I’m grumpy about flying
these days. Part of it is just the hassle of the process, but now there’s even
more. Bud and I had a decades-long strategy of managing our US Airways frequent
flier status to maximize free upgrades on domestic and European routes, as well
as to secure virtually free first-class seats on flights to Oceania, Southeast
Asia and Africa. Trust me, there’s nothing like being pampered in first class
on Singapore Air to take the sting out of flying! Sadly, airline rewards and
loyalty benefits are going the way of free meals – or free anything – in the
air.
The Old:
Back in the day, you earned elite
status (and the accompanying benefits/privileges) by actually flying the
miles. Most promotions (say, double “qualifying” miles for status on certain
routes) targeted existing members to encourage loyalty. This kept the rarified
air of first-class upgrades cozy. Special check-in lines, private lounges with
free cocktails and food – like that. Upgrades were doled out according to rigid
rules – highest status first. Then came along airline affinity credit cards
that allowed anyone holding them (imagine!) to use the first class check-in
process – no matter if you had a lowly economy ticket. Promos of all kinds
expanded until there were lots of ways to get upgrades and privileges –
resulting in more competition among flyers and less actual revenue generated
from the premium seats. Hmmm, thought the airlines . . . what to do?
The New:
2014 will bring changes galore – many of them retooling loyalty programs to
extract more revenue. For one thing, the merger between American and US Airways
is a done deal. Those of us who spent 25-plus years being loyal to US Airways
(and the Star Alliance network) will be acclimating to American and One World.
For starters, American allows passengers to bid on seat upgrades – more revenue
for them, less availability for elite members.
For another, there are
fewer international routes on One World than on Star Alliance. So . . . fewer
destinations, fewer seats. Some airlines (Delta and United) will require
minimum spending of $2,500 to more than $10,000 in addition to miles flown or
earned to achieve status. This while many airlines are reducing the number of
premium seats available – though they are actually installing better seats.
What To Do: So should we bother with elite status any more? George
Hobica, founder of airfarewatchdog.com, wrote on the subject recently for USA
Today – and says not so much. Better to scan the internet and watch for deals
on premium seats, especially last-minute upgrades – or upgrades offered as you
check in. Bud and I passed up $50 upgrades to premium economy seats on a Virgin
Atlantic flight to London in November – something we will never, ever do again!
For specific tips, try farecompare.com in addition to airfare watchdog.com,
frequentflier.com or try a free trial at the pricey (but maybe worth it)
firstclassflyer.com. Visit
site
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