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Showing posts from June, 2009

Caveat Emptor: "Let The Frequent Flyer Beware"

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Caveat Emptor: "Let The Frequent Flyer Beware" Story and photo by Christopher J Davies We all know that caveat emptor is Latin for, "Let the buyer beware". This phrase should definitely be used when comparing frequent flyer programs and airline policies for redeeming a "free" ticket. As a member of several frequent flyer programs, I am outraged over the hassle and cost that some airlines put me through. I feel like a number of my most-frequented, so-called "classic" carriers have totally turned their backs on me, the customer. Last month, I needed to fly from Denver to New York on two back-to-back weekends. Rather than be penalized with hiked up rates for purchasing tickets at the last minute, I decide to cash in some "free" tickets. The two experiences I had illustrate the drastic difference between a larger carrier and one of the “low-cost” carriers. Flight on May 1, 2009 via United Airlines #558 For my first trip, I decided to use 2