Category: Frequent flyer mileage brokers

Brokers battle in federal court over “bank” of frequent flyer points and miles

November 25, 2014

AZ DNR, LLC d/b/a ERC, LLC v. Luxury Travel Brokers, Inc. and Timothy W. Gibson (D. Kan. Oct. 24, 2014).  Litigation between brokers has revealed some of the inner workings of the secondary wholesale market for frequent flyer program points and miles.  In its complaint, ERC alleged that it is “in the business of purchasing … More Brokers battle in federal court over “bank” of frequent flyer points and miles

The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act: revenue protection weapon for airlines

December 5, 2010

Note:  This post is an abridged version of the article I wrote for the Autumn 2010 issue of Issues in Aviation Law and Policy, which is published by the International Aviation Law Institute of DePaul University College of Law.  Click here for the full version. Until the last few years, airlines sustained significant revenue losses from “bust-outs” … More The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act: revenue protection weapon for airlines

Appeals court upholds temporary injunction against frequent flyer mileage brokers

March 8, 2009

Frequent Flyer Depot, Inc., George Pirkle and Robert Pirkle v. American Airlines, Inc. (Tex. Ct. App. Feb. 26, 2009).  American’s AAdvantage frequent flyer program prohibits the purchase or sale of the program’s mileage credit or award tickets and makes such mileage or tickets void if transferred for cash or other consideration.  American sued Frequent Flyer … More Appeals court upholds temporary injunction against frequent flyer mileage brokers

Airline battles frequent flyer mileage brokers in federal court

May 26, 2008

Alaska Airlines, Inc. v. Carey (W.D. Wash. Apr. 15, 2008).  The terms and conditions Alaska Airlines’ frequent flyer program, known as the Mileage Plan, prohibit its members from selling, purchasing or bartering miles or award tickets, and they state that miles and award tickets “are void if transferred for cash or other consideration.” In 2007, Alaska Airlines filed … More Airline battles frequent flyer mileage brokers in federal court