The End Of Mileage Runs on United & Delta

The end is coming March 1, 2015.  That’s when United MileagePlus switches to a revenue based program (Delta too) and all the fun of flying to collect miles is destroyed.  Under the current model, award miles are earned based on the distance flown with multiples for elite status and paying for premium cabins.  It’s an easy system to understand, fly 1,000 earn 1,000 miles plus any bonuses.  Under the new model, award miles are earned based on the fare paid with bonuses for elite status.  So flying 1,000 miles could earn everyone on board a different amount.  To add to the confusion, the fare paid isn’t your ticket price, but the base fare minus certain taxes.  Most flyers won’t know what they earn until it posts to their account.  This new model will be confusing to customers and remove some fun arbitrage opportunities for me.

United 737 at Denver

I enjoy flying commercial, even while in coach.  I’m strange like that, but being in air is fun for me.  I also value frequent flyer miles like a physical currency, each one is worth one to two cents.  This lead me to take flights to collect frequent flyer miles, often called a mileage run.  The destination of my journey didn’t matter and most times I didn’t leave the airport, often departing on the same aircraft that flew me in.  I could pay $300 for a 10,000 mile trip and earn 20,000 frequent flyer miles worth more to me than the $300 fare I paid.  Since I enjoy flying and was often upgraded, it was an enjoyable and profitable experience.  United benefited too because I was spending money on an empty seat and they value award miles much less than I do.  Everyone wins and I met some interesting people along the way, a few flight attendants remember me because I have a unique pronunciation of “Miller Lite please.”  

US Airways Express Embraer 175

The new mileage earning system removes all arbitrage opportunities for me.  I had enjoyed standing by for flights that add a connection to my travels too, flying via Cleveland rather than the direct flight I booked.  Earning miles for distance flown made this an easy way to pick up some extra points.  Under the new model my fare will be divided between the two flights, so flying direct earns the same as the connecting option.  

Delta & United at LGA

United's new program, like in other areas is following Delta’s lead, will drastically change my view of frequent flyer programs and the value they offer.  I suspect I’ll fly direct more, never fly just for miles, and earn the majority of my miles through partners on the ground.  I have one last mileage run booked in January, but it’s a domestic trip so I won’t be able to toast the end of an era with champagne, but a Miller Lite may work. 

Fun Photo

I have pictures from Lufthansa's 747-8i and other aircraft, but the story doesn't have an ending yet.  While I wait for an ending, enjoy a fun picture.

Delta & Virgin Australia at LAX

US Airways Going Out Of Business Sale

Bad news, the US Airways Company Store is closing.  Even worse news, they are closing December 5th, long before the Christmas shopping season ends.  Good news is everything is 30% off.

As a result of US Airways and American Airlines continuing to merge into one airline, we regret to announce that the US Airways Company Store will be closing it's doors December 5, 2014. Starting November 1st we ill be offering 30% off all qualifying merchandise*. Act now to get your hands on our remaining US Airways or American Airlines merchandise. Shop online or in-store, beginning November 1st and get an additional 30% off your entire order plus free shipping on all orders over $75.* Here's how:     Enter discount code CLOSING after you add the first item to your cart Your 30% discount will be taken off your order

Brands are Merging

Chicago O'Hare Overhead Picture

Just wanted to share this fun snap I grabbed coming into land at O'Hare.

KORD

I Should Fly Private

The allure of private aviation is picking your fellow travelers. I was flying this weekend for work and the experience was great, except for other travelers I encountered.  I had a connection at EWR and my flights in and out were pleasant and arrived early. The problems came from people not familiar with the Walk Left, Stand Right concept on escalators and moving walkways. Also one person next to me smelled like they boarded right after a long workout at a gym. The kids sitting behind me were also playing their iPads at full volume and their parent didn't care. I won't tolerate noise from an electronic device other then headphones.  I immediately got the parent to put a stop to it; if not I would have called a flight attendant (I've done that before to make a point that "turn it down" and "silent" are different).  Basic courtesies and manners would greatly improve everyone's flying experience; too bad they are harder to find than an early flight from Newark. 

Delivery Spots Available in 2018

Fun Photo From Portland

My flight from Portland was delayed two hours because of storms in Chicago.  I was able to explore the airport and shop without paying sales tax, then I was able to see this great sunset.  I didn't mind the extra time in Portland because it shortened my layover at SFO.

Cool Sunset on a United A319 at PDX

Denver to LA - What A View

Denver to LA is one of the prettiest flights in the world, but only for people on the left side of the aircraft.  I flew this route twice last month, both on clear mornings, and the views were spectacular.  Leaving DEN for the Rocky Mountains, there are great views of the rugged terrain of western Colorado.  The flight goes southwest down to northern Arizona and Monument Valley followed by the Grand Canyon.  Then the mountains of southern California rise and then give way to the LA area and the airport.  I was lucky and was also able to parallel landing traffic and enjoyed the long taxi around LAX with many foreign carriers to spot.

Monument Valley

LAX Landing Traffic