Passenger Bill of Rights? Don't Bet on It.

Last week, the Senate Commerce Committee held hearings to consider a proposed Passenger Bill of Rights sponsored by Senators Barbara Boxer and Olympia Snowe.

As currently written, the bill would do little more than require flights to return to the gate if they are delayed on the ground for more than three hours. But even that seemingly modest requirement was enough to unleash the considerable countervailing efforts of the airlines and their lobbying and support groups.

While such a bill has the support of many in Congress, it remains essentially a grassroots movement, lacking the resources to overcome the organized and well-funded forces arrayed against it.

That's unfortunate since the will of the traveling public is clear. The results of our own FrequentFlier.com Poll show 91.2% favoring federal standards, and penalties for non-compliance.

To weigh in on the issue, or simply check the updated voting results, visit the FrequentFlier Polls.

FrequentFlier Forum Topics

As always, there's plenty of activity on the FrequentFlier Forum.

In the "Airline Programs" Forum, bavenkat is contemplating the ultimate disposition of his frequent miles: "The last time I checked with United, my frequent flyer miles cannot be willed to anybody else. They said the miles are for my exclusive use. So does that mean that if I pass away, my miles just 'expire'?!"

And in the "Credit Card Programs" Forum, STARFLEET is wondering what's in a name: "I just got my new and improved (looking) Starwood AMEX card, and it no longer says 'Platinum' on it. Just 'Preferred Guest.' The credit limit hasn't changed, the bills are paid on time, etc... Does PLATINUM actually get me anything besides a confident swagger? I wish Starwood/AMEX had clarified this before mailing me my demotion!"

Questions, answers? Post them to the Forum!

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Now Open for Business: The AirTran A+ Rewards Wireless Store

AirTran A+ Rewards members can earn three credits when purchasing cell phones and rate plans with Cingular, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, Nextel, T-Mobile, and other major wireless providers.

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Double Alaska Miles for Flights Between CA and Boise, Spokane

Through June 15, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can earn double miles for Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air flights between California cities and Spokane or Boise.

Registration is required.

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Frontier Offers More Miles for Denver, Memphis Flights

Between May 12 and June 15, Frontier EarlyReturns members will earn double miles on nonstop flights between between Denver and Memphis and between Memphis and Las Vegas or Orlando.

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More Midwest Miles for Milwaukee Flights

Between May 8 and November 30, Midwest Miles members will earn 1,000 bonus miles for every one-way flight between Milwaukee and Atlanta, Baltimore, Orlando, Raleigh/Durham or Tampa.

Registration is required.

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Northwest Doubles Miles for Memphis Flights

Between May 2 and June 15, WorldPerks members will earn double miles on Northwest flights between Memphis and Denver, Las Vegas or Orlando.

Registration is required.

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United Offers Bonus for London Flights

Between April 1 and May 17, Mileage Plus members can earn 1,500 bonus miles when flying United roundtrip (or two one-ways) in coach (Y, B, M, E, U, H, Q, or V booking classes) between the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands and London (LHR).

Registration is required.

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Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) Two-cent Fares from Spirit

Through 11:59 p.m. ET Thursday, Spirit is offering sale fares from two cents roundtrip. Destinations include Cancun, Myrtle Beach, and Ft. Myers. Spirit is offering a handful of these two-cent fares, but it also has fares from $16 roundtrip.

Travel at the lowest prices is valid on select dates from late April through late October. Book tickets by 11:59 p.m. ET on April 19.

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2) Spring Hawaii Fares on Hawaiian from $278

Flights to Oahu and Maui are on sale from Hawaiian. Prices start at $278 roundtrip for travel through early June.

Travel on most routes is valid through June 7. Travel from San Francisco is valid from May 1 through 15, and travel from Seattle is valid from May 24 to June 15. Hawaiian has not listed a booking deadline.

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Win a Trip for 2 to Tahiti

Through June 3, enter Shape Magazine's "Bikini Body Countdown" sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for two to Tahiti, including air and five nights' hotel accommodation.

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[Visit http://frequentflier.com/sweeps.htm for more travel sweepstakes.]

Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

[The following is in response to Jim B.'s rant in last week's newsletter.]

"I had the same problem with expiring miles with US Air and with no notification.

"I called and was told my miles could be re-established by flying or getting a US Air credit card within 30 days. I obtained the card; the fee is waived for either 1 or 2 years. My miles have 'returned' to my account." [Linda W.]

"To donate my U.S. Airways miles to operation Hero, I had to transfer some of my hotel points (an option they did not disclose) to my Dividend Miles to reactivate my account that had expired less than ten days before I filled out the Web form at Operation Hero.

"As far as U.S. Airways reactivating an account as a good will gesture, expressing my experience with them and to putting it politely would sound like street lingo descriptions of the major anatomical component in a Proctologist's class." [Steve S.]

"The article about redeeming miles is well taken.

"I even tried to schedule a trip for f/cv with Continental Miles. - Yes 2 years and they said "not available" 180k miles and we'll get you a seat, so it's not only United, it's all the airlines. - someone should look into this, be it some Federal Agency and see what crooked business these airlines are up to. Like the article said, we are all paying for the card!

"I have decided to put everything on my Visa and get cash refunds. It's a better deal." [Pam]

Until next week...