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UP FRONT..........................................................
Industry Newsbites (Signs of the Times)
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Provisional congrats to Air Canada, which emerged from bankruptcy protection on Sept. 30. Why the qualification? Because according to The Globe and Mail, some industry analysts question AC's strategy and are skeptical of the company's assertion that the airline is positioned "to achieve sustained growth and profitability."
Let's hope that AC learned a lesson from US Airways, which squandered its first stint under bankruptcy protection, and is back in Chapter 11 facing dismal survival prospects.
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Score 2 for JetBlue.
The current issue of Conde Nast Traveler rated the discounter the best value in business travel. Among the plaudits: "When judged solely on Value for Cost, the 4-year-old airline also beat out every other carrier in the world."
And further attesting to JetBlue's prowess, American announced they would discontinue flights between JFK and both Long Beach and Phoenix, ceding both those markets to... yes, JetBlue.
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United -- similarly pummeled by low-cost domestic competitors -- is pinning its future on overseas flights. Its latest survival plan calls for an increase in international capacity, from 35% to 41%, resulting in a majority of the carrier's revenue coming from overseas flights.
ON SITE...........................................................
FrequentFlier Forum Topics
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As always, there's plenty of activity on the FrequentFlier Forum.
In the "Airline Programs" Forum, Diana71 has 50,000 miles (good). But they are scattered between the AAdvantage and Miles & More programs (bad). Her plea: "Could anyone help me with regard to amalgamating these miles?"
Also in the "Airline Programs" Forum, Myhawaii65 has enough miles for an award. The question: "Can anyone share their experience in being able to redeem miles in the HawaiianMiles program?" (Patricia's response is reassuring.)
In the "Contests & Sweepstakes" Forum, Jennifer has posted info and links to a slew of intriguing travel-related sweepstakes.
And much more... Questions, answers? Post them to the Forum!
-> More: http://frequentflier.com/forums/index.php
MILES & POINTS....................................................
AirTran Doubles Credit for Online Bookings
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Members of AirTran's A+ Rewards program will receive double credit for AirTran flights booked online at airtran.com and flown between Oct. 1, 2004 and Jan. 31, 2005.
(This AirTran promo -- which might be called the carrot approach -- is a welcome alternative to the recent rush by other airlines to charge consumers for bookings not made online, the stick approach.)
-> More: http://airtran.com/programs/aplus/specialoffers.jsp
AAdvantage Dining & Hotel Bonuses
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Through Nov. 15, AAdvantage members who use a registered Citibank AAdvantage credit card to charge meals or hotel stays at participating RewardsNetwork restaurants or hotels will earn 250 bonus miles for dining twice or 750 bonus miles for dining once and completing 1 hotel stay during the promo period.
Registration is required.
-> More: http://aa.rewardsnetwork.com/site/bonus.jhtml
Delta Partners with Boscolo Hotels
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Delta has a new SkyMiles program partner -- the Italian hotel chain, Boscolo Hotels.
From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, SkyMiles members will earn triple miles: 12 miles per $1 spent on room rates. Thereafter the normal 4-miles-per-$1 earning rate will apply.
-> More: http://www.boscolohotels.com
Le Meridien Offers Free Nights, Bonus Miles, Points
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Through Feb. 28, Le Meridien Moments members with earn free nights -- 1 after 4 paid nights, 2 after 5, 3 after 7 -- plus 200 bonus Moments points for Stay and Save packages of 5 - 10 nights (including the free night).
In addition, Le Meridien is offering 5 times more frequent flyer miles for 5-night Stay and Save stays, 7 times more for 7-night stays, and 10 times more for 10-night stays.
Register to earn bonus miles and points.
-> More: http://www.lemeridien.com/stayandsave.shtml
Double Southwest Credit for Visa Charges
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Southwest Rapid Rewards members who use a Visa card to charge Southwest tickets for travel between Oct. 1 and Dec. 15 will earn double credits. Purchase must be made online at southwest.com to qualify for the bonus.
-> More: http://www.southwest.com/visadoublecredit/
United Offers Bonus for Shanghai Flights
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Between Oct. 31 and Dec. 2, Mileage Plus members will earn bonus miles on United's new Chicago-Shanghai flights -- 5,000 bonus miles for full coach roundtrips (Y, B class), 10,000 bonus miles for business (C, D class) or 15,000 bonus miles for first (F, A class).
Register at http://united.com/offer/mpde94.
FREQUENTFLIER FITNESS.............................................
Healthy Fast Food
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Provided by Healthy Travel Network (www.healthytravelnetwork.com)
Fast food operators are finally recognizing their expanding base of health and calorie conscious customers by providing creative alternatives to the traditional burger and fries menu. We've listed a smorgasbord below; look for restaurants like these on your next trip.
Baja Fresh (Throughout US) - Serves up fresh Mexican fare, prepared under their tagline "No microwaves, no can openers, no freezers, no lard, no MSG."
Crazy Bowls & Wraps (MO) - Serves rice bowls with fresh veggies, meats, and fish, as well as wraps with similar ingredients; lists calorie and fat content on the menu.
Healthy Bites Grill (FL) - Specializes in low-fat proteins and whole grain carbs, served up in a variety of burgers, pizza, and salads.
Rollerz (AZ, CA, DC, IL, NV, TX) - Specializes in fresh fast food, including wraps, salads, and soups.
World Wrapps (WA, CA) - Serves up fresh, homemade wraps and bowls, with a focus on low-fat alternatives.
STEALS & DEALS....................................................
