Mileage Pro - The Insider's Guide to Frequent Flyer Programs

If I had a nickel for every time I've been told "You oughta write a book," I could retire without writing a book. Or anything else.

Since those nickels never materialized, I've had to put pen to paper and actually write that book: Mileage Pro - The Insider's Guide to Frequent Flyer Programs.

Actually, I have co-written Mileage Pro together with Randy Petersen, publisher of Inside Flyer magazine and the WebFlyer.com and FlyerTalk.com websites. Randy and I share a passion for frequent flyer programs, and by combining our expertise, we've produced what we hope will be the definitive how-to book on the subject.

Here's what Keith Alexander, "Business Class" columnist for The Washington Post, had to say about Mileage Pro: "Having Randy Petersen and Tim Winship write about the airlines and frequent flyer programs is like having Warren Buffett and Bill Gates write an advice book on investing and entrepreneurship. Both gentlemen individually possess an unlimited fountain of knowledge and insight into the ever-changing world of frequent flyer programs. By combining their talents, they create a treasure chest full of advice and wisdom for anyone trying to better understand the frequent flyer world."

In the next day or so, the book's dedicated website (www.mileageprobook.com) will go live. For now, there's more information on the website of the book's publisher, OAG Worldwide (link below).

:: Mileage Pro - The Insider's Guide to Frequent Flyer Programs

FrequentFlier Forum Topics

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

In the "Airline Programs" Forum, ffam3025 is looking for upgraded elite perks: "I am currently a NW Silver Elite member and will be between 90-130k miles next year. I live in Arkansas, but travel to Europe and China often. When I talked to Northwest the other day they said I would never get international upgrades, and the guys I work with that use United get them often. I want to know who seems to offer the best opportunities for Elite upgrades internationally."

In the "Credit Card Programs" Forum, Ken in Seattle launched a lively thread about one of the more popular new bank miles cards: "I was wondering if anyone else has the Citi PremierPass Credit Card. The Elite card looks like a good value. What do you think?"

And much more. Questions, answers? Post them to the Forum!

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American Bonus for Japan Flights

American is offering up to 15,000 bonus miles for roundtrip flights to Tokyo and Osaka.

Through Dec. 15, AAdvantage members will earn 15,000 bonus miles for first/biz-class roundtrips to Tokyo, 7,500 miles for full-fare coach (fares booked in Y or B), and 5,000 bonus miles for select discounted coach (fares booked in K, H, L or M).

And through Jan. 31, 2006, members will earn 15,000 bonus miles for first/biz roundtrips between Dallas/Fort Worth and Osaka, Japan, 7,500 bonus miles for roundtrips on selected coach fares (Y, B, M, H, K and W), and 5,000 bonus miles in discounted coach (fares booked in L, N and V).

Bonuses may be earned an unlimited number of times. Registration is required.

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Bonus AAdvantage Miles for Puerto Rico Vacations

American is offering a 1,000-mile bonus for several five-day/four-night Puerto Rico packages, including air and hotel, in early 2006.

AAdvantage miles may also be redeemed for all or part of the ground portion of these packages.

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Update - America West-US Airways Program Integration

When the America West FlightFund and US Airways Dividend Miles programs are combined in spring 2006, accounts will be merged automatically. Those who are members of both programs will find the miles in their FlightFund accounts transferred to their Dividend Miles accounts. Their current Dividend Miles member numbers will survive the change.

But the conversion can only take place where the account holder information matches up more or less exactly between the two accounts. If, for example, the same person is listed as "Roberta Smith" on her FlightFund account and "Bobby Smith" on her Dividend Miles account, the accounts will not be merged.

To guarantee a seamless transition, travelers with miles in both programs should check their accounts and make any necessary adjustments to insure that names, mailing addresses, etc. match.

(To this day, I continue receiving queries from members of TWA's Aviators program who failed to heed similar advice when American absorbed Aviators into the AAdvantage program and ultimately lost their TWA miles. Don't let that happen to you!)

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Earn Double Continental Miles at Target.com

Through Nov. 30, OnePass members will earn double miles and free shipping at Target.com. That's a hefty 10 miles per $1 dollar spent.

