Mileage programs not as rewarding

Travelers should forget about airline loyalty based on frequent-flier programs, and stick to who offers the cheapest tickets at the time of booking.

Airlines are getting stingier when it comes to earning and redeeming miles. With fewer award seats, fewer promotions and increasing fees, mileage programs are losing their luster.

Airlines used to reward travelers with bonus miles when they booked online at the carrier’s Web site, but these bonuses are dwindling or disappearing.

When redeeming miles, plan well in advance or be prepared to take a hit in the wallet.

For example, when redeeming American AAdvantage miles for award tickets, if you book seven to 20 days in advance, you will be charged an “award fee” of $50; two hours to six days in advance, $100. To redeposit miles on unused tickets, the charge is $100.

If you’re booking on Continental, the fee is $50 for non-elite OnePass members and $35 for elite members for travel within four to 14 days, and $75 for non-elite and $50 for elite for travel within three days or less. You also must pay an express delivery fee of $35 if you book within 10 days of travel.

To redeposit or change tickets, Continental charges $50 for non-elite members and $35 for Gold or Silver members. Platinum members are exempt from those last fees.

Remember, if you book award tickets by phone, you will pay an additional $15 to $20 on top of these fees.

Beginning April 1, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles will expire if you don’t have account activity every two years, down from every three years. Many major airlines have changed their programs, and some require account activity every 18 months to keep miles active.

Low-cost carriers often have better offers for frequent travelers. If you book an award on Frontier and don’t use the ticket, the miles can be redeposited in your account for a fee of $35, as long as the ticket hasn’t expired. There’s no fee for date and time changes.

If you still want to earn miles, look at affinity credit cards. I like American Express because I earn double miles for everyday purchases. I can also transfer Membership Rewards into airline and hotel programs.