U P F R O N T
Next Week: Turkey, Yes; Crier, No
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Due to the Thanksgiving holiday celebrated on Nov. 28 in the U.S., we will not publish the Crier next week.
If you find yourself in need of a frequent flyer program fix during the off week, visit the FrequentFlier Forum at http://frequentflier.com/cgi-local/index.cgi and join the ongoing discussion.
As always, my condolences in advance to anyone who plans to travel during what has been, traditionally, the busiest travel week of the year.
And happy Thanksgiving to all!
M I L E S & P O I N T S
Double AAdvantage Miles for Citibank Charges
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Through Dec. 31, charges to the Citibank AAdvantage MasterCard for travel and dining will earn double miles -- 2 miles per $1 charged.
Qualifying charges include: hotel, motel and lodging purchases; airline tickets; car rentals; and qualifying purchases at restaurants and eating establishments.
Continental Sells Extra Miles
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For a price, OnePass members can earn a 50% mileage bonus on paid flights between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2003.
The cost: $50, $100 or $150 to earn up to 5,000, 10,000 or 15,000 miles. So, if you earn the maximum, you are in effect purchasing the additional miles for 1 cent each. The purchased miles do not count toward elite status.
To participate you MUST sign up for the offer by Jan. 1, 2003.
> More...
OnePass Bonus for Online Bookings
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Through Dec. 31, OnePass members who purchase tickets on Continental's website will receive up to 2,000 bonus miles: 1,000 bonus miles for booking online, and 1,000 additional bonus miles for charging the ticket to your MasterCard.
Also, with each ticket purchased at continental.com and charged to a MasterCard, you'll automatically be entered to win 1,000,000 miles in the MasterCard Priceless Memories Sweepstakes.
> More...
SkyMall Awards Triple SkyMiles for Purchases
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SkyMiles members who shop online at SkyMall.com will earn triple miles through Dec. 31.
> More...
Marriott Rewards Points, Discount at SkyMall
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Members of Marriott Rewards will earn 10 Marriott Rewards points per $1 spent at SkyMall through Dec. 26. Plus, receive a 10% discount on most SkyMall merchandise.
> More...
Priority Club's New Partners: T-Mobile, H&R Block
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Priority Club Rewards members can now earn points for using H&R Block and T-Mobile.
Earn 1,500 Priority Club points as a new H&R Block retail client, 500 points for returning H&R Block retail clients and 500 points for Block's online tax preparation service.
Or sign up for a wireless service plan from T-Mobile to earn 7,500 points.
> More...
Starwood Offers Bonus for High-Speed Access
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Through Dec. 31, Starwood Preferred Guest members will earn 1,000 Starpoints for using high speed Internet access at Starwood Hotels.
Register using the below link, or by calling 1-888-625-4988, promo code BB2. Then, when booking, request a room with high-speed Internet access.
> More...
Mileage Plus Bonus for US Air Shuttle Flights
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Hard on the heels of the Nov. 1 start of reciprocal program participation, Mileage Plus members are being offered triple miles for US Airways Shuttle flights.
Naturally, Dividend Miles members can also earn the bonus. To do so, they must register online here, or call 1-800-872-4738 and enter promo code 5236.
Triple Dividend Miles for Hyatt Stays
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Through Jan. 31, 2003, Dividend Miles members will earn triple miles for qualifying stays at the following Caribbean Hyatt hotels: Regency Aruba Resort & Casino, Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman Resort & Villas, Hyatt Regency Cerromar Beach Resort & Casino and Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort & Country Club.
For reservations, visit http://www.hyatt.com or call 1-800-55-HYATT. Mention promotion code TPLDML to receive the bonus.
S T E A L S & D E A L S
Deal Alert from SmarterLiving.com
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This week's hot deals from SmarterLiving.com...
Winter savings to Europe from $362 R/T
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If you want to eat in the trattorias of Rome or shop in the boutiques of Paris this winter, you can get there for less with sales on flights to Europe from 4 airlines. You can depart through next Feb. or Mar.
> More...
Coast to coast airfares for $178 R/T
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It can be a challenge to find cross-country fares for under $200, but smaller airlines like ATA are a good place to start. The airline's latest sale offers roundtrip travel between cities on both coasts for $178. Travel is valid from Dec. 3, 2002, through Feb. 12, 2003. Book tickets online only and by Sunday, Nov. 24.
> More...
R E A D E R R A N T S & R A V E S
This Week's E-mail Bag
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"I'm holding my breath regarding United's potential bankruptcy... I'm going to Paris in December! I was browsing the so-called "web only fares" and up popped business class round-trip for $1884 from SFO. I really couldn't believe it, so I printed out the fare basis and called United directly. At first the agent couldn't find the fare basis code, and said that his Business class fare was $6600. THEN, wonder-of-wonders, he DID find the fare... the so-called WEB ONLY FARE ... and I booked it through him instead of the website.
"One thing is obvious: web only fares may NOT be just web only fares."
- Gloria
"Since achieving Platinum status on AA, my encounters with the Platinum operators on the phone have been consistently unbelievably surreal!!! the level of customer service is inversely proportional to the quality of the customer.
"Inconsistent information, a significant lack of awareness on website fares, specials etc is incomprehensively frustrating!!! does AA promote to its higher level positions those who are less qualified? So it appears. I actually have "regressed" back to calling the Gold desk as amazing as that sounds.
"Plus: the baggage horror at JFK is an absolute aberration. Wrong information, waits of 45 minutes, 1 claim working for 3-4 flights when 2 are closed is the pattern all summer and fall. Multiple flights compete for space at the one operational claim with literally hundreds crammed into same area are unsafe and raise tempers. To boot: there is NEVER any customer rep from AA to complain to or advise of the safety problems.
"A total disaster and baggage supervisor should be called to task if not dismissed. Any other business that would demonstrate such disregard for their customer's would be looking for either new customers or a new business. AA-have you seen your publicized losses for the year? Pay attention AA! You might actually be able to resolve more issues over revenue loss than you care to admit. Not every customer service deficiency is 9/11 related-in fact, pointing to that continually is an insult."
- Dr. C
"My wife and I fly UA lots (we have both been 1K for many years) and we definitely get upgraded on virtually every flight where we want to be. Furthermore, and more important, UA flies more wide body 3 class planes domestically than any other carrier. And most of the 3 cabin are international configuration (all but 767-200) which means LOTS of legroom and lots of recline.
"UA is the best for comfort for sure. Go fly American or Delta and compare -- there is no comparison.
"Unfortunately, this huge comfort on UA is part of the reason that it is in dire straits as this model only works when lots of full-fare pax fly."
- Bret
"So-called "random" gate searches vary by airline. Since the advent of gate searches, I have been gate searched 100% of the time by Southwest and 0% of the time by American. Guess which airline I have permanently stopped flying. Southwest, like other airlines, claims that they "realize [I] have a choice of airlines!" Well, I do!"
- M.B.
S W E E P S & F R E E B I E S
From Cathay Pacific: CyberTraveler Sweepstakes
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Winner of Cathay Pacific's CyberTraveler Sweepstakes will receive roundtrip business-class tickets for 2 to Hong Kong from one of 5 N. America gateways (Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Toronto and Vancouver B.C.) plus hotel accommodations in Hong Kong.
Enter online, at the below link.
> More...
Until next week...
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