ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, March 27, 1997 TAG: 9703270034
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-8 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: LONDON
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
Passengers will find BA more miserly with its points than American.
British Airways and American Airlines said Wednesday they will link their frequent-flier programs - a deal that could show some frequent fliers that BA is stingier about handing out the miles.
The carriers said passengers can earn miles - or cash them in - on each another's flights on all routes except for those over the Atlantic, where they now compete.
But all customers won't get the same treatment. American gives miles to travelers who fly on any published fare, including cheap ones that require a Saturday night stay or have other restrictions.
BA draws a distinction, awarding miles on the cheap flights to its passengers who live outside Britain, but giving miles to its loyal British customers only when they pay expensive full fares.
The frequent-flier deal comes as American and BA await government approval on a broad alliance that in effect would let them operate as one airline.
LENGTH: Short : 31 linesby CNB