April 11, 2016: By early spring, many airlines will have devaluated some of their more popular frequent flyer mileage awards — requiring more miles to find already hard to find travel awards. Lead by American Airlines (who had the courtesy to provide advance warning) and Alaska (who used an announced back door), many of the changes require more miles for international seats and seats on partner airlines. Frequent flyer programs are costly to administer, require airlines to give up seats they can now sell, and are just a cumbersome benefit that most would like to give up, now that business is so good. The TC’s advice: book on partner airlines, take the time and call to work with a reservations agent who has all the information (pay the fee — it’s worth it) and don’t be surprised if international ticket fee’s exceed $1000 — that’s still a good price for a guaranteed business class seat!
