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UP FRONT..........................................................
Readers Ranting, Raving
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If the volume and tone of feedback we receive from Crier readers is indicative of the state of the industry -- and I assume it is -- then the airlines are in deep trouble.
Since we began publishing the Crier in 1998, we have never received as many "Rants & Raves" (see below) as we did over the past week... so many in fact that we couldn't fit them all in this week's newsletter.
This week, for the first time in 312 issues, you'll have to link to the online version of the Crier (which you're now reading) to view the entire "Reader Rants & Raves" section.
Industry Newsbites (Signs of the Times)
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If the Big 6 seem incapable of winning the hearts and minds of the traveling public, they've fared no better with their own employees.
As we go to press, United's flight attendants have cast a no-confidence vote in the carrier's top management team and threatened to take legal action to force them out. That jab comes on the heels of a request by another of United's unions, the International Association of Machinists, that the court overseeing the airline's bankruptcy appoint a trustee to manage United -- in effect, another no-confidence vote in current management. Meanwhile, according to the Financial Times, United's latest turnaround plan includes shedding as many as 6,000 of those ungrateful employees.
In Arlington, VA, rancorous negotiations between US Airways and its pilots have broken off, even as the possibility of a second bankruptcy filing looms ever larger. And this time, there's the added danger that reorganization would lead to liquidation.
ON SITE...........................................................
FrequentFlier Forum Topics
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As always, there's plenty of activity on the FrequentFlier Forum.
Marathon Man weighs in on United's new award ticket fees: "I think it is stupid and we need to complain en mass."
Batt44 worries: "I am Chairman (elite) on US Airways, and have a ton of unused miles. Any suggestions on what to do, now that they may go under??? I'm afraid they may go Chapter 7, and I'll lose all of my miles..."
BruceH had his Hilton HHonors Gold status extended. "Go Hilton!"
And much more... Questions, answers? Post them to the Forum!
-> More: http://frequentflier.com/forums/index.php
MILES & POINTS....................................................
Air Canada Bonus for N. America Flights
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From Sept. 13 through Dec. 15, Aeroplan members will earn up to 75% more miles for flights within Canada or between Canada and the Continental U.S. including Alaska, on Air Canada, Jazz, and Air Canada 4-digit flights operated by Air Georgian Limited (dba Air Alliance), Central Mountain Air and Air Labrador. Also eligible: United flights between Canada and the U.S.
Mileage bonus ranges from 75% for Executive Class to 25% for Fun fares.
Registration is required.
-> More: https://aeroplan.com/en/offers/promotion_aug122004.jsp
ATA Offers Affinity Credit Card
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Members of ATA's Travel Awards program can now earn points by charging purchases to the newly launched ATA Platinum and Business Visa cards, issued by U.S. Bank.
Members earn 3,300 points after their first purchase and 1 point for every $3 in purchases, with no annual points limit.
Annual fees are $55 and $75 for Platinum and Business cards respectively. APR is variable, currently 14.24%.
-> More: http://myatavisa.com/ata14
Best Western Doubles the Rewards
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Between Sept.1 and Nov. 30, Gold Crown Club International (GCCI) members will earn either double points or double airline miles for qualifying Best Western stays.
Register for the Best Western "Double Up" offer prior to the first stay at http://www.bestwesterndoubleup.com, or by calling 1-800-WESTERN promotion code DBL04.
Separately, as of July 2, GCCI stopped awarding United Mileage Plus miles for hotel stays and offering Mileage Plus redemption awards. GCCI members who have United as their selected airline should update their profiles with a new airline partner.
-> More: http://www.goldcrownclub.com/
Bonus for Sept. Song Flights
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SkyMiles members will earn a 5,000-mile bonus for every qualifying roundtrip flown on Song between Sept. 1 and Sept. 30. Flights operated by Delta, Delta Connection, Delta Shuttle and Delta designated code-share flights are excluded.
Tickets must be purchased between Aug. 13 and Sept. 30 to qualify for the bonus miles.
Registration is required.
-> More: http://flysong.com/create_a_trip/promos/bonus/index.jsp
Midwest Discounts Companion Ticket
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Members of Midwest Miles may redeem 10,000 miles for a companion award ticket -- half the usual number -- for travel to any Midwest destination between Sept. 1 and Sept. 30.
Companion ticket must be used for travel together with a Midwest Miles member traveling on a purchased ticket. Limit: 1 companion award per member per trip.
Companion award must be booked through Midwest Airlines at least 24 hours in advance, using promo code YXPC10. Express fees will be waived for this promotion.
-> More: http://www.midwestmiles.com
NWA Unleashes Mile-Zilla! "A Monster Promotion"
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WorldPerks members can earn up to 100,000 bonus miles in this monstrously complicated promotion from Northwest.
