Chicago Tribune - Frequent-flier programs are changing
 

Nice article in the Trib featuring our very own Randy!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/chi-0401110485jan11,1,3470776.story?co ll=chi-homepagepromo-utl


Frequent-flier programs are changing

By Charles Lockwood
Special to the Tribune
Published January 11, 2004

In 2003, U.S. air carriers doled out more than a trillion and a half frequent-flier miles--a record number in the 22-year history of these programs, according to Randy Petersen, editor of InsideFlyer. At the same time, U.S. travelers redeemed an estimated 18.5 million awards, mostly in the form of free tickets and upgrades. That was down from 2002, primarily because of the war in Iraq earlier in the year.

In 2004, the airlines are continuing to use frequent-flier miles to lure customers. Several weeks ago, for example, United (quickly followed by American) launched three different mileage bonus offers to spur travel in the first three months of the year. Fly 10,000 "paid, qualifying" miles between Jan. 1 and March 31, for example, and you'll receive 5,000 bonus miles.



[This message has been edited by Jace (edited Jan 17, 2004).]