O N S I T E

New on the FrequentFlier Forum
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Tom got his "Fly Free Faster" miles from NWA. Kevin poses the question: What to do with defunct Swissair miles? Lotusfla wonders: Which airlines give the most seats to frequent flyers? Ronald has pointers to special offers, sweepstakes. And more...

Do you have mileage-related questions, answers, anecdotes? Post them (and read others') on the FrequentFlier Forum.

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

JetBlue's TrueBlue BooBoo
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Like many industry-watchers, I looked forward with considerable anticipation to the launch of JetBlue's loyalty program, TrueBlue.

The official roll-out is behind us, and as it turns out, aside from the catchy name, the program has precious little to recommend it. Here's the executive summary: Limited earning and redemption opportunities; Uncompetitive award levels; "Worst in class" points expiration policy. But the name is very cool.

A full review of the program is online at http://frequentflier.com/blue.htm.

Delta Sells Last-Minute Upgrades
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Delta customers can now purchase first-class upgrades at 14 airports.

Pricing varies according to flight length: $40 for flights less than 800 miles, $60 for flights between 800 and 1,599 miles, and $80 for flights 1,600 miles or more. Free and heavily discounted tickets are not eligible for upgrades.

Airports currently participating in the program: Atlanta, Boston, Cincinnati, Dallas-Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York (JFK and La Guardia), Orlando, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington National. By the end of the year, all Delta airports should be online.

Citibank AAdvantage Discounts Awards
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AAdvantage members who use a Citibank AAdvantage card can obtain award flights to 31 destinations for 5,000 fewer miles.

Discounts are good for travel originating in the 48 contiguous United States from July 1 through Sept. 30, 2002.

> More...

AAdvantage Miles for Sale... Everywhere
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Now, AAdvantage members outside North American can purchase miles online for themselves, friends and family members. Previously, AAdvantage miles were only available for sale to members in the U.S. and Canada.

The mileage purchase option is currently positioned as a limited-time offer, valid through July 31, 2002. It's almost certain to be extended or made a permanent program feature. But bear the expiration date in mind, just in case...

> More...

Millennium, Copthorne Stays Earn AAdvantage Bonus
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AAdvantage members can earn double or triple miles on qualifying stays at Millennium and Copthorne hotels between July 1 and Sept. 1, 2002.

Double miles are awarded for stays of 1 to 3 nights. And triple miles are awarded for stays of 4 or more nights.

Qualifying rates are corporate, rack and AA Vacations.

From Ameritrade: 5,000 Bonus Miles for $5,000 Deposit
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Mileage Plus members who deposit $5,000 in their Ameritrade accounts before July 30, 2002, can earn 5,000 bonus miles. Offer valid for existing accounts funded with a new deposit of at least $5,000 between Apr. 23 and July 2002.

> More...

Dividend Miles "Update"
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In their most recent e-mail account statements, US Airways reassures Dividend Miles members as follows: "We have received questions about the impact on Dividend Miles in the event that US Airways files for bankruptcy protection. Please be assured that US Airways plans to operate the Dividend Miles Program as we do today. Miles already earned and future miles earned still would be available for award redemption. We will continue to keep you abreast of our plans..."

The real concern, judging from the considerable number of e-mail notes I've received, is not the bankruptcy scenario, which most consumers understand is simply a company's way of protecting itself temporarily from creditors while a long-term survival plan can be put into place. What worries Dividend Miles members is that US Airways might seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and never reemerge as a viable company.

Now that's a worthy topic for an "Update."

Hello...?

Earn Double Dividend Miles for CHI Flights
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Dividend Miles members can earn double miles for roundtrip flights to/from Chicago O'Hare between July 1 and Oct. 31, 2002.

Also, through Oct. 31, 2002, earn double miles on new US Airways Express service to Chicago Midway from Charlotte (beginning July 7, 2002) and from Pittsburgh (from Sept. 8, 2002).

Register using promo code 4931 before departure at http://www.usairways.com or by calling 1-800-872-4738.

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...

Last-minute savings to/from Florida, Vegas, New Orleans
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If you need to get away to the Big Easy, Sin City, or the Sunshine State in the next 2 weeks, Delta has announced sale fares to New Orleans, Las Vegas, and destinations in Florida from cities across the U.S. Travel is valid between June 24 and July 6. Book tickets at least 5 days before departure and by Sunday, June 23.

> More...

Domestic, Canadian, Caribbean savings from US Airways
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Plan your summer vacation with US Airways' new sale to/from cities the airline serves within the U.S., and to destinations in Canada and the Caribbean. Travel is valid from now through Aug. 8. Purchase tickets at least 7 days before departure and by Tuesday, June 25. Book online for an additional 5% discount.

> More...

S W E E P S & F R E E B I E S

Win "Hot Miami" from Marriott
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Enter Marriott Vacation Club's "Hot Miami" sweeps to win a 5-day/4-night vacation for 2 at Marriott's Villas at Doral in Miami, including air and rental car. Eight first-prize winners will receive 25,000 US Airways Dividend Miles each. Deadline for entries: Dec. 16, 2002.

> More...

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

Until next week...