As business travel declines, airlines are getting more generous with special frequent-flier program deals, Scott McCartney reports, from triple mileage on some routes to double elite-qualifying miles
on all travel and huge bonuses for international trips. American Airlines triggered the war over elite-qualifying miles in March, when it launched a double elite-qualifying-miles offer.
"I can't remember a time like this," says Randy Petersen, president of Frequent Flyer Services. "Right now is one of the richest periods I've ever seen in 23 years of following these programs."
Airlines say they are making more seats available for award redemptions, and some travel awards have even been put on sale. Tickets to Europe regularly priced at 55,000 miles were
recently offered by United Airlines for 40,000 miles, for example.
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