The Last Word on Southwest (for Now)

The debate continues in this week's Crier with another few comments about Southwest's service (see "Rants & Raves" below). The overwhelming majority of the comments have been pro-Southwest -- a remarkable achievement in these days when the airlines are routinely vilified.

My own rather contrary feelings on the matter are nicely summed up by the following note we received from Watson:

"However efficient Southwest may be and however friendly the staff may be, the terminal lines are a zoo and the whole trip feels like a bus trip. I want a calming terminal, space there and on the airplane and a feeling that my reservations and such are done and secure. I like the old paradigm better than the current bus station one."

Yep, what he said.

More Aeroplan Miles for International Flights

Through December 15, Aeroplan members can earn bonus miles over a large part of Air Canada's international flight network.

Between Canada and London or Paris - Triple miles for roundtrip or two one-way segments in Executive First, or 3,500 bonus miles for roundtrip or two one-way segments in coach.

Between Canada and Germany, Switzerland, Italy, or Israel - Double miles for roundtrip or two one-way segments in Executive First, or 3,500 bonus miles for roundtrip or two one-way segments in coach.

Between Canada and Asia or South America - Double miles for roundtrip or two one-way segments in Executive First, or 5,000 bonus miles for roundtrip or two one-way segments in coach (from September 17). Eligible routes: between Vancouver and Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Beijing, Tokyo; Toronto and Beijing, Shanghai; Toronto and Sao Paolo, Bogota, Lima, Santiago, Buenos Aires.

Registration is required.

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American, United Double the Miles Between Northern, Southern Cal

In response to increased competition in the Los Angeles-San Francisco corridor from Virgin America and Southwest, American and United are both offering double miles on affected routes through November 15.

AAdvantage members will earn double miles for roundtrip American or American Eagle flights between San Francisco and Los Angeles or Orange County/Santa Ana.

To earn the bonus, tickets must be booked by October 5. Registration is required using promotion code AASFO.

For its part, United is offering double miles on roundtrip flights between San Francisco and Burbank,, Las Vegas, Los Angeles (LAX), Ontario, CA, Palmdale/Lancaster, CA, San Diego, or Orange County/Santa Ana.

As with American's offer, tickets must be booked by October 5. Registration is required.

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:: More (United)

Choice Offers Free Night After 2 Stays

Between September 1 and November 30, members of Choice Hotels' Choice Privileges program will earn 8,000 points for every two qualifying stays -- enough for a free night at more than 1,000 hotels in the Choice network (Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites or Suburban Extended Stay hotels).

The bonus may be earned multiple times.

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Delta Doubles the Miles for Intra-Florida Flights

Through November 15, SkyMiles members can double their miles for roundtrip Delta flights within Florida.

Registration is required.

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Southwest Offers Freebie After 2 Flights

Southwest is offering Rapid Rewards members a free ticket for flying two paid long-distance roundtrip flights between September 1 and November 15. (Southwest defines 'long distance' as flights of 1,250 or more miles each way, including stops and connections. There's a list of eligible routes on Southwest's website.)

Qualifying tickets must be purchased on southwest.com. A maximum of two awards may be earned during the promotion period.

Normally, Rapid Rewards members earn a free roundtrip after every eight paid roundtrips, so on the scale of promotional generosity this limited-time offer rates an unqualified "Go for It."

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Starwood Credit Card Ups Annual Fee

Due to the combination of its reasonable annual fee -- $30, waived for the first year -- and flexibility in allowing points to be exchanged for airline miles in around 30 programs, the Starwood Preferred Guest credit card has been among the best overall values in travel rewards cards.

But the low price portion of the value proposition must now be reassessed: American Express, the card issuer, has increased the annual fee to $45.

For those who take advantage of the card's multiple exchange options, the new fee, also waived for the first year, shouldn't be a deal-breaker. And even for those who channel most of their credit card earnings into a single program, the Starwood card's 5,000-mile bonus when redeeming 20,000 points gives it a competitive edge.

While they haven't disclosed specifics, American Express has announced that the annual fee for the business version of the Starwood Preferred Guest credit card will also be changing. If you're in the market for a small business card, this might be a good time to lock in the current fee.

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Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) American Competes with Southwest, Fares from $98

American's latest sale competes with a similar offer from Southwest. Fares start at $98 roundtrip, and destinations include Dallas, Miami, and Washington, D.C.

Travel is valid from September 12 through September 30. Book tickets at least seven days in advance. American's sale will likely expire on September 6, the same day Southwest's offer ends.

