As a reminder, it's Freddie time. The 11th Annual Freddie Awards are now available on webflyer.com. For those of you who are not aware, the Freddies allow members of frequent traveler programs to vote for programs they feel deliver the combination of benefits, awards and return on loyalty. Voting takes place now through January 1, 1999 and is available from the WebFlyer site map under the Programs section, in The Freddie Awards area.

Take the time to cast your vote and speak your mind! Let us know what you think....

At last a beauty contest where I can be the judge :-)

I have no intention of choosing a "favorite" program in a year that has seen unprecedented erosion in ff benefits. Plateau bonuses, 2-person awards, free clubroom drinks, and short elite check-in lines are all a thing of the past, and I'm supposed to pick a favorite????

It really makes me MAD when United or Delta or any of 'em get to claim to be the "favorite" airline reward program when they're ALL cutting back on rewards (at a time of unprecedented profits for the airlines, I might add). It's a contest to see who's the least-worst!!!

So my vote is for "none of the above." And let me make this suggestions, Mileschick, how about a new Freddie Category: "Rewards program that most mistreated their loyal customers this year." Now there's a category that would generate some REAL competition.

last year (97) UA informed in May/June about changes in their frequent flyer program per 1-1-98. I haven't seen any announcements yet per january first 99 (except that they give up 2-people-awards as per end of march 99 - and that means that the "recompensation" in 98 for the "killed" plateau bonus, the 10'000/20'000/40'000 rebate on 2-people-awards also dissappear).

I also guess that StarAlliance wants to unify more or less the different programs in the not so far future.

Without knowing yet what is ahead, I prefer to wait with my judgement till end of dec.

In the meantime (not really having a general overall-view) I guess that, at least comparing StarAlliance-members, Lufthansa is the most attractive/fastest accumulating program: they give 100% bonus for paid business and 200% bonus for paid first and those bonus also count as Status. (Example: with one round the world-ticket with 38'000 basic-miles in FIRST-class you are already Senator which compares to UA's 1K). But for my overseas-correspondents here on FlyerTalk - that program probably doesn't fit their/your individual needs.

I agree with Matt. This past year has seen nothing of note (except cutbacks) come from any of the FF programs. Why give the programs something to toot their horn when they don't deserve it? A "favorite" category is fine, as long as it is balanced with other less noteworthy categories. Matt's suggestion for "Program that most mistreated their loyal customers" is a good one. I would add the following (with my own editorial comments on who might qualify):

1. "Program that cut back most on earning potential" (the car rental firms could probably clean up here)
2. "Program that most devalued their rewards structure" (AA seems to have made some significant changes to award levels and Hilton added a new level. Westin/Sheraton is a big unknown - maybe they'll qualify next year).
3. "Program that is most consistently late with statement mailings and mileage postings" (UA)
4. "Program in which it is most difficult to claim awards" (CO)

Any other suggestions? And how can we set something up in FlyerTalk to take votes on these items?

Matt Wald for President! I agree 100%. I went to vote at the Freddies website but my heart just wasn't into it.

The only positive thing I have seen this year has been NW WorldPerks reduction of requirement needed to renew Preferred level from 25k to 20k. Granted, this was done because they inconvenienced their passengers with a strike.

Kudos to you guys Matt, MileKing, MileageAddict. I was thinking of posting an article at the end of the year titled "Heros and Goats" (shamelessly borrowed from the Motley Fools) which outlined the various positive and negative trends of the year, but you guys have beat me to it.