"Up Front" Blog Entries

Following are some of Tim's recent blog posts:

• Oil Prices Fall, Airlines Terminate Fees ... Not!
  As oil prices dip below $100, only one airline is lowering fees.
• Latest Hotel Offers Make Fall a Bonus Bonanza
  Starwood and Wyndham are among the hotel promotions.

FrequentFlier Forum Topics

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

In the "Airline Programs" Forum, ronald has info and a link to a new Northwest sweepstakes. The grand prize: "A trip for winner and one (1) eligible guest to the NWA WorldVacations destination of winner's choice within the 48 United States, Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean ('Trip'). Trip includes roundtrip Coach Class air transportation from an airport served by Northwest Airlines in the 48 contiguous United States and hotel accommodations (up to a maximum value of $2,000)."

And in the "Credit Cards Programs" Forum, Kohoutek reveals how he earned 47,500 Northwest miles by signing up for two WorldPerks credit cards, one personal, the other for business. Yep, he know that a Delta-Northwest merger is all but a done deal: "I sure hope these miles will ultimately end up in my Delta account."

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

:: More

Buy, Transfer More American Miles

Through December 31, American is increasing the maximum number of miles AAdvantage members can buy, give, or share. Members may buy for their own accounts or as gifts for other AAdvantage members up to 60,000 miles per year, at a cost of 2.5 to 2.75 cents per mile plus a $30 processing fee and taxes. And the maximum number of miles they may share with others has been increased to 100,000, at a cost of 1 to 6 cents per mile, plus a $30 processing fee and taxes.

Except in very small quantities, purchasing miles represents questionable value at best. Raising the limits may be good for American's bottom line, but it's bad for consumers'.

:: More

Continental Reinstates Mileage Minimum for Elites

We reported in a previous newsletter on a number of negative changes to Continental's OnePass program, including the elimination of the 500-mile minimum for short-haul flights.

With little fanfare, and obviously under pressure from the carrier's most profitable customers, Continental has reinstated the 500-mile minimum, but only for elite members of the program.

:: More

Double Delta Elite-Qualifying Miles for Shuttle Flights

Through December 15, SkyMiles members will earn double elite-qualifying miles on Delta and Delta Connection nonstop Shuttle flight segments between New York La Guardia and Boston Logan or Washington Reagan National.

Registration is required.

:: More

More Priority Club Points

Through November 6, members of Priority Club Rewards will receive 10% more points when purchasing them. Points are priced at $13.50 per 1,000 points when purchasing 1,000 - 9,000 points; $12.50 per 1,000 points for 10,000 - 19,000 points; and $11.50 per 1,000 points for 20,000 - 40,000 points.

As noted above regarding the purchase of American miles, buying loyalty points seldom makes good economic sense. This offer doesn't change that assessment.

:: More

Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) Spirit Sale Fares From $58

Spirit has announced a new sale with fares starting at $58 round-trip. This offer is available through Friday, and includes flights to Nassau, Myrtle Beach, and Ft. Lauderdale.

Travel is valid Mondays through Thursdays and on Saturdays from September 30 through February 10, 2009. Book by September 26, 11:59 PM ET.

:: More

2) U.K. Sale Fares on British Airways From $452

British Airways is offering United Kingdom sale fares and a free two-night hotel stay from $472 round-trip. You can save an additional $20 by registering on British Airways' website, bringing the low price down to $452.

Travel is valid Mondays through Wednesdays from October 23 through December 17 and from December 24 through March 22, 2009. Hotel reservations must be booked at the same time as airfare. The two-night stay is based on double, triple, or quad occupancy; single travelers are entitled to one free night. Book by October 2, 11:59 PM ET.

:: More

Win a Trip for 2 to Xian, China

Enter Cathay Pacific's "Discover China" sweepstakes by September 30 for a chance to win trip for two to Xian, China, including airfare, three nights at the Shangri-La Hotel Xian, a 60-minute spa package, and airport transfers.

:: More

[Visit FrequentFlier.com for more travel sweepstakes.]

Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

"At the risk of sounding like an echo given [last] week's praises in the Crier of the American AAdvantage frequent flier desk, there is this that occurred a few days ago.

"Awhile back, you printed a letter of praise from me that an American Airlines telephone agent put together a multi-carrier U. S. - Europe trip in less than 30 minutes at the 40,000 minimum. Subsequently, we asked for and received quickly a change allowing us to travel to Europe this October and return in May, 2009, on the same award. (We're coming home in November and returning to Europe in April by ship.)

"This week when calling only to inquire of American's baggage policies/fees (two checked bags per person are still free between the U. S. and Europe, subject only to weight limits of 50 lb per bag -- as well as complete meal service in trans-Atlantic Economy), the AAdvantage agent initiated on her own: 'If you can wait a minute, let me see if I can improve your return itinerary to give you better connections and save you time.' Which she did, together with updated schedule, seat assignments, and 'Is there anything else I may do to help?'

"Now that's real service! Kudos to American and to Kim #689621 in Connecticut." [Ed N.]

"Please be advised that KLM wants on frequent flyer ticket that they sell for $1400 and Delta will provide for $1083. That is a RT Budapest to Columbus, Ohio. Later they reduced to $592 but now have no record of that. Most recent recalculation was $900+. I will call them back to see if changes to something more reasonable.

"This is insanity. I am dealing by phone with Kitchner Ontaria KLM/Air France." [David A.]

[In response to Charlotte T.'s note in a previous newsletter...] "If Charlotte can provide the airline with a document that her animal (poodle) is her emotional support animal, they (the airline) have to let it fly for free and it should be able to fly without a carry-on kennel. It all falls under the disabilities act. Tell her to check with the airline (provided she has doctor documentation)." [J]

"On a 4.5 hr flight on US Airways, anyone wanting water had to pay $2 per bottle. So, heeding medical warnings to drink 8oz every hour means that you have to pay $4-$6 just to avoid dehydration. How about women with children?

"I am writing to the FAA to warn them about this health hazard. Only they can influence the airlines. Please join me." [George C.]

"I enjoy flying with US Air, just because the flight prices are lower, the passengers seem friendlier and the stewards are all accommodating and much more friendly. Besides, I know who is always flying the plane, because I always pop in to say Hi!!

"No one will ever lose as long as you stick it out for the savvy consumer and all the many underdogs that ride the great wave of Hope and Courage to stay with!! Thanks, a very happy customer and air passenger." [Beth G. - RI]

Until next week...