Flying free by redeeming airline miles is the only value better than cheap airplane tickets or cheap vacation packages. Deltas announcement that its frequent fliers will be able to preserve points indefinitely was greeted very positively by its customers.
Prior to January 1st of this year, SkyMiles became invalid if there was no qualifying mileage activity, such as earning or redeeming miles, within 24 months.
U.S. airlines frequent fliers, except for Delta, lose their miles if there is no activity for between 36 months to as little at 18 months. Deltas move is the first time a carrier has eliminated its expiration policy since mile perks became popular in the 80s.
Delta frequent fliers redeemed in excess of 264 billion miles in its SkyMiles program in 2010 for over 12 million award redemptions. Last year over 8 percent of Delta revenue miles flown were for award travel.
One of the greatest frustrations frequent fliers experience is when they go to use their miles only to be told that their miles have expired. This often happens to travelers who fly infrequently or who fly on multiple airlines.
Experts expect other U.S. airlines to follow Deltas lead since otherwise Deltas expiration free mileage program will give them a competitive advantage in the eyes of frequent travelers.
Typically frequent fliers are able to earn a free flight after seven or eight domestic round trips.
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