Now Open: FrequentBuyer Mile Search

Just a quick update on the new FrequentBuyer Mile Search...

As mentioned in last week's newsletter, we had planned to have links to the new application from other areas of the website in place by now. But the holiday weekend set us back a few days. By next week, the site's navigation should include the requisite pointers. Until then, you'll have to bookmark http://frequentflier.com/search.php.

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FrequentFlier Forum Topics

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

In the "Airline Programs" Forum, ronald has information and links to a number of mileage-earning opportunities that otherwise would almost certainly go unnoticed.

Also in the "Airline Programs" Forum, CandieGirl is looking for a mileage-earning credit card and is asking all the right questions: "Ease of miles redemption? Ease of miles accrual? Good overall service w/credit card and airline? Hopefully, airline is not in bankruptcy? Don't need to spend too much in order to finally use miles (I'm self-employed and don't make a lot: tend to need to save up for these trips)."

And much more. Questions, answers? Post them to the Forum!

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Bonus American Miles for Cathay Pacific Flights to Hong Kong

Through Aug. 15, AAdvantage members can earn 15,000 bonus miles for roundtrip Cathay Pacific flights between Los Angeles, New York/JFK, San Francisco and Hong Kong in first class (fares booked in F or A) or 10,000 bonus miles for roundtrips in business class (fares booked in J, C, D, or I).

Registration is required. Promotion code: CXSUM.

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Frontier Discounts Mexico Awards

Through July 12, Frontier EarlyReturns members can redeem 10,000 fewer miles for selected award flights to Mexico for travel through August or October, depending on route. With the discount, Mexico awards are priced at 15,000 miles.

At press time, Frontier's website hadn't been updated to reflect the new booking deadline announced by Frontier via e-mail. To take advantage of the discount, call 1-866-26-EARLY (1-866-263-2759).

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Bonus Miles Plus a Free Day for National Car Rentals

Through Dec. 31, Midwest Miles members can earn 500 bonus Midwest Miles plus receive a free weekend day when reserving a compact through full-size car for three to five days at participating National locations in the U.S or Canada.

Rental must include a Saturday night.

Book online at nationalcar.com or by calling 1-800-CAR-RENT and citing contract ID number 5005027 and coupon code 10009763 at time of reservation.

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Earn More Northwest Miles at the Mall

Between July 1 and Sept. 15, WorldPerks members who spend $150 shopping at the WorldPerks Mall will earn a one-time 500-mile bonus.

Registration is required.

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Double miles for Thrifty Rentals in Florida

Between July 1 and Aug. 14, Thrifty Car Rental is offering double frequent flyer miles in any of six airline programs for rentals of a compact or larger car for two or more days booked in advance at any participating Thrifty location in Florida on THRIFTY.com.

Double miles are available in the following programs: American AAdvantage, Continental OnePass, Delta SkyMiles, Northwest WorldPerks, United Mileage Plus and US Airways Dividend Miles.

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25K Miles-for-Dining Bonus from United

Between July 1 and Dec. 31, United Mileage Plus members who spend at least $125 a month on qualified dines will earn a 25,000-mile bonus at the end of the promotion period.

To earn the bonus, Mileage Plus members must register by July 25.

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Earn More Dining Miles from US Airways

Between July 1 and Sept. 30, US Airways Dividend Miles members can earn 250 bonus miles for up to four qualifying dines of $15 or more each, up to a maximum of 1,000 bonus miles.

Registration is required.

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WORLDHOTELS Adds New Airline Partners

WORLDHOTELS has joined four new airline programs. Beginning June 1, WORLDHOTELS customers could earn miles for eligible stays in the programs of Air France/KLM, SN Brussels Airlines and US Airways. And on July 1, Alitalia was added to the list.

With the latest additions, WORLDHOTELS' partner roster includes 16 airline partners.

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Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) Fares to Bermuda from United: $120 Each Way

Summer flights to Bermuda are on sale from United starting at $120 one-way.

Departures at the lowest prices are valid Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sept. 5. Saturday departures are available for an additional $25. United has not listed an end date for travel or a booking deadline.

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2) Ireland Fares on American from $602

Summer flights to western Ireland are on sale with American's Shannon offer. Prices start at $602 roundtrip, and departures are available from both coasts.

Travel is valid daily through Sept. 30. American has not listed a booking deadline.

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Win a Trip for Two to London

Enter British Airways' Wimbledon Sweepstakes by July 10 for a chance to win a trip for two to London, including premier economy air on British Airways; four days/three nights at a four-star hotel in central London; and tickets to a theater show in West End London.

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

Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

"I was reading an article in the July 2006 Private Travel Robb Report and it indicates that basically the reason that US Business class is what it is because that is what the American consumer is willing and able to pay for.

"Also Jennifer Belgrade - Spokesperson for Northwest - Says that 'people on short haul flights are more interested in moving through the airport as expeditiously as possible.'

"Now we all know that First / Business class on short haul flights is only a bigger seat and a pre flight cocktail or juice, and that is when and only when the flight attendants so desire to offer the juice.

"Now Northwest Airlines never asked me how I feel about air travel on their airline for which I am frequent flyer on, so I ask where their basis for research comes from. I personally would pay a bit more for a more relaxed trip. For one I am not interested in running and rushing 'expeditiously' through the airports without my lunch, morning coffee or a chance to return phone calls and check E mails. I actually find that by planning a little longer trip, booking a longer layover and working through that period allows me to get something done now that I won't have to stay up for hours doing tonight in a hotel. Furthermore anything I have sent to the 'contact us' link on the NWA website does not even return a personal response. I have only received the mysterious 1000 to 4500 mile 'Customer Relations Bonus' that is directly related only to what Northwest Airlines feels that the inconvenience they have cost you is worth to you in miles. Thank you for the miles but how did that solve the problem?

"So why not treat the business traveler better, stop trying to gouge them on certain short haul fares and last minute bookings, give those that fly the miles the chance to get one of those, better seats and maybe for once let the airlines corporate specialists travel around with some of us for a couple months and see what really goes on in airports and on flights.

"The next few pages in the Robb Report talks about charters and purchasing shares and charters... I just wonder if those charter companies started targeting the business travelers and got aggressive on pricing and offered some of their trained personalized services how many frequent short haul travelers would make the jump to this type of service?

"I suggest readers do a Google search on Air Taxis and the future of air travel." [Dale E. B.]

Until next week...