One-Stop Shopping for Frequent Fliers on Web
You can now go online at most major airlines to redeem frequent-flier award travel and book the trip--all in a single visit to the Web.
The move streamlines what has been a cumbersome process. Generally, frequent fliers have had to call a toll-free number or send an e-mail to redeem their award, then have an agent insert the documentation into their computerized reservation or wait to get a paper award certificate in the mail.
“It was ... a pain in the neck either way,” says Alaska Airlines spokesman Jack Walsh. In September, his company began offering the one-step online option. Last month American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and America West added the feature to their Web sites, joining United and Northwest airlines.
The online award-and-booking option can be used for travel within the U.S. and, in some cases, abroad. Details vary among airlines. For instance, American allows it for travel in the U.S. (except Hawaii) and Canada. Reservations must be made at least five days before the trip; a fee is added if tickets are issued less than 21 days ahead.
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