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All The Joy of Miles Columns
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June 7, 2011 12:00 amShort of actually traveling, the most lucrative source of frequent flyer miles is using a rewards credit card. The hard part: choosing a card. Tim Winship has suggestions. read more
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May 3, 2011 3:30 pmIt's never been more difficult to cash in frequent flyer miles for free flights. But it can be done. Tim Winship shows you how. read more
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April 6, 2011 9:58 amA frequent flyer secret, divulged: When it comes to frequent flyer programs, it's not about the miles; it's about attaining elite status. We show you how. read more
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March 2, 2011 8:51 amHaving decided to "play the mileage game," the single most important decision you will be called upon to make is this: Which program should I join? Here, less is more. read more
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March 2, 2011 9:12 amTo mark the 30th anniversary of travel rewards programs, Tim Winship revisits his popular Frequent Flyer 101 series, "The Joy of Miles." Start here for the first lesson. read more
All The Extra Mile Columns
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May 17, 2011 12:00 amAirline mileage programs turn 30 in May. We take time out for a look back at the 10 most important events and trends of the past three decades. read more
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April 21, 2011 4:16 pmMiles and points are just the beginning when choosing a travel rewards card. Also on the table: elite status, reduced fees, and award discounts. read more
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March 15, 2011 12:00 amAre you getting the best value for your frequent flyer miles? We have tips on what to do, and not do. read more
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February 15, 2011 12:00 amMost of the largest hotel groups are offering bonus points or free nights for stays during the next few months. After that, it may be slimmer pickings for their customers. read more
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January 18, 2011 11:25 amWhen Southwest's new loyalty program comes online on March 1, it will fundamentally change the way the airline is perceived by the traveling public. It could be a bumpy ride. read more
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December 21, 2010 9:26 amReviewing the loyalty program highlights of 2010 is likely to be heartening for travelers. The year's most significant developments were mostly positive. read more
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November 16, 2010 8:00 amThanks to American, at least one airline now offers non-flight awards that rival flights in value. Could this be the start of a new era for loyalty programs? read more
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October 19, 2010 9:34 amElite status offers some relief for two of air travel's biggest downsides, packed planes and high fees. This may be the year to put a mileage run on your schedule. read more
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September 21, 2010 2:13 pmWe're at the end of what could be the longest sustained period of hotel promotional activity ever. So travelers should take advantage of the big bonuses before time runs out. read more
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August 17, 2010 9:48 amWhile it's easier than ever to lose one's miles to harsher expiration policies, it's also easier than ever to keep them alive. read more
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July 20, 2010 12:23 pmWith flights fuller than ever, and airlines desperate to squeeze every last dollar from every last customer, award seats are scarce. Magazine subscriptions, anyone? read more
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April 20, 2010 8:30 amThe recession hit the airlines hard, and their passengers harder. Travelers have borne the brunt of the airlines' desperate attempts to regain profitability. read more
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March 16, 2010 8:23 amAfter several lean and mean years, airlines are again making nice with frequent flyers. In particular, they're revamping their loyalty schemes to make it easier to redeem miles. read more
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February 16, 2010 10:12 amFrequent travelers must stay abreast of changes in their rewards programs. Because the only thing worse than bad news is being blindsided by bad news. read more
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January 19, 2010 9:36 amLatest travel offers are deja vu all over again, which is just fine. A blast from the past is still a blast. read more
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December 15, 2009 10:20 amAlthough Christmas is almost here, there's still time to put a mileage spin on holiday shopping. Tim Winship shows you how to maximize your mileage-earning potential this year. read more
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November 17, 2009 9:09 amIf the new airline reality is full flights throughout the year, flyers should expect more congestion and frustration. And higher ticket prices. read more
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October 20, 2009 9:00 amAfter 23 years, Northwest's loyalty program issued its last mile. Members' miles will be transferred to Delta's program, now the world's largest. read more
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September 25, 2009 9:29 amWith so many ways to earn elite miles, so many elite bonuses, and rollover miles in some programs, qualifying for elite status has never been easier than it is today. read more
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September 25, 2009 9:39 amAlthough airlines have been stingy with flight bonuses, opportunities to rack up scores of frequent flyer miles for non-flight transactions abound. read more
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July 21, 2009 9:11 amWith travel in a funk, airlines need their most frequent flyers more than ever. Result: They're offering extra perks for elite members of their mileage programs. read more
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June 16, 2009 8:39 amWith generous bonuses from 12 major hotel chains, summer travel can be more rewarding than ever. In fact, never before have so many hotels offered so many incentives. read more
