Problem Solver: Airline Reinstates Frequent Flyer Miles

If your holiday plans include time in the skies you may want to use your frequent flyer miles. But if you're not careful you could end up losing what you've earned. One Upstate man called News Channel 7 after thousands of his miles were wiped clean. Dianne Derby helped him get those miles back and has important reminders for getting the most out of your miles. It's a 7 On Your Side Problem Solver.

"I was planning a trip to Las Vegas," said Dick LeFever.

Instead of forking over cash for the trip to Vegas, LeFever wanted to redeem the frequent flyer miles he racked up as a former business traveler.

"I had used up my air miles on other airlines so I thought well I'll use USAir," said LeFever.

So he called to make a reservation and was told the miles he earned were no longer his.

"I said woah, woah, woah what's going on here I've got 95,000 miles," said LeFever.

So what can 95,000 air miles get you? It's different on every airline but on US Airways Mr. LeFever could have gotten as many as 3 round trip tickets anywhere inside the United States. LeFever says those miles were worth the fight to get them back.

And he did fight...in writing. LeFever says US Airways told him he'd have to write to an office in Florida to get it resolved.

In his letter LeFever said, "I checked my miles several times in the 80s and 90s and was told the miles would never expire."

LeFever says in May he was sent back a form letter from US Airways that said effective January 31 of this year active membership status was based on having earned or redeemed miles within a consecutive 18 month period.

So he wrote again...

"I said I would go to a television station if they didn't reply to the letter and they never replied," said LeFever.

We contacted US Airways and spokesperson Andrea Rader told us in 2006 every Dividend Miles customer was notified via e-mail and postal mail that miles would expire if the account wasn't active for 18 months. Rader said since US Airways didn't have proof their letter was received...and Mr. LeFever didn't provide an e-mail address...the company would reinstate his miles as a one-time courtesy.

"That's what they would say," said LeFever. "You can't expect them to really admit well we did we made a mistake or anything like that. So let them call it a courtesy that's fine. We don't care what they call it."

Now he's just happy to be able to take the trips he's earned.

 

We did some research and found out there are not any government agencies that regulate frequent flyer programs. So you've got to be your own advocate. The Department of Transportation reminds travelers to do the following:

--Remember airlines have the right to make changes to programs--even on short notice.

--Keep track of the mileage you've earned. File away your boarding pass as record of a flight.

--Don't forget there may be blackout periods and length of stay limits for redeeming miles. (click here for more tips from the DOT about frequent flyer programs)

There are all kinds of ways to earn airline miles besides booking a trip. Consumeraffairs.com says in 2005 more than half of all the miles earned were done so without even taking a flight. Your credit card may even offer miles in exchange for purchases. So check your airline's individual frequent flyer program to make sure you are getting the most from your plan.