Triangle Trip

Similar to last year, American Airlines has recently jumped on the Triple Miles and Elite Qualifying Miles (EQM) program (link to United & Delta’s Triple Miles & EQM/MQM offer). AA’s offer effectively one up’s United; but it’s still inferior compared to Delta. AA’s Triple Miles and EQM offer allows its customers to earn triple miles and EQM between New York’s LGA and Chicago’s ORD and between LGA and Boston Logan.

AA was pressured to make the triple miles and EQM offer to compete against United at their Chicago hub. AA’s shuttle service between LGA and Boston Logan cannot compete with the hourly Delta Shuttle or US Airway’s Shuttle services. Let’s see if USAir will jump on this triple miles and EQM offer, since they are a direct competitor of Delta’s Shuttle LGA/BOS and LGA/DCA routes.

Looks like a great summer for New Yorkers to earn some airline status this year.

Similar to Delta’s extension of its double MQM (Medallion Qualifying Miles) offer (see: previous post) to selected members, American Airlines (AA) is offering double elite qualifying miles (EQM) to all of its members. Unlike Delta’s offer, American’s offer is not selective or limited to certain class of airfare. You do however have to register. Here’s the link to register at American’s website. This offer is from September 2nd to December 15th, 2009.

If you’ve Elite status with American, you should also register for Elite Rewards (here’s the link). American Elite Rewards are addition perks after you have attained Elite status. For example, if you have earned 40,0000 to 49,999 elite qualifying miles (EQM), you can pick from one of the items below:

• 2 500-Mile Upgrades
• 1 Set of Elite Luggage Tags
• 1 Admirals Club One-Day Pass
• 7,500 AAdvantage Bonus Miles

I am not a frequent American flier. Here’s a link to more info on AA’s programs:  link.