Hard to believe, it’s been over thirty years now since American Airlines introduced their frequent flier program. With a tailwind of success, the other airlines quickly joined in and the Frequent Flier program doors were opened. The industry actually changed a few years earlier with the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. With carriers suddenly competing…
Award Travel
Category Archives for Award Travel.
FTU: Is it Worth It?
While I was working in Rio de Janeiro, my husband took advantage of a trip to his hometown, DC, to attend a recent Frequent Traveler University. While he has attended similar events in the past, this was his first with FTU. How did it go? THE BEST Attendance was huge, maybe 700 people, with attendees…
Marriott Timeshare Points Program Lawsuit Dismissed
A Marriott Vacation Club timeshare owner filed a Federal lawsuit seeking class action status and claiming that when Marriott introduced their points program a few years ago, it reduced the value of his investment. He alleged that the number of people using the timeshare as a swap was reduced because of the points. Marriott argued…
Flying – What Do Frequent Fliers Really Care About?
At its most black or white, airline passengers are either flying for business or pleasure. In reality, there are many shades of gray in between as most fly some combination of both. Looking at only one of the extremes, Business Travel News recently asked business frequent fliers what was important to them. Not surprising, miles…
Fortune Magazine: So Wrong in So MANY Ways
I don’t usually go out of my way to agree or disagree with contrary opinions but Fortune’s recent article on airline loyalty programs by Stanford University professor Jeffrey Pfeffer is simply wrong in so many factual ways. Sounding like he was separated at birth from soon-to-be BoardingArea blogger Christopher Elliott, Professor Pfeffer thinks everything about frequent…
Quirky Bonus if Delta Raises the Medallion Bar
According to The Points Guy, Delta Air Lines will increase the amount of Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) needed to maintain status for the 2016 year. Disclosure: I am not aware of any announcement from Delta confirming this. Update: Delta’s official announcement has been made on 10.October.2014. See 2015 / 2016 Medallion Qualification Dollars. If correct, it…
Travel Link Roundup
Here are some articles and links from around the travel world that came across my desk this week. If you have any questions or suggestions, leave them in the comments, post them on our Facebook page or send them my way on Twitter. Winners of the 2014 FlyerTalk Awards Announced FlyerTalk members know a thing or two about airlines,…
Do Delta SkyMiles Suddenly Have More Value?
I know, most of the Boarding Area bloggers told you yesterday of the doom awaiting the Delta SkyMiles changes beginning next year, but for those with accumulated miles, this may actually be good news. A short recap; Delta is changing their mileage earning method for redeemable miles (RDM) next year from one based on miles…
Do You Remember Your First?
Rewards program membership, that is. Sorry to disappoint if you thought I was asking about something else. I found these old Delta and Northwest tags while cleaning out my desk. I really wish I had saved all the airline and hotel cards from the beginnings of my business travel in 1987. I never, ever saw…
New Upgrade Certs for Delta Elites
Platinum and Diamond level elites with Delta Air Lines have long complained that their Systemwide Upgrades (SWU) can only be used on very expensive fares. This has meant purchasing an M fare ticket, much more expensive than the other legacy airlines. However, borrowing a page from the United Airlines playbook, Delta has discontinued their Systemwide…
