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How airlines could cheat you out of frequent flier miles

By
Ben Geier
Ben Geier
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By
Ben Geier
Ben Geier
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March 3, 2015, 1:12 PM ET
Dept. Of Justice Clears Merger Of American Airlines And United Airlines
MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 12: An American Airlines plane takes off from the Miami International Airport on November 12, 2013 in Miami, Florida. Today, the Justice Department announced it had reached an agreement to permit American Airlines and US Airways to merge, creating the world's biggest airline. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Photograph by Joe Raedle — Getty Images

Frequent flier miles may not be actual cash, but for many, jetsetters they’re just as good. Some airlines, though, may not be giving you all the miles you think you deserve.

A new PricewaterhouseCoopers study shows that if airlines switch to frequent flyer programs based on dollars spent rather than miles traveled, around 45% of passengers could lose out on points, USA Today reports. Meanwhile, around 40% of flyers would actually get more points, while 15% would see no change.

People who buy cheap tickets for long distances will lose points, while those who buy expensive, short flights will gain.

Several airlines, including Delta, have already made this change, while others are considering similar moves. Giving additional points to people who spend more money on tickets incentivizes that extra spending, helping airlines make bigger profits.

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