American Airlines: Another way to collect fees from passengers

WHO: American Airlines

WHAT: The carrier has announced new and increased fees for passengers using frequent-flier miles, and others appear likely to follow suit.

WHY THEY ARE DOING IT: Airlines, financially strapped due to skyrocketing oil prices, are desperately hunting for ways to make more money and reduce costs.

WHY IT’S A BAD IDEA: There’s no point in having a customer-loyalty program if you punish people for using it or degrade it to the point that it becomes worthless.

WHERE TO VENT: American Airlines Customer Relations, P.O. Box 619612 MD 2400, DFW Airport, TX 75261-9612, or fax (817) 967-4162.