Midwest Miles has introduced a new, first-level elite status to the program.Members can earn Aspire status after flying 15,000 miles or 18 segments in a calendar year.

Aspire members will receive 25 percent bonus miles, a once-a-year discount of 5,000 or 10,000 miles on an award, exclusive offers from partners, priority boarding and check-in, first two checked bags free, complimentary DirecTV and dedicated phone line and designated security lines at select airports.

Aspire level is followed by Executive. Executive status is awarded when Midwest Miles members earn 20,000 miles or 25 one-way trips in a calendar year. Executive status offers a 50 percent mileage bonus, threshold bonuses and more. Visit http://insideflyerus.wpengine.com/link/?2148

Bottom line: We asked a few questions of Steve Mathwig, Director Loyalty Marketing at Midwest about the new elite level.

InsideFlyer: Why did Midwest Airlines decide to introduce another elite level?

Mathwig: We wanted to offer our near-elite level members an opportunity to experience some of the benefits of our top-tier elite level and encourage them to reach the top-tier activity levels. The qualification requirements for the Aspire level are the lowest in the industry.

IF: Is the new Aspire level intended to match up with Frontier’s Ascent level?

Mathwig: Our goal was to align the elite levels and benefits of both programs. We took some of the most valued benefits from both programs to build the two tiers across the programs.

IF: What has the response been from members about the new Aspire level?

Mathwig: The initial response was very positive, especially on FlyerTalk. We are still working out a few details on the benefits side and plan to send out more formal notifications early in 2010.