Frequent-Flier Plan Unhappiness

Regarding “Frequent-Flier Programs Undergoing Some Changes” (Business Itinerary, May 20):

When will airline executives implement a program for people who fly frequently but don’t want their frequent-flier miles?

I spent several years messing around with various programs, not having my frequent-flier number available when I bought tickets, having the airline not credit miles flown and so forth.

Then I realized that given my busy and already complicated life, it was just easier to ignore the lot, get the best price available and not worry about restricting myself to one or two airlines so I would get enough miles for some trip in the future that I might not be able to schedule anyway.

There have to be others like me who probably rack up 50,000 miles a year and would welcome a spot on an airline’s website that says, “Don’t want frequent-flier miles? We love you anyway, so take $5 off the price of the ticket!”

Sally Angel

Valencia

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Please be aware that it is not only less-frequent fliers who are frustrated. I am a United Airlines 1K flier, presumably a high-status customer, who flies about 120 times a year and 100,000-plus miles. But I can tell you it has become practically impossible to score a free seat.

In the last six months, I have been unable to redeem an award in 12 of my last 15 attempts. I have gotten so frustrated I have relinquished my United Mileage Plus Visa card, rationalizing that I don’t need more miles from an affinity card I can’t redeem.

I applaud your article in making people aware that it isn’t a bed of roses when it comes to the so-called benefits.

Neil Gafney

Carlsbad