Register for the promo by Dec. 31. Then, between Sept. 7 and Jan. 31, earn points for a variety of Northwest and partner transactions. And finally, after the promotion ends, the points convert to bonus miles.
Qualifying activities include Northwest flights, airport lounge memberships, hotel and rental car use, etc.
-> More: http://www.nwa.com/offers/milezilla/
Priority Club Rewards Bonus for Multiple Nights
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Between Sept. 13 and Dec. 17, Priority Club Rewards members will earn 3,000 bonus points or 1,000 bonus airline miles after every 3 qualifying nights at InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites hotels.
Maximum bonus during the promo period: 30,000 points or 10,000 miles.
Registration is required.
-> More: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/pc/1/en/home
Red Roof Inns Offers Bonus After 2 Stays
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Members of Red Roof Inns' RediCard Preferred Member program will earn 4,000 RediCard bonus points after every 2 stays at any Red Roof Inn between Sept. 6 and Oct. 17.
With the bonus, total earnings for the two stays will exceed 5,000 points, enough for a free night or 1,000 Delta SkyMiles.
-> More: http://www.redroof.com/promotions/redicard/index.asp
FREQUENTFLIER FITNESS.............................................
Planning for Travel Fitness
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Provided by Healthy Travel Network (www.healthytravelnetwork.com)
Planning and commitment are key factors in staying fit while you travel. Try these tips to achieve success.
1. Define SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.
2. Be flexible within the constraints imposed by your travel schedule and logistics.
3. Write your goals in your journal or e-mail them to yourself.
4. When booking your hotel, call ahead or check www.healthytravelnetwork.com or www.airportgyms.com to get details about the exercise facility.
5. If no facility is available, plan alternative activities such as running, walking, or an in-room workout.
6. When packing, select your workout gear according to the weather and activities that you've planned.
7. On the outbound plane ride, review your goals.
8. If you have time-based goals, schedule appointments with yourself on your calendar. Treat these appointments with the same respect as a customer meeting.
9. Say "No" to co-workers or customers whose demands interfere with your goals.
10. At the end of your trip, celebrate your success with a friend, co-worker, or family member.
STEALS & DEALS....................................................
Deal Alert from SmarterLiving.com
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1) Systemwide Fares on AirTran from $39
AirTran has announced a 3-day systemwide sale with prices starting at $39 one-way. Travel is valid from Sept. 8 through Nov. 10, and destinations include Boston, Miami, New Orleans, and more. Fares may be combined for roundtrip travel.
Book tickets at least 7 days in advance, and by Thursday, Sept. 2.
-> More: http://www.smarterliving.com/air/deal.php?id=7205
2) New Routes on Spirit from $88
Low-fare carrier Spirit has announced several new routes that it will begin flying this fall. New destinations include Providence and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Prices start at $88 roundtrip for Providence travel, and $118 for travel to the Dominican Republic. Travel dates vary by route.
Book Providence tickets by Monday, Sept. 6, Santo Domingo tickets by Wednesday, Sept. 8.
-> More: http://www.smarterliving.com/air/deal.php?id=7166
SWEEPS & FREEBIES.................................................
British Airways' "Bands Reunited" Sweepstakes
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The grand prize winner of BA's "Bands Reunited" sweepstakes and 5 guests will receive business-class tickets to London, 5 nights' hotel accommodation, tickets to a live concert by The Alarm at The Marquee Club and a VIP tour of London's historical music landmarks.
Register online between Sept. 1 and Sept. 30.
-> More: http://vh1.com/interact/sweepstakes/british_airways/
READER RANTS & RAVES..............................................
Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel
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"Pam here again, reservations agent for NW, responding to John in Detroit. I know the frustration you have felt when trying to make a reservation on NW with the vouchers you got for giving up your seat. I have to deal with these calls every day, and believe me I am as frustrated as you! The reservations agents at NW made noise, and the company listened. Now when offered vouchers, you have two options: take a free ticket or a dollar amount, usually around $300. I would advise taking the money, since most tickets will not cost more than that." (Pam)
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"Responding to Bill from Florida: I had a very similar story years ago on Southwest Airlines. Granted, I had a ticket with a "No Standby" endorsement. However, two of us had arrived very early for our flight. We asked to standby to fly with a third friend who was on an earlier flight. 'Sorry' the agent said, 'you can't standby with this ticket. You would have to pay the difference in fare to standby.'
