U P F R O N T

Continental + Delta + Northwest
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Beginning June 18, Continental, Delta and Northwest will link frequent flyer programs in the first of a series of steps leading to a deep-and-wide 3-way alliance, and eventually perhaps to the mother of all global airline alliances.

Starting today, members of the frequent flyer programs of Continental, Delta and Northwest can earn miles for flights on any of those 3 airlines. (Continental and Northwest already have such a relationship on a bilateral basis, so what's new is the addition of Delta to the mix.)

Miles earned for flights on any of the 3 carriers count toward elite status in the programs of any of the 3 airlines. And elite members of all 3 programs earn elite bonuses when flying on any of the 3 airlines.

Plus, elite members of all 3 programs have