"Up Front" Blog Entries

Following are some of Tim's recent blog posts:

• Southwest Puts Miles-for-Dining on the Menu
  But Southwest's version is less appetizing than other airlines'.
• Top Five Miles and Points Deals for November 2008
  This month's offers are from American, Continental, and Marriott.
• Outlook for Thanksgiving Flights: Full
  Industry group predicts holiday flights will fly full.
• No More 'Always Double Miles' for Delta Frequent Flyers
  A key benefit of Delta's SkyMiles credit card will be terminated.

The FrequentFlier Forum - Hot Topics

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

In the "Airline Programs" Forum, gbtrotter wonders what to make of the gift of elite status: "So my boss received an invite from United to put up a friend for UA's new program called Premier Associate. Thanks to my boss, I received a nice membership package and a shiny new membership card, but I still have a lot of questions. It seems the only real benefit might be pre-boarding. Has anyone looked into this program and can you tell me more about it?"

And in the "Credit Card Programs" Forum, Flying Texan adds the following to the "Beware of Amex" thread: "I have used the Starwood Amex since 2001 and have many, many free trips that I can thank Amex for, since they are my #1 source. I only use this card and a Pentagon FCU Visa (for gas only unless the merchant doesn't accept Amex). I admit that when something weird happens, Amex can be terribly slow in resolving it, (I always pay the full balance, including disputed charges -- I'll eventually get the credit;) shame on them. But I get about 75,000 AAdvantage miles from them every year after the conversion bonus; I doubt I'll ever cancel."

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

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Double Points for Best Western Stays

Between November 22 and December 31, Best Western Gold Crown Club members will earn double points or miles for stays booked online.

Registration is required prior to first qualifying stay. Only Gold Crown Club members residing in the Americas, China or Asia are eligible for the offer.

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Continental Offers More Shopping Miles

Members of Continental's OnePass program who charge a purchase at the ShopOnePass mall will earn a one-time bonus of 500 miles when paying with a Continental Airlines Chase credit card. Purchase, not including taxes and shipping, must total at least $25 to qualify.

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Transfer Membership Rewards Points for More Delta Miles

American Express Membership Rewards members who transfer Rewards points to their SkyMiles accounts before December 31 will receive a 30% mileage bonus. For example, transfer 5,000 points and receive 6,500 miles.

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Earn More United Miles for Groceries

Through December 31, United Mileage Plus members can earn 1,000 bonus miles when shopping twice and spending $250 or more per shopping trip at Safeway, Vons, Dominick's, Genuardi's or Pavilions.

To earn the bonus, Mileage Plus members must be enrolled in GroceryMiles and scan their Club Cards when paying for their groceries.

A maximum of 1,000 miles can be earned during this promotion.

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Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) $45 One-Way Thanksgiving Fares on Virgin America

Travel on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday are on sale from Virgin America. Fares start at $45 one-way or $90 round-trip, and Las Vegas, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle are featured.

Travel is valid from November 27 through November 28. Book by November 20, 11:59 PM ET.

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2) U.S., Mexico, Canada Fares on Alaska From $49 Each Way

Flights within the U.S. and to Canada and Mexico are on sale from Alaska. Prices start at $49 one-way or $98 round-trip, and cities include San Diego, Seattle, Puerto Vallarta, and Vancouver.

Travel is valid from December 3 through March 11, 2009. Book by November 24, 11:59 PM ET.

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Win a Trip for 2 to Australia

Enter Jacob Creek's "Australia" sweepstakes by December 31 for a chance to win a ten-day trip to Australia for two, including air and hotel.

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[Visit FrequentFlier.com for more travel sweepstakes.]

Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

"In anticipation of many more travelers trying to carry on their bags with Delta's added checked bags fees, I will begin to check as much as I can, since that fee is waived for Medallion Members. Those overhead bins are going to get mighty crowded come December 5th." [Dave H.]

"I was happy to learn that Delta has dropped its fuel surcharge on award tickets. We had just redeemed the miles prior to the announcement and are not scheduled to travel until June 09. Delta will not refund the fuel surcharge even though we have not yet traveled. I don't think this it is fair. Are they allowed to do this?" [Shilpa M.]

[FrequentFlier.com replies - I agree it's not fair. A fuel surcharge should only apply if you actually fly while the cost of fuel is high. And that's no longer the case. I suggest you call Delta back and speak to a supervisor. You know the routine: Be firm (because you're in the right) but polite (because you're at their mercy).]

"I read Lynn L's comments [in last week's Crier] and wanted to mention some of the good things about British Airways and BA Executive Club. BA has an excellent web site for booking flights using miles, they generally have available premium seats to Europe (not something that's easy to find with most US-based carriers) and they just introduced a scheme for part-cash and part-miles which makes award travel way more flexible.

"And BA allows access to their Club lounges for free when you fly in a premium seat, as well as to silver and gold status frequent fliers. I still carry the scars from the time that Delta wouldn't let me into their LAX Crown Club lounge on one of the rare occasions when I had a first class ticket! Incredible.

"Keep up the good work Tim" [Phil B. - Thousand Oaks, CA]

"Here is the link to a news item on CBS News today telling of recent changes in fees on various airlines for soda pop, peanuts, checking bags, and talking to an agent when booking a flight. Here is just one example mentioned in this article: United Airlines now charges $25 to talk to a human when making a reservation!! Some airlines are even going to charge a fee for letting you use a pillow or a blanket!!

"I suggest you put these ripoffs in your Frequent Flier Newsletter." [Richard W. - Brookings, SD]

Until next week...