I'm always looking for examples of "bad business" and my husband often gives me great ideas. The other day, he walked out of his office and into mine (we both work from home) shaking his head in disgust.
"Hon, you have to let people know about what's going on with the frequent flier programs. Do you know that United Airlines is now suggesting that we take magazine subscriptions as a substitute for domestic tickets?"
Sure enough, he's right. It seems that so many people are earning miles, especially from credit cards and hotel stays that airlines can't keep up with the demand. The number of actual seats available has gone up - but not enough to match the rate that companies are doling them out at.
And now, just a couple of days after my husband's suggestion, I find the same issue covered in Money magazine and ABC News.
Essentially, the airlines are handing out vouchers for something they can't deliver. Many of the major carriers will only accept reservations as an upgrade for 60,000 - 70,000 miles. For most folks, flying first class domestically is a waste of miles.
It's just one more disappointment from an industry that's been underwhelming its customers for years.
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