"As the flight departed, I heard another agent say that there were 6 or so empty seats. When our flight time came, we boarded the plane. An agent came on the PA asking for *two* volunteers to take another flight for a significant sized voucher. We just had to laugh as they would have been fine if they would have simply given us two of the 6 empty seats on the earlier plane. I have found that sometimes you have to try more than one agent to get what you want. Some agents are flexible; others follow the rules to the letter. My thinking is that any empty seat is forever lost revenue once the plane takes off. If a passenger is there, you might as well send that person early (assuming no issues with checked luggage); someone might show up and take the now open seats on the later flight." (Michael)
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"Yesterday I flew from Maui to Oahu. I tried to get on an earlier flight since I got thru security very quickly. Hawaiian Airlines now charges a $25 fee to stand-by for an earlier flight. This is something that they use to encourage and do for free. I'm switching to Aloha Airlines." (Andy from Honolulu)
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"The fees that Northwest is imposing are nothing new to me, even for awards BOOKED ON THEIR OWN SITE, I've paid a $5 fee for the last 2 years? Yep, I want to say that on all of the "free" flights I've taken since 9/11 I've been socked with a $5 fee. I can count on one hand the times that I've used either a real live travel agent or Travelocity for a ticket... yet I've still gotten "punished". Yep, Northwest is still leading the way in "gotchas". It makes me so sad, though, because by and far the Northwest folks that I deal with -- be it agents at the gates, attendants on the planes, you name it - are SO terrific at their jobs and friendly to passengers that it really stinks that the "suits" are finding ways to make the whole company look bad.
"And I see yet another complaint about upgrades to Amsterdam. No shock. Been there, done that, griped about it in another e-mail. ;) As I said, World Business Class sure is super...but I don't think for an instant it was worth 160,000 miles." (Sonia from metro Detroit, home of Northwest's largest hub)
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"Recently, all I have heard is the rants about NWA and redeeming miles. While other readers seem to be having problems my experiences have been wonderful.
"I was recently married and I was able to not only book my honeymoon to Spain i.e. four months before departure, during Prime Traveling season (July), leaving on a Sunday and returning on a Saturday, and using the minimal amount of miles, but was treated with the utmost courtesy. When NWA found out that we were traveling on our honeymoon they even upgraded us to first class. Additionally, I can't give enough praise to the customer service rec'd both in Detroit and Madrid. Even when there was a problem with our E-tickets the problem was quickly resolved and very professionally. NWA has had some problems in the past but I can only commend them on their service." (Julie)
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"Question/suggestion, if there any possibility that partner awards will ever become available for online booking? It is my understanding that even a flight that is UA-codeshare can't be booked for award online. Of course doing it as a United award could take more miles than a Star Alliance award, but the logistics might be easier. Is there some kind of ticketing rule that makes it impossible for one airline to directly book the award flights on another airline?
"I'm reminded of my bank, which for my type of account charges fees if I use a teller to do something I could do at an ATM, which is my preference anyway. But the difference is that they don't charge the fee if it is a transaction I *must* use a teller for (like depositing rolls of quarters). I guess my point is that if they're imposing a fee that can be avoided, it wouldn't be nearly as bothersome. My boyfriend & I both have a stash of United miles that we're saving primarily for Star Alliance international flights (about 200k each at the moment) but neither of us are 1K (he made it that high one year)." (Jennifer)
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"I note your reference to United, et al, in this week's Crier charging for award seats acquired by telephone and the reference you made to Air Canada having started charging for such service over a year ago.
"Quite frankly, in my opinion, I construe this as a cash grab (greed, as you so well put it) on the part of the airlines. IF all the available award seats were available online, I would have no problem with the charge and would suggest that it would be a reasonable way for the airlines to recoup a legitimate charge for an add-on service. However, that is certainly NOT the case with Air Canada - which I no longer fly but still have over 300,000 miles to utilize, somehow, from past travel. Case in point is my attempt to fly to Honolulu from Vancouver in October or November (totally flexible). When I originally checked online in late July, Air Canada showed two (2) business class seats available on one (1) flight between September 15, 2004 and late May, 2005! Yet, when I called Air Canada, I was informed there were seats available on almost ANY day after November 4 (when they go to two flights a day ex YVR) and about a dozen dates prior to that. They then informed me of the charge after having booked the seat; at which point I said "no thanks" and called Aloha.
"I am flying to Hawaii on Aloha - paying for two business class tickets at that - and will in the future utilize the Air Canada points for other family members flights in coach. And Milton, the AC CEO, wonders why his carrier went into bankruptcy protection!!! By comparison, I have no problem redeeming British Airways or American Airlines points ex YVR and the selection of available flights is extremely limited. Guess who I fly even with some minor inconveniences?" (Brian in Richmond, B.C.)
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"Everyone should stop using northwest and their frequent flyer program. I have enough miles for a business class ticket to Europe and tried to book a ticket for July of 2005 and there are no seats available. Northwest's frequent flyer program is the largest scam out there!!!" (Kathryn)
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"US Airways deserves bankruptcy."