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May 19, 2009 12:00 amComparing the latest offers from InterContinental and Starwood highlights critical considerations in assessing any hotel loyalty program promotions. read more
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April 21, 2009 10:45 amThe sinister forces that gave rise to Bernie Madoff are now in play in the world of mileage programs. There's a lesson there for frequent flyers. read more
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March 17, 2009 10:22 amWhile the news is mostly grim for airlines, hotels, and other travel suppliers, their pain means gain for the traveling public. Deals abound. And comfort makes a comeback. read more
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February 17, 2009 12:00 amWhile frequent travelers are indeed facing more fees and higher award levels, there are positive signs for travel rewards programs. read more
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February 17, 2009 3:41 pmWith travel demand weak and still falling, the major hotel chains are offering extra points for stays at 15,000 hotels. It's a bonus bonanza. read more
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December 17, 2008 2:48 pmIn a year full of news, these five stories are required reading, either because they are particularly indicative of the year itself, or especially suggestive of what lies ahead. read more
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December 8, 2008 3:50 pmRecent changes have made it nearly impossible to determine the true cost of a flight. Tim Winship is here to sort out the mess. read more
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October 21, 2008 12:00 amWhile the outlook for the beleaguered airlines and hotels seems to grow bleaker by the day, the industry's pain can actually be a positive for travelers. read more
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September 16, 2008 12:00 amThis fall is shaping up as one of the most lucrative ever for travelers who earn rewards in hotel loyalty programs. We feature 10 hotel offers to make trips extra-rewarding. read more
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October 1, 2008 1:37 pmWith an ever-growing list of new and increased fees, airlines are taking the "free" out of frequent flyer programs. read more
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October 1, 2008 1:39 pmIssuers of frequent flyer credit cards have a stake in the viability of the airlines' loyalty schemes. Can they prevent the airlines from killing the programs? read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmAs airlines cut flights to regain profitability, consumers must downsize their expectations. In particular, frequent flyer awards will be scarcer than ever. read more
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November 6, 2008 1:59 pmMany mileage programs claim to offer the shortest route to a free ticket. Can any airlines back up those claims? read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmFollowing a flurry of airline bankruptcies and shutdowns, four travel experts recommend travelers proceed with caution. But which carriers are most at risk? read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmThe value of a frequent flyer mile lies somewhere between paltry and priceless. But where? It's a question whose very existence has left many cynical about mileage programs in general. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIt's the best time of the year to earn bonus miles for dining. And there are multiple opportunities to bank more miles and points for hotel stays, too. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmTo help you make the most of the mileage deals on offer, Tim Winship has summarized the seasonal promotions currently in place from select airline and hotel programs. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmThe airlines have embarked on yet another round of program cutbacks, despite their return to profitability. Find out how the value of your miles continues to decrease. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmFrequent flyers looking to increase their mileage balances can purchase miles for a fee. Tim Winship investigates whether these schemes are a good deal or a financial trap. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIn light of the recent decline in value of frequent flyer miles, travelers should consider whether it would be a better deal to trade in their airline card for a cash-back card. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmTim Winship reveals how the airlines may have given you an inaccurate impression of loyalty program popularity, on-time records, and low prices. read more
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August 18, 2008 12:15 pmBonuses for new credit card accounts are at all-time highs, sometimes amounting to enough miles for a free airline ticket. Tim Winship examines the most lucrative promotions. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmRecent program changes mean infrequent flyers are more at risk of losing their miles. Our expert explains the new policies and what you can do to protect your mileage balance. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWhile change can be for the better or for the worse, consumers should be wary of frequent flyer program changes. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmFor travelers considering frequent flyer program options, it's more about choosing an alliance than picking a single airline. Winship explains how partnerships can work to your advantage. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmSeveral airlines have modified their award ticketing policies to make one-way and multi-class travel a more viable option. But will these changes move the industry in a better direction? read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmAmerican's new online award-booking application has staked a claim to being the realization of every mile-collector's dream. It sets the standard to which other airlines must now aspire. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWinter is travel's slowest period, which paradoxically means that it's the ideal time to earn miles and points in travel rewards programs, and to redeem miles for free flights. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmMy Christmas wish list can be summed up in a single word: transparency. Because when it comes to frequent flyer programs, the situation right now looks pretty opaque. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmThe holidays are a particularly good time to give and receive frequent flyer miles, affording members of airline and hotel programs an opportunity to do good and also do well. