Frequent fliers could be frequent payers
Some airlines are charging fees for booking last-minute flights. Credit: Photos.com
If you decide to cash in frequent-flier miles or points for a last-minute trip, you could pay for the privilege. Some airlines are charging fees for tickets booked less than 21 days in advance, so you'll want to plan ahead when possible.
BREAKDOWN OF FEES
American The airline recently announced changes to the fees it charges for AAdvantage award tickets booked within 20 days of departure. Beginning Aug. 25, the airline will charge $75 for award tickets booked less than 21 days in advance. The airline currently charges a $50 fee for tickets booked seven to 20 days in advance and $100 for tickets booked less than seven days in advance. The fees are waived for Gold, Platinum and Executive Platinum AAdvantage members.
United/Continental United recently reinstated fees for last-minute frequent-flier bookings. As of June 15, United Mileage Plus members pay fees for tickets booked less than 21 days in advance. The fees are $75 for general members, $50 for Premier members and $25 for Premier Executive members. United's merger partner, Continental, has a similar fee structure, with fees of $75 for general members, $50 for Silver members, $25 for Gold members and no charge for Platinum OnePass members.
US Airways The airline does not charge a last-minute fee, but it charges an "award processing fee" to use Dividend Miles for frequent-flier tickets. The fees are $25 for travel within the continental United States and to Alaska or Canada, $35 to the Caribbean or Central America and $50 to Hawaii, Europe, South America or the Middle East.
Other airlines Delta got rid of its last-minute fees last year, and at press time, it had not reinstated them. JetBlue and Southwest do not charge frequent-flier members fees to book rewards travel.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Since fees and policies regarding frequent flier mile rewards can change, check your airline's rules before you cash in miles or points. As always, you'll have more luck using miles if you reserve your trip well in advance and have flexible travel dates.
Keep in mind you should book your award tickets online. Airlines charge up to $30 to book an award ticket through a reservation agent.