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2) Domestic Fares on Virgin America from $39 Each Way

Virgin America is having a sale on all of its routes. Fares start at $39 one-way or $78 round-trip, and destinations include San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles.

Travel is valid from September 4 through December 13. Book by September 6, 11:59 PM ET.

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Win a Trip for 2 to NYC

Enter Esquire's "Oktobeerfest" sweepstakes by October 15 for a chance to win a trip for two to New York City, including air, two nights' hotel accommodations, and dinner. Other prizes include books, t-shirts, and bottle openers.

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

Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

"Re Southwest: Based internationally I fly a lot. If I am flying 1 or maximum 2 hours I don't really care that much about the service in the plane, at the airport that's another matter. If I am flying longer give me the frills, frills, frills that come with business and first." [Bob A. - Qatar]

"I agree that a few more dollars for service would be well worth it.

"We flew to Australia and New Zealand last year. Flight over was United, big screen TVs on all night and water bottles rolling down the aisles. Return was Air NZ with individual screens in the seatbacks so cabin was dark and you could pick your own movie and pause it anytime. Water was poured by friendly staff from pitchers with a slice of lemon. Not hard to guess which airline I would pick given a choice." [Will H. - Columbia, SC]

"If you pay more you should get more, in response to the Southwest vs Majors comments in the 8/29 newsletter. If the service and experience is the same why should you pay more. I am willing to pay more for legroom-and more customer focused people." [Daniel P.]

"I look forward to your letter each week - had to mention the following:

"Just returned from a round trip from FL to NYC on AMERICAN using American Advantage miles. Not only did they not charge for using my miles for my husband's ticket - but, when I had to make a last-minute return change, they did so without hassle - also without charge. I'm giving up using my Delta SkyMiles Amex card and using my AA Master Charge - can never get FF miles for whenever I need them." [Myra S. - Coconut Creek, FL]

"I just finished reading your informative newsletter and commentary regarding the outstanding service rendered by Southwest. I feel obligated to relay my recent experience on Midwest Air Lines.

"Somehow my Blackberry fell out of my carryon luggage somewhere on two Midwest flights. The missing Blackberry was not noticed until after I arrived home at night. I called Midwest immediately and the lady actually called all 3 airports (while I was on hold!) to check if I had lost it at the gate. She then took all my flight info and I received a call the next morning indicating it was found in the cargo hull of a commuter flight I had taken earlier in the day. It was overnighted to me for work the next day. Extraordinary service with a follow up call to make sure I received it. I truly believe Midwest lived up to their slogan 'best care in the air' and they have earned a loyal flier for life." [Dave M. - Orlando, FL]

"Re Delta FFP: I canceled my tickets to Nice and was told that it would be $75 to redeposit the miles in my account - previously $50. But I could just leave the ticket in force and use it within one year of original issue. But to reschedule it costs $50. So if you can use the ticket in time the cost is the same as before. If not $75 to redeposit within the year and then start over.

"I do not understand this convoluted process except that Delta holds onto the airport tax charge in the mean time and maybe some people will lose their ticket numbers." [Chris G.]

"Last week I tried to use 80 thousand miles for two roundtrips for my sister and I from the DC area to London in March 2008. British Air which flies from both Baltimore and Dulles was willing to use my AA miles. AA was not willing to transfer and is forcing us to go to NYC in order to use our mileage. They do not have a direct flight from the DC area.

"I pointed out that my sister and I were senior citizens and would prefer the direct flight. AA would not budge so I regretfully booked through NYC. Their other offer was Chicago! Why wouldn't AA want to get rid of 80 miles to a competitor? It just seems so silly to me. I plan to drop my AA Citi card after this flight. Has anyone else had problems like this?" [Diana B.]

"Here is my two cents re my recent experience getting a Delta award ticket.

"I had over 100k miles and wanted 2 Saver tickets from PDX to Europe for late April early May 2008. I was able to find dates close to what I wanted flying into Paris and out of Amsterdam online, but when I called the first time, I was able to improve the dates and the routing (flying partner Air France for the SEA-CDG leg which saved hours of travel time). And then a couple of days later, when I had to change my routing and dates, I was again able to get the flights I wanted. Paying the $20 extra fee to have the ability to use a partner airline seems well worth it. Finally, the wait for a customer service rep was no more than a few minutes. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised and very pleased." [Bill K. - Portland, OR]

Until next week...