May 11, 2010
Ah, the good old days when there used to be three elite levels for airlines – Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Generally, those levels were recognized at 25K, 50K, 75 or 100K respectively for miles flown annually.
I realize this is a bit of an oversimplification because not all the legacy carriers followed this strict status. Also, there are some frequent fliers who qualify for elite status through segments, not air miles. Nevertheless, the points here remain valid.
In days gone by, Silver status had some value though it varied by airline. It was considered an achievement and there were rewards. Indeed, it was very possible for Silver status fliers to get upgrades to first class as long as they flew at non-peak times.
Those days are gone. Here are the frequent flier status programs today:
Read more of this article »
Posted by Carol Margolis under Current Affairs, Travel |
April 9, 2010
This has certainly been a busy week for airlines in the news. First we had Spirit Airline saying they would charge up to $45 for carry-on bags. By most accounts, this was a new low for an airline.
Perhaps upset at losing the limelight as the airline everyone loves to hate, one day later Ryanair proved they could go lower. CEO Michael O’Leary says Ryanair will indeed install pay toilets on their planes. Moreover, they will convert two of the lavs into six new seats, leaving only one for all the passengers.
Next came word that US Airways and United Airlines are in ‘merger’ talks. When the story first broke, it appeared that USAir intended to acquire United. However, the words changed as the evening wore on where now it is seen as a merger.
With tongue in cheek, here’s my two cents about how these stories will play out: Read more of this article »
Posted by Carol Margolis under Current Affairs |
December 8, 2009
I could not care less about the Tiger Woods stories running rampant through the news, but each time I read about Continental and United Airlines, I perk up. I know, it’s sick! As a Continental Platinum member, talks about how these two airlines interact are important to me. So I wonder …
United has many other airlines in their Star Alliance but all of the chatter in news reports and blogs is about their relationship with Continental, the airline who joined Star Alliance only six weeks ago. Both airlines announced enhancements to their frequent flyer programs beginning in mid-2010. If you have elite status on one airline, the other will honor it. Each will offer better seating, unlimited upgrades and the ability to accrue and redeem miles on the other’s flights. This could be in response to Delta's announcement about changes to their SkyMiles awards program, but what is significant is that these recent announcements have come from both airlines.
So why is it that we don’t hear United talking about similar programs with other Star Alliance members? Why is it that each enhancement or new program includes only Continental, the newest and brightest Star Alliance member?
We have been treated to many joint statements and photo ops, watching reps from both airlines meeting together in public, smiling – holding hands as it were, but there is no public talk about marriage, i.e., merger, because it begs the question: Which airline would be the swallower, which one the swallowee?
Would a merger even be necessary if they continue working together this way? Are they strong enough to seriously compete against the Delta/Northwest giant as it is? Lots of questions, enough to make this soap opera endure for a while.
In the meantime, we will be treated to lots of these lovey dovey stories about the two airlines working together. Publicly, they sound like a wonderful relationship. Privately, they may be sharing a bedroom more than they tell us.
And you can bet this story will go on a lot longer than Tiger Woods.
Posted by Carol Margolis under Current Affairs |
