Issue #40  --  April 15, 1999

** CONTENTS **

10,000 AAdvantage Miles for Hawaii Vacations ~ Continental's Frequency Program for Biz ~ American, Alaska Air in Partnership ~ Hertz Joins Hawaiian Program ~ Northwest's ConnectFirst ~ ATA Spring Fare Sale ~ Safe from Hepatitis-A? ~ Avis Incentive Program for Agents ~ Antitrust Action Against American? ~ Concorde Turns 30 ~ More Hurdles for PAL ~ Traveling with Disabilities ~ Safety Tips for Women Travelers ~ Site2See: Dancing Hampsters

<< M I L E S >>

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10,000 AAdvantage Bonus Miles for Hawaii Vacations
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Now there are 10,000 reasons to take a Hawaiian vacation this year. American Airlines Vacations is offering 10,000 AAdvantage bonus miles per booking on packages featuring a number of leading hotels on Oahu and Maui.

The special Hawaii bonus miles are available on packages booked and purchased between now and May 31, 1999, with travel between April 7 and Dec. 16, 1999.

Customers can choose from these participating hotels: Aston Hotels and Resorts (Oahu/Maui), Castle Resorts & Hotel (Oahu/Maui), Embassy Vacation Resort Ka'anapali (Maui), Hilton Hawaiian Village (Oahu), Hyatt Resorts (Oahu/Maui), Ka'anapali Beach Resort (Maui), Kea Lani Suites and Villas (Maui), Outrigger Hotels and Resorts (Oahu/Maui), Prince Resorts Hawaii /(Oahu/Maui), Sheraton Hotels and Resorts (Oahu/Maui), the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua (Maui), the Westin Maui, and the Ilikai (Oahu).

All the packages offer a flower lei greeting, a morning breakfast briefing, individual hotel bonus features, special rates on rental of an Alamo minivan or convertible, and a flexible length of stay (minimum five-night stay required for AAdvantage bonus miles).

American Airlines Vacations is the largest airline-owned tour operator in the United States, and offers over 300 tour packages to more than 145 destinations.

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Continental's Loyalty Program for Businesses
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With Continental's RewardOne program, participating companies earn points every time their employees travel on business. There's no cost to join, and companies can enroll online.

As a RewardOne member, small to midsize business can choose from an array of travel rewards based on points earned when employees fly on Continental.

When participating companies' employees travel for business on Continental, the company will earn points in the RewardOne program. For every $1,000 spent for business travel, the company will earn one point.

Points can then be redeemed for rewards, including upgrades, Silver OnePass Elite Status, Presidents Club memberships, and travel certificates. Example: 12 points earns one free Continental roundtrip ticket within the U.S.

The rewards can be used as gifts or incentives for employees and customers, or for future business trips, allowing the company to reduce its overall travel expenditures.

While it's not aggressively generous (at one free ticket for every $12,000 in purchases), RewardOne does provide the company with at least a token rebate. And, after all, it is companies which purchase those highly profitable unrestricted tickets that are so important to airlines' bottom lines.

Also all to the good is the fact that the new business program peacefully coexists with OnePass, Continental's consumer program. So, for the same qualifying business trip, the individual earns OnePass miles as usual, while the company earns RewardOne points.

>> More <<
Continental

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American and Alaska Air Now Mileage Partners
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Thanks to a reciprocal frequent flyer agreement, American Airlines AAdvantage members can now earn and redeem miles on Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can earn and redeem miles on American Airlines and American Eagle flights.

Now through June 30, 1999, AAdvantage members will earn double miles every time they fly Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air, and Mileage Plan members will earn double miles every time they fly on American Airlines or American Eagle. (Miles may only be accrued to one program and cannot be combined or transferred once credited).

The new agreement provides AAdvantage members with mileage earning and redemption opportunities on flights to more than 70 cities in eight western states, plus Mexico and Canada.

>> More <<
o American
o Alaska Air

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Hertz Joins Hawaiian Air Program
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Effective immediately, Hertz has joined HawaiianMiles, the Hawaiian Airlines frequency program.

Members of the HawaiianMiles program are now eligible to earn one mile per dollar spent on all qualifying commercial contract and government rentals and two miles per dollar spent on all other qualifying rentals. To earn miles, rentals must take place at a participating Hertz location worldwide within 24 hours before or after a Hawaiian Airlines or partner airline flight.