Deal Alert from SmarterLiving.com
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1) U.S., Mexico Sale Fares on ATA from $98
ATA is offering fall and winter sale fares on many of its popular routes in the U.S. and Mexico. Prices start at $98 roundtrip, and destinations include Cancun, Chicago, Honolulu, and more. Travel is valid through Feb. 16, 2005.
Book tickets online at least 7 days in advance, and by Monday, Oct. 18.
-> More: http://www.smarterliving.com/air/deal.php?id=7403
2) France Sale Fares on Delta from $324
Delta has announced sale fares to Nice, France, starting at $324 roundtrip. Travel is valid through Nov. 30.
Book tickets at least 7 days in advance, and by Friday, Oct. 22.
-> More: http://www.smarterliving.com/air/deal.php?id=7394
SWEEPS & FREEBIES.................................................
5 Prizes, 5 Million Airline Miles
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Enter Network Solutions' "Win One Million Miles Sweepstakes" by Nov. 30 for a chance to win 1 million miles in 1 of 5 airline programs (American, Delta, Northwest, United, US Airways).
The first entry is generated by signing up at the link below. Additional entries may be received by making various Network Solutions transactions (website domain-name registration, etc.), and by referring friends to the sweepstakes.
-> More: http://www.win1millionmiles.com
[Visit http://frequentflier.com/sweeps.htm for more travel sweepstakes.]
READER RANTS & RAVES..............................................
Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel
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"I just booked my vacation for next summer to Kauai, only 9 months in advance, using my American Advantage Miles. Start to finish the whole process took 10 minutes.
"In the past, it has taken me more than an hour when the on-hold time is factored in. There was no space on American, so I am taking Hawaiian Airlines, which I prefer anyway. The only drawback is that I was unable to get the most convenient inter-island flights. I am booked with a 5 hour layover in Honolulu on the way to Kauai. My best case scenario is that my family and I can get on a standby flight or we will take a quick tour of Oahu. That is my only complaint with the process." (Matt in Burlingame, CA)
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"I have turned in miles for a free flight (St. Louis to Savannah, GA) on Northwest... it took a phone call, no problems, worked like a charm. I turned in miles on American for a free flight to be used at the same time my husband was using a free certificate (free after 3 flights) again from St. Louis and going to Albuquerque, New Mexico - no problems - just $10.00 for each ticket - it was really easy to work with both of these airlines. I am also sure that lightening only strikes once in each free flight lifetime!!!!
"After reading all the problems and headaches that have been posted on your website (which I really look forward to getting) I feel really lucky to have been able to get the flights with such ease!!" (BWH)
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"I have been trying to get 2 seats to Munich and return since April on my Skymiles. I have been placed on waiting list several times but still no seats and the plane leaves Atlanta with empty seats. They sure don't stand up on their promise on their SkyMiles program." (Bob)
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"I'm quite happy with the assistance I received from US Airways tonight, Sept. 29. After calling and a very short wait, I ended up confessing to the woman that I was sorry, but just trying to get the miles out. She said, 'don't worry everybody's doing it.' The US Air woman thoroughly explored options on getting from DFW to Europe and then 1 round trip while there, to almost clean out my account. Though Lufthansa wasn't showing availability to US Air's system for anything but 1 1st class a day (this for 8 months from now!), she thought of using Air Canada first to Toronto, then in conjunction with Lufthansa. Though she sounded sad, she was professional and really took her time to help. A shame to think they may not be around much longer; another case of great people, bad management.
"One tip, I've always had more luck calling after 10 p.m. They seem to be under no time pressure to process incoming calls and are happy to talk.
"Thanks for your many great tips through the years." (Donn)
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"During the recent hurricanes in Florida, we had to evacuate our home and were stuck at the Orlando Airport for most of the day. As a lifetime member of Continental's President's Club, we saw that Delta was a partner and member's from the President's Club were welcome (on the door at least) at the Orlando Airport. Since they were the only club, we went in. They said that we had to be holding a Delta ticket, which we were not, but I said we tried and due to the hurricane they were sold out to NYC. I said we had to be at the airport most of the day, but that did not seem to matter, rules are rules. No entry, no exception. I finally said the last time I in fact had a Delta Song ticket to San Juan, I tried to use the Crown Room there and that didn't count either, but of course Delta now only flies Song to San Juan...
"I will make sure in the future I show the same warmth and understanding to Delta as my airline of choice..." (Gary)
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[Editor's Note - The following notes are in response to last week's query from Pat in PA for a listing of airports wired for Wi-Fi Internet access.]
"In addition to maintaining the largest directory of hotels with high-speed Internet access in their guest rooms, I am also trying to keep track of airports worldwide that offer Wi-Fi Internet access (currently list 33 worldwide)." (Tom at http://www.hightechtraveler.com/access/)
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"In reply to Pat in PA, who wants to know of any airports other than Pittsburgh which have wireless: I just returned from a trip which took me to SFO, Salt Lake, O'Hare, Toronto Pearson, and Montreal Trudeau. Only Salt lake had an available wireless network, and it cost $20 to use it for a day! None of the others had wireless, and I looked hard. Even Starbucks, which is usually a reliable Wi-Fi host, had none in any of these airports. Living in California, where even McDonalds has Wi-Fi, this seems wrong!" (Dave in CA)
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"Airport Wi-Fi links can be found at: http://www.jiwire.com/." (Walter in Milwaukee, WI)
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"Dunno about any list of 'wired airports', but our local Hagerstown, MD airport has just taken the plunge. So if there IS a list (and I'd love to have one), you can add our little regional airport to it." (Tenderfoot)
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If you have a rant or a rave, e-mail us at rants@frequentflier.com.
Until next week...
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