"A couple of months ago I was in Washington, DC and finished early and asked about changing my flight to Fort Lauderdale by 3 hours. They said sure plenty of room and only a $125 charge. Decided to keep the $125 for myself. Arrived at the airport for the later flight which was of course overbooked and they were offering free tickets anywhere in the US. Is this stupid or what?" (Stephen)
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"I tried trying to get tickets to Ireland back in January for a trip in the spring. Instead of picking dates and having them tell me NO, I told them to find a day in May, June or July and we'd take any day they could give us. Would you believe they didn't have any in coach or first and that was 5-7 months in advance? I find that hard to believe.
"We again tried to find tickets to San Francisco and they could do that if I wanted to spend 50,000 miles and take the red eye each way. NOT!!! I have almost 200,000 miles with them and can't use them. We ended up taking US Air for both trips and they were more than happy to accommodate us. I wrote Delta and have officially switched my allegiance to any other carrier than Delta. Now that Independence Air has come to Charleston, SC I hope they run them out of business. A ticket from Charleston to DC can cost you $600 with Delta, and $180 on Independence Air. Who do you think people will fly?" (Carol)
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"My son flew roundtrip from Nashville to London Gatwick on Northwest this summer and was only credited with 1,000 miles!!! Since he was a student participating in British Studies program he purchased the ticket, $900+, through the Student Travel Association. He was told he would only get the lousy 1,000 miles since he booked through a "travel agent". His next trip abroad obviously will not be on NW." (DeLayne)
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"Since the pilots and employees who have slaved and risked their lives for these major carrier are making concessions in terms of their pensions, what are the executives and board members or senior level management employees giving up at these airlines. It would do nothing more than to annoy me into suing a major carrier if let's say the CEO of United was making $1.5 million dollars a year, thats a salary that can be cut. You should list the CEO salaries for all the carriers in one of your upcoming emails." (Uday)
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"Complaining about changes by US airlines, the deal Lufthansa Miles&More (the German airline's frequent flier program) has come up with is nothing short of ghastly - changes implemented Aug. 01, 2004...
"Any discounted economy class fare is now only eligible for 50% of miles on the route per sector. Only full fare economy (Y) qualifies for full miles... But, what is business, if not full Y? (Lufthansa takes a surcharge on Y) I am ashamed that a full economy paying passenger deserves the same tight seat in sardines class... They say it's easier to get an upgrade i.e. less miles are necessary. This only applies for full Y class tickets, discount economy ticket holders actually are required to redeem more miles for the same upgrade. To enhance their first class image more miles are now also the norm between business to first upgrades! Currently residing in the USA, it was curious to note that I require less miles for intercontinental upgrades than as a German participant in the program. It is also harder for the German resident to obtain the status marks (Silver 50k mi. first qualification, US residents 35k miles), some Star carriers routinely offering Silver status with as little as 35k miles (Thai) and Gold at 50k. Needless to say, the Star Silver level isn't really useful - although you may use lounges from your "home" carrier, you must hold Gold to pass into partner airline lounges when traveling worldwide... In Germany they have repeatedly tried to deny miles to discount economy customers on domestic services. The latest ploy now is their 50% deal... Just in Feb./March of this year I was denied ANY miles (status or accrued) on Star carrier Singapore Airlines between Frankfurt-JFK and back. SQ reserves the right to grant mileage accrual on deeply discounted fares. It appears Star Alliance is moving into line with BA which also denies mile novices (first time fliers on their airline) who do not yet hold a status mileage credit on discounted economy travel.
"My last word: a frequent traveler myself (180k miles LH, 20k miles AA, 45k DL, 22k KL) and always paying on my own (no company travel!) I feel thwarted and will distribute my business elsewhere." (Christopher)
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"I belong to Delta's premiere airport lounge program, Crown Club. My short visit to Crown Club Room at Miami International Airport was a sincere disappointment.
"It is without compare the worst premium travel lounge I have experienced on this as well as on any other airline. The space was small, overcrowded, loud, and overheated; this closet would have easily induced a panic attack in any claustrophobe. At the time of my visit around 11 am August 30th, none of the premium services functioned properly: the mouse on each of the two desktop computers was broken, there was no T-Mobile hotspot signal (as advertised), the bar was not staffed, the coffee urns were empty, there was no adequate desk space provided to work privately, and there was no quiet area. Voices rose in crescendo in order to be heard over one another. And for a bathroom, patrons were referred across the hall to the public facility, which was a refreshingly empty room at least as large if not larger than the entire Crown Club Room itself. It is truly shameful that in such competitive times the Delta even maintains this facility. Why should anyone pay extra to experience for a service which only amplified the mayhem I specifically sought to escape in the main terminal?" (John)
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"Not sure if you have already included these guys in a newsletter, but if not, INDEPENDENCE AIR is definitely worth taking a look at. I recently flew these guys and they are GREAT!" (Benjamin)
If you have a rant or a rave, e-mail us at rants@frequentflier.com.
Until next week...
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