Airlines' 'million milers' get quiet perks

0 Comments | USA TODAY, February, 2005 | by Gary Stoller

Neil Armstrong has nothing on Glen Hamel. It would take seven round trips to the moon to equal the number of miles the Texas health care executive has earned in American Airlines' frequent-flier program.

Some might call him the ultimate road warrior, but Hamel, who recently passed 3.3 million miles, is part of a select group of business travelers who go by another name. They're called "million milers," a status that brings lofty treatment from some airlines.

Unknown to many travelers, American, United, Delta and America West have quiet programs that reward their best fliers with lifetime perks and special privileges. None of the airlines promote their programs heavily. Benefits are available to only a small percentage of ultra-high-mileage customers. Overpublicizing...