Proposed Frequent Flyer Bill: Cooked Before Being Served

As many of you know, I live in Colorado, famous for its water that is used to brew Coors beer. But after recent events, I’m thinking there must be something in that water. Sen. Bob Hagedorn, D-Aurora and Rep. Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada, introduced Colorado Senate bill 243 that would have changed the mileage expiration policies of the state’s frequent flyer programs.

That’s good. I’m all for reasonable things to benefit members of these programs. The new bill would prevent miles that are earned through using a credit card or an online travel agency from expiring. The bill specifically states that “no frequent flyer mileage awarded or accumulated in connection with the issuance of a credit card to or the utilization of an online travel agency by a consumer shall be subject to expiration or revocation by the commercial airline awarding that mileage.”

Because of federal airline deregulation in the late 1970s, states aren’t allowed to regulate airline rates, routes or service, which is why Hagedorn and Gagliardi attempted to skirt that law by only dealing with miles accumulated with airline credit cards or through Web-based travel agencies.

The sponsors of the bill say they introduced it because of “persistent constituent complaints” that they were losing frequent flyer miles due to changing airline rules and restrictions. I added my support towards killing the bill and thankfully, it was DOA. As noted, I’m all for members’ rights, but did not feel it worth the risk that airlines might cut off Colorado consumers from their programs, in order to avoid the hassle of doing business here. I tell you, it’s the water.