Page 12 - Frequent Flyer Programs News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

And they're cutting back dramatically. why? >> you know what it is? i think they have a huge liability hanging over their heads. they're looking to basically eliminate the liability. frequent flyer programs were before deregulatio. now when you fly to l.a. it was $300. it might be $1700. some of the frequent flyer programs are actually turning into revenue programs based on the price of the ticket, not the miles flown. that's how they're going to determine whether you're valuable or not. >> neil: what's going to keep them loyal to you? a lot of people choose, you know, to fly united. i prefer ...

It's unlikely the government is going to stop this. this merge is more like united, continental, which under the observe administration was approved as well as delta northwest. they didn't create the monopoly markets people feared -- >> my wife turned to me and says what's going to happen to our frequent flyer miles. i said probably nothing because they'd be hit with a myriad of lawsuits. >> exactly. you wouldn't want to kill the goose. those frequent flyer programs are the golden egg for airlines. actually, good news for consumers. on one hand you might pay more but say you have some miles wi...

Coming years. the big question, what does this mean for travelers? well more flight options on the east coast first and foremost where us airways already has a strong presence but fewer choices analysts tell us between major carriers will most likely spell out higher fares for you and me. >> the smaller the city, the smaller the regional and no competition you will see higher, much higher air fares, but look at jetblues, virgin americas, frontiers, spirits of the world, in those markets we're seeing competition. >> reporter: for now the two frequent flyer programs will remain separate. once ev...

They are up 34% in the last year. they have an old fleet. they are upgrading. it will be young in two or three years. in the meantime, they are getting squeeze and ultimately too much for america and that's why they went into bankruptcy. >> what are does it mean for the pilot's union now that they have bankruptcy protection? >> they couldn't work out a deal and they will work out a deal inside of bankruptcy and it will likely be a deal that neither is crazy about. that is what will happen in chapter 11. what we are looking at is a company that will be leaner and much more cost-efficient relati...

What do you think the chances are heading into 2012 and the heated nature of politics that there will be real immigration reform before the presidential election? >> well, we're hopeful something will happen soon. i was beneficiary of immigration reform and control act in 1986 and i know many others will benefit and be able to contribute and give back to our community given the opportunity. >> texas state congresswoman ana hernandez luna, thanks for taking the time to be with us. >> thanks for having me. pictures in orlando, florida, the early weekend getaway travelers are on the road. if yo...