"After years of shrinking benefits and increasing fees, frequent-flier programs are courting their most loyal customers again. In recent weeks, American Airlinesintroduced new awards for one-way flights; United dropped its $75 to $100 fees for booking an award within three weeks of travel; and Delta Air Linesmade it easier for elite frequent fliers to retain their V.I.P. status.
Carriers have also been dangling mileage offers, including double-mile promotions, and have even resurrected bonuses for booking online.
Those who follow the programs describe the changes as a slight shift in a more consumer-friendly direction, giving customers more ways to earn and redeem miles.
“What we’re seeing is a bit of a resurgence on the airlines’ part in focusing on their frequent-flier programs,” said Tim Winship, who tracks loyalty programs forSmarterTravel.com. But he added that the issue members care about most — being able to use their miles for free tickets — remains a challenge, especially with planes flying nearly full."
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