Years ago United used to offer ‘College Plus’ — the biggest benefit of which was 10,000 miles upon graduation.
It’s hardly a new idea to get to consumers early while they’re forming their preferences in hopes of a lifetime of future loyalty.
Delta is partnering with 9 newuniversities to try to do just that — going “beyond logo placement and into campus life.”
Flights of 650 miles or less cost just 4500 British Airways points each way in economy, and you can redeem for partner airlines like American, US Airways, and Alaska Airlines. Flights up to 1150 miles are just 7500 points each way in economy. And business class is double that.
Reader Robert asks, “how booking American/US Airways short haul award trips with British Airways Avios works come check in time?”
Golf Miles gives you miles for scheduling golf games.
Between August 27th and September 1st they have a limited time bonus of 3000 American miles on first purchase of a tee time that costs at least $30. So a $30 tee time nets a 3000 mile bonus… plus the usual miles for the game.. and golf.
A reader asks, “What credit card is best for the option of using points to purchase a ticket (not exchange for airline points)? I am trying to expand my ability to use credit card points to buy the ticket, thus earning airline points for the flight.”
American sent out a marketing email offering 2000 miles for signing up with NextIssue, a service that lets you read a bundle of periodicals on mobile devices.
I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
British Airways is launching a new route, San Jose – London Heathrow, on May 4. It will be operated by a new Boeing 787-9. And business class award space is out of this world good for 2 passengers.
Ken F. emails me about a roundtrip first class fare on British Airways between Prague and Cancun that’s running ~ $800.
Two weeks ago it was revealed that Amtrak would introduce a revenue-based program. The new program goes into effect January 24. Initial details are now available.
It’s a revenue-based program so there are going to be no more outsize values for redemptions. You’re going to be getting a fairly consistent redemption rate per point, which will make some awards (where ticket cost is low) cheaper and other awards (where ticket cost is high) more expensive. The best value redemptions in the program therefore go away.
Ultimately this isn’t as bad as I feared, but also removes much of the excitement and leverage from the program. It will still be strategically useful for some.
Alaska Airlines is offering up to a 40% bonus when you purchase or gift miles.
That’s actually a pretty good deal compared to other airlines with similar bonuses, because the starting price on their points is lower.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