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmAfter a long period of relative calm, six airlines made significant changes to their expiration policies. Tim Winship advises mile collectors on how to keep miles from expiring. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmTravel bonuses have become fixtures of the autumn landscape and a potential bonanza for consumers looking to get more for their travel dollars. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmEvidence suggests that mileage malls are growing faster than both flying and credit card use. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmMileage exchange is often impossible, rarely easy, and almost never worthwhile. Tim Winship shares his tips for exchanging miles. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmCredit cards in loyalty programs has increased the pressure on the cards to distinguish themselves. And that competition is resulting in better deals for consumers. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmThe business world's keenest minds have combined the best features of credit cards and bank cards. This search for the ideal rewards card has yielded several hybrids. read more
All Frequent Flyer Q&A Columns
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June 7, 2011 12:00 amSarah's 60,000 United miles suddenly disappeared, victim of the airline's expiration policy. Can they be recovered? Tim Winship explains the options, and the fees. read more
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May 16, 2011 9:43 amNot all airlines impose phony "extra" surcharges, writes Tim Winship. Here's how to make sure your free ticket stays free. read more
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April 5, 2011 12:00 amA reader asks about switching from an airline-specific credit card to American Express. Tim Winship replies. read more
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March 2, 2011 8:52 amOur reader's husband is no longer able to travel. Can he transfer his United miles to his wife's account? Tim Winship suggests a better way. read more
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February 1, 2011 12:00 amIngrid was quoted more than $500 in fees to use her British Airways miles for an award trip. Tim Winship explains the how, the why, and the options. read more
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January 4, 2011 9:19 amOur reader is poised to buy big-ticket items, and wants to maximize her miles in the process. Tim Winship outlines her options. read more
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December 7, 2010 9:28 amOur reader has more than 300,000 frequent flyer miles and wants to donate them to a worthy cause. Can he? How? Tim Winship has answers and suggestions. read more
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November 3, 2010 2:05 pmMarko is using frequent flyer miles for his honeymoon trip and wants to upgrade himself and his bride. Tim Winship suggests his best bet might be to play the "just married" card. read more
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October 5, 2010 8:40 amIs a free first-class ticket to Hawaii a realistic expectation? Tim Winship shares tips and tricks for successfully booking award trips. read more
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September 7, 2010 12:00 amAirline and hotel credit cards are being challenged by independent rewards cards with easier redemption. Is it time to switch? Maybe, according to Tim Winship. read more
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August 3, 2010 11:13 amSince American and Iberia are frequent flyer partners, I should be able to transfer miles from one program to the other, right? Wrong, according to Tim Winship. read more
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July 6, 2010 12:00 amDo 10,000 bonus TrueBlue points make the JetBlue credit card a good buy? Maybe. But there might be better deals to be had, according to Tim Winship. read more
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June 1, 2010 12:00 amSingapore is a member of United's loyalty program, but Nancy was denied United miles for her Singapore flights. It's not a new problem, according to Tim Winship. read more
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May 4, 2010 12:00 amBrian earned a free night from Hilton, even though he didn't satisfy all the promotion's conditions. Tim Winship explains how, and why there's a lesson here for everyone. read more
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April 6, 2010 8:19 amErica wonders whether United's promise of unlimited upgrades is heaven or hype. Tim Winship puts the new policy into perspective. read more
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March 3, 2010 9:01 amKat's husband has a SkyMiles credit card, but Delta and American Express are denying him a standard cardholder benefit. Tim Winship reads the fine print. read more
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February 2, 2010 12:00 amOur reader complied with the terms of a 10,000-mile bonus offer, but Delta is withholding her miles. Tim Winship investigates and suggests a fair-minded solution. read more
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January 5, 2010 10:11 amA reader found himself stymied when trying to book a free trip for himself and his wife, and wonders if American has it in for families. Tim Winship offers his take. read more
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December 1, 2009 9:09 amWhen Delta changed our reader's schedule, he realized he would earn fewer elite-qualifying miles. Should Delta award him the original miles, or is he out of luck? read more
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November 3, 2009 12:00 amReady, set, charge your way to a free trip! Tim Winship reviews the "best" cards around, and explains how to make them work for you. read more
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October 6, 2009 12:01 amFor consumers, the ability to exchange miles and points between their various airline and hotel loyalty accounts is an obvious plus. Airlines and hotels see the matter very differently. read more
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September 1, 2009 12:00 amTim Winship explains that it's standard practice for rental car companies to charge for frequent flyer miles, and advises it may not be worth the expense. read more
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August 4, 2009 10:21 amOur reader thinks American's Flex Awards are a scam masquerading as frequent flyer salvation. Is he right? Tim Winship thinks not, and explains why. read more
