O N S I T E

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

Duke is considering switching his flying (and his elite status) from Delta to Northwest. Ronald has unearthed yet more (many more!) opportunities to earn miles and points. Rucas has a suggestion for earning 2,000 bonus ClickMiles. Hal is wondering about the new Healthy Choice promotion. And Rex is searching for a cheap fare to the West Coast.

Do you have questions? Do you have answers? Post them to the Forum!

>> More - The FrequentFlier Forum

M I L E S

Win 100,000 Miles for Life
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That's an attention-getter if I ever saw one!

"100,000 miles for life"... That's what AOL AAdvantage Rewards is offering 1 lucky person randomly selected from all those who enroll in the program between December 18, 2000, and February 15, 2001.

If you're already a member (as I am), you can be entered in the sweepstakes by logging onto the Rewards website.

You must be 18 years or older and a U.S. resident to enter. Other terms and conditions are detailed on the AOL Rewards website.

Good luck!

> More: AOL AAdvantage

Delta to Extend Deadline for Elite Requalification
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As it did last year, Delta will (it is RUMORED, not yet confirmed) give current elite members an extra 3 months to requalify for elite status.

Specifically, if you were Silver, Gold or Platinum last year, and were within 5,000 miles or ten segments of reaching the same level by December 31, 2000, you will be offered the opportunity to requalify as follows--

- Silver members must fly 4,000 base miles between January 1 and March 31.

- Gold members must fly 8,000 base miles between January 1 and March 31.

- Platinum members must fly 15,000 base miles between January 1 and March 31.

Note that the offer only applies to those requalifying for the SAME status they enjoyed in 2000. If you failed to reach a higher elite level, this won't be of any help in upgrading your status.

SkyMiles members who meet the "almost there" criteria described above will be receiving more info from Delta later this month.

Marriott Discounts Winter Award Stays
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Marriott Rewards has launched its Winter 2001 PointSavers promotion, offering point savings when redeeming points for hotel stays. The offer is available from January 2 through March 31, at 233 hotels, representing 11 Marriott lodging brands.

Participating hotel brands include Marriott; JW Marriott Hotels; Renaissance; Courtyard by Marriott; Residence Inn; Fairfield Inn; Marriott Conference Centers; TownePlace Suites; SpringHill Suites; Marriott Vacation Club International; and Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club locations.

> More: Marriott Rewards

Save 1,000 Miles on Northwest Online Award Bookings
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WorldPerks members who make their award-travel bookings on Northwest's website between January 1 and April 30, 2001, will get a 1,000-mile discount on the "price" of the ticket.

For example, a trip at the 20,000-mile award level will require 19,000 miles.

The discount will automatically be applied at the time of reservation and is is available to WorldPerks members who reside in the U.S. and have a valid credit card with a U.S. billing address. Discount not valid for "Cash and Miles" promotions or with other mileage discount offers or coupons.

> More: Northwest

Asia Miles Adds Asiana to Partner Lineup
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Beginning January 1, members of Cathay Pacific's Asia Miles program can earn miles and redeem miles for award travel on Korea-based Asiana Airlines.

The addition of Asiana brings the number of Asia Miles airline partners to 15, and the number of destinations served to over 850.

Cathay will return the favor and join Asiana's Asiana Club on July 1.

> More: Asia Miles

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...

Airfare Deals on Eastern, Central, and Southern U.S. Travel
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US Airways and Delta Air Lines are offering sales on travel throughout the Eastern, Central, and Southern U.S. for travel through April 24.

For more details, go here.

British Airways' European Travel Sale Starting at $228 R/T
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British Airways has announced a New Year's sale to London and 9 other European destinations. The lowest fares are for midweek travel between January 10 and March 3.

For more details, go here.

I N D U S T R Y N E W S B I T E S

Beware: Economy Class Syndrome
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Reuters last week reported that a Japanese study found that 25 passengers have died from "economy class syndrome" at Tokyo's Narita Airport during the past 8 years.

The deaths were caused by blood clots, which in turn were caused by the sort of forced confinement and inactivity associated with long flights in economy class. Hence the name. But obviously, not only economy passengers are at risk.

The conventional wisdom: be sure, especially on longer flights, to get up and stretch. Or, at the very least, flex your muscles and move your limbs as much as possible while seated. Also, since both alcohol and dehydration are thought to increase the probability of clots, drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. And if you're at above-average risk for clots, discuss your travel plans with your physician.

Continental Shows Northwest the Door
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On January 22, Continental will reportedly finalize details of an agreement to repurchase enough of its shares--$450 million worth--to wrest back control of its destiny from Northwest Airlines, currently Continental's largest stockholder.

This was a cruelly ironic situation to begin with--the superior airline being controlled by the inferior one--but there's no sign that Northwest has learned from its better or that Continental has suffered from the association.

Don't look for any changes on the frequent flyer program front, at least in the short term. Where Continental's new-found independence will come into play is when, if, the United-US Air merger goes forward. In the ensuing industry consolidation, Continental will now be in a position to make partner choices free from the encumbrance of its Northwest tie.

Legend Promises Quick Re-Launch
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Legend Airlines--which filed for bankruptcy protection and suspended operations late last year--has secured $20 million in financing and promises to be back in business soon.

Good intentions and cash-on-hand notwithstanding, Legend still needs approval from the bankruptcy court as well as the DOT and FAA to take to the air again.

S I T E 2 S E E

The Big Picture, According to NASA
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The beginning of the New Year is traditionally a time to reminisce about the past year and make resolutions for the new one. It's a time to look at the Big Picture. Here's a REALLY big picture, that will put your plans (and your traveling) in perspective:

If that moves you, the NASA site also has an "Astronomy Picture of the Day" page at the link below.

[Thanks to Dick for the recommendation.]

> More: NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day