Since the world has gone ga-ga for Twitter, corporations have been trying to figure out how to take advantage of the popularity of the micro-blogging service. Some airlines are trying out Twitter-only discounted airfares to fill seats. (United calls them “Twares.” JetBlue calls theirs “Cheeps.” I’m sure there are others, but it’s still not the norm for airlines to offer these.)
But these deep discounts come with fine print. This past Friday, USA Today’s Ben Mutzabaugh posted that United’s most recent $118 all-in Tware between Chicago and Philadelphia didn’t earn Mileage Plus miles. Comments started rolling in, protesting the change — these were published fares, after all, why wouldn’t they earn miles?
These fares last only a short time — typically two or three hours — and the fare’s terms and conditions are no longer visible online.
I asked for clarification. Specifically, I tweeted for clarification. I asked United, in under 140 characters:
Within an hour, their response:
Not an encyclopedic answer, but this much is clear: All Twares are not created equal. Some are normal deep discount fares, much like weekend e-fares. Others aren’t. Another layer of complication in the airfare and frequent flyer game.
If miles matter to you, and if Twitter-only fares are up your alley, then you’ll need to read the fine print before you click the purchase button.
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July 27th, 2009 at 7:34 am
Twitter Comment
Upgrade: Travel Bet- The fine print on Twitter-only fares: Since the world has gone ga-ga fo.. [link to post]
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July 27th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Twitter Comment
@upgradetravel UA’s response is classic…as if Mileage Programs weren’t complex enough already. So much for buy from UA earn miles.
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July 27th, 2009 at 9:31 am
Twitter Comment
RT @Upgradetravel The fine print on Twitter-only fares [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
July 27th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
This post was helpful in many ways. First, I am going to follow @upgradetravel on Twitter. Second, I am NOT going to follow@unitedairlines on Twitter!
Sometimes it scares me that the people who make these decisions are freely roaming the streets of downtown Chicago during the day. I try to avoid the area of the United HQ for that reason, and will never take my daughter for a walk in her stroller near there especially!
Just another reason why I am glad Southwest is flying into Boston!
mp/m
July 27th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Twitter Comment
RT @upgradetravel New post: The fine print on Twitter-only fares [link to post]
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July 27th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
The big print giveth and the fine print taketh away. United sucks.
July 28th, 2009 at 8:19 am
FF mile use is so restricted anyway and Chicago to Philly’s not that far. Lame United, lame.
July 30th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Twitter Comment
The fine print on Twitter-only fares, [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher