Early Returns Just Got Delayed

Frontier Airlines devalues its frequent flyer program

Beleaguered Frontier Airlines, currently in banktuptcy, used to boast that EarlyReturns, its loyalty program, was one of friendliest around with faster mileage accrual and easier redemption. No more. The Denver-based carrier sent an Email to Early Returns members saying that as of September 15, 2008:

"All award tickets will incur a $25 redemption fee

All tickets issued within 14 days of travel will incur a $75 expedite fee (waived for EarlyReturns PLUS+ and Weekend Web Fares)

Change itinerary: As long as another award seat is available on your desired flight, you can change the time, date, passenger name, or city pairs for $75 change fee (previously $35)

Cancelled itinerary: If you no longer want to fly on the original
ticket you booked, you may cancel your itinerary and redeposit the miles for $75 redeposit fee (previously $35); all fees are non-refundable and are
waived for Summit members

EarlyReturns New Redemption Levels (effective 9/15/08):

Travel within the contiguous U.S. or to/from Canada
15,000 miles one-way
20,000 miles round-trip
30,000 miles EarlyReturns PLUS+ one-way
40,000 miles EarlyReturns PLUS+ round-trip
Travel to/from Alaska or Mexico
20,000 miles one-way
30,000 miles round-trip
45,000 miles EarlyReturns PLUS+ one-way
55,000 miles EarlyReturns PLUS+ round-trip
Travel to/from Costa Rica
40,000 miles round-trip
65,000 miles EarlyReturns PLUS+ round-trip"

Frontier adds, "you can still redeem award tickets at the 'old' mileage rate until September 15, 2008. If you’re shy of the minimum mileage threshold, you can purchase miles to top off your account at a great discount! Visit the Buy Miles section of our website for details and directions on how to save up to 30% on the purchase of EarlyReturns miles."

Another airline demonstrating how "how important you are to the future of Frontier Airlines. Thank you for your understanding and encouragement through these hard times."