Will Your Frequent Flyer Miles Expire Sooner?

Seems like the answer is yes for a few frequent flyer programs. Expiry dates for miles usually occur when an account is inactive for a long period of time. All of your miles can be forfeited in a use it or lose it scenario that passengers may not be aware of. In the latest reduction of expiry dates for miles, US Airways will forfeit your miles if you do not earn or redeem miles after 18 months of account inactivity. Delta is down to 2 years from the previous three. The more confusing component is that this new initiative, which will be in effect starting in January, will also be retroactive - thus if you haven't had any account activity for 18 months prior to January 2007, your miles are gone with US Airways.

US Airways Frequent Flyer Program

Delta Airlines Frequent Flyer Program

The New York Times reports all the details for a few frequent flyer programs, and their earlier expiry dates.