US Airways Forfeited my Frequent Flyer Miles

[Stijloor]

Hello Fellow Covers,

I just received a notice from US Airways that my 58,000+ miles were forfeited because of 18 months of "inactivity." These miles are now held "hostage" because if I take their (US Airways) credit card or fly with them within a certain time period, I will get my frequent flyer miles back.

What do you think? Is this an example of pi$$-poor Customer Service, or am I too picky...because actually, I was notified previously and forgot about it....

Any reactions?

Stijloor.

[Don Palmer]

So, you've been an infrequent flyer with US Airways for 18 months now. Is that what you are saying? And US Airways is nudging you to fly more frequently with them again or loose all those 58,000 + miles. How dare they!

[Randy]

No, this is part of US Airways plan to get out of bankruptcy by reducing debt. Your miles are considered as part of the debt of the coproration. American Airlines has just announced a similar program.

[Duke Okes]

Perhaps they assumed that if you were no longer flying with them, and weren't cashing in the points, that you placed no value on them.

There are other ways to "use" such points. See http://www.points.com

[Randy]

It's nothing more that what what said in the Godfather movies "it isn't personal, it's business".

Trust me, they're just eliminating an excess debt burden. Study business finance and read beyond QP and QD and you'll figure it out.

As for 58,000 miles get a couple a tickets and go somewhere.............my family and friends used over 300,000 of mine last year alone for travel. I build miles on the average of 14,000 to 18,000 a month on average so 58,000 is like between now and Sep or Oct.

[Ajit Basrur]

Thats bad to hear

I have frequent flyer cards of Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. They do not have such type of thing as "inactivity".

Besides, I get monthly statements notifying when the miles will be expiring. Try to speak to them - nothing wrong; if you get some benefit, that would be better for u

[Randy]

Frequent Flyer miles are actually carried as debt on the financials or accounts payable...each mile is equal to a specific amount of cash value. By reducing miles available that can be claimed an airline can reduce its outstanding debt. It's all on paper or electronic but very real. Just look at some of the Chapter 13 plans for the airlines and you'll see it.

[Dan Armstrong]

I received the same thing right before last Christmas. All I had to do to keep things going until I flew again was sign up for the dining awards program (found on their website) and eat out once a month.