Luv, Luv, Luv

In a perfect world, we would have prepared a personalized online valentine for each and every one of our readers. Or at least one valentine for all our readers. It is Valentine's Day, after all.

In the real world, such discretionary niceties tend to get pushed aside in favor of keeping up with the daily pressures of work. Indeed, that's our excuse here at FrequentFlier.com. We were just too busy updating the website and publishing the newsletter. (You may recall we had the same problem with Christmas cards.)

So we're all the more impressed with any company that makes time to produce a Valentine's Day card for its customers. In the travel universe, there is one airline that consistently manages to surprise and delight with its small but seemingly genuine, and often humorous, gestures.

Not surprisingly, that company is Southwest. And lacking a valentine of our own, we couldn't do better than to refer you on to theirs. Just pretend it's from us.

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New FrequentFlier Poll: Passenger Bill of Rights

We launched an online survey last week to gauge readers' feelings about an Airline Passenger Bill or Rights -- a movement gaining momentum among both the traveling public and lawmakers.

Since then, the overwhelming majority (89.3% of those voting) have been in favor of enacting such a bill.

To weigh in on the issue, or simply check the updated voting results, visit the FrequentFlier Polls.

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FrequentFlier Forum Topics

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

In the "Airline Programs" Forum, norcalduck gives readers a heads-up on two bonus offers for California flights: "I recently heard that Southwest has offered double awards to/from/within California. I just found out that Alaska Airlines has countered the offer with double miles if you register in advance. One of the options for "where did you heard about this offer?" included the frequent flier... BTW, Spring is a great time to visit California." (See "Miles & Points" below for details of both offers.)

And in the "Credit Card Programs" Forum, there's an enlightening discussion of the merits and drawbacks of the Citi PremierPass card.

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

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Double Miles for Alaska Airlines' CA Flights

Between February 13 and April 4, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members will earn double miles for Alaska or Horizon Air flights to or from any California city. (Southwest has a similar offer in place. See below.)

Registration is required.

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Earn ATA Points at NetBank

Members of ATA's Travel Awards program can earn up to 3,250 points for opening new accounts at online financial services company, NetBank.

Earn 1,000 points for opening a new checking account, 1,000 points for a new money market account, and 1,250 points for a new CD.

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More Miles at the Delta Mall

Between February 1 and March 10, SkyMiles members can earn double miles for purchases at any retailer in Delta's mileage mall. Yes, that's any SkyMiles Shopping merchant, not just a handful of participating merchants.

As always, be sure to begin shopping on the mall homepage, to insure your SkyMiles membership number is registered and tracked as you shop.

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Shop4Miles Adds United as Mileage Partner

Effective today, consumers can earn United miles for purchases made at the online shopping comparison site, Shop4Miles. The Shop4Miles search engine allows shoppers to compare prices among products and retailers.

United is the third participating airline, joining Delta and Alaska in awarding miles for purchases. The company plans to add additional airline partners in the future.

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Southwest Doubles the Credits for CA Flights

Between February 8 and April 4, members of Southwest's Rapid Rewards program will earn double credits for flights to or from any of the eight California cities in Southwest's network. (Alaska has matched this offer. See above.)

Only flights booked by March 8 on southwest.com or Southwest's business booking tool, SWABIZ.com, qualify for the bonus.

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Free Starwood Weekends in Asia

Through April 30, Starwood Preferred Guest members can earn a free two-night weekend stay after three paid stays charged to a MasterCard at participating Starwood hotels and resorts in the Asia-Pacific region.

The free weekend can be redeemed through August 26 at participating Starwood hotels in Asia and the Pacific.

Registration is required.

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Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) Mexico Fares from $99 Each Way on Continental

Continental is offering Mexico sale fares from $99 one-way and Caribbean fares from $208 roundtrip. Destinations include Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Aruba, and the Bahamas.

Travel is valid through May 13. Book tickets at least seven days in advance, and by February 16. Caribbean fares require a three-day minimum stay.

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2) Free First-Class Upgrades on American

American is offering free upgrades from business class to first class on flights between New York and London.

Upgrades are valid on roundtrip or one-way business-class flights from New York (JFK) to London (Heathrow) booked in fare basis code DUP. The offer is valid through March 31, and applies only to new reservations.

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Win a Trip to "Anywhere" from Marriott

Through March 15, enter Marriott's "Plan & Go Anywhere Game" for a chance to win an eight-day/seven-night trip for two to a Marriott hotel anywhere in the world, including air, spa certificate, etc. Other prizes include Tumi luggage and Canon cameras.

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

Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

"In a recent edition of your newsletter, you said it was possible to exchange mileage in one FF program for mileage in another. You gave an example of transferring American miles to the HHonors club, then transferring those points to United. I looked at doing this, and saw that there is a $25.00 fee associated with the first transfer. Is this a waiverable item? Is there a way to get around this?" [Tom D.]

[FrequentFlier.com replies - The $25 fee applies only when exchanging American miles for HHonors points. When exchanging miles from other participating airline programs for HHonors points, there is no fee. And neither is there a fee when exchanging HHonors points for miles. The bad news: I'm not aware of any circumstances under which that fee would be waived.]

"Thank you taking the time to share your recollections of OAG's 'Frequent Flyer' magazine [in last week's Crier]. That was the first I had heard that they would cease operations. It's been quite some time since I traveled frequently for my job, but back in the days when I did, their schedule book was always in my briefcase, and I always read the magazine as well.

"Times change I guess.

"Keep up the good work on the newsletter!" [George P. - North Carolina]

Until next week...