How would you make up a frequent flier program?
 

I posted a blog where originally complained about lacks of the frequent flier programs but in the next blog (link on the site) dreamt about possible extreme changes in the programs that could change the status quo in the industry and attract new business travelers. Invite you to read and share your feedback

http://roman-rytov.typepad.com/miles...exibility.html

If I could create a frequent flyer program

Getting points: Fair to get, not dishing them out like candy (e.g., NW), but not impossible to collect (e.g., BA)
Using points: Easier to use than cash

But, if its not the easiest thing to collect points, then its difficult to woo uninformed travellers as to the benefits of said program

In a dreamy mood, I'd love to see airlines offer a seat map that shows how many seats are allocated for frequent flyer tix.

I really wish the airlines would offer more promotions of the Latin Pass variety. If you're willing to buy a bunch of tickets with bizzare routings and early morning departures, I can't see why they shouldn't give away some big rewards. Make mileage running an adventure, not just an exercise in eeking out three or four cents-per-mile on flights to FLL.

It's fiat currency, not any different from the USD. Why should it work any differently from the USD?

In my dreamy world, there would be at least one FFP somewhere on planet earth with a decent, robust, functioning website that actually displays all of the possible awards, allows a user to look at all routings across all partners, and seamlessly makes good recommendations when the "perfect" itinerary is not avialable.

I know...I know...I'm way outside the box here, so far off into la la land that I'm just talking gibberish. But we can dream, right?

pinniped, ANA does a not unreasonable job of this and Air Canada does an ok job of it too IMHO.

Free Spirit - award seats on every flight...too good to be true?
 

What do you think of Spirit's claim to have award seats on every flight and no blackout dates? Does "seats" equate to 2 seats? or more?

The ability to upgrade on ANY fare - even the really really deeply discounted ones.

Virgin Blue also has the promise if there is a seat avaliable on the flight you want you can redeem it with FF points.