U P F R O N T

U.S. Airlines: Profit, Loss, Survival, Hassle
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Last week, we mentioned in passing the U.S. airlines' dismal 1st-quarter financial performance. For the quantitatively inclined, the numbers for the 9 majors are as follows--

                     * millions

On a positive note, newly-IPO'd JetBlue reported a $13 million profit for the period. Also from JetBlue: rumor has it that they are close to launching a frequent flyer program, TrueBlue, possibly as soon as this month.

Notwithstanding the general theme of persistent outsized losses, Delta's chief Leo Mullin predicted blue skies ahead: "U.S. airlines have recovered from the initial blows of this crisis. Survival of all airlines seems probable." I'd call that wildly optimistic. Time will tell.

Mullin got 1 thing very right: he cited the "hassle factor" -- the long lines and other airport hold-ups -- as a key obstacle to the rebound of air travel.

But where Mullin apparently thinks the federal government and airlines can solve the security-screening problem sooner rather than later, I think it's more likely to be later. Too late, in fact, to keep 1 or more of the weaker carriers from slipping into bankruptcy.

We Have a Winner!!!
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Every week, I beat the proverbial bushes to find a travel-related contest or sweepstakes for the "Sweeps & Freebies" section (below). Dutifully, in the spirit of a consumer-product tester, I enter each and every sweepstakes I discover. And I never, ever win. One can't help but wonder: Does anybody actually win these things?

It's gratifying, therefore, to be able to report that a Crier reader did win a recent sweepstakes. For the information and inspiration of all, herewith a note from Karol:

"Just wanted to let you know that I was a winner in the MilePoint.com Refer A Friend promotion last fall and won a trip for 2 to Greece which also included a cruise around the Greek Islands. It was hard to believe, but it is true - someone has to win the contests, and I was fortunate enough to win that one! The folks at MilePoint.com were wonderful, and the travel company associated with the contest, Far and Wide Travel, were equally as wonderful. Sammy Azer from the USA, and Nikos from Athens (Tourlite Travel) made all of the arrangements, and everything was taken care of!"

Congrats, Karol. And thanks for keeping the dream alive for the rest of us winner-wannabe's.

M I L E S & P O I N T S

Three New Mileage-Builders from Northwest
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1. Bonus for E-mail Sign-Ups

Through Sept. 30, 2002, new subscribers to NWA e-mail will receive 1,000 miles upon enrollment, and an additional 1,000 miles for remaining enrolled through Dec. 31, 2002.

> More...

2. Double Miles for Memphis

Northwest is offering double miles for flights within the U.S. and Canada that include travel to, from or through Memphis, Tenn., between June 7 and Aug. 7, 2002. Register using the below link, or at 1-888-955-7878 with promo code 5046.

> More...

3. Bonus Miles for NWA.com Bookings

First-time buyers of roundtrip tickets at nwa.com will earn 2,000 bonus miles between May 1 and Sept. 30, 2002.

Online buyers will receive 500 bonus miles for subsequent purchases during the same period. Customers who have previously purchased at nwa.com will be eligible for the 500-bonus mile offer as well.

(Not valid with CyberSaver fares, E-Biz Perks Reservations or frequent flyer award travel reservations.)

> More...

U.S. - Canada Flights Earn Aeroplan Bonus Miles
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Earn double Aeroplan miles from May 15 to July 15, 2002, when flying non-stop between Canada and the U.S (excluding Hawaii, Florida and Las Vegas). Offer applies to Executive Class or Hospitality Service travel with a J, C, Y, M, B, H, V, or Q booking-class ticket on Air Canada or Air Canada Jazz.

You can also earn up to 10,000 Bonus Aeroplan miles between May 15 and Sept. 15, 2002, when you fly on a scheduled Air Canada or Air Canada Jazz operated flight in Executive Class or Hospitality Service with a J, C, Y, M, or B booking class ticket between the following cities:

• Atlanta and Toronto
• Boston and Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, or Toronto
• Chicago and Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal
• Dallas/Fort Worth and Toronto
• Houston and Calgary or Toronto
• Los Angeles and Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, or Montreal
• Newark and Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, or Toronto
• New York-La Guardia and Montreal or Toronto
• Philadelphia and Montreal or Toronto

Bonus miles are awarded based on the number of qualifying flights, as follows--

3 1-way segments = 1,000 bonus miles
5 1-way segments = 2,000 bonus miles
7 1-way segments = 3,000 bonus miles
9 1-way segments = 4,000 bonus miles
Maximum awarded = 10,000 bonus miles

> More...

[Kudos to Air Canada on the new Aeroplan website. It sets a new standard for graphic sophistication; navigation is straightforward; and it loads quickly.]

Redeem Diners Club Points for Double BA Miles
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Between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2002, Diners Club Rewards points are worth twice as much when redeemed for miles in British Airways' Executive Club program.

During the promotion period, points convert to miles at a 1:1 ratio, rather than the normal 2:1 ratio. Call Club Rewards at 1-800-234-4034 or go to http://clubrewards.dinersclubus.com to redeem for Executive Club miles.

