The program essentially is for those who fly south of the border from time to time or who are resident in South America. Those who fly frequently would be better advised to concentrate their efforts with an American perk-laden program. Nevertheless, Mexicana Frecuenta is a program to be reckoned with and has kept abreast of changes over the years, most recently getting rid of its expiring kilometers policy. Being the other half of the Mexican duopoly, the program could have been accused of being more worried about its domestic competition as opposed to its global competition, but it’s alliances should give the program a more global perspective. Mexicana award levels are low, making them fairly easy to reach. The enrollment bonus is very generous and makes Mexicana an enticing choice for beginners.
Although, I was a Star Alliance Gold Member of them for 2 years... and was a great program, whilst they were part of the Star Alliance - alas no more!
Ability to earn..
Business class (Clase Ejecutiva) earns a 25-percent bonus within Mexico, and a 50-percent bonus on international flights.
Earning on Frecuenta partner airlines is roughly the same, though a few airlines offer lower minimums (American gives 500 miles, for example), and some that offer first-class cabins allow for a higher class-of-service bonus.
Frecuenta also offers two co-branded credit cards. The Santander-Mexicana card offers 1 mile per U.S. dollar, or its equivalent in pesos, with 3 miles per dollar spent on Mexicana purchases, and 5 miles per dollar on purchases for entertainment, such as shows, movies, etc.
In addition, the Mexicana Visa Platinum card offers 1 mile per dollar, and 2 miles on Mexicana purchases, but comes with a host of benefits, including a free companion ticket on first use and 2,000 anniversary miles. The Visa Platinum is only available to U.S. residents.
Members may also purchase miles in 1,000-mile increments, for US$16 plus tax.
Then, of course, there are a number of partner companies with their own loyalty currencies which may be transferred into Frecuenta Miles. Fiesta Rewards points, for example, transfer to miles at a rate of 1,000 points per 625 miles.
Award choices...
Frecuenta's award levels are quite reasonable: a coach-class roundtrip within Mexico, for instance, runs just 20,000 miles -- 40,000 in business class.
Trips between Mexico and the U.S. are 30,000 and 60,000 miles, respectively. Frecuenta's most "expensive" award -- from Canada to Argentina in business class -- runs 180,000 miles.
One-way upgrades run between 5,000 and 30,000 miles, depending on the route.
Partnerships.... plenty of Mexican and South American partners... not much for us out of those areas... compared to other programs...
Curiously, Mexicana remains in a non-alliance partnership with many of the Star members, including Air New Zealand, Asiana, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, SAS, Singapore and Varig. Air Canada did cut its ties with the Mexican carrier, though, after the fallout with United.
Other airline partners include Aeromar, Aeromexico, Iberia, and LAN.
Car rental partners are Avis and Hertz.
Most major North American hotels are represented, including Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, InterContinental, Radisson and Starwood. Also included are Camino Real, Fiesta Americana, Brisas, Lucerna, Mansion Real, and Sol Melia.
Other mileage-earning partners include GlobalOne, Grupo BGM, Hugo Boss, and Puntos Club.
Elite program
I used to be a black card holder... no more!
Members who earn 25,000 miles or make 40 one-way segments in a year achieve Executive level, which comes with a 25-percent earning bonus; upgrades to Executive class with a companion flying in the same class and itinerary, on flights operated by Mexicana classes Y, B, M up to 48 hours in advance of flight departure; personal access to Mexicana Executive Lounges; priority boarding; and priority standby and reservations.
For 40,000 miles or 60 segments in a year, members attain Elite status, which comes with all the benefits of Executive, plus a 50-percent earning bonus; upgrades within five days of departure; upgrades for a companion in Tourist class up to one hour before departure; access to Executive Lounges with a companion; extra luggage allowance of 20 kg.; priority baggage handling, use of the Business Center in Mexico City; and a dedicated service desk.
Mexicana's top tier, Infinite, is reserved for those who rack up 50,000 miles or 80 segments in a year. Infinite members get a 75-percent bonus, unlimited upgrades with a companion; access with two companions to Executive Lounges; access to American Airlines Admirals Club and Iberia's VIP lounges; and waiver of change fees on full-fare tickets.
Rules
Technically, Frecuenta miles do not expire. Nevertheless, accounts can be unilaterally cleared by Mexicana in the absence of any activity within three years.
Awards may be issued in anyone's name, but once issued are not transferable.
Retroactive credit for miles earned before enrollment is no longer allowed. Members have six months to claim missing miles
Never had any of my miles expire yet..... after 8 years...
Service and support.
Website - what a joke!
It's slow, confused, and severely lacking in functions like online award booking and missing mileage requests.
Of course, during the time we composed this review, it was also simply down half the time. That may be an indication that it is undergoing some improvements. But at present? Yikes.
Final bits..
That Web site. In fairness, we should point out that rival Aeromexico's site is not much better, but please, somebody...fix that thing
