U P F R O N T

BA vs. VS
==============

When it comes to a cat fight between arch rivals British Air and Richard Branson's hipper alternative (2-letter code: VS), it's hard to say where serious proposals end and thumb-in-your-eye posturing begins. But following BA's announcement that their Concorde fleet would be mothballed in Oct., Branson has unleashed a steady stream of disparaging challenges, culminating in an offer to purchase BA's 5 Concordes for 5 million pounds.

So far, BA has adamantly refused to seriously consider the offer, proving apparently that their animus toward VS trumps the profit motive, and the best interest of their shareholders. Or is BA simply forestalling future embarrassment if VS proved able to do what BA couldn't: viz. operate the Concorde profitably?

(Speaking of questionable motives, if Branson's interest in the Concorde is genuine, one has to wonder why he hasn't offered to purchase Air France's SST fleet.)

Also new -- and unequivocally laudable -- from Sir Richard: beginning today, VS is offering custom tailoring in the VS Clubhouse at London Heathrow. Passengers in the airline's Upper Class lounge can be measured for a new suit or shirt, which will be ready for delivery in 4 weeks. Prices start at $520 for a suit, $96 for a shirt. Plus the cost of the Upper Class ticket to access the lounge.

Last Call for TWA Miles
==========================

Because a mile is a terrible thing to waste...

One last time: on June 30, American will stop honoring requests to exchange TWA Aviators miles for AAdvantage miles. If you have TWA miles, call the AAdvantage service center at 1-800-882-8880.

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

American Discounts CA-HI Awards
==================================

AAdvantage members can save 15,000 miles when booking a restricted PlanAAhead award or 30,000 miles when booking an unrestricted AAnytime award in first/business class for travel between California and Hawaii.

With the discounts, a PlanAAhead award is 60,000 miles and an AAnytime award is 120,000. Discount is for travel between now and Dec. 31, on American or American Eagle, between California and Hawaii only.

America West Adds Upgrade-Eligible Fares
=======================================

Effective July 1, non-elite FlightFund members will be able to upgrade from a wider range of discount coach fares -- for 10,000 miles 1-way, 20,000 miles roundtrip on most discounted coach fares; and 15,000/30,000 miles for 1-way/roundtrip on K, V, M fares.

And new for elite members: they may upgrade K, V, M fares for 10,000/20,000 miles for 1-way/roundtrip flights.

> More...

1,000 Bonus Miles for Continental Vacations
======================================

Through July 31, OnePass members who book selected vacation packages that include an Avis car rental will receive 1,000 bonus miles plus a $25 discount on the car rental. Destinations include Colorado, Reno/Lake Tahoe, Salt Lake City and Wyoming.

Travel must take place between July 5 through Sept. 30. Promotion code: 1PASSAVIS.

> More...

Award Redemption Set for CO-DL-NW Alliance
=========================================

When we went to press with last week's story on the 3-way frequent flyer program agreement linking Continental, Delta and Northwest, the date for reciprocal award redemption had not been established. Now it has, and it's sooner than anyone had anticipated: July 15.

To recap, effective June 18, members of all 3 programs may earn miles for flights on any of the 3 airlines. And on July 15, members of those same 3 programs will be able to redeem their miles for award flights on any of the 3 airlines. (As with earning miles, flights on Song and Delta Connection operated by American Eagle will not be included in the redemption part of the alliance.)

Double Midwest Miles for Milwaukee Flights
=====================================

n response to Northwest's new Milwaukee flights (see below), Midwest Air is offering double miles for Midwest or Midwest Connect flights originating or terminating in Milwaukee between July 1 and Aug. 31. Same-plane travel through Milwaukee does NOT earn the bonus.

Register prior to travel at http://www.midwestmiles.com or at 1-414-570-4125 (option 3, then option 2). Use promo code 65332.

From Northwest: Bonus for Milwaukee Flights
========================================

On July 1, Northwest will launch new service from Milwaukee to Boston, New York (La Guardia), Washington D.C. (Reagan National), Orlando, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.

To promote the new flights, Northwest is offering 2,000 bonus miles for a roundtrip or 1,000 for 1-way flights, between July 1 and Sept. 30. Registration is required prior to travel and no later than Aug. 31. Promotion code: 8275.

> More...

Northwest Offers Milwaukee Awards for Less
==========================================

Related to the above, and applicable to the same flights, Northwest is discounting from 25,000 to 20,000 miles coach award travel on its new Milwaukee services, between July 1 and Sept. 30.

Travel must be ticketed by Sept. 26. Reference code: GNWP WPMKESALE.

> More...

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

Deal Alert from SmarterLiving.com
=================================

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

Companion fare sale to Hong Kong from $444
----------------------------------------------------
Continental has announced discounts on companion fares to Hong Kong, so you and a friend can travel and save money together. Departure is valid from Aug. 1 through 26, and you must return by Aug. 31. Book tickets by Friday, June 27.

Continental is also offering low Hong Kong sale fares for solo travelers, with flights from Newark starting at $499 roundtrip, not including additional taxes and fees.

> More...

Summer sale fares to Canada from $131
------------------------------------------------
Three airlines have announced sale fares to Canada, so you can find good deals if you're planning a trip north of the border this summer, through Sept. 30. Book tickets at least 7 days in advance, and by Thursday, June 26, on Air Canada and American; United has not announced a specific booking deadline.

> More...

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

This Week's E-Mail Bag
========================

"The last three times I have tried to book reward mileage with Continental -- many months in advance -- they have never had seating for regular reward mileage (25,000 miles). But they always have seats if you want to burn twice that many miles just to get on the plane. Does anyone really know how many seats are allotted to a flight or is Continental just out to totally screw us? This sounds like something that Frequent Flier might want to grab onto and lead us in a class action lawsuit."

- BJ

F R E Q U E N T F L I E R F U N N I E S

True (Funny) Travel Stories
=============================

"While returning from duty overseas, our military aircraft had experienced some mechanical problems that forced us to be placed on a United Airlines civilian flight.

"The senior flight attendant took it all in stride as we came on board with all of our weapons. Even the passengers, who at first looked surprised at the sight of their aircraft being boarded by camouflaged soldiers, chuckled during the pre-flight briefing. In her most everyday tone, the flight attendant announced, 'ladies and gentlemen, please stow your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you. If you have a rifle or machine gun with you today, please place it under the seats and next to the wall of the plane. And I don't want to see any of those steel helmets in the overhead compartments either. Put those under the seats as well. Oh, and by the way, welcome home.'"

[Thanks to Bob, who contributed this week's story for the enjoyment of Crier readers.]

Until next week...