British Airways also allows others in the same household to pool their miles to accumulate an award level.

The time was extended from this month to March, creating more time - but less urgency - to meet various award levels.

The Academy selects three winners at differing award levels.

Tony Molinaro, a spokesman, said this was the first of a series of changes in award levels, both up and down, being announced this month.

Double, triple and multi-platinum award levels were introduced in 1989.

All the miles for an award have to come from one account, and the programs themselves remain separate, with their own award levels and rules.

"Simply suggesting the alternative routing enabled the agent to see the seat availability and book a ticket at the standard award level."

If you travel frequently on business, you may reach the highest award level within a few months.

Changes to Come Two airline programs have not yet announced changes in their award levels.

Another drawback is that Delta's program includes no first-class international tickets, a favorite prize for those who travel a lot, in its regular award level.