Media has now caught onto the story about United’s frequent flyer partners bailing out.
As I mentioned in a previous thread, Hilton no longer allows transfers of United miles into Hilton points. That way, they aren’t waiting for payment from United for those Hilton points.
However, the story above may not have things quite right about the other partner with a changed relationship.
- Another loyalty program partner, Florida-based iDine Rewards Network Inc. — a national dining rewards plan — also has suspended its frequent-flier reward agreement with United, she said.
iDine, which rewards frequent flyer miles for eating at restaurants, may not have actually ended the relationship entirely.
They seem to have ended the option of redeeming United miles for dining credits to reduce your bill at some restaurants. Like Hilton, in this case iDine didn’t want to risk not getting paid for those certificates by United.
However, it looks like you can still earn United miles for dining (in that case, iDine is paying United for miles).
The United website still advertises this option. The iDine website still shows United as a dining partner. And the First USA Mileage Plus Visa website still says you earn miles for dining.
Yes you can still earn miles for dining however the program is changing significantly effective July 1, 2005. Until then you can still earn the 10 miles per dollar spent afterwards is a different story however.
iDine is creating a tiered system so those who dine the most will earn the most miles per $. Elite members (12 or more dines a year) will earn 5 miles per $. Don’t remember what the next two classes are but those who dine 4-11 times a year earn 3 miles per $ and 0-3 earn 1 mile per dollar.
Still not as good as before but at least the program has not been cancelled