Yes, frequent flyer miles is now a gargantuan $300 billion currency, but guess what…operate in an inefficient and stingy manner, and over time, you will be replaced! What could replace the frequent flyer (miles) programs? The existing and ever-growing credit card programs because they provide greater options and value.

SmarterTravel’s expert Tim Winship says the viability of frequent flyer miles is in question!

There’s still time for the airlines to maintain their position. The key for them to do so, i.e. regain the legitimacy and prestige they once held is to guarantee same-day award availability. In short, make it so that if you have the miles in your account you can obtain a ticket and fly the same day. It’s called fulfillment.

To read Tim Winship’s latest column on how credit card programs are gaining on the airlines frequent flyer programs see: CARDS

For more articles on barter travel see: TRAVEL

This entry was posted on Friday, December 21st, 2007 at 2:59 pm and is filed under From The Street. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.