"Up Front" Blog Entries

Following are some of Tim's recent blog posts:

• CFO bails out of troubled Mesa Air
  Loss of top manager is latest bad news for a precarious airline.
• Email scam targets frequent flyers
  Is that email from your mileage program? Don't be too sure.
• Amid the chaos, planes fly full
  Airlines' new strategy: higher prices, less comfort.

FrequentFlier Forum Topics

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

In the "Airline Programs" Forum, ronald provides a primer on participating in Northwest's Miles to Go promo: "First thing when accessing the site, PRE-REGISTER your NW ff acct number. Then and only then do any or all the activities of that promotion, BUT make sure that after you have pre-registered that you access thr promotional sweepstakes, called Miles to Go, run by Eprize..."

And in the "Credit Card Programs" Forum, mike_sol is looking for non-travel awards: "Do you know if I can sell my Amex points to someone to get more than 1% cash back? I don't need points for travel, neither do I like what Amex offers in its shop... any suggestions?"

Questions, answers, opinions? Post them to the Forum!

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Hilton Opens Online HHonors Mall

HHonors members can now earn points for purchases at more than 200 online retailers participating in the newly opened Hilton HHonors Earnings Mall.

As with the largest of the airline mileage malls, the HHonors mall features major merchants in a wide range of retail sectors, including apparel, computers and consumer electronics, luggage, books, jewelry, food and wine, etc. Most vendors offer between two and ten points per $1 spent.

To participate, HHonors members must first enroll and register a credit card.

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Bonus Hyatt Points for San Francisco Stays

Through August 31, Hyatt Gold Passport members will receive 5,000 bonus points for stays of two or more nights at the following San Francisco area properties: Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf, Grand Hyatt San Francisco, Hyatt Regency San Francisco, Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport, Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, and Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel and Spa.

Use promo code SFO5K when booking online at Hyatt.com.

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Double United Miles for Air One Flights

Between June 14 and August 31, Mileage Plus members will earn double miles for Air One flights within Europe booked in conjunction with United flights from the U.S. to Germany or from Washington, DC, to Rome. The bonus is for the Air One flights beyond Germany and Rome.

Registration is not required.

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More US Air Elite-Qualifying Miles for Biz Class Flights

Through August 31, Dividend Miles members can earn 5,000 extra elite-qualifying miles by flying US Airways in Envoy class (their business class) across the Atlantic.

Registration is required. Promotion code: en5q.

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Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) Florida Fares on Allegiant from $59 Each Way

Allegiant is offering a new Florida sale with fares starting at $59 one-way or $118 round-trip. Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, and St. Petersburg are included.

Travel is valid from June 10 through December 15. Book by June 28, 11:59 PM ET.

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2) Aruba Sale Fares on US Airways from $270

Aruba flights are on sale from US Airways. Fares start at $270 round-trip, and departures are available from Baltimore, Chicago, New York, and more.

Fares may require a seven- or 14-day advance purchase, depending on the route. Travel from Baltimore and Charlotte is valid through August 31. Detroit and New York departures are valid on Saturdays only.

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Win Business-Class Tickets for 2 to Europe

Enter the Global Traveler "Seating is Believing" sweepstakes by August 1 for a chance to win airberlin business-class tickets for two to Europe. (The prize is air-only, but it IS business class.)

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[Visit FrequentFlier.com for more travel sweepstakes.]

Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

"Am watching NBC's "Today" report on cutting back flights based on fuel costs as this is typed. The message within is that we just won't travel as much by air (or car), and the sooner we "get over it", the better. The logical conclusion for the airlines is that if you cut enough, you'll close your own door.

"We still live, after all, in a "free economy". Why in the world would anyone pay $130 (or $500) for a "barrel of oil" in the age of the internet? The airlines, sad to say, are going the way of the buggy whip. The entire commercial infrastructure (many hotels, restaurants, destination resorts) will be impacted and drop from sight: people just won't travel as much.

"It will take awhile for America to catch up to how it works in Europe (and admittedly where the distances are shorter). But, along the way, oil won't be the driving force as it is now with the airlines, GE, or Pratt & Whitney engines. We are on the cusp of an industrial revolution that will change our lives. Welcome it, as we did the "man to the Moon" project of the 1960s (at least half of our population didn't experience because they weren't born).

"It won't be easy, but we'll handle it. We will be in cars (and maybe airplanes) powered by hydrogen sooner than you might think." [Ed N.]

"I'm furious with American re the new bag fees. And my first impulse is to 'take by business elsewhere.'

"But looking at the alternatives, they're not much better. The nickel and dimeing is everywhere.

"Wherever possible, I'll be driving instead of flying." [Flying Texan]

"For every one who has issues with their airline's frequent flyer program, I have one word: Southwest. It's simple, and so far I've had no problems getting free seats when cashing in my points." [Ben - San Francisco, CA]

Until next week...