number will remain the same once Midwest Miles is integrated with Frontier's EarlyReturns program. There's no need to apply for an EarlyReturns number.
Change Fee Eliminated for Many Award Tickets. We've listened to your suggestions and have eliminated the fee to change your award ticket more than seven days in advance of travel. There will continue to be a $50 fee if you change your itinerary within seven days of your flight or redeposit your miles.
You Can Now Change Passenger Names on Award Tickets. More great news! If you redeem your miles for award travel, you can now change the passenger name on your award ticket. There is no fee for doing so more than seven days in advance of travel; a $50 fee applies within seven days of your flight.
Have a Midwest Airlines MasterCard? Watch Your Inbox. We'll be sending you an e-mail about your Midwest Airlines MasterCard automatically becoming a Frontier Airlines MasterCard.
Midwest Airlines News
Flying After 10 a.m.? Have a Cookie! We're famous for a lot of things, but our chocolate chip cookies are probably one of the most popular. The new Frontier Airlines now continues the tradition on every flight after 10 a.m.
Welcome to EarlyReturns. We'll soon be moving all Midwest Miles members to the Frontier Airlines EarlyReturns program. You'll keep the same Midwest Miles account number and be able to log in on frontierairlines.com using your current number or e-mail address and password. Watch for details soon.
Thanks for Your Patience. As the new Frontier Airlines continues to take shape, we'd like to thank you for your patience as we integrate our operations and systems.
Midwest Miles News
Just a reminder: Your miles and current program account number will remain the same once Midwest Miles is integrated with Frontier's EarlyReturns program. There's no need to apply for an EarlyReturns number.
Change Fee Eliminated for Many Award Tickets. We've listened to your suggestions and have eliminated the fee to change your award ticket more than seven days in advance of travel. There will continue to be a $50 fee if you change your itinerary within seven days of your flight or redeposit your miles.
You Can Now Change Passenger Names on Award Tickets. More great news! If you redeem your miles for award travel, you can now change the passenger name on your award ticket. There is no fee for doing so more than seven days in advance of travel; a $50 fee applies within seven days of your flight.
Have a Midwest Airlines MasterCard? Watch Your Inbox. We'll be sending you an e-mail about your Midwest Airlines MasterCard automatically becoming a Frontier Airlines MasterCard.
Aug 31, 2010 | 12:08 pm
#39
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,638
Southwest lets you check FF availability on-line, with preferred dates/itinerary, using their "SeatFinder" feature.
This feature should contribute to a lighter call volume at the RR department.
With the current system on Midwest's site, you can only check a three day time period, before you have to try other dates. It can be very time consuming, for those not calling in to MM.
I am not familiar with the award travel booking logistics on the Frontier site, but I assume it gives you a one-week glance, as its booking engine does for paid travel.
This feature should contribute to a lighter call volume at the RR department.
With the current system on Midwest's site, you can only check a three day time period, before you have to try other dates. It can be very time consuming, for those not calling in to MM.
I am not familiar with the award travel booking logistics on the Frontier site, but I assume it gives you a one-week glance, as its booking engine does for paid travel.
Aug 31, 2010 | 6:38 pm
#40
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Premier Silver, AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 813
Ha! Three days would be heaven.
I'm afraid you can only look at a single day when booking an EarlyReturns award on the Frontier. The only saving grace is that you can modify the search to a new day directly from the booking engine. But, it is a painful and laborious process.
Speaking of Southwest, United does something similar showing a two-month view where Saver or Standard seats are available.
I'm afraid you can only look at a single day when booking an EarlyReturns award on the Frontier. The only saving grace is that you can modify the search to a new day directly from the booking engine. But, it is a painful and laborious process.
Speaking of Southwest, United does something similar showing a two-month view where Saver or Standard seats are available.
