FFP Expiring Miles management software?
Mar 10, 2004 | 6:24 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SEA (previous locations: DTW, TLV, EWR, BOS)
Programs: AS: 75K; DL/NW: Plat; DL SC: Lifetime; Hyatt: Diamond; HH: Gold; SPG: Plat;
Posts: 3,401
FFP Expiring Miles management software?
Hi all,
I just found out my America West FF miles expired due to inactivity. Thankfully, I only had 5k miles in that account, but it made me wonder - is there a program out there (preferably free) that tracks your miles and alerts you before they expire? I'd love to get my hands on something like that!
I just found out my America West FF miles expired due to inactivity. Thankfully, I only had 5k miles in that account, but it made me wonder - is there a program out there (preferably free) that tracks your miles and alerts you before they expire? I'd love to get my hands on something like that!
Mar 13, 2004 | 4:02 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Marriott Titanium
Posts: 2,861
Randy Petersen's MileageManager http://www.mileagemanager.com
* Miles and/or points are in jeopardy of expiring
* Account balances reach a pre-set limit
* Account balances dip below a pre-set limit, or
* When your accounts have been updated.
I've been free trialing it for a few weeks, and have decided not to renew because I like www.miletracker and www.yodlee.com so much better... but MT won't do what you are looking for. MM is NOT flawless in its handling (for an example, it was still telling me how many miles I needed to go for my next status tier based on 2003 miles when 2004 miles were already showing), but it is a lot better than nothing.
[This message has been edited by 925 (edited Mar 13, 2004).]
* Miles and/or points are in jeopardy of expiring
* Account balances reach a pre-set limit
* Account balances dip below a pre-set limit, or
* When your accounts have been updated.
I've been free trialing it for a few weeks, and have decided not to renew because I like www.miletracker and www.yodlee.com so much better... but MT won't do what you are looking for. MM is NOT flawless in its handling (for an example, it was still telling me how many miles I needed to go for my next status tier based on 2003 miles when 2004 miles were already showing), but it is a lot better than nothing.
[This message has been edited by 925 (edited Mar 13, 2004).]
Mar 13, 2004 | 10:26 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2001
Programs: UA 1k, AA Plt, MR Lifetime Plat & Amb
Posts: 1,829
I just set up a Excel spreed sheet as follows;
Airline or Hotel / FF # / PW / Pts / 800 # / Segs or stays / last activity date
I've added some graphics & such to note status but its rather simple and works great. Been using this method for about 5 years now.
One of the cool things about this method is it allows to to sum up the Pts column to see that I'm almost a millionaire.
Airline or Hotel / FF # / PW / Pts / 800 # / Segs or stays / last activity date
I've added some graphics & such to note status but its rather simple and works great. Been using this method for about 5 years now.
One of the cool things about this method is it allows to to sum up the Pts column to see that I'm almost a millionaire.
Mar 15, 2004 | 7:32 am
#4
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: SPG Plat, HH Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,015
If you're just interested in mileage expiration keep it simple. I use a spreadsheet with just the program name and expiration date (usually three years after last activity). I then sort by date and can easily see which programs need activity.
I use mileage expiration date instead of activity date because different programs have different expiration rules. For example, DL miles expire on Dec. 31 of the year in which miles are to expire as opposed to three years after last activity.
Also, I don't bother including my primary carrier that I fly every year since those miles effectively won't expire.
I use mileage expiration date instead of activity date because different programs have different expiration rules. For example, DL miles expire on Dec. 31 of the year in which miles are to expire as opposed to three years after last activity.
Also, I don't bother including my primary carrier that I fly every year since those miles effectively won't expire.
Mar 15, 2004 | 7:27 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA
Programs: UA 2P, AA LT Gold, Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 3,176
I use an excel sheet. Copied over the data from MileTracker, added columns for last activity date and formulas to calculate expiration, and used context sensitive formatting to make the expiry date show up in red, green, or yellow depending on how far to expiration. Red = within one year, so it gives me lots of time to plan a sty or partner activity.
Mar 15, 2004 | 10:12 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: NRT/PDX
Programs: Willamette Valley Cropdusters Silver Elite, National Tent Frequent Stay program, Ed's Rent-a-tractor
Posts: 3,357
I've also been using a spreadsheet now for about 10 years. The 6 columns I have (from left to right) are: Airline/Hotel & Ph. reservation #; FF#; Miles & expiration date; the awards I'm interested in & miles needed; some of the partners of this airline I might use the most; and a column for miles I'm expecting to get, from who, and how many. It works for me.
Mar 16, 2004 | 9:36 am
#7
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 53,010
I've had a spreadsheet forever, but Miletracker does very well, so I don't monitor my spreadsheet in as much detail anymore.
It stores all the data I need, and you can jump to the airline website easily if you want more information.
It stores all the data I need, and you can jump to the airline website easily if you want more information.
Mar 16, 2004 | 1:35 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SEA (previous locations: DTW, TLV, EWR, BOS)
Programs: AS: 75K; DL/NW: Plat; DL SC: Lifetime; Hyatt: Diamond; HH: Gold; SPG: Plat;
Posts: 3,401
This is all great info! I'll set up my excel file and track it that way. Most important to me is ensuring I don't lose any more miles (I have a lot of miles in many different hotel/airline programs, and patronize some only infrequently, therefore risk losing valuable miles), so I'll simply sort by expiring miles and update with each activity!