Looks like a trend … among the low-cost darlings. JetBlue’s TrueBlue will convert their earnings structure to that of basing the “point” accumulation based on fares being spent rather than the current length of flight, something that competitor Virgin America’s Elevate does. This change will happen this fall but leaves a few (OK, a lot …) of questions unanswered. For instance, the information we have says “If you have TrueBlue points left over when the program relaunches in the fall you will be able to use the points you earn in the redesigned program and convert them back into old TrueBlue points in order to get to an Award Flight.” Uh …. convert them back? Sounds a little confusing to me and Lord knows I’ve been through some of these “grandfathered” things with miles and points. But, we’ll have to wait and see just how easy this task and comprehension will be for members.

The new TrueBlue:

• Ability to use points for any seat on any JetBlue operated flight
• No blackout dates (except code share and other interline partners flights)
• Points that don’t expire (points don’t expire as long as you earn points through flying JetBlue or through the use of the JetBlue Card from American Express on eligible purchases at least once in a 12 month period. Shorter expiry period than any of the major airline programs, but hey, stay active and good with your points)
• Bonus points the more you travel
• Oneway Award Flights starting at just 5,000 points
• Six (6) points for every dollar spent when you purchase a flight at jetblue.com
• Up to eight (8) points for every eligible dollar spent when you purchase a flight at jetblue.com using your JetBlue Card from American Express

A quick comparison and it looks like you’ll get to a free flight faster with JetBlue vs. Virgin America and if you’re wanting to compare TrueBlue to the other major programs, a good place to start is here on FlyerTalk:

FlyerTalk/TrueBlue forum

For the official notice of these upcoming changes, click here:

New TrueBlue

With this essay competition ending in just a few weeks, there’s a really good chance you can win a free biz class ticket to London or beyond and fly with some other entrepreneurs and frequent flyer types. British Airways is dedicating three entire planes, flying from New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles toward what they call, “The Face of Opportunity.”

You have until July 31 to write an essay telling British Airways what you could accomplish if you had the chance to have meetings abroad.

The prize? First, a send off event with other winners before your flight to London from New York, Chicago or Los Angeles. Then, in London, networking opportunities and insights on growing your business internationally from top business leaders and government officials. Finally, continue on your own path, to wherever British Airways flies, to have the meetings you need to move your business forward. The return date is open.

For the essay, tell British Airways what opportunities you would take advantage of – whether they are meetings with potential investors, visits to distributors, or introductions to new clients. That’s all.

Here’s the tip. There will be 1,000 winners and so far … only 1,000 people have submitted essays. Surely you think you’ve got the stuff to out-write a few hundred or even a thousands others but right now, the odds look pretty good for you to be a winner.

NOTE: My essay is in so join me in a chance to do business in the sky.

LINK: http://opportunity.ba.com/contest