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July 7, 2009 12:00 amA reader wonders whether he was right to ignore hotel programs in favor of airline schemes for 25 years. Tim Winship suggests he may have missed out on some worthwhile perks. read more
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June 2, 2009 12:00 amFinding frequent flyer award seats is a hassle. It'll cost you, but the fee charged by a travel agent might be worth it. read more
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May 5, 2009 12:00 amA reader wonders if he should book his September hotel stay now, or wait for lower rates and better frequent flyer bonuses. Tim Winship tackles the when-to-book dilemma head on. read more
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April 7, 2009 12:00 amLoyalty programs and frequent flyer miles cannot be taken for granted. If you value your miles, give them the attention they require. read more
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March 3, 2009 12:00 amNever mind about the poor exchange rate. Sometimes it makes perfect sense to cash in your miles for a gift card. Tim Winship explains. read more
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March 23, 2009 1:53 pmOur reader complains that rush fees turn frequent flyer awards into expensive propositions. Some of these fees can be avoided, but it's not easy read more
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January 6, 2009 12:00 amOur reader has questions about the program arising out of the merger between Delta and Northwest. Tim Winship has answers. read more
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December 16, 2008 12:01 amNeed a few more miles to reach elite status? A long, cheap flight can get you there. Read this first. read more
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November 18, 2008 12:00 amA reader poses a variation on the classic miles-or-cash question. The answer depends on the value of a frequent flyer mile. read more
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October 21, 2008 9:26 amEveryone pays for the government-operated security checkpoints. Our reader wonders whether it's fair that some travelers are favored with priority service. read more
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September 16, 2008 9:38 amUnbeknownst to many travelers, many foreign airlines don't award miles for cheap tickets. Should Qantas have done a better job of informing our reader of such restrictions? read more
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August 18, 2008 5:19 pmThere have always been good reasons to look close to home for mileage programs. Foreign carriers' hefty fuel surcharges can now be added to the list. read more
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July 15, 2008 8:40 amA reader plans to wait before cashing in her Northwest miles for an overseas trip and wonders if it's safe to do so. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmBusiness-class awards are more expensive than coach, right? Not always. Sometimes you can redeem fewer miles for a more comfortable seat. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmYou would assume that redeeming miles for free travel on an airline's alliance partner would be easy. As Tim Winship explains, you'd be wrong. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmA reader from Hawaii accumulated frequent flyer miles with the AlohaPass Program. Now that Aloha is no longer flying, he wonders what has become of his miles. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmMy husband and I saved our miles for years for just this one upgrade, and now, found out we couldn't use our miles to bump up to first class because our tickets were discounted. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWhen you get a 10th sandwich free at your local sub shop, you don't pay taxes. Tim Winship explains why frequent flyer miles are different. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmA reader is looking for an alternative to his Alaska Airlines credit card. Read why our expert thinks he should stick with the card he already has. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmTim Winship explains how to donate your miles when your favorite charity isn't included in the airlines' mileage donation programs. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmA flight has many empty seats, but the airline won't let you use the lowest number of miles to book a flight. Tim Winship explains the rules behind this irrational behavior. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmYou have a better shot at getting an upgrade when you fly at certain times. Tim Winship gives some general advice on how to maximize your chances of sitting up front for free. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmYour elite status gives you special privileges when you fly other carriers within the same airline alliance, but those perks may not live up to your expectations. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmAn American Express Membership Rewards card used to be a staple of frequent travelers' wallets. Now with fewer partners and more fees, it may not be the right card for everyone. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmAlthough credit card loyalty programs were modeled after frequent flyer programs, they do differ. Our expert shows how you can't always use points for the same rewards as airline miles. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmFrequent flyers desperate to use their miles will turn to practically anyone for help. If you plan to ask a travel agent to book your award ticket, you may not have great results. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmThere are techniques for consolidating airline miles, but the process can be convoluted, and worst of all, the conversion rate generally represents terrible value. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmAward seats to Europe are some of the toughest to find. Tim Winship reveals some strategies for getting the award seat you want. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmDomestic award seats are hard to come by at the 25,000-mile price tag. Tim Winship advises readers on how they can maximize their chances of snagging an award at the lowest rates. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmMost airline programs have three elite tiers. To become an elite, you'll need to fly between 25,000 and 100,000 elite-qualifying miles or between 30 and 100 elite-qualifying segments. