UP FRONT..........................................................

In normal times, a bankruptcy filing by a medium-sized U.S. airline would be our top news item. But this week, Delta's just-announced pricing initiative trumps Aloha Air's troubles.

Delta Leads Fare Restructuring
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Delta today unveiled its new SimpliFares -- domestic ticket prices that are simpler, less restrictive and lower. The highlights:

• No Saturday-night stay requirements
  
• Maximum 1-way fares purchased on delta.com: $499 in coach, $599 in first class. (In line with other carriers, Delta has imposed fees of $5 and $10 for tickets booked through the carrier's call centers or at airport ticket offices respectively.)
  
• Ticket-change fees reduced from $100 to $50

This is the most significant attempt to rationalize pricing since American's unsuccessful foray in the 1990's. In today's environment, with discount carriers driving consumers' expectations, the changes are much more likely to stick.

It's too soon to tell whether Delta's SimpliFares will become the new industry standard. So far, only Northwest has commented publicly on the matter, as follows: "Northwest believes that 'fare simplifications' of the sort being described are revenue negative. Northwest expects that such an initiative, if it becomes general, would immediately adversely and significantly affect industry revenues."

Notwithstanding Northwest's naysaying, which I'd characterize as consumer negative, Delta's move is a step in the right direction, and a long overdue one at that.

However it plays out, Delta deserves the recognition and thanks of the traveling public for doing the right thing. Finally!

Aloha Follows Hawaiian Air Into Bankruptcy
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On Dec. 30, 2004, Honolulu-based Aloha Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Aloha chief David Banmiller stressed that flight operations will not be affected and that travelers could continue earning and redeeming Mileage Plus miles for Aloha flights. The carrier plans to emerge from reorganization "as expeditiously as possible."

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, Nutella79 is looking for program advice: "After doing considerable research, I've come down to deciding between two programs: NW WorldPerks and the program of Alaska Airlines. Which do you think is better...?"

In the "Airport Discussion" Forum, Mooch_1993 is planning a trip to London and wonders: "Which airport should I fly into, Gatwick or Heathrow? What's the best way to reach my hotel (near Big Ben)? Should I take a taxi or use the tube?"

In the "Other Loyalty Program Topics" Forum, Hal wants to know: "What's the best deal(s) available with either MCI or Sprint if I'm switching away from AT&T Long Distance?" (A pertinent question since AT&T has severed its relationships with airline programs.)

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

-> More: http://frequentflier.com/forums/index.php

MILES & POINTS....................................................

Earn Upgrades from ATA
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Members of ATA's Travel Awards program who buy a ticket on ata.com by Jan. 10 and travel by Feb. 3 to/from or through Chicago-Midway and selected cities will receive a free business-class upgrade certificate for use on a future ATA flight.

Upgrade certificates are space-available. See ATA 'S website for a list of qualifying destinations.

More: http://www.ata.com/offers/specialty/050103.html

Get a Free BlackBerry from Avis
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Avis is offering a free BlackBerry (retail value: $99) for rentals completed between Jan. 1 and Mar. 31. A maximum of 5 BlackBerrys may be earned during the promo period.

To receive a BlackBerry, customers must first visit the below website and provide their rental agreement number. Next, they must pass the service provider's credit approval, pay a $35 activation fee and commit to a 12-month service agreement for premium data service (unlimited e-mail) at $29.99 per month with a $200 early termination penalty. With the BlackBerry, customers receive an $85 mail-in rebate good toward activation and annual fees.

As Avis's marketing materials suggest, this offer makes the most sense for small businesspeople, who would sign up for data services anyway but can save on hardware costs for the BlackBerry itself.

More: http://www.avis.com/blackberry

Save $20.05 at Loews Hotels
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Through Mar. 27, Loews Hotels is offering a $20.05 credit for every stay of 2 or more nights booked online at loewshotels.com.

Credit may be used for food and beverage purchases in the hotel during the qualifying stay. Credit is non-transferable and may not be redeemed for cash or other products and services.

More: http://www.loewshotels.com/specialoffers.asp

After-Xmas Shopping Bonus at WorldPerks Mall
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Since recent mileage mall promotions were geared toward Christmas shopping, most offers expired on Dec. 31, 2004.

WorldPerks members can continue earning 5 miles per $1 spent at Lands' End (versus the 3 miles per $1 normally) through Jan. 17, 2005.

To earn the extra miles, begin shopping at the WorldPerks Mall.

More: http://www.nwa.com/mall/offer/apparel/LandsEnd_5mile.html

Up to 1,500 Priority Club Points at H&R Block
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Through Apr. 15, Priority Club Rewards members can up to 1,500 bonus points for filing federal tax returns through H&R Block.

H&R Block is offering 500 points for do-it-yourself online filing and 1500 points for tax prep at an H&R Block office.

(We'll have other bonus offers for tax prep and related services as the Apr. 15 filing deadline approaches.)

