|
The Crier Is 500!
This is the 500th issue of the FrequentFlier Crier newsletter.
We published the first Crier on June 28, 1998. Since then we've sent out 500 issues (all posted here), covering the travel industry through more than a decade of ups and downs.
Among the more notable downs was the day in 2005 -- September 14th -- when both Delta and Northwest filed for Chapter 11. At the time, both United and US Airways were also operating under protection of Chapter 11. So for the following week, before US Airways exited bankruptcy, more than half this country's air service was flown by bankrupt airlines.
Those were tough years for us as well. With travel stalled, advertising slowed to a trickle. So bad was it that we offered several travel suppliers free ad space. Two took us up on the offer; a third was so distracted by then-current events that they couldn't overcome their own bureaucratic inertia to take advantage of the freebie.
We cut spending to the bone and soldiered on, absolutely convinced that there was a place for a publication like ours, and that time would confirm that conviction. It did.
We're still in business, and in September of last year, we became part of the Smarter Travel Media network, together with other such respected travel publications as SeatGuru and Airfare Watchdog.
Thanks to our subscribers, one and all, old and new. Knowing that you're out there keeps us writing; knowing that you care keeps us digging; and knowing that you're smart keeps us honest.
|
|
FrequentFlier Forum Topics
As always, there's plenty of activity on the FrequentFlier Forum.
In the "Rental Car Programs" Forum, Gary Steiger has a heads up on a lucrative deal for SkyMiles members during April: "5,000 bonus miles plus up to 25% off on all rentals at participating Avis airport locations in the U.S. and Canada. Provide Coupon # MUAA074 when making your advance reservation... So if you have nothing better to do, go to your local airport and rent a car for a day, three times. But first be sure that the deal is valid there." Offer details are here.
Also in the "Rental Car Programs" Forum, David Watkins uses a credit card which covers collision damage waiver (CDW) on rental cars, and wants to avoid the surcharge imposed by car rental companies: "Any suggestions of companies that do not charge the cdw?"
Questions, answers, opinions? Post them to the Forum!
:: More
|
|
AirTran Offers Triple Points for Milwaukee Flights
Between May 6 and September 5, members of AirTran's A+ Rewards program will earn triple credits for round-trip flights between Milwaukee and Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Ft. Myers, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, Orlando, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, and Washington, D.C.
Milwaukee-based Midwest is currently offering double miles for flights between Milwaukee and Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, or Phoenix through May 31. A more robust Midwest bonus offer, specifically designed to counter AirTran's, will take effect June 1.
:: More
American Doubles the Elite-Qualifying Miles
Between April 16 and June 15, AAdvantage members will earn double elite-qualifying miles for all American, American Eagle, and AmericanConnection flights. (The bonus miles count toward elite qualification, but cannot be redeemed for award travel.)
Registration is required.
For AAdvantage members who already have elite status, the bonus miles count toward milestone awards (luggage tags, bonus miles, upgrades, etc.) as well as toward requalification or reaching a higher elite tier.
(United has matched this offer, for travel between April 21 and June 15.)
:: More
More Continental Miles for Mexico Flights
Through June 30, OnePass members can earn double miles for Continental flights between Cleveland, New York/Newark (EWR), or Houston and Mexico City, Monterrey, Queretaro, Saltillo, or Tampico. Eligible classes of service are C, D, Z, Y, H, K, M, N, B, or O.
Registration is required.
:: More
SuperShuttle Is New Northwest Mileage Partner
WorldPerks members can now earn 50 miles each way for SuperShuttle airport transfers booked at www.supershuttle.com. SuperShuttle vans serve 27 airports in 22 cities.
Travelers with deeper pockets can earn 150 miles each way when booking ExecuCar luxury sedans, operated by SuperShuttle and available in 11 cities.
:: More
|
Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com
1) Europe Fares on Icelandair from $436
Icelandair is offering Europe sale fares starting at $436 round-trip. Destinations include London, Paris, Reykjavik, and Amsterdam.
Boston fares are valid from through May 16. Book by April 29. Most Minneapolis fares are valid through May 16. Book by April 25. And most New York fares are valid from through May 9. Book by April 25.
:: More
2) AirTran Fares from $49 Each Way
AirTran is offering domestic sale fares for travel through early November. Fares start at $49 one-way or $98 round-trip, and Los Angeles, Miami, Savannah, and San Juan are featured.
Travel is valid from April 22 through November 12. Book by May 6, 11:59 PM ET.
:: More
|
Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel
"Just some feedback on some of the comments [in last week's newsletter], I agree that American has a pretty good willingness and ability to get you FF reward seats. Also, the question on what the gift value of donated FF miles is? I think the IRS ruled that you could not take a deduction for donated FF miles." [Larry M.]
"The Delta-NWA merger is hung up on pilot seniority and different compensation schemes. What surprises me is that this is considered a new thing. Pilot seniority is a lineal list and it drives a number of scheduling and aircraft assignment advantages. The same problem occurred when Delta took over Western Airlines. Delta wanted all the Western pilots to go to the bottom of the merged list! So I can hear the howls over just where the NWA pilots fall on this new list." [W]
"I'd never been a fan of Southwest's, and their Rapid Rewards program always seemed like an afterthought compared to the programs of American, United and the others.
"But over the past few months, I've had the chance to compare Southwest and some of the full service airlines on back to back flights. I was surprised to find the Southwest flights were actually less crowded than the others, which made for a more comfortable experience. The prices were lower too. These days I bring my own food, so the only remaining downside to Southwest for me is their points program.
"I never thought I would say this, but it looks like Southwest will be getting more of my business from now on." [James - Los Angeles]
Until next week...
|
