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Just a reminder: If you're not already doing so, use this link to follow us on Twitter and stay abreast of the latest in frequent flyer program news, opinion, and advice.

"Up Front" Blog Entries

Following are some of Tim's recent blog posts:

• Is United's the Most Rewarding Rewards Program?
  In its new ad campaign, United claims that Mileage Plus is "The mileage program that wants you to use your miles." Program members themselves will be the judges.
• After Tweaks, Is Starwood Still the Best Rewards Card?
  In October, the Starwood credit card will cost more and offer more benefits. With the changes, will it still be the darling of the travel rewards world?
• American Waives Rush Fees, but Only for Elites
  New fee waiver is good news for elites. But American should follow United and Delta's lead, eliminating these nuisance fees altogether.
• United Discounts Short-Haul Award Tickets
  With United's latest award sale, Mileage Plus members can fly free for 30 percent fewer miles.
• Q&A: Can I Transfer My Iberia Frequent Flyer Miles to American?
  Since American and Iberia are frequent flyer partners, I should be able to transfer miles from one program to the other, right?

The FrequentFlier Forum - Hot Topics

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

In the "Credit Card Programs" Forum, LynnLou is considering her credit card options in light of the upcoming United-Continental merger:

I recently cancelled my Continental OnePass Chase credit card (with the $85 annual fee) and probably cannot reapply. Would I be safe in signing up for a United Mileage Plus card and assuming that I can combine those miles with my Continental miles after the merger?

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

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Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) AirTran, Delta Summer and Fall Sales From $44 Each Way

Both AirTran and Delta are offering major new sales on late-summer and fall travel, but only for a very short time: The promotions end tomorrow, August 5.

In all, more than 70 cities are included. AirTran's rates start at $44 one-way ($88 round-trip), while Delta's are available from $98 round-trip (one-way flights are not available from Delta). Overall, these sale rates are the lowest around for the routes involved.

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2) $558 Europe Flights With Delta

Fly to Barcelona, Dublin, London, and Moscow, among other destinations, with Delta's latest international sale. Round-trip autumn flights start at $558.

Travel is available September through November, but tickets must be booked before Monday, August 9.

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Win a Trip for 2 to Rome, Italy

Enter Delta Vacations' "When in Rome" sweepstakes by August 31 for a chance to win a trip for two to Rome, Italy, including airfare and hotel accommodations.

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[Visit FrequentFlier.com for more travel sweepstakes.]

Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

We welcome reader feedback on issues related to travel generally and frequent flyer programs in particular. Please use this link to submit comments.

Redeeming United Miles for Merchandise

"I retired a few years ago from a job where I traveled a lot. Since retirement I have travelled very little. I realized this year that I would never use up all of my miles in United Mileage Plus on travel. So I went to their merchandise website to see what they offer.

"I used about 225,000 miles and got a 55 inch HD LCD TV. The process was easy, someone promptly answered all of my questions via email, the TV was delivered and set up in about two weeks and it's great. After reading about everyone's problems using miles to travel, I think I got a great deal for miles that probably would have expired anyway." [Sherry H. - Tubac, AZ]

Another United Redemption Option

"I wasn't aware until recently that United had a mileage redemption program allowing the traveler to redeem miles towards credit on a UA charge card. I have to admit I was quite upset I couldn't upgrade any seats using just mileage on my recent trek to Boston (from Hawaii), but I am very satisfied I was able to receive most of my plane fare back via the redemption program. In the end, my ticket cost $90.

"Kudos to the United Boston skycap that let me slide by with my slightly overweight luggage. He earned a well-deserved tip." [Faith K. - Honolulu, HI]

Cash Surcharges for Upgrades

"OK, maybe I've been living in a cave, but when I recently tried to use my American miles for an upgrade, I was shocked to find that I would also have to include a cash surcharge along with the miles.

"As a reality check, I hopped onto United's website and sure enough they're also charging both miles and cash for upgrades.

"What ever happened to 'free' flights?" [Warren P.]

Until next week...