Frequent Flyer

The end of frequent flyer programs?


Tim Winship
Tim Winship
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    Dear Tim

    Dear Connie,



    First, no… I haven't heard anything to that effect. And

    it's almost certainly just plain not true. This is, I should

    mention, a rumor that surfaces periodically, like some of

    the other recurring "urban legends" that compete for our

    attention. And there's no more truth to it than to the rumor

    that unsuspecting tourists are waking up in ice-filled

    bathtubs missing kidneys and other vital organs.

    Second, if the airlines did terminate their programs, they would surely give members plenty of advance notice… both to avoid a monstrous PR disaster and to avoid a run on frequent flyer awards as everyone rushed to cash in their miles before the deadline.

    While there are plenty of things to worry about (the stock

    market, Social Security, SAT scores), the imminent demise of

    frequent flyer programs needn't be on the list. At least for now.



    Tim Winship Contributing Editor SmarterTravel.com