Category: Frequent flyer programs

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

“Million Mile Flyer” unable to go the distance in challenge to frequent flyer program changes

February 9, 2014

Lagen v. United Continental Holdings, Inc. (N.D. Ill. Jan. 23, 2014).  As with many, if not all, frequent flyer programs, United’s MileagePlus program rules have always expressly allowed United to change or eliminate the program’s benefits.  In an attempt to get around these rules, and the many opinions upholding an airline’s right to enforce similar … More “Million Mile Flyer” unable to go the distance in challenge to frequent flyer program changes

Airline’s right to make changes causing loss of accrued frequent flyer mileage affirmed

November 19, 2010

Mayer v. United Air Lines, Inc. (N.J. Super. App. Div. Oct. 19, 2010).  Like the rules of many, if not all, frequent flyer programs, the rules of United’s Mileage Plus Program include the airline’s reservation of its right to change the terms of the program in ways that negatively affect the value of members’ previously-accrued mileage.  … More Airline’s right to make changes causing loss of accrued frequent flyer mileage affirmed

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