FrequentFlier Blog

Following is our regular summary of the latest travel news and best frequent traveler promotions reviewed during the past week. If it was a good deal—or a notably bad deal—from an airline, hotel, or car rental loyalty program, you can read all about it here, and plan your travel accordingly. In New Satisfaction Study, Airlines Score 'Needs Improvement' J.D.

United has a new mileage-earning partner: ScoreBig, "the place to save every day on sports, concert and theater tickets without paying any fees or shipping charges for the privilege. All our tickets are below box office price and 100% guaranteed." Elsewhere,

According to the just-released J.D. Powers 2013 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, U.S.-based flyers are more satisfied with the overall travel experience, and the most satisfied they've been since 2006. That's been the gist of the headlines reporting on the study. But really, how much more satisfied are they? From the J.D. Powers news release:

There's a new wrinkle in American's boarding routine, described on American's website as follows: "We are making it easier than ever for you to get comfortable on board before departure. Now, customers without overhead luggage can board before Group 2." That means boarding after first-class passengers, those with elite status, Priority Access customers, and so on, but before everyone else.

Southwest's systemwide double points and double elite-qualifying points promotion was due to end today. Not! Offer Details Now extended through June 15, Southwest Rapid Rewards members can continue earning double redeemable points and double elite-qualifying points for all Southwest flights. Flights must be booked through Southwest in order to qualify for the bonuses.

The DOT's Bureau of Transportation Statistics yesterday released its report on U.S. airlines' 2012 financial performance, including data on individual carriers' operating margins, profit, operating costs, and both total revenue and revenue from baggage fees and cancellation fees. According to the report, total revenue for all U.S. airlines in 2012 was $159.5 billion. Of that, $6.

The airline business is tough. As many investors have discovered, even the best airlines sometimes struggle just to survive, never mind generating a profit. Further complicating the situation, it often seems like the normal rules of business and economics don't apply to commercial aviation. As discussed in a recent blog post,

American doesn't often discount award travel. And it will probably do so even less after the merger with US Airways is in place. So this offer for reduced-miles Las Vegas award flights could be among the last of its kind from American. Offer Details Through May 31, AAdvantage members can book award trips on American from anywhere in the contiguous U.S. to Las Vegas for 10,

Carlson continues to impress with the generosity of its loyalty-program. Bucking the industry trend toward significant increases in award prices, this year's Club Carlson changes were a net positive, with more award-price decreases than increases. The most recent triple-points promotion, which ended on March 15,