US Airways Extends Elite-Mile Bonus

Over the past two weeks, we’ve reported on elite-qualifying mileage (EQM) bonuses from [% 2861140 | | American %], [% 2861951 | | Continental %], [% 2863252 | | Delta %], and [% 2861951 | | United %]. With some minor variations, all are offering double EQMs through June 15.

Meanwhile, [% 2830155 | | US Airways %] has had a similar offer in place for travel between February 3 and March 31.

With its competitors’ offers in effect for an extra two-and-a-half months, it was predictable that US Airways would feel compelled to extend the deadline for its promotion. And so the company has. But, unaccountably, the offer is only extended through April 30.

Perhaps US Airways’ plan is to keep pushing forward the deadline, month by month, in hopes of maximizing media exposure for the offer. The risk, however, is that travelers planning their trips more than a month in advance will bypass US Airways and book with airlines whose promotions are known to be in effect.

It could also be that US Airways has no intention of extending past the new April 30 deadline.

Speculation aside, here’s what we know for sure. The EQM offers from American, Continental, Delta, and United are valid through June 15. US Airways’ expires on April 30. Book accordingly.