Effective Jan. 1, 2009, Delta SkyMiles is changing its mileage expiration from its existing policy where all miles set to expire do so at year’s end to a policy where miles expire on a rolling two-year basis. Miles will expire two years after a member’s last qualifying activity rather than at the end of the year. For example, if a member’s last qualifying activity took place on Feb. 1, 2009, the member’s miles will expire on Feb. 28, 2011 — not on Dec. 31, 2011.
Porter Airlines Launches FFP
Porter Airlines, a regional passenger carrier based at Toronto City Centre Airport, has launched VIPorter, which allows members to earn points toward award flights. There are no blackout dates for award flights and seats allocated for VIPorter redemption are promised up to a total of 10 percent system capacity.
Members earn points based on fare paid and one-way flights are available at 7,500 points. For example, for Firm Class fares, you will earn 375 points per one-way flight and will need 20 flights to earn a one-way flight; in Flexible Class, you will earn 750 points per one-way flight so you will need 10 one-way flights to get an award flight and for those who fly in Freedom Class, they will need only five one-way flights to get a one-way flight. The award flights are subject to the terms and conditions of Porter’s Flexible Class, including complimentary seat selection and there is a CAD$25 change or cancellation fee per segment.
The Gazette in Montreal published remarks from CEO Robert Deluce about the frequent flyer program, “I don’t think we have suffered as a result of us not having it,” he said. “Having said that, if there were any passengers out there who were not traveling with us as a result of us not having a program, then that obstacle has now been removed.”
Points are valid for three years from the date they were earned and members can give their flight awards to anyone they choose. Retroactive credit for flights flown before sign up for the program is not allowed. For full information on the new program and to sign up, visit http://www.flyeporter.com
