Everybody wants to know which airline has the best frequent flier program, but there's no one-size-fits all answer. Its based on who you fly with most often, where you're going and how do you want to spend your points. Here are some general guidelines about award-bookings rules and fees that may sway your loyalties. Most programs have similar rules and award levels, except for JetBlue and Southwest, which award points- not miles.
Besides fees to make changes or book a ticket at the last minute, you usually have to pay taxes and security fees when you travel on an award ticket sometimes a surcharge of $10-$30 if you book over the phone.
Program Cost to Change Fee to Redeposit Miles Surcharge Days Before Booking
Alaska Air $75 or free within 3 $75 $60 within 3 330
800-252-7522 days of booking weeks of departure
alaskaair.com
American $100 (no charge to $100 $50 for travel within 7-20 days 331
AAdvantage, change date or time, $100 for travel within 6 days
800-882-8880
aa.com
Continental $50 $50 $50 within 4-14 days 330
OnePass, $75 within 3 days
800-621-7467
continental.com
Delta SkyMiles, $50 $75 $75 within 20 days 331
800-323-2323
delta.com
JetBlue TrueBlue, $45 n/a n/a n/a
800-548-2583
jetblue.com
Southwest None n/a n/a about 90
Rapid Rewards,
800-248-4377
southwest.com
United Mileage $100 (no charge for $100 $50 within 7-13 days, 330
Plus, change to date or time) $75 within 6 days
888-467-0507
united.com
US Airways $100 (no charge for $100 $75 over phone within 14 days 330
Dividend Miles, change to date or time) No charge online
800-428-4322
usairways.com
There you have it, you can make your own decisions from here. Each person has different goals, so find the program that works best for you!
Happy Travels,
~Greet
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