U P F R O N T

Speak Out!
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Here are a couple of ways Crier readers can weigh in on travel-related issues...

First, a query from Beth Kwon, who's writing a business-travel piece for Fortune Small Business magazine: "... I'm interested in talking to frequent fliers (business travelers) about their air travel experiences post September 11, and if they have any tips about how to avoid some of the new hassles. I am particularly interested in tips / anecdotes about air travel, hotel, car rental, etc. and how to circumvent waiting in lines, paperwork, security, or what have you. Interested people can email or call me. I am at beth_kwon@timeinc.com and the number is (212) 522-4438. As I am on an extremely tight deadline, if they could call me ASAP that would be great!"

And second, Juline Mills -- whose online surveys we've mentioned in the past -- is seeking survey respondents for her latest research, as part of her dissertation at Purdue. "The survey is regarding customer satisfaction with travel Websites and is being hosted at http://www.htmresearch.atfreeweb.com."

Travel Agents: Dead Men (and Women) Walkin' (cont)
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Speaking of speaking out, the first wave of responses to our coverage of travel agent commission cuts was of the "been there, done that" variety. The second wave was much more supportive of travel agents (see "Reader Rants & Raves" below).

We'll include some of the other pro-agent notes in future issues, space permitting.

Program Changes, Midwest Express, Best Practices
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In last week's Crier, we took American and AOL to task for their consumer-unfriendly handling of the AOL AAdvantage Rewards shutdown. As a counterexample, we mentioned the Midwest Express program changes, announced a full 6 months in advance of their effect date. Mum was the word from American, but we did receive a response from Steve Mathwig, MWE's director of loyalty and frequency marketing:

"I read with interest your latest edition of the Crier. I thought the coverage of the Midwest Express news was fair and accurate. One message that we were trying to get out was the fact that we offer a luxury seat and great service at a coach award level, something our customers have come to expect. It was the first standard domestic award change in the program since the program began back in 1986. And we still offer a companion award and do not require a Saturday night stay. That coupled with the advance notice you applauded and the flexibility to redeem for a certificate to, in essence, "extend" the notification and deadline, is exactly what our customers expect of us."

In a separate e-mail, Steve promised that they would be repeating the program-change notice through Oct., to insure that the word got out to all members.

That pretty much defines best practices when negative program changes are made: Communicate the new policy at least 6 months in advance; and continually remind members of the impending change, so they can act accordingly.

M I L E S & P O I N T S

Fly to London, Earn 25,000 Delta Miles
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Through June 15, 2002, SkyMiles members can earn 25,000 bonus miles for roundtrip Delta flights between Atlanta and London-Gatwick. In addition, for tickets purchased by Apr. 10, 2002, Delta is offering a special fare of $428 roundtrip, also for travel through June 15.

The mileage bonus is valid for SkyMiles members who are residents of the U.S. and fly with a Y, M, B, Q, J, D or I class ticket. Travel must originate from the U.S. The special-fare offer is valid for Q-class tickets.

Register at delta.com or by calling 1-800-558-3358. Promotion code is 2037.

United Offers Bonus for Tax Payments
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We reported in last week's Crier that Visa had joined Mastercard, Amex and Discover in allowing cardholders to charge tax payments through Official Payments.

No sooner had Visa made their announcement than United made one of its own: when Mileage Plus members use their Mileage Plus Visa credit card to pay taxes through May 30, 2002, they will receive 5,000 bonus miles in addition to the normal 1 mile per $1 in charges. (Be sure to file for an extension if you'll be paying after Apr. 15.)

To pay taxes with the Mileage Plus Visa card, or for additional information, call 1-800-2PAY-TAX or visit http://www.officialpayments.com.

"Show Your Ticket" at Renaissance Hotels for $50
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Not mileage-related, but worth considering...

Through June 30, 2002, Renaissance hotels in North America will issue a $50 Bonus Bucks certificate to guests presenting proof of airline travel (on Air Canada, American, Delta or United) when checking in. The certificate is valid for a future 2-night stay at any Renaissance hotel worldwide through Dec. 31, 2002.

> More...

Northwest Will Disconnect Sprint
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Or is it the other way around?

In any case, WorldPerks members will no longer earn miles with Sprint after Mar. 31, 2003. Northwest's telecom and Internet mileage partners are now MCI, Nextel and Earthlink.

Earn Double Alaska Miles for New Boise Flights
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Fly Horizon Air's new service between Boise and San Francisco or San Diego by June 15, 2002, and earn double Mileage Plan miles.

> More...

MileageRunner Finds Value in Them Thar Promotions
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If knowledge is power, MileageRunner.com is mileage power.