Mileage will not be awarded on taxes, fuel or fees, but will be earned on most of Hertz' other optional services such as Loss Damage Waiver and Liability Insurance Supplement. Transactions occurring outside the US will be converted into US dollar amounts to determine mileage awards. Rentals that involve tour packages, travel industry discounts, frequent flyer awards, or any other discounted rates are not eligible for miles.

A current airline ticket, boarding pass or ticket receipt must be presented at time of rental pick-up along with an applicable HawaiianMiles membership ID card. Standard rental qualifications apply.

>> More <<
o Hawaiian Airlines
o Hertz

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Mileage Plus Bonus Miles for Coastal Hotel Stays
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From May 1 to June 30, United Airlines' Mileage Plus members staying at select SRS-WORLDHOTELS properties in New York and Los Angeles will enjoy special room rates as well as 1,500 frequent flyer bonus miles per stay.

Participating hotels and rates are as follows:

>> New York City

The Time. Rates start at $225 per night, single or double occupancy.

The Roosevelt. Starting rate of $195 per night, single or double occupancy.

Barbizon Hotel & Towers. Rates start at $215 per night, single or double occupancy.

The Roger Williams Hotel. Rates begin at $189 single occupancy or $199 double occupancy.

>> Los Angeles Area

Summit Hotel Bel-Air. Rates begin at $195, single or double occupancy.

Avalon. Rates start at $130 per night, single or double occupancy.

La Casa del Camino. Rates starting at $109 single occupancy and $117 double occupancy.

All rates are subject to availability. To earn the bonus miles, Mileage Plus members must present their membership cards upon check-in.

In other ongoing promotions, Mileage Plus members can earn between 1,000 and 5,000 additional bonus miles for stays of one to five nights at qualifying rates at participating SRS-WORLDHOTELS between May 1 and June 30. And, members staying between February 1 and October 30 at qualifying rates will earn 1,000 miles after their third SRS-WORLDHOTELS stay. From February 1 to December 30, meeting planners can earn 10,000 bonus miles by booking and utilizing 20 room nights at participating SRS-WORLDHOTELS at qualifying rates. Meeting planners can also earn 10,000 miles after a third group of 20 room nights is booked at qualifying SRS-WORLDHOTELS.

>> More <<
Reservations for the special LA/NY commuter rates can be made by calling SRS-WORLDHOTELS toll-free at 800-223-5652 and asking for package "PI." The SRS website is at http://www.srs-worldhotels.com

<< S T E A L S & D E A L S >>

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Northwest ConnectFirst Upgrades
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Northwest's ConnectFirst Asia program permits travelers with business class tickets for connecting flight itineraries from the United States to Asia to be upgraded to first class.

With ConnectFirst Asia, travelers can book a first class seat (space permitting) when purchasing a qualifying published business class fare. The traveler's trans-Pacific itinerary must contain a minimum of one connection either in the United States or in Japan. The program is valid on one-way and roundtrip qualifying Northwest itineraries including most alliance partners and Northwest Airlink. Travel must originate in the United States.

Northwest has also expanded its domestic ConnectFirst program to include more destinations. For the cost of a full fare coach class ticket, travelers can book a first class seat on most connecting domestic itineraries through Northwest's Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Memphis hubs. ConnectFirst passengers enjoy all the amenities of first class. If first class is not available on a segment, double WorldPerks frequent flyer miles will be awarded to those purchasing qualifying ConnectFirst domestic fares. ConnectFirst is available on flights to 177 Northwest destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

>> More <<
Northwest online

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ATA Spring Fare Sale
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ATA this week announced spring sale fares starting at $79 for tickets purchased between April 13 and April 27, 1999. The fares are valid for travel between April 27 and September 30, 1999.

Examples: one-way, off-peak sale fares from Chicago-Midway to Philadelphia and New York-JFK start from $79, to Denver and Dallas from $89, and to Orlando, St. Petersburg, Ft. Lauderdale, Los Angeles and New York-LaGuardia from $99.

Sale fares and travel dates vary by city. Sale fares shown are for one-way, off-peak travel between April 27 and September 30, 1999, and will be slightly higher during peak travel days. Fares are not generally available for purchase seven days prior to travel and during high volume travel periods. Tickets are non-refundable, and do not include departure taxes, segment fees or passenger facility charges. Tickets must be purchased within 72 hours of booking and all tickets must be issued no later than April 27, 1999. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights and dates. Fares are subject to change without notice. For deaf and hearing impaired callers, TTY 800-293-6194.