Be sure to use the link from Continental's site to insure that your OnePass number is registered and the miles post accurately.

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Marriott Expands Online Mall

In time for holiday shopping, Marriott has added 75 new retailers to its online mall, where members can earn points for shopping at Barnes & Noble, J. Jill, Home Depot, Red Envelope, etc.

Through Dec. 31, members will earn 1,000 Marriott Rewards bonus points for any single transaction of $150 or more at one merchant. That's in addition to earning between one and 10 points per $1 spent at participating retailers.

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Double Southwest Credits for Hertz Rentals

Through Feb. 28, 2006, Rapid Rewards members can save $20 and receive double Rapid Rewards credit (one credit vs. the standard 0.5 credits per rental) on qualifying Hertz Leisure Weekly or Leisure Weekend Rate rentals of any full-size or larger car at participating airport and off-airport locations in the U.S.

When making your reservation, provide CDP number 205418 (when booking at southwest.com, enter 205418 in the Corporate ID/Rate field) and Promotion Code 971040.

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A Discount and a Bonus at Hawaii Starwoods

Through Mar. 31, 2006, members of Starwood's Preferred Guest program can receive a 35% discount off stays of four or more nights at any of Starwood's 10 resorts across four Hawaiian Islands. And through Dec. 25, 2005, the fifth night in select suites and ocean view rooms is free.

Cite rate plan SPG35HI for 35% discount, or SPG355N for 35% off plus a free night.

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Stay at Preferred Hotels to Earn Double United Miles

Through Dec. 31, Mileage Plus members will earn double miles for qualifying rate stays of two or more nights at participating Preferred Hotels.

No registration required.

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Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) Sale Fares on Song from $59 Each Way

Song's latest sale fares start at $59 one-way for travel through early February. The sale fares are the lowest available for many of the routes and dates we checked. However, American is offering a lower price for the Orlando/San Juan route ($148 roundtrip), while American, Northwest, and United all have the same lower price for the New York/Las Vegas route ($198 roundtrip).

Travel is valid from Dec. 3, 2005, through Feb. 8, 2006. Book tickets at least seven days in advance, and by Nov. 28, 2005.

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2) Ireland Sale Fares on Aer Lingus from $228

Fall flights to Dublin and Shannon start at $228 roundtrip with Aer Lingus' current sale. Departures are available from both coasts.

Travel at the lowest prices for most routes is valid daily from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28, 2006. Los Angeles fares are valid Feb. 1 through 28, and are not valid on Mondays or Wednesdays.

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Win a Trip for 2 to Greece

Enter Conde Nast's "Greek Paradise" sweepstakes by Jan. 10, 2006 for a chance to win a six-day/seven-night trip for two to Greece, including air and hotel accommodations in Athens, Mykonos, Delos, and Santorini.

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

Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

"It probably will do no good at all to note and complain, but just this week I have discovered that the computer programmer whiz-kids have managed to turn Alaska/Horizon's previous very good online reservations access into some concept of what automobile engineers consider a comfortable seat while never sitting in them.

"Briefly stated, one can no longer just request a quote round-trip, but must go through a laborious (if not also misleading) multi-step process to obtain a fare, including the darn calendar where it is now impossible to simply type in the dates of travel. Having spent thirty minutes yesterday just trying to obtain some quotes (and getting just one), I gave up in disgust. I did write to their "contact us" as well, but have real doubts about hearing anything in return.

"It's enough to cause a return to flying Delta in bankruptcy (and who offer inferior service from PDX to BZN, a route frequently used). Not wishing to minimize your other readers' frustration at being unable to obtain free seats or mileage on various carriers around the world, I would simply like to be able to buy a paid ticket without wasting valuable time in an online contest with a "technology" where the consumer loses." [Edgar N. - Portland, OR]

"On a recent trip, Edmonton to Toronto on Air Canada in economy cabin, I was very surprised to discover that Air Canada now charges $2 to rent a blanket!

"Is this common on other airlines?? (And just when I was getting used to their trying to sell airline food instead of including it in the ticket cost! I wonder when they'll charge to read their magazines?)" [Jeff]

Until next week...