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American Stiffens Frequent-Flier Rules

Fees see an increase in a move to cut costs

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 7, 2008 4:50 PM CDT

(Newser) – American Airlines has added stiffer fees and higher mileage requirements to its frequent-flier program as the airline struggles to cope with fuel costs, the New York Times reports. American, which posted a $1.16 billion loss for the second quarter, is following the lead of Delta, which tightened the purse strings for its frequent-flier program last week.

American has added a $50 fee (each way) to the 15,000 miles required to upgrade a domestic discounted coach seat, and it added $50 to the fees for international upgrades. The airline has raised the mileage requirement for free business class tickets: domestic flights now require 50,000 miles (up from 45,000) or 100,000 if booked at the last minute (up from 90,000).

In this June 14, 2008 file photo, two American Airlines jets sit at gates at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Brian McDermott, file)

Luggage is sorted inside Terminal 8 at JFK International Airport in New York, Wednesday, July 30, 2008. (AP Photo/Rick Maiman)

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American Stiffens Frequent-Flier Rules

Fees see an increase in a move to cut costs

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cost cutting • airline industry • American Airlines • frequent flier miles • quarterly results • fuel costs • business models

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American Airlines to Cut 13K Jobs

Airline will emerge from bankruptcy with fewer workers

Top Carriers Weigh American Airlines Merger

US Airways, Delta in the running

American Airlines Files for Bankruptcy

Parent firm says voluntary move best choice for firm

American Airlines Faces Record $24.2M Fine

FAA says it didn't correct faulty wiring

Airline Sued for $5M Over Lost Bag

Flyer: American refused to return $25 luggage fee

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American Stiffens Frequent-Flier Rules

Fees see an increase in a move to cut costs

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

cost cutting • airline industry • American Airlines • frequent flier miles • quarterly results • fuel costs • business models

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

American Airlines to Cut 13K Jobs

Airline will emerge from bankruptcy with fewer workers

Top Carriers Weigh American Airlines Merger

US Airways, Delta in the running

American Airlines Files for Bankruptcy

Parent firm says voluntary move best choice for firm

American Airlines Faces Record $24.2M Fine

FAA says it didn't correct faulty wiring

Airline Sued for $5M Over Lost Bag

Flyer: American refused to return $25 luggage fee

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?