US Airways has announced major changes to its own award program and the one it offers through the Star Alliance. An analysis of the revisions reveals that one of our favorite program anomalies is still in place, and that Dividend Miles is now one of the worst programs for “anytime” awards. Here’s a closer look.
The Good
Despite sweeping changes to both its award charts, US Airways still offers two awards through the Star Alliance that save big over the competition: First Class for 50,000 miles on domestic routes, and 70,000 miles to Hawaii. Continental and United charge 20,000 and 30,000 more miles, respectively. Similar savings apply to other destinations compared to Continental and United: Save 30,000 on Business Class to Japan, 20,000 to 25,000 for First and Business Class to the South Pacific, and 10,000 miles in First Class to Europe or South America.New to the program is US Airways’ offer of an “off-peak” travel award to South America. Off-peak awards can save up to 40% on mileage redemptions in Business and First, but you have to be flexible on your travel dates. Under the current program, off-peak awards are offered only for travel to Canada, the Caribbean and Europe.
[aside headline="" alignment="alignright" width="half" headline_size="default"]Reminder: You still have time to redeem miles for travel next year at the current (lower) redemption rate, as the new redemption program doesn’t take effect until Jan. 6. US Airways allows you to book 334 days out.[/aside]
The Bad
US Airways will be charging almost the same as its Star Alliance partners for Business Class to Europe and South America.The Ugly
Soon, US Airways’ anytime award to Europe for 160,000 miles will be a thing of the past. On Jan. 6, it will cost 350,000 miles (as it does in Delta’s program). US Airways tried to cover up the change by tucking it into the announcement of its new four-tier program, but the old, less expensive anytime award has been turned into the pricey “high” award, for nearly 200,000 miles more (a 119% increase).Who now offers the best anytime awards? Stay tuned as we explore that subject in next month’s issue.