Frequent-flier miles coming with strings
YOUR WALLET
Cashing in your frequent-flier miles? Get ready to spend some cash. New booking fees on tickets bought with miles are among a barrage of surcharges and cutbacks hitting frequent-flier programs in the next few weeks. Pinched by high oil and fuel prices, airlines are also increasing the number of miles required for flights and cutting back on program benefits.
American, which invented the mileage program 25 years ago, said Thursday it will raise fees and mileage requirements for upgrades and free trips. An upgrade from economy coach on a domestic flight will cost $50, plus the 15,000 miles that was already required.
(AP)
On Aug. 15, Delta Air Lines will add a fuel surcharge to award tickets -- $25 for U.S. and Canada and $50 for other destinations -- and on Sept. 15, Northwest Airlines will add a fuel surcharge of $25 to $100 to WorldPerks tickets issued in North America.
Continental Airlines announced it will no longer allow frequent-flier members to use miles for the last seat available on certain flights ''where demand is high'' after Sept. 3, though the restriction won't apply to elite fliers. On Aug. 17, the airline will increase fees for booking award tickets close to the date of travel.
US Airways has said it will stop giving bonus miles to elite frequent fliers and start charging between $25 and $50 for booking award tickets.
In May, United Airlines said it was reducing frequent-flier miles for flights under 500 miles.