More: http://hrblock.com/taxes/partner/index.jsp?otpPartnerId=1024

United Doubles, Triples Miles to Costa Rica
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Through Mar. 31, Mileage Plus members will earn triple miles for first and business (F, A, C and D) and double miles in all other booking classes for roundtrip United flights to Costa Rica.

Register at united.com/offer/mpi304 or by calling 1-800-447-6772, code 914.

More: http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,1252,00.html

FREQUENTFLIER FITNESS.............................................

New Year's Resolutions
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Provided by Healthy Travel Network (www.healthytravelnetwork.com)

Happy New Year! Eighty-eight percent of you will go on a diet as part of your New Year's resolution. Forget fad diets; losing or maintaining weight is simple math. Take in fewer calories than you burn, and you will lose weight.

Calculating Your Allowable Intake
First, you need to figure out a reasonable caloric intake based on your age, weight, sex, and daily activity level. Try our basal and active metabolism calculators at http://healthytravelnetwork.com/travel-fitness-bmr-calculator.shtml.

Calorie Counting Databases
Next, you need to track how much you are eating. Most of us eat 700 calories per day MORE than we realize. That amounts to almost 1.5 pounds gained per week!

The advent of the Internet has brought us many great calorie databases. One of my favorites is http://www.calorieking.com, which has a remarkably complete index of foods including many prepared foods and restaurant foods.

Maximize Your Exercise
If you can't eat less, then exercise more. Calories Per Hour has a great calculator to help you assess how many calories you are burning during your workouts.

STEALS & DEALS....................................................

Deal Alert from SmarterLiving.com
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1) Europe Fares on Northwest, United, and US Airways from $248

Take advantage of off-peak season Europe sale fares from 3 airlines starting as low as $248 roundtrip. Destinations include Amsterdam, London, and Paris, and travel is valid through the winter.

Travel on most routes is valid on Mondays through Thursdays. Book tickets at least 7 days in advance (21 days in advance on Northwest), and by Jan. 10. Fares require a Saturday-night stay and the maximum stay is 30 days.
Northwest fares are valid for travel through Mar. 13. United fares are valid through Mar. 16. US Airways fares are valid through Mar. 20.

More: http://www.smarterliving.com/air/deal.php?id=8077

2) Domestic Fares on American, Northwest, United, and US Airways from $78

If you're looking for a domestic flight this winter, new sales from American, Northwest, United, and US Airways might have what you're looking for. Prices start at $78 roundtrip, and destinations include Chicago, Las Vegas, and Miami.

Travel is valid on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Feb. 17. Book tickets at least 7 days in advance (7 or 14 on Northwest), and by Jan. 10. Most fares require a Saturday-night stay, and the maximum stay is 30 days.

More: http://www.smarterliving.com/air/deal.php?id=8079

SWEEPS & FREEBIES.................................................

Win a Hawaii Cruise for 2
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Join Hawaii.com by Feb. 11 to be entered in a sweepstakes to win a 7-night Hawaiian Islands cruise for 2.

Entries are received by surfing the Hawaii.com website, after registering.

More: http://www.hawaii.com/join/promo/HotTravelDeals.php

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

READER RANTS & RAVES..............................................

Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel
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"Several friends emphatically state all airlines will abolish FF miles July l. I find this to not be believable. Any info?" (Jerry)

[Editor's Note - This rumor surfaces periodically. It's not just false, it's ridiculous. First, mileage programs are extremely effective marketing programs. Second, they generate significant revenue through the sale of miles to program partners, revenue the airlines need now more than ever. As long as airlines survive, so will their mileage programs.]

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In response to the following query from Alan, we suggested he contact American regarding elite-matching:

"I am a platinum Delta, a silver elite USAir and an elite AirTran. I fly about 200,000 miles a year. I find that more and more I am traveling American Airline riutes. I would like to use American but I do not want to give up my elite benefits. Does American gave a program that will allow me to start at an elite status or at least fast track (less flights than the normal road to elite status) program?"

After discussing the matter with American, Alan reported back as follows:

"I called the number and got someone by asking for fast-track. The program is called AA challenge and you may select the gold (5,000 pts in 90 days) or platinum option (10,000 points in 90 days). You may start the challenge on the first day of the month or the 16th day of the month. Points are earned in an equivalency to the type of fare and the cost. 1/2 pt for deeply discounted. 1 point for non deeply discounted. and 1 1/2 points for business and first class. You must select either gold or platinum. If you choose platinum and fail you get nothing. Happy New Year."

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"I'd love it if you could do a story sometime on what seem to be vast cutbacks in the number of airline club locations and also their open hours. Frequent fliers pay good money for the memberships and find out the hard way that they mean far less than what they did when purchased. NWA, for example, closed it club at Phila. Int'l Airport, and the Seattle club now closes at 3:30pm! They ought to drop the rates to match the reduced membership benefits." (Steve)

[Editor's Note - We'll try to put together an article on this subject. For now, Steve's note should serve as a heads-up to consumers contemplating purchasing an airport lounge membership. Thanks, Steve!]

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Until next week...