American just announced that they will implement an 18 month
frequent flyer mileage expiration policy. This comes after other
airlines such as Delta and United have implemented similarly
shortened expiration dates for your miles. Airlines are undertaking
this effort in order to reduce the outstanding number of frequent
flyer miles they must keep on their books.

Personally, I support this change. All one has to do in order to
prevent their miles from expiring is have some kind of activity in
their accounts at least once every 18 months. Anyone that can’t
manage that doesn’t need an account to begin with. Any activity,
whether adding to or removing from your account, counts for mileage
activity. There are a number of ways to ensure you don’t lose your
miles. Dining out, subscribing to magazines, buying flowers for your
mother, and the real adventurous among us might even try flying
somewhere!