Ryan,
You’re right – which is why prudent frequent flyer mile accumulation strategies dictate that you focus your accumulation efforts on a specific travel goal; that way you’re not sitting on a big pile of miles that you’re saving for a rainy day, which then get devalued.
Hopefully the future of frequent flyer miles is rosy…(but I’m not holding my breath)…

Frank,
For me, I really enjoy flying long-haul in business class, so it’s worth some effort. This time was a bust, but as I wrote in my last newsletter after the fact I realized these tickets didn’t transpire for a reason. I’m much more zen about it all now! 😉

Lisa,
I’ve had pretty good luck with Aeroplan, but depending on the airport/airline (Air Canada is particularly exorbitant), I’ve had to pay a pretty penny in taxes/surcharges for the ticket. Hope you eventually manage to book that ticket!

United Airlines announced that in 2015 they will no longer award mile credit based on distances flown, but rather on the amount of money spent on the ticket. Delta and American will surely follow the leader. It is to their advantage to limit the miles they award.

At the same time, all of them have been quietly increasing the number of miles they require for various trips.

I know what you say about frequent flier miles but I honestly have no interest in that kind of stuff. Did it once many years ago with miles given to me and spent hours upon hours on the phone with Air Canada aeroplan. And then when I had my own Aeroplan card I had my miles stripped away after not using it for 3 years. They told me that I would have to pay to get them back. Screw that.

So I just book the cheapest flight there is and leave it at. Canada to Europe I flew Air Transat for $690 where the normal airline rates about $1100. They do some of their flights only once a week (in this case Montreal/Toronto – Prague on Tuesdays) but you get big savings. But just like any rebate cards, warranties etc I don’t do it – too much hassle and there’s always a story. Can’t be bothered.

Frank (bbqboy)

Deia,
Yeah, I guess writing about it HAS made me feel better! I don’t usually like to vent on my site, but if I can turn a vent into a constructive learning lesson, all the better for everybody! 😉

At least I hope writing this has helped you get it out of your system so you can enjoy your next destination.

Hey Tim,
Corporate BS indeed! I was flabbergasted. It’s everywhere you go, but I must admit this was a particularly brutal trial, and I’m glad I’m not subject to these kinds of corporate runarounds on a regular basis.