MileageRunner is currently highlighting a subscriptions-for-miles promotion, which allows you to earn miles on most airlines for $0.019 each. Here's the math:

Each subscription to InsideFlyer magazine costs $59.95, and earns 2,500 Starwood bonus points. Factoring in the Starwood 5,000-point bonus for every 20,000 points earned, you would earn 100,000 points for 32 subscriptions, at a cost of $1,918.

So at the end of the day, for $1,918, you'd have 32 Christmas gifts (or plenty of kitty litter) and enough points for a first-class award ticket to Europe.

> More...

From AAdvantage: Miles-for-Cookies
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Mother's Day, cookies, 10 miles per $1... sweet!

Earn 500 AAdvantage bonus miles for a minimum purchase of $44.95 (excluding shipping and delivery) of Mrs. Beasley's baked goods. Offer ends July 31, 2002.

Use promotion code ADV in the discount code box at checkout on the Mrs. Beasley's website. Or call 1-800-710-7742 and mention this offer.

> More...

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...

Fall Travel to Bangkok and Hong Kong From $699 R/T
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Cathay Pacific has announced a special offer on fall travel to Bangkok, with roundtrip fares starting at $699, including free stopovers in Hong Kong in both directions.

> More...

Fly N.Y. or Boston and Las Vegas or Phoenix From $128 R/T
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After America West lowered certain of its fares and eliminated Saturday-night stay requirements, Northwest has retaliated by slashing prices between New York or Boston and America West's hub cities of Las Vegas and Phoenix.

> More...

S W E E P S T A K E S & F R E E B I E S

Win a Week's Car Rental from Thrifty
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Register on Thrifty's website for a chance to win a 1-week car rental.

One winner will be selected daily through May 31, 2002, from all eligible entries received by 5 p.m. (CT) that day. Non-winning entries remain eligible for future drawings. Rental week must be completed by Dec. 31, 2002.

> More...

[Other travel-related sweepstakes and giveaways are online.]

R E A D E R R A N T S & R A V E S

Thumbs Up on Travel Agents
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"I recently tried to obtain a flight out thru an airline the same day. The airline fee was for full fare, no discount. Called my travel agent, and the fare was half what the airline would charge. I'll continue to use my travel agent."

- Elaine

"First off, I am a travel agent and have worked in the industry 6 years. The one thing you have to remember was how did travel agents begin, and what was their purpose.

"Simply put, we were initiated to help out the airlines sell their seats. Doing so they said thank you by giving a commission for our work. Now that they don't pay commissions, you think I want to charge you an extra whopping $45 on top of your fare?, heck no! The airlines want you to go to them and I say run as fast as you can. I want to see the airlines suffer under their own weight. "Thank you for calling XYZ Airlines, your wait time is approximately 55 minutes", or "Due to website difficulties, this site is temporarily unavailable."

"Travel agencies provide you with unbiased information and fares, one stop shopping convenience and expert advise for planning your travel itinerary. Travel agencies have people who have been there and know when to go. What is shoulder season? What's the best time to visit Disneyland? Where's a good hotel on the Left Bank? What's the name of that ship that travels on the Mosel River in Germany? What's listed for the most exciting amusement park?

"If you're just getting an airline ticket nowadays, go to the airline. But if you're looking for that vacation with airfare, car and hotel use a travel agency. Why piece-meal your vacation together and pay top bill for every component? Most wholesale tour companies do not sell to the general public, only to travel agencies. That's where I can save you time and money. Sure the internet is a great resource, but that's all it is - a glorified public library with lots of information. Lots, and lots of information. It takes time to search through the internet, time you may not have to spend or want to. Travel agencies provide that service, I get paid to take the time to provide you the traveler with the unbiased information, knowledge, expert advise and commitment to service for your travel needs.

"International traveling? Why pay the airlines their high fares when a travel agency can get you a consolidator fare for less.

"The airlines would like you to think travel agencies are going out of business, and to a point that's almost true. Over 20% of travel agencies will have to fold now due to no commissions. It's a harder market now for us and we have to re-structure the way we do business without the airlines support.

"So don't call me for "just" a domestic airline ticket, I'll let you call the airline and sit on hold for a half an hour or try and determine who's got the best internet fare.

"Travel agencies are much, much more than just airline tickets, we are the world."

- Jim / All Around Travel / Bellevue, Washington

"THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!

"I just can't say it enough. I am an Independent Contractor Travel Agent and it is so refreshing to see someone who can see through the BS the airlines feed the public everyday. Thanks for helping the public become more aware."

- Carrie

Until next week...