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmThe rules for mileage expiration are changing. Don't be caught napping. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmPurchasing miles only makes economic sense in some cases. Tim Winship's general advice is to purchase only enough miles to reach an award threshold. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmGenerally speaking, earned miles cannot be transferred to someone else's account. Tim Winship explains how to transfer award tickets instead. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmThe rules for earning miles on partner airlines are as complicated as they are inconsistent. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmSometimes you don't get all of the miles you flew. Tim Winship explains why. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWhile a single program for all airlines would be a traveler's dream, it would be a nightmare for the airlines. Tim Winship explains why. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWith the fees for bookings made by phone, consumers turn first to airlines' websites to book. But, online reservations engines can be cumbersome when trying to book an award trip. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmOpportunities to earn airline elite status through credit card use are few and far between. In fact, among the larger U.S. carriers, only two such opportunities currently exist. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmThe tendency is to strive for higher elite status in one program, and then continue in that program once the highest level is reached. It's worth checking into whether that theory is valid or not. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWorried Delta may be forced to liquidate? Tim Winship advises SkyMiles holders to sit tight and not cash in their miles just yet. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWhen it comes to award travel, summer flights to Europe are notoriously difficult to come by. Tim Winship explains why even flexible of flyers may have trouble finding an available seat. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmDining-for-miles epitomizes the value frequent flyer programs are capable of delivering because you can earn miles doing something you'd do in any case. Tim Winship explains. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIf you're looking for a way to extend the life of your miles without traveling, our expert will tell you which options are for you. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmSwitching your airline loyalty may mean forfeiting elite status. Winship explains why partner airlines aren't likely to grant you matching elite status, while competitor airlines might. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmSome airlines allow you to earn miles for flights you took before you enrolled in their frequent flyer programs; others don't. Find out how to get missing credit. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmTim explains why miles earned in one program can be more helpful than miles spread out among several accounts. read more
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August 18, 2008 12:14 pmTim Winship explains the airlines' rationale for granting air miles for every dollar spent using a credit card. Read on to find out why a frequent flyer's frustration may be an airline's profit. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIf you need to cancel an award trip, do you lose your miles or can your miles be redeposited in your account? Our expert explains the price you'll pay to get your miles back. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmUS Airways and America West are promising a robust frequent flyer program on their new merged airline. Your miles will be safe, but only if the merger is a success. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmThe AmEx cards differ from both airline cards and bank cards, and are best if you want to earn points that are convertible into miles in many programs. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWhen one airline rebooks you on another carrier, you are not entitled to earn miles on the original airline. Tim reveals what you can do to get the missing miles you've already paid for. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmFull planes and elaborate yield-management systems combine to reduce the number of available award seats on popular flights. Find out how to work the system and get the flight you want. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmMileage consolidation and mileage protection may not go hand in hand, so how do you maximize your chances of award redemption? Tim reveals the best strategy. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIf you want to join a frequent flyer program but don't know how, read Tim's column. He outlines how to choose between the various programs and then sign up to start earning miles. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmTim thinks that Dividend Miles members would be served best by redeeming their miles sooner rather than later. A paper ticket on United might be your best bet. read more
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August 18, 2008 12:14 pmIn the wake of the Chapter 11 filing, the level of anxiety regarding frequent flyer miles has escalated. Tim answers questions about how awards might be affected by an airline's demise. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIt is indeed possible, in most programs, to have the miles of a deceased frequent flyer program member transferred to a surviving family member. But, it won't happen automatically. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmNot all fare types earn miles. To avoid future mileage disappointments, learn which airlines do not offer miles for the most deeply discounted economy tickets. read more
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August 18, 2008 12:13 pmYou may not sell airline miles for cash. Tim explains why the airline prohibit these kinds of transactions. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmSince free tickets will be coming from the same limited inventory as mileage awards, it stands to reason that both free tickets and frequent flyer awards will be more difficult to come by. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWhen consumers approach the airline, expecting reasonable access to an award seat, they often learn that there are no award seats available. Why is this? read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmBusiness-class seats make a huge difference on long flights to Australia. Find out whether buying a regular ticket, using an award, or upgrading a coach seat will be your cheapest option. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmMany flyers are worried about what will happen if US Airways goes bankrupt. Tim presents a few different scenarios about what could happen to the airline, and gives advice to flyers. read more