>> More <<
ATA online

<< T R A V E L W I S E >>

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Are you Safe from Hepatitis A?
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While travel to most industrialized countries poses no greater risk of infection of Hepatitis A (HepA) than that faced while traveling in the United States, travelers to certain high risk areas may have reason for concern. Such high risk destinations include: Asia (except Japan), the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, Central and South America, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean. It is also worth mentioning that there have been increasing reports of travelers contracting HepA when traveling to more traditional tourist destinations.

The HepA virus is transmitted person-to-person mostly through fecal contamination and hand-to-mouth contact. HepA can be spread unknowingly since those infected are contagious two weeks before symptoms appear. You should take special caution when eating the following: food prepared in unsanitary locations; water and ice that may be contaminated by sewage; washed fruits and vegetables; and raw or partially cooked shellfish.

If you are infected with the HepA virus, a sudden onset of the following symptoms may occur 2-7 weeks later: fever, malaise, nausea, and jaundice. Some adults and children may not develop symptoms at all.

There are several HepA vaccines available, and a single dose provides protection for about a year. Getting a booster dose 6-12 months after the first one will provide protection for about 10 years. If you do become infected, without vaccination, immune globulin is available and is effective in preventing clinical disease.

Until next month, remember, TravelWise!

Brent W. Burkey, Medical Student
MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

For additional travel health resources, visit the International Health and Travel Medicine website.

<< I N D U S T R Y N E W S >>

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Avis Extends Travel Agent Incentive Program
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Avis has launched its Club Red travel agent incentive program through December 1999.

Under the program, travel agents earn one Club Red point for each day of every completed Avis weekend or weekly rental they book that includes a Saturday night overstay. Club Red points are redeemable for electronics, merchandise, travel, American Express Gift Cheques, etc. through the "Club Red Mall" member awards catalog.

To earn points, travel agents provide their Club Red Membership Code when making qualifying reservations. Members' 1998 codes are valid for the 1999 program.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Avis has conducted a Club Red travel agent incentive program.

Club Red is open to travel agents employed by travel agencies in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

>> More <<
For more information or to enroll in Avis Club Red, travel agents should call 1-800-555-9RED. For program details, agents can access the Avis Keyword, "RED" in their GDS.

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Antitrust Suit Against American?
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According to the Wall Street Journal, the Department of Justice may be close to bringing antitrust charges against American.

The DOJ is responding to concerns about anti-competitive behavior in the airline industry generally, and specifically to a complaint lodged by Vanguard Airlines in 1996. Vanguard alleges that when they began serving Dallas--American's home base and primary hub--American responded by lowering fares and increasing capacity with the express intent of forcing Vanguard out of the Dallas market. The DOJ is attempting to determine whether American crossed the line separating normal competitive response from illegal, anti-competitive behavior.

The DOJ is also reviewing the marketing behavior of other major airlines which may have unfairly impeded the ability of smaller airlines to compete.

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The Concorde Turns 30
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Next time you see a Concorde supersonic jet sitting on the tarmac, and find yourself shamelessly ogling its graceful, athletic profile, remember that it's a 30-year-old aircraft. Which makes it a remarkably enduring bit of design.

British Air and Air France have 13 Concordes between them. And because of the high cost-to-produce and low demand for supersonic travel, there are no plans for a successor. So enjoy them while they are still in regular service.

Unfortunately for most of us, the fares are prohibitively high: New York-London roundtrip - $9,900.

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PAL's Struggles Continue
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In another setback to Philippine Airlines' attempts to reorganize and refinance, Asia's oldest airline was served with claims by both its own ground workers' union and by the Boeing company.

The union is seeking back salary and attorney fees. And Boeing claims to have lost $127 million when PAL cancelled agreements to purchase seven B747-400 aircraft.

Since temporarily ceasing operations last year, PAL has been in discussions with a number of potential investors--including Cathay Pacific and Northwest--who might bring capital and management expertise to bear on PAL's troubles. PAL's debts exceed $2 billion.

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

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Reader Feedback: Traveling with Disabilities
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The following passionate note is from J.G. I'm reprinting it here in spite of the fact that it's somewhat off-topic for this newsletter.

>> begin quote >>
On Wednesday March 31st the *New York Times* reported that a new report from the National Council on Disability found that airline use was particularly hard for the disabled.

