A man who has flown millions of miles on United Airlines is suing the company for "'immorally' rescinding perks for 'Million Milers,'" reports ABC News.
George Lagen, who averages 200,000 to 250,000 miles annually as part of United's Mileage Plus program, claims that after the company merged with Continental Airlines, Million Mile passengers had their benefits severely cut.
According to The Consumerist, pre-merger Million Milers were promised Lifetime Premier Executive status as well as perks like a 100 percent bonus for miles flown and two free regional upgrades per year. After the merger, Million Mile members were demoted to the Gold Tier for those who fly 50,000 or more miles annually. One of the downgrades: receiving only 50 percent bonus miles instead of 100 percent.
Lagen is suing for breach of contract, good faith and fair dealing. He has invited other stiffed Million Milers to join the lawsuit.
United spokeswoman Mary Ryan told ABC: "We greatly value our Million Milers and are continuing to deliver valuable and highly competitive benefits with our lifetime program. One Million Milers receive benefits at the 50,000-mile premier status level – the same as before. We believe this suit is without merit."
United Airlines isn't the only carrier to feel the heat of frequent flyers. Earlier this month, an American Airlines frequent flyer filed suit against the airline after his unlimited pass was revoked.
Wonder what Thomas Stuker, United's 10 million mile flyer, would have to say about this.