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September 26, 2008 12:19 pmThese days, many travelers are having difficulty finding an award seat for 25,000 miles. Tim explains why the airlines can get away with increasing the price of award travel. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmTransferring frequent flyer miles can be tricky and pricey, but our expert suggests ways to take miles on different airlines and turn them into a free ticket. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmDo you think alliances will help low-cost airlines compete for larger shares of the market? Find out why you probably won't see new partnerships in the near future. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmMake the most of your flight connections. Savvy travelers share tricks for booking a flight that will reimburse you for the hassle of not flying nonstop. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmThere are many things you can do to keep your miles from expiring. Tim gives readers the various options, based on the types of flyers they are. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmYou can donate miles to a charity, but you can't sell them. Tim explains how your proposed good deed might violate airline rules or trigger an IRS audit. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmPriceline highlights its low fares, but leaves customers in the dark about whether they earn miles. Tim Winship clears up the confusion about opaque fares. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmNow that TWA is out of business, former frequent flyers are left with worthless miles. Tim explains what readers can do to convert their TWA miles into a more useful currency. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmTim Winship untangles the partnership, and reveals how savvy flyers can use the United-US Airways tie-up to earn more miles and get more flexible awards. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWith airlines facing the prospect of bankruptcy, credit cards that allow you to transfer miles are more attractive than ever. Tim gives advice on choosing the right card. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmSuppose you find yourself with a million miles. How can you use them all before they expire? Tim outlines your options for making the most of a mileage windfall. read more
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All On Frequent Flyer Miles Columns
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmThe past year was a depressing one for the traveling public, and 2008 should be no different. Here are five resolutions to get you through another year of travel. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmAre the mileage programs operated by the full-service airlines still superior to those of the low-cost carriers? Tim Winship investigates. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmFrequent flyers are wondering whether Virgin America will change the travel landscape. Tim Winship gives his take on how this new airline measures up to its competitors. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmFall is a great time to cash out your miles, but you still need to be smart about where and when you travel. Tim Winship tells you how to work the system to get a free flight. read more
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August 18, 2008 12:12 pmFor some, elite status is an affordable answer to the problem of travel discomfort. Our expert explains which travelers have a shot at these perks and who shouldn't bother. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmMileage junkies sometimes look overseas to find better ways to earn miles. Tim Winship explains why the best loyalty program for you is most likely found in your own backyard. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmAirlines have been sneaking mileage program changes under the radar, leaving many consumers unaware of new policies. Tim Winship suggests a step back might be a step forward. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmThe loyalty programs operated by hotel chains and rental car companies should be included in the tool kit of anyone who travels. The more you travel, the more you can gain. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmThe historic price advantage claimed by the low-cost carriers has never been slimmer. Does that mean that legacy carriers now offer the best value for your miles? read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIt's always worth a check of airlines' award charts to see if any awards offer especially good value. Although most airlines toe the party line, award bargains can occasionally be found. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmEven as the allure of first class has heightened, airlines have cut back on upper-class seats. Tim Winship reveals three ways to get to the front of the plane. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmFlyers must be vigilant to avoid losing their account balances. Mileage collectors have options for renewing their miles, and many of these won't take much time and money. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmTim Winship identifies a few key areas where important developments will play out. Within those areas, he discuss some possible scenarios. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmUS Airways has announced its intention to purchase Delta but details of the proposed merger are sketchy. For consumers, many questions are left unanswered. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmAmerican and Southwest are fighting tooth and nail for the business of Dallas travelers. Tim Winship gives the backstory behind this skirmish. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWill Northwest be left standing when the current industry shake-out is over? If not, what is the airline's likely fate, and the fate of miles in Northwest's WorldPerks frequent flyer program? read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmSome credit cards award points that can be exchanged for flights on any carrier. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWhen it comes to choosing a loyalty program, flyers can use a number of features as tie-breakers. Here are four things to consider when picking a miles program. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmMiles-for-dining programs are one of the most lucrative sources of miles. The largest airline programs have dining promotions and two of them award enough bonus miles for a free ticket. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmDiscomfort, inconvenience, and higher prices characterize flights to and from traditional summer destinations. That is, if you can get a seat at all. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmAs frequent flyer programs have evolved, so have the assumptions underlying them. But there's often a lag between the latest version of mileage program reality and the public's grasp of it. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWhether you spend half your life at 30,000 feet or are an earthbound type, there's a card out there for you. The trick is finding the right card among the ever-growing mountain of cards. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmAirlines have been forced to look beyond free tickets, adding hotel stays and electronics to their award catalogs. Find out what your options are, and why non-travel awards just won't fly. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmOn May 1, 1981, American unveiled AAdvantage, the first mileage program. Twenty-five years later, the programs have experienced a loss in value but still manage to retain consumer loyalty. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIn 2006, travelers will be paying more for less comfort. But as airlines become more profitable, frequent flyers will benefit from more services and fewer cutbacks. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIn a lackluster year for mileage programs, a few developments did stand out, fueled by airlines' attempts to generate revenue and satisfy customers' desires for redemption opportunities. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmFrequent flyers have plenty to cry about. But it may finally be time for us to dry our eyes and look toward the road to recovery. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmRumors of widespread discontent among elite frequent flyers are indeed overblown. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmTravelers want upgrades but doubt they can get them. A reality check is in order, and the results are surprising. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmTravelers often make the same frequent flyer mistakes. Here are some tips for avoiding the most common mileage missteps that undermine loyalty programs' potential value. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWill airlines terminate their mileage programs? Our expert investigates some common miles myths and speculates whether or not loyalty programs are here to stay. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmAs availability of elite perks diminishes, many flyers are asking if elite status is still worth the effort. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmTim explains the differences between airline credit cards and bank cards. Learn the strengths and weaknesses of the American AAdvantage card and the Go Miles Rewards Visa. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmAward ticket holders face the same odds as paid ticket holders of experiencing service disruptions. Learn what your rights are when your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIf Delta's SimpliFares become the new industry standard among mainline carriers, there are implications, both positive and negative, for the traveling public. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIt's not too late to consider swapping your awards card for a Citi PremierPass card. But it may or may not be worth your while to sign up. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmThoughts on the most memorable events of 2004, and ruminates on the future of the airline industry. Look into the crystal ball of airline liquidation, frequent flyer programs, and more. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmSavvy travelers have a new criteria for choosing and using loyalty programs: the financial stability of an airline. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmTim Winship's trips and research have left him with some advice worth passing along to our readers. Read about his ideas on value, comfort, and loyalty, as well as his favorite travel providers. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWith so much instability in the industry, frequent flyers are on edge. Find out what options you have for getting the most out of your miles before they disappear. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmMany frequent flyers are outraged about their inability to book award seats. Tim Winship suggests that if nothing is done, we could see the end of frequent flyer programs as we know them. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmShould you pay more to earn miles on a major carrier or fly on a low-cost airline with better service? Our frequent flyer expert discusses his recent choice. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWhatever form it takes, competition often spells opportunity for mileage-earners. Tim Winship points out the hotspots for finding low fares and extra miles. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmSome travelers may dismiss mileage programs, but as long as miles may be redeemed, the programs will have some value. The question is, how much? read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmEveryone complains coach makes for uncomfortable flying. But with JetBlue offering better coach seating, the question now becomes whether miles, money, or comfort will be the top priority. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmBlame JetBlue for the recent spate of free-ticket promotions. But you'll have to blame the major airlines when you find that redeeming your free ticket is not as easy as it seems. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIn a world divided between full-service carriers and low-cost carriers, JetBlue remains a winner. But will its flawed loyalty program keep it from being everyone's top choice? read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmThe coming year will tell whether we have a net gain or a net loss in satisfaction among elite members of the nation's airlines. Find out Tim Winship's perspective for 2004. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmLoyalty will always have its rewards in the airline industry, but if the rewards lose value, travelers will have little motivation to stay loyal. Especially when they can save money with their infidelity. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIt's no surprise programs have not been immune to reconstructive surgery. When the dust settles, the programs will be recognizable but diminished versions of their former selves. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIt doesn't take Sherlock Holmes to discover that frequent flyer miles are losing their value. Find out how to make the most of your miles before the case is closed. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmTim reviews bank cards, and gives some thoughts about which card types might be best for your travel habits. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmFind out which cards offer a universal rewards currency, so you'll have more flexibility and safety in your quest to earn frequent flyer miles. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmDepending on who you believe, the alliance among Continental, Delta, and Northwest is either the travel industry's version of the axis of evil, or a giant step forward for all mankind. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmHotel-affiliated credit cards may be number two, but their benefits might convince you to keep one in your wallet. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWhich airline-affiliated credit card will earn you the most miles toward a frequent flyer award? Tim Winship reveals how to choose the card that's best for you. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmAs airlines stagger into and out of bankruptcy, frequent flyer' apprehension over the future of their miles has escalated in direct proportion to the airlines' financial losses. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIn recent years, taxpayers have had the option of earning frequent flyer miles for their payments. But is it a good option for you? read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmMainline airlines are now a kennel-full o' sick puppies. How did these high flyers fall so far, so fast? And what will air travel look like six, 12, 24 months from now? read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmUS Airways' newly announced fares policies are rooted in the premise that those who pay more should get more. But when it comes to elite status, the airline seems to believe that those who pay less should get nothing. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIt has been a dark year for America and consequently, for the travel industry. Tim Winship explores one bright spot in an interview with the president of the American AAdvantage program. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIn the wake of September 11, the conventional wisdom on the subject of travel is simple: Don't! The fear factor remains highly evident, even two months after the destruction of the World Trade Center towers and the assault on the Pentagon. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmOn September 11, the universe of airlines was, in one fell swoop, separated into three distinct groups: airlines not in bankruptcy, airlines in bankruptcy, and airlines soon to be in bankruptcy. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWhile the airlines would have you believe that miles are the be-all and end-all of sales incentives, they may not be the most effective from a cost or a consumer-demand standpoint. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pm
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIn the 20-plus years that frequent flyer programs have been entrancing consumers with their earn-and-burn magic, the summer of 2001 takes the prize for the most available discounted awards. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWhile the skies are still full of jets sporting the familiar TWA logo, the airline itself no longer exists. Those 178 aircraft, to the extent that they proclaim TWA's existence, are flying lies. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWhen Points.com (http://points.com) launched on April 2, it purported to address a longstanding and deeply felt need of mileage aficionados: the ability to readily transfer miles among different accounts. While Points.com is a step in the right direction, most frequent travelers are likely to feel that fulfilling their dream of exchanging miles will have to wait. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmuPromise (http://www.upromise.com) is not a frequent flyer program, yet it begs to be discussed in the same breath as such programs. Why? Because like a frequent flyer program, uPromise is about loyalty, earning, and redemption. And yes, participating in uPromise could affect your mileage balance. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmPrograms have two complementary aspects, accrual and awards. The accrual side is about earning, the awards side about redeeming. While we spend most of our time in accrual mode, it is the awards side of the equation that most enthralls us. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmIn the online marketplace, how does Discounter A differentiate itself from Discounter B when both offer the same thing for the same price? read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pm
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmThis year, against a backdrop characterized by missteps, airlines did well simply by doing no harm. It was a year where the interests of investors and employees trumped the interests of the flying public. Frequent flyer program members will remember 2000 as a year that the positives and negatives largely offset each other. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pm
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmWhen American and AOL announced in January that they were combining their considerable forces to bring a new loyalty program to market, the expectation was that AOL AAdvantage Rewards was going to be a groundbreaker; that the course of loyalty program development would be changed forever; that this would be the beginning of a new era, miles-wise. read more
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June 26, 2008 5:09 pmHaving spent 20 years in travel-industry marketing, I understand better than most the costs associated with marketing communications, including mass media advertising and communications linked to loyalty programs. And as a cost-conscious consumer, I cringe at the prospect of lavish marketing expenditures translating into higher prices, whether that be for airline tickets, prescription drugs, or pump gas. The flip side is that, if the opportunity arises, I gladly forego glossy collaterals in favor of lower prices. read more
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