Hoarders of Aeroplan miles, BEWARE!

The frequent flyer reward program is taking back points from loyal members who've saved them up for a big trip.

No, it's not theft (not exactly). But there is definitely something missing from your wallet. Unfortunately, there is no point calling police.

As of July 1, 2007, Aeroplan began carrying through on the policy it announced last October. From their press release last year, here was part of the promise:

Effective July 1, 2007, Aeroplan will change the terms of its mileage
expiry policy to require members to have transacted with the program - either
one accumulation or one redemption - once in a consecutive 12-month period. 
This means that, as of July 1, 2007 and onwards from this date, a member must
have transacted once with the program in the 12 months prior to avoid expiry
of all miles in the account.

So, if you didn't use your Aeroplan card by taking a trip, or buy merchandise from a supplier, or book a flight, uh - sorry. As the expression goes: you're OUTTA here.

My friend, Devin Keshavjee, is among the losers. Points losers, that is. My Toronto TV producer pal, who worked at Global and now at places like CBC and Discovery, is out 76,000 miles. That more than enough for a round-trip ticket to Paris. He could have taken his wife on a holiday to Florida this winter. But no - Devin has lost his hard-earned loyalty points. Thanks to Aeroplan.

The company, of course, is looking for every opportunity to shed members like Devin. (Who had been stockpiling points in the hope of using them for a trip to Asia.)

It's house-cleaning time. Out with the in-frequent flyers. Off with the points.

How many Canadians with Aeroplan accounts will forget about this new rule and lose those stockpiled miles? I'm sure there will be many. (Please get in touch if you do; I'm working on a story about this.) The e-mail address is sos@globaltv.com

Undoubtedly, in the millions of e-mails Devin receives, there may have been one subtly warning of the possibility. A gentle reminder, maybe. But is that really licence to take away these miles?

What if your banker did the same? "Yes, sir, you did have $300,000 in your acccount. And I realize you've been sailing the world enjoying yourself these last 12 months. But unfortunately, that frivolity kept you from our bank, and we have every right to seize your money."

Not likely. That's called stealing.

Time to cash in the points, do some Aeroplan business, or to call these guys with your (polite) thoughts.