Sep 3, 2010 | 6:19 pm
#41
Join Date: Sep 2010
Programs: F9 Summit, UA Mileage Plus, PC Platinum Ambassador
Posts: 19
A few changes that I'd like to see:
1) Discounted rate at MKE Best Care Club - I used this club for the first time last month on a free pass that I got when I reached Executive status. The club was nice but virtually empty. There were only about 5 other people while I was there. The day rate is $35 for up to two people. I travel solo and $35 is too much when I only have 60 to 90 minutes at the airport. A reduced price for elites and/or solo travelers might bring a few more people into the club. I might be willing to pay $20 to get away from the crowds for a short time, but no more.
2) Waive the standby fee for both elite levels. You could still prioritize Executive over Ascent. I've never understood why airlines don't want to encourage people to take an earlier flight when they arrive at an airport early and the earlier flight is not full. It makes people happy to get home early; it is good customer relations that costs the airline nothing. A couple of years ago, Midwest would routinely let you on the earlier flight at no extra charge but unfortunately this changed after they were bought by Republic.
3) I also like the idea of a little extra time to reach elite level if you are close at end of year. I recall last year I got an email from Midwest stating they would give until Jan or Feb to earn segments necessary for Executive status. As it turned out, I had enough segments at the end of December; however, this year, if my travel goes as scheduled I will only have 28 segments by year end. It would be nice to get a slight grace period so I could be bumped up to the next level.
4) I'd also like to see an alliance with an international carrier.
1) Discounted rate at MKE Best Care Club - I used this club for the first time last month on a free pass that I got when I reached Executive status. The club was nice but virtually empty. There were only about 5 other people while I was there. The day rate is $35 for up to two people. I travel solo and $35 is too much when I only have 60 to 90 minutes at the airport. A reduced price for elites and/or solo travelers might bring a few more people into the club. I might be willing to pay $20 to get away from the crowds for a short time, but no more.
2) Waive the standby fee for both elite levels. You could still prioritize Executive over Ascent. I've never understood why airlines don't want to encourage people to take an earlier flight when they arrive at an airport early and the earlier flight is not full. It makes people happy to get home early; it is good customer relations that costs the airline nothing. A couple of years ago, Midwest would routinely let you on the earlier flight at no extra charge but unfortunately this changed after they were bought by Republic.
3) I also like the idea of a little extra time to reach elite level if you are close at end of year. I recall last year I got an email from Midwest stating they would give until Jan or Feb to earn segments necessary for Executive status. As it turned out, I had enough segments at the end of December; however, this year, if my travel goes as scheduled I will only have 28 segments by year end. It would be nice to get a slight grace period so I could be bumped up to the next level.
4) I'd also like to see an alliance with an international carrier.
Sep 3, 2010 | 6:35 pm
#42
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: MKE
Posts: 2,161
Let me be the first to welcome you to FT. We look forward to more insightful comments from you.
Sep 4, 2010 | 10:02 pm
#43
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Premier Silver, AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 813
Sep 21, 2010 | 2:37 pm
#44
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,638
Frontier RapidRewards newsletter sent to MM members announces upcoming changes to the combined FF program, including:
The Sunday hours are new to FF department availability for MM members.
Does this mean that the Midwest site disappears Oct 1, or just the award travel function?
Redeeming Midwest Miles after October 1
As we migrate functionality from midwestairlines.com to frontierairlines.com, you will need to call 800-314-7125 to use your Midwest Miles to book award travel. The service center will be open 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (CT) Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (CT) Saturday and Sunday. We'll update you when you can book award travel on frontierairlines.com.
As we migrate functionality from midwestairlines.com to frontierairlines.com, you will need to call 800-314-7125 to use your Midwest Miles to book award travel. The service center will be open 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (CT) Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (CT) Saturday and Sunday. We'll update you when you can book award travel on frontierairlines.com.
Does this mean that the Midwest site disappears Oct 1, or just the award travel function?
Last edited by mke9499; Sep 21, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Sep 21, 2010 | 3:39 pm
#45
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Chicago
Posts: 344
