Back in November I explained why mileage award prices will go up, now and in the future, because there are simply too many miles chasing too few seats. This new piece (originally in the Boston Globe and then syndicated) outlines the current state of the phenomenon. Frequent-flier miles are easier to come by as airlines sell more miles to partners like credit card companies and hotels, but they’re harder than ever to redeem. Behind-the-scenes deals with corporate partners are helping cash-strapped airlines rake in millions of dollars at a time when high fuel costs and lower fares are killing their bottom lines. At the same time, these deals give companies that buy miles a sought-after incentive to offer their customers. But frequent-flier club members shouldn’t think all the freebie miles they’ve racked up will add…
