Without drawing any kind of moral equivalency, let's just say that December 1, 2007, is a date that will live in business-travel infamy. That's when one of the Big Six will complete a sneak attack that will destroy the frequent-flier programs as we have known them.

If you're a player in Delta SkyMiles, I suggest you cash out by November 30 because your miles will essentially be worthless the next day. Playing in other frequent-flier plans? Start considering your options because, if Delta succeeds, your carrier of choice is sure to do the same thing.

Delta is devaluating its SkyMiles program. Sky Saver awards are increasingly impossible to find, and now Sky Choice awards are going to become scarce too.

What good are the miles if you can't redeem them?

The end of frequent-flier programs - USATODAY.com