A few weeks ago I received an email from an airline company (I will take the high road and not name them) indicating that I had forfeited over 46,000 frequent flier miles because I have not flown with them in 18 months.
They indicated the miles could be reinstated in one of three ways: 1) if I travelled on their airline before the end of March, 2) I could pay $200 to have the miles reinstated or 3) I could acquire and use their credit card.
I sent them a letter and explained my circumstances and asked them to reconsider. I told them that I had been a corporate Meetings and Events Planner for over 10 years and that they were my airline of choice both personally and professionally, but that I had lost my job in July of 2007.
I went on to say that because of my unemployment, I have not flown at all in the last 18 months. My financial situation is currently such that I can’t afford to take a vacation and that is why I have not flown for personal travel either.
I assured them that once I return to the skies for both business and personal travel, I will return to them. I asked to be allowed to keep my miles.
Today I received their response and it was not in my favor. They are sticking to their rules, however, they assured me I am important to them.
Yeah, I feel important with my “0” miles balance.
I am realistic enough to know that they are running a business. I get that. But in my mind, allowing it to be about me this one time, this is a case of “kicking me while I’m down” and another crushing blow. I worked very hard to earn those miles, leaving my home and family frequently, and really do not want to lose yet another thing in my life because of my unemployment situation.
I will admit when I wrote the letter I didn’t expect them to change their minds but I had to ask. Business or not, and as much as I’d like to meet Sully should he be piloting my plane in the future (OOPS! Did I just give the airline away???), I am sure I will find another airline to support in the future.
This particular airline’s tag line is “Fly with US” and their Customer Service statement is: “Customer service has always been a priority, and we are committed to making every flight count for our valued customers.”
Apparently my 46,000 miles count for nothing.