Quote:

"The report, released last week, said that enforcement of the 1986 law, the Air Carriers Access Act, was ineffective, that public education efforts on the needs and rights of disabled air travelers was inadequate, and that there was not enough money or staff at the Department of Transportation dedicated to investigating complaints."

Maybe they should have added that *The Frequent Flier Crier* doesn't seem to care much either--or we would have read a little of this report online by now.

"'The negative experiences of disabled travelers go beyond the typical hassles all air travelers encounter,' said Marca Bristo, chairwoman of the council. 'When you are dropped or mishandled by poorly trained staff who treat you like an inconvenient piece of luggage, when you can't get critical information because its not in an accessible format, you are left with a feeling that you don't count, that your dignity as a human being has been violated.'"

And if you're a disabled frequent flier? --you spend a lot of time having little bits and pieces of your dignity stripped away from you.

Here's an example:

At Newark terminal B, there is only one Tele-Device for the Deaf (TDD) on the Northwest/Delta Concourse--and it has been broken since September 1998. My records show I have informed NW personnel of this anomaly on 18 occasions. I have mailed in notices to the Port Authority of NY & NJ (the owners of the airport) on 38 occasions (the exact number of times I have passed through the airport since discovering the TDD was broken). I have sent formal letters and e-mail messages to NW (which obliged me with a $100 travel certificate, but didn't fix the TDD). I have called AT&T (owner of the TDD) on two occasions, with no results. I have twice informed the DOT, which acknowledged my complaints, and which acknowledged that there were legal obligations involved--but whatever they are, no one is acting on them.

And so after more than seven months of notices and complaints, the TDD at Terminal B, NW concourse, remains broken.

So when my flights are delayed or canceled--it happens to me as much as it happens to all of you--I cannot immediately call associates to alert them of changes to my schedule. Instead I have to either walk back to the main terminal (where there is one other TDD that sometimes works) or take the monorail to another terminal. Or ask a complete stranger to make a call for me--which is totally disempowers me, leaving me at the mercy of further complications and misunderstandings. The worst thing of all is not being able to make a short call to my fiancee before getting on a plane simply to tell her I love her--and if you think this is mawkish or stupid, try living in a world that does not allow you the expression of basic human emotions--. *That* is a world devoid of dignity.
<< end quote <<

<< M I S C E L L A N Y >>

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Tips for Women Travelers
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According to The Women's Travel Club, there has been an increase recently in questions about safety for women travelers. In response, the club has posted a list of safety tips on its website.

Phyllis Stoller, president of the Miami-based Club, says, "Except for a few regions where unaccompanied American women are rarely seen, women need not fear traveling alone, especially if we think about our role in risk reduction." For example, "If your child can read a $10 compass, so can you, and you won't have to ask a stranger, 'Which way is downtown?'"

The Women's Travel Club, the nation's largest travel club for women, suggests that women:

    -- Select a hotel with less than 100 rooms, on a busy street.
    -- It should have a small lobby whose front door and elevators are visible to hotel employees, with some privacy for guests checking in.
    -- Are amenities like gyms and parking attended?
    -- Ask a female employee, and not someone in reservations (try the restaurant), if she walks in the area at night.
    -- You want a room on an upper floor, away from catwalks and terraces and near the elevators.
    -- Ask the concierge booking your restaurant to say, "Please take care of her, she is coming alone and will need a taxi home."
    -- Wedding rings can discourage some aggressive behavior but don't wear any other jewelry, real or fake.
    -- If you need directions, ask families or women with children, "Where is xxx? I am meeting my husband there."
    -- Push a rubber door stop under your hotel door as an extra "lock."
    -- Leaving an airport in a rental car and you need help finding the highway? Tip a cabbie to lead you to it.

The Women's Travel Club, "Designed by Women for Women," was founded in 1992 by Phyllis Stoller, a former banker and world traveler. It is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents. Annual $35 membership includes a monthly newsletter and access to the password-protected areas on its Web site.

>> More <<
The Women's Travel Club

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Site2See: Dancing Hampsters
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And on a lighter note...

Behold a screenfull of dancing hampsters(sic).

Find out why someone (anyone) would choose to spell 'hamster' with a 'p.'

Purchase your own dancing hampster post-it notes, and other to-die-for merchandise.

>> More <<
Dancing hampsters

Until next week...