Midwest Express Adds 1K-Mile Bonus for Roundtrips
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All published-fare roundtrips on Midwest Express will earn a 1,000-mile bonus through Sept. 30, 2002. The bonus can be earned a maximum of 5 times, for a total of 5,000 bonus miles.

Bid United Miles to Attend World Cup Soccer
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United is auctioning off 7 trips to Japan to attend 2 World Cup soccer matches, including the June 30th final of the 2002 FIFA World Cup at Yokohama International Stadium.

Packages include business-class air for 2, 6 night's hotel accommodation, event tickets, etc.

The bidding begins at 300,000 miles, and all bids must be received by May 20.

> More...

Upgrade or Earn Double AAdvantage Miles at Hertz
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Through June 30, 2002, AAdvantage members can choose between a double upgrade when renting a compact (Class B) through Sporty 2-door car (Class D), or double AAdvantage miles on any qualifying Leisure Rate rentals. These offers are valid at participating airport and suburban locations in the U.S. and Canada.

To receive either offer, cite your AAdvantage number and discount number CDP 217692, plus promo code 927076 for the upgrade or promo code 927813 for the double miles.

Get Godiva, Get OnePass Miles
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OnePass members will earn 1,000 miles or 10 miles per $1 spent, whichever is greater, for any online purchase of $50 or higher at Godiva Chocolatier. If that's not a sweet enough deal, they're throwing in a complimentary picture frame (while supplies last) with the chocolate through May 12, 2002.

Click on the ShopOnePass link at http://onepass.continental.com/ and look for the Godiva link.

S T E A L S & D E A L S

Deal Alert from SmarterLiving.com
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This week's hot deals from SmarterLiving.com...

Systemwide Savings on Travel this Spring and Summer
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US Airways has announced a systemwide fare sale, with savings on summer travel within the U.S. and to destinations in Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe. Delta has released a related sale on domestic flights. Purchase tickets online only, at least 14 days before departure (7 days for Florida), and no later than Friday, May 10.

> More...

Fly to/from Cities in Florida for as Low as $150 R/T
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US Airways has announced special "everyday low fares" between cities it serves in the Eastern U.S. and destinations in Florida. Fares start at $150 roundtrip and are valid for travel on any day of the week, except as noted. Depending on the route, a 7-, 14-, or 21-day advance purchase is required. Other airlines have matched these fares on competing routes.

> More...

S W E E P S T A K E S & F R E E B I E S

Win a "Trip a Day" from Hilton
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Enter the Hilton HHonors "Trip a Day Giveaway" between June 1 and Sept. 30, 2002, to win a 6-day/5-night vacation for 2 to any of more than 2,300 HHonors destinations worldwide, airfare included. One winner will be picked every day over the 4-month period.

There are 2 ways to enter: 1) complete a Double Dip stay at any participating HHonors hotel during the promotion; or 2) send an entry card with contact info to the sweepstakes administrator.

> More...

[Other travel-related sweepstakes and giveaways are here.]

R E A D E R R A N T S & R A V E S

Thumbs Up/Down on Travel Agents (cont)
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"Did anyone watch The Amazing Race on Television 04/24/02? Of the five couples needing to get a flight, four made their own reservations and one went to see a travel agent. Guess who got the best flight and arrived there first? I will continue to use travel agents."

- Lynn

"No" to ZIP
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"Regarding your item "Air Canada Will Launch Zippy Low-Cost Service"...

"For the first time I flew WestJet yesterday after having arrived on an Air Canada flight from San Francisco. I am an Air Canada Elite (such a snobbish name) member and have been such for the last ten years - first with Canadian and then following the merger, with Air Canada. Some years with Canadian I achieved Platinum status, but since the merger I have been flying less with Air Canada; however my miles have certainly not diminished; I just fly different airlines.

"Zip may be coming but I certainly will not be on it. I have flown Southwest a number of times and have been more than satisfied but must compliment the staff and management of WestJet for service attitude which goes beyond even Southwest. The base attitude towards their customers (or clients as they refer to us) is superlative. The staff were courteous, well mannered, smiled, greeted one with warmth and generally went out of their way to assist even suggesting a different flight where there would be no connections. By comparison, it is my experience that but for a few staff exceptions, the word 'service' is not in Air Canada's vocabulary. As an aside, I understand that Robert Milton, Air Canada's CEO has actually had the audacity to send a letter to all his staff telling them that one of their priorities is to "smile" at their customers. If they have to be told to smile, their is an endemic problem inherent within the corporation.

"AeroPlan and Air Canada points be damned. AeroPlan originally was conceived, along with other air line plans to be a reward to their frequent flyers. I am aware that the plan is changing to what may as well be another "Airmiles" plan where there are few perks for the frequent flyer and more for the infrequent-traveller by comparison. I will willingly give up the points to be treated like a valued client No, I will not be supporting Zip even though I live in Western Canada and belive that we should be supporting the local economy. My money will be going to WestJet in the future as will my recommendations when asked of a good Canadian airline. Three cheers for competition."

- Brian

Until next week...