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Airlines offering more from frequent-flier programs

Tom Parsons The Dallas Morning News

Several carriers are offering frequent-flier tickets for fewer miles. United, America West and American have reduced mileage awards for short-haul flights, and US Airways is discounting award tickets for travel in the U.S. and selected international markets.

United is offering award tickets for fewer miles on nonstop flights that are 750 air miles or less in the continental U.S. and Canada. Travel in coach for 15,000 miles round-trip or in first or business class for 30,000 miles.

The offer is valid for travel through Dec. 31 on United, United Express or Ted. Tickets must be booked online at www.united.com/reducedawards.

As well as offering short-haul flights for 15,000 miles round trip within the continental U.S., America West has a new flexible frequent-flier redemption program. The carrier is allowing travelers to combine restricted and unrestricted award seats, as well as coach and first class seats. The new system should make it easier to snag an award ticket.

America West also offers an online calendar showing your award ticket options for 30 days around your chosen dates. See “redeem miles” under the “frequent flyer” section at www.americawest.com.

On American, fly for 15,000 miles in coach or 30,000 miles in first or business class for nonstop flights of up to 750 air miles. Travel is valid within the continental U.S. and Canada from Sept. 1 through Feb. 28 on American, American Eagle or AmericanConnection. Tickets must be booked online at www.aa.com/shorthops.

American also offers award availability calendars online at AAdvantage HotSpots. The calendars show seat availability in selected markets for five months. The site has calendars for the most-requested markets, which change weekly. See www.aa.com/hotspots.

US Airways is offering a discount of 20 percent on award tickets for travel in selected markets. Miles must be redeemed online.

Travel round-trip within North America for 20,000 miles in coach or 40,000 miles in first class for a restricted award ticket and 40,000 miles in coach or 80,000 miles in first for an unrestricted award ticket. Travel is valid Sept. 15 through Feb. 28.

Or travel between North America and Europe for 40,000 miles round-trip in coach from Oct. 1 through April 30.

See www.usairways.com. Click on “Award Chart” under “Redeeming Miles.”