Industry News & Data Points

The legal and other fees associated with the restructuring at Delta and Northwest are raising eyebrows, not least among employees whose salaries and benefits are being cut to the bone.

An Associated Press story this week notes that the courts overseeing the two carriers' bankruptcies have already been asked to approve a combined $59 million in fees from consultants and lawyers for work related to the restructuring. And the final tab is expected to exceed $275 million.

United spent $335 million on its bankruptcy case during the 38 months it was in Chapter 11.

The International Air Transport Association is predicting that the airline industry will turn a profit of $7.2 billion in 2007, its first in six years.

For 2006, IATA expects U.S. carriers to lose $5.4 billion, just half the 2005 deficit.

Between 2001 and 2005, the industry has lost $42 billion.

FrequentFlier Forum Topics

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

In the "Airline Programs" Forum, iowatraveler wonders what to do with 10,000 Delta miles: "Besides getting a credit card or magazines, any ideas? I checked at points.com but it looks like you can only get more DL miles there, not swap or redeem them for something. I hate to get nothing out of these miles and will likely not be flying DL or NW enough to save up for a ticket."

Also in the "Airline Programs" Forum, kbaajl is seeking credit card recommendations: "After reading alot on what might or might not be the best card for me, I am more confused now then ever before... can anyone recommend what might be a good card for us to get into? Bank or airline? and which one? maybe even why?"

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

:: More

Sign Up for EarthLink, Get a Free AirTran Ticket

AirTran A+ Rewards members who sign up for EarthLink Internet service -- cable, DSL, or dial-up -- will earn eight A+ Rewards credits after paying the first three bills. That's enough for a free ticket.

Offer is for new customers or current customers who upgrade to high-speed service only.

:: More

Best Western Offers Lifetime Elite Status

To promote Best Western's 60th birthday, Gold Crown Club International members who stay 60 or more qualified nights during 2006 will be awarded Diamond Elite status for life. Diamond is BW's top elite tier, offering members 30% bonus points for stays, room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out, etc.

No registration required.

:: More

Maersk Air No Longer Participates in OnePass Program

Effective Mar. 26, 2006 Maersk Air is no longer a partner in Continental's OnePass program.

OnePass members who hold a booking for award travel after Mar. 26 should contact the Continental International Reward Desk at 1-800-344-1411.

:: More

Hilton HHonors Launches Charity Site

Hilton HHonors members can now donate their points to a number of charitable organizations via a dedicated section of the hotel's website.

Among the organizations members can choose to support: American Red Cross, AIDS Walk L.A., the Arthritis Foundation, etc. Every 10,000 points donated translates into a $25 contribution.

:: More

TripRewards Adds Wyndham Awards

TripRewards members now can redeem their points for free stays at more than 100 participating Wyndham hotels.

Points can be redeemed for a single or double standard room at any Wyndham Garden Hotel, Wyndham Historic Hotel or Wyndham Resorts location. Award prices range from 10,000 to 40,000 points per night.

:: More

More United Miles at the Mall

Through June 30, Mileage Plus members can earn more miles for purchases at participating Mileage Plus Mall retailers.

Earn three miles per $1 spent instead of the normal two miles at Lands' End, three miles instead of one mile at Macy's, two miles instead of one at Sears, etc.

Registration is required.

:: More

Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) Canada Fares on United from $112 Each Way

United is offering sale fares to Canada to promote new routes to Canadian cities. Prices start at $112 one-way, and destinations include Halifax, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Book tickets at least 21 days in advance, and by Apr. 5.

:: More

2) Sale Fares on AirTran from $39 Each Way

Flights through early October are on sale from AirTran. Prices start at $39 one-way, and destinations include Boston, Chicago, Orlando, and Seattle.

Travel is valid Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays through Oct. 4. Florida fares are valid beginning Apr. 25. Service to Seattle begins May 25. Book tickets at least 14 days in advance, and by Apr. 4.

:: More

Win 1 Million United Miles

Enter United's 25th Anniversary Sweepstakes by June 16 for a chance to win one of 25 grand prizes of 1 million Mileage Plus miles each. In addition to the million miles, winners will receive $5,000 to help offset the tax liability of the miles. Nice move, United!

After registering, Mileage Plus members earn one entry per qualifying segment flown on United, United Express or Ted during the sweepstakes period. Members may also enter by mail, no purchase required.

:: More

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

Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

""I would like to add my great disappointment and anger to others re the sham that the FF Program has become.

"Case in point: I called in early January 2006 to book a flight to Greece: Washington DC/NY Kennedy/Athens scheduled for approximately 2 weeks, departing June 8, but with some flexibility re date. I was told nothing was available. When I tried alternate dates: nothing available. When I tried to upgrade instead: nothing available. I asked the clerk just how long I had to book in advance to take advantage of my Delta miles, she said about 1 year.

"Truly a sham." [Pat S. - Washington, DC]

Until next week...