Politics, low prices, and double frequent flyer miles … oh, my!

Through the end of the year, travelers flying to or from Dallas will earn double miles or points from American and Southwest. The promotions apply to all Southwest flights to and from Dallas Love Field, and to all of American’s Love Field flights plus their Dallas (Ft. Worth) flights to destinations also served by Southwest.

The outbreak of promotional activity is a direct effect of the repeal of the 1979 Wright Amendment, which severely restricted Southwest flights from Love Field in Dallas. While the amendment’s restrictions won’t be lifted entirely for eight years, Southwest can in the interim fly anywhere from Love Field as long as the flights make a stop in Texas or eight other states.

Last week, following President Bush’s signing of the Wright Amendment Reform Act of 2006, Southwest announced the addition of 25 new routes to be launched from Love Field. With the 18 routes already served, that brings the total to 43 — all of which are being promoted with double Rapid Rewards points.

American had no choice but to counteroffer double AAdvantage miles, not only for its few flights into and out of Love Field but for competing Dallas-Ft. Worth services as well.

Further benefiting consumers, fare wars for Dallas flights have also broken out between American and Southwest.