401 Issues and Counting...

Thanks to the many Crier readers who wrote in to congratulate us on publishing the 400th issue of this newsletter. We've included a couple of those notes in "Rants & Raves" below.

Looking ahead, there are two noteworthy launches scheduled for the coming weeks.

First, we'll be introducing a newly designed mileage manager as soon as next week. It will consolidate frequent travel program account information from more than 105 loyalty programs. And it will be available for free.

Second, we are working on an online guide to earning miles and points for shopping which will feature a comprehensive directory of partnerships between retailers and loyalty programs.

Stay tuned.

FrequentFlier Forum Topics

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

In the "Airline Programs" Forum, mpetzold is on the verge of qualifying for elite status and wonders whether the perks can be snagged sooner rather than later: "I have 24,565 Elite qualifying miles on Northwest. This leaves me only 435 miles short of Silver Elite Status. Do you think there is anyway that I can be bumped to the next level before my next flight? I was thinking of purchasing NWA miles or transferring miles from a hotel program, but that won't work because they won't be elite miles."

Also in the "Airline Programs" Forum, nicojones was been accumulating American Express points and is ready to travel: "I have over 400k points with AMEX which I can transfer to several airline programs. I would like to go to Spain or Norway, hopefully this summer. If that does not work, I'm willing to go to lots of places, although I'm limited to summer, Easter or Xmas for now as I am a student. AMEX partners with Air France and Delta as well as many others.

"My question is: What's the best way to check available frequent flyer seats?"

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

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American's 25 Deals in 25 Days - Week 4

To mark the 25th anniversary of the program's launch, American is announcing a new AAdvantage promotion, award discount or travel sweepstakes on each of the first 25 days of May.

We reported on the first 17 days' offers in previous weeks. Following are summaries of the offers rolled out over the past week.

Day 18 - no annual fee for the first 12 months plus a free companion certificate for new Citibank AAdvantage credit cardholders (May 18 ONLY); 25,000 bonus miles for new Citi Platinum Select/AAdvantage World MasterCards and CitiBusiness/AAdvantage MasterCards applied for by June 30

Day 19 - enter Omni Hotels sweepstakes by May 31 for a chance to win 25,000 AAdvantage miles

Day 20 - 25 miles per $1 spent at 1800FLOWERS.com (May 20, 21 ONLY)

Day 21 - Sign up free at Points.com between May 21 and May 31 to be entered in a sweepstakes to win 25,000 AAdvantage miles

Day 22 - log onto AA.com between May 22 and May 31 for a chance to win one of 25 trips on American Airlines

Day 23 - earn 625 miles for subscribing to an American e-mail product. Plus, enter the sweepstakes by May 31 for a chance to win 25,000 miles

Day 24 - earn 5,000 bonus miles for every 20,000 AAdvantage miles purchased from buyAAmiles

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Greyhound Launches Road Rewards Loyalty Program

Greyhound now has its own loyalty program, Road Rewards.

Members earn a 10% discount for registering for the program, a companion ticket and a 15% discount after six one-way trips, a companion ticket and 20% discount after 10 one-way trips, and a free ticket anywhere Greyhound travels after 16 one-ways.

Earnings are accumulated during a rolling one-year period, with a member's account balance reset to zero after each 12 months. So while earning a free roundtrip after eight paid roundtrips is a reasonable valuable proposition, the harsh expiration policy guarantees that very few will ever be able to take advantage of it. That makes this program a, well, dog.

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Thrifty Partners with Hawaiian Air

Thrifty Car Rental is the newest partner in Hawaiian Airlines' HawaiianMiles program. Members earn 50 miles per rental day for Thrifty rentals.

Between June 1 and Sept. 30, Thrifty will offer double miles (100 miles per day) to HawaiianMiles members who rent a mid-size car or larger vehicle for three or more days. To receive the bonus, use PC Code HAT1.

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Earn Northwest Miles for T-Mobile Service

Northwest WorldPerks members can earn 16,000 miles with a FamilyTime activation and 8,000 WorldPerks Miles for individual line activations.

Miles are offered only for new accounts. There's a $200 fee for early termination.

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Starwood Offers Discounts for Hawaii Stays

Through Dec. 25, Starwood Preferred Guest members will receive a 35% discount on eligible rates at all Starwood Hawaii resorts. A 35% discount is also offered at select restaurants and activities such as golf and tennis.

SPG members can also get a fifth night free when staying four nights in select suites and ocean view rooms through June 30.

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Redeem Starpoints for British Air Bonus

Through July 20, Starwood Preferred Guest members will receive 30% more miles when redeeming their Starpoints for British Airways Executive Club miles.

A minimum of 5,000 and a maximum of 99,999 Starpoints may be converted to BA miles.

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Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) Latin America, Caribbean fares on Delta from $178

Delta has flights to Acapulco, Kingston, and San Pedro Sula on sale for travel this spring and summer. Prices start at $178 roundtrip.

Travel dates vary by route. Book tickets by May 26. Fares require a two-night minimum stay.

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2) Sale Fares on AirTran: $39 Each Way

Flights through early November are on sale from AirTran. Prices start at $39 one-way, and destinations include Atlanta, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Washington.

Travel is valid Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Nov. 8. Book tickets at least 14 days in advance, and by June 1.

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Win a Trip for 2 Anywhere in the U.S.

Enter the "Wonders of America" sweepstakes by July 15 for a chance to win one of seven six-day trips for two, including air, hotel rental car and $500 Amex gift certificate.

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

Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

"[Following is in response to a continuing thread about the availability of award seats on American flights.]

"Donald's experience [related in last week's Crier] is consistent with mine over more than 10 years of participating in the American AAdvantage program.

"With very few exceptions I have been able to redeem my miles for American flights. Sometimes I've had to adjust my schedule or fly into secondary airports, true. That's fine as long as it's the exception and not the rule.

"Based on what I've heard from colleagues who participate in other programs, I keep expecting to have trouble using my miles on American. But so far, I've seen no change for the worse." [Robert]

"Best wishes on Issue 400!

"I remember when the Crier was text-only, and considerably shorter than it is today. It was a great read then. It's a great read now.

"One feature I miss, though. You used to include a humorous story or joke, travel-related of course, at the end of every issue. Something I very much looked forward to, and would love to see brought back if possible.

"Thanks." [Ron - St. Louis, MO]

"Don't recall exactly when I began subscribing to the Crier, but it was quite a few years ago... I'm guessing pretty close to the beginning.

"Congrats on reaching 400 issues. As someone who is professionally involved with both publishing and the Internet, I appreciate just what a significant achievement that is.

"As a loyal reader, I want you to know how much I've appreciated your news and commentary over the years. Always insightful and independent.

"Keep it up!" [Francis K.]

Until next week...