Lots of News for Frequent Flyers
I am still playing catch up from taking a week off (not a good idea if you’re starting a company) to spend my 30th birthday deep in the Amazon! At some point, perhaps I’ll deflect from my normal banter about airlines and frequent flyer programs to talk about how I am a master piranha fisherman or how I caught a sloth and a caymen on the Amazon river!
Alas, we’re going to stay on topic today because there is a lot going on in the travel industry this week. Here’s what’s up:
Delta & Northwest Seal the Deal
We all knew this news was forthcoming, and it finally happened. The U.S. Department of Justice gave clearance last week, which will effectively create the world’s largest airline. It will retain the Delta name and be headquartered in Atlanta. Delta’s press release estimated that integration will be within a 12-24 month period. Each airline will continue to run separate operations until the merger is complete.
Delta & Northwest Cancel Surcharges for Award Bookings
Many of us have been anxiously waiting for the airlines to lift some of the fees imposed when oil prices skyrocketed earlier this year and then fell again over the last month or so. Delta (and Northwest by deafult through the merger) came through today by canceling the $25-$100 surcharges imposed on award tickets for travel in the U.S. and Canada. They also reduced the fee for booking award and regular fares via phone from $25 to $20 and eliminated the $3 fee for curbside check-in. On the flip side, they caved and imposed a $15 and $25 fee for first and second checked bag, respectively. They are the last major airline to impose those fees, aside from Southwest, who doesn’t charge for anything.
United Mileage Plus Changes are a Mixed Bag
United released a press release today describing various changes (some good, some bad) to their Mileage Plus program. Here’s the highlights:
- They are reversing the 500 mile minimum accrual for elite members. This change will be retroactive for all flights dating back to July 1, 2008, when the policy was initially implemented.
- UA isn’t touching the 25,000 minimum mile requirement for domestic fares, but is instead hiking fares for International travel (between 5,000 and 25,000 miles depending on the location).
- Program members will now have to pay a cash surcharge when upgrading a flight with miles. Co-payments will vary depending on the flight’s length. A domestic flight upgrade could cost $50, while an International upgrade could run anywhere between $250-$500. Yowza. On the bright side, members will now be able to upgrade on any coach fare rather than the current availability only on expensive fares.
Whew. I think I covered it all. Farewell and good night.
