United to dump idle frequent-flier miles

If the accounts were 'idle' you would hardly expect them to be competeing for seats would you !
E

 

What is their definition of idle? I use United to accrue *alliance points on other airlines. I have never flown United and don't plan to. I earned a large number of points from EK at one stage but now only really use the card for SQ flights out of SIN to nearby countries such as Malaysia, Thailand and India. Like most I try to fly OW to maximise points so only use SQ where flights are unavailable of where OW routes are too circuitous. .

 

From 31 December 2007 the rule requiring activity in the past 3 years to avoid miles expiring will change to 18 months. Seems reasonable to me.

 

Does activity mean just adding to the points, flights on UA or flights on a related carrier? I would deduce that it should be either the first two given that I have accrued points without ever having flown United.

 

Just adding points (by any means) counts as activity. Worst case if close to expiry is buy the minimum number of miles.

 

Thanks for the clarification KF, my little hops from SIN-KUL-SIN next month will suffice then.

 

Got an email from UA yesterday confirming that inactive accounts (after 18 months) will be terminated.... this could also assist them in removing outstanding liability from their accounts?????