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Just a reminder: If you're not already doing so, use this link to follow us on Twitter and stay abreast of the latest in frequent flyer program news, opinion, and advice.

Learning to Love the Fees We Love to Hate, With the Airlines' Help

Can the airlines convince travelers that nuisance fees are actually fair and reasonable?

There's a case to be made for the new pay-for-what-you-use pricing scheme, but the airlines may lack the moral authority to make it.

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"Up Front" Blog Entries

Following are some of Tim's recent blog posts:

• Delta Expands Shuttle, Offers Triple Miles
  This summer, Delta is offering triple miles for Shuttle flights, including newly launched hourly service between New York and Chicago. Good times for shuttle customers!
• Transfer Hotel Points for More American Miles
  Through June 30, AAdvantage members can earn bonus miles when converting points from most major hotel programs.
• With US Airways' Trial, Elite Perks Come Easy
  If you're planning a US Airways flight this summer, the airline's trial elite offer is good for a bag-fee waiver, priority check-in and boarding, and maybe even an upgrade.
• One Free Night After Two Best Western Stays
  Best Western's new promotion is the latest in what has shaped up to be The Summer of Free Nights.

The FrequentFlier Forum - Hot Topics

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

In the "Airline Programs" Forum, dilly wonders about airline accountability: "Where can I find the regulation(s) concerning compensation for cancelled flights due to mechanical problems? We arrived at our final destination more than five hours after our original arrival time."

In response, ncvet61 quotes from the Aviation Consumer Protection and Enforcement website as follows: "Each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers waiting at the airport. There are no federal requirements regarding these amenities or services. If you are delayed, ask the airline staff if they will pay for meals or phone calls. Some do not provide any amenities to stranded passengers. Others may not offer amenities if bad weather or something else beyond the airline's control causes the delay... Contrary to the belief of some, airlines are not required to compensate passengers for 'damages' when flights are delayed or canceled. Compensation is required by law only when you are 'bumped' from a flight that is oversold."

Questions, answers, opinions? Post them to the Forum!

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Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) Sale Fares From $44 Each Way on American, AirTran, United

AirTran, American, and United are currently running competing sales, each with summer and fall flights to popular destinations. Midweek travel is available to more than 70 destinations including Atlanta, Boston, Las Vegas, and New York City, among other locales.

Sale fares are available through Tuesday, June 29, but don't hold off until then to book as the lowest-priced seats sell out quickly.

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2) $480 Europe Sale From American

American's latest Europe sale features travel to Brussels, London, Madrid, and Paris. Round-trip fares start at $480.

Travel is available this fall, but book tickets by June 30.

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Win a Savannah Trip for 2

Enter Southern Living's "Savor Savannah" sweepstakes by June 30 for a chance to win a three-day trip for two to Savannah, including hotel, airline voucher, two meals, and attraction passes.

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[Visit FrequentFlier.com for more travel sweepstakes -- Updated this week.]

Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

We welcome reader feedback on issues related to travel generally and frequent flyer programs in particular. Please use this link to submit comments.

Airline Booking Apps and Award Availability

The following comment was posted in response to Delta Cuts Some Frequent Flyer Fees but Ups Others:

"What most don't know is that DL has the worst computer system when it comes to availability, and this makes their already bad situation appear even worse. With multiple hubs (post NW merger) and SkyTeam partners (AF, KL, etc.), there are an incredible number of combinations that can be checked for reward space (same thing applies to paid tickets as well).

"Yet DL's system is so antiquated, especially in regards to what they show on the web (refreshed appearances notwithstanding) that you are left resorting to manually doing what their computer is supposed to, i.e. check every combination. They may only show a DL/DL connection over ATL but never show one with AF over CDG or KL over AMS, much less a combination of both.

"One tip, that does take advantage of their new no-fee booking for under 21 days: they often make low/standard space available just a few days prior to departure when you would never see it months in advance, especially on SkyTeam partner AF. Also applies to heavy DL routes like LAX-ATL, where you won't see 'low' space for months, but can see it a couple of days before departure.

"Having looked at this a lot in the last few weeks, it seems they're making a corporate decision to loosen up availability (thanks to PR/pressure), but mostly after the summer, and not by much.

"My advice: do NOT book at a higher mileage rate in advance unless you absolutely have to. Wait until the last minute, be creative and look for space segment by segment (i.e. MEM-AMS, then add connecting flights) and you'll probably end up with a low-mileage ticket wherever you want to go.

"All done at a very high price of investment of your time as a low-end reservation/computer agent -- something they should have fixed long ago in their system.

"(BTW, UA's system isn't much better -- but I recommend ANA's frequent flier booking site that has all Star Alliance reward availability world-wide. AA's customer service aside, they have the best computer system, which nearly every time will show every possible combination between cities you request.)" [Brent]

Until next week...