Cabo San Lucas Photography by Anne
You hear the phrase “your mileage may vary” very often when you’re playing the travel game. What exactly does it mean? It means we really have very little control over the posting of miles, if a deal will be honored, and who gets upgraded or not. This game is all about variations.
Several weeks ago I suggested that if you have received a Continental OnePass card within the last 90 days, you may be able to pick up 25,000 more CO frequent flier miles by writing and explaining that the new promo is much bigger and that you want the miles currently being offered.
I got an email from Bill H. of Maine, a regular reader and straightforward kinda guy. Here is his story about asking for the miles from Chase:
Rick,
Hope you’re having a great time in Hawaii while we struggle through the cold and snow of Northern Maine. Actually I wouldn’t trade places during this time of year. Anyway here are two different responses from inquiries to receive the extra 25,000 Continental frequent flier miles. Keep in mind that I have been using my card all months since receiving the card. Since I signed my wife up for the card, I did the first purchase but haven’t used it since. We signed up for the cards on the same day, did our first purchase on the same day and closing dates the same on each account. So it might be important to have a balance when asking for the extra miles. One other thing that upsets me is the blatant fib (I don’t want to call it a lie, but it is) saying how all members are treated equally. What a crock.
Regards,
Bill H
Here are the responses, mine first:
Dear William,
Thank you for your recent inquiry regarding the Continental credit card account. I have issued an additional 25,000 enrollment frequent flier miles and the adjustment will reflect on the next billing statement.
It was my pleasure to assist you today and appreciate your continued use of the Continental account. If you have any questions, reply using the Secure Message Center.
Thank you,
XXXXXXXXXXXX
E-mail Customer Service Representative
Now my wife’s response:
Dear Brenda,
Thank you for your inquiry. With the continual changes and promotional offers for many credit card products, we at Chase will always consider allowing the newest promotion to be applied to any qualified accounts that were opened within the previous 90 days of the offer.
In reviewing the open date on the account, I regret to advise that the account is not qualified to participate in the new 50,000 enrollment mile promotion, therefore we are unable to honor your request for an additional 25,000 bonus frequent flier miles.
Although we appreciate your loyalty over the last several months, we ask that you trust that this decision is the same for all members whose accounts do not fall within this designated time frame. We feel that adhering to the same policy for all members outside of this designated time frame is the best way to remain fair and consistent.
We do thank you for your time in contacting us and thank you for making Chase your credit card of choice. If you have any further questions, please reply using the Secure Message Center or by calling the number on the back of the card.
Thank you,
XXXXXXXXXXX
E-mail Customer Service Representative
Note that the card was applied for, used first, and has the same statement. YMMV
Sure, Bill could complain. And he may well do that. But sometimes we just have to accept that we will not get our way. Remember the Amex Delta transfer offer that started at 50%+30% bonus and was changed overnight by Delta to 50% only? They have the right to change the terms and conditions at will, and quite often do.
