United Airlines, others hike number of miles for business class

Several U.S. based carriers have now decided that they will be increasing the number of frequent-flier miles that are required for first class and business class tickets. With the ushering of the New Year 2014, the customers will have to spend more in order to get the most value for their frequent-flier miles. Though the airlines have devised their own frequent flier programs with different set of rules, the customers have been cautioned that for getting free tickets they will now have to get more miles or points.

United Airlines has effected a change in its United MileagePlus frequent flier program. The airline has hiked the number of miles that frequent fliers would require for their first class and business class seats on many international routes. The change will be applicable for Economy Class seats as well on Hawaii route. According to United Airlines, the changes will become effective from February 1, 2014. Now, the frequent fliers will require accumulating 45,000 miles from the existing 40,000 on a roundtrip flight to Hawaii in Economy Class. However, for obtaining a business class flight to Europe the frequent fliers will require to garner 115,000 miles from the present 100,000 miles.

Delta Air Lines has also announced changes to its Delta Skymiles. The airline has indicated that there will be two rounds of Skymiles increases for the year 2014. According to the airline, there will be an increase in the number of Skymiles in each round required for travel on different routes in different categories. Delta Air Lines has indicated that the first class and business class awards would be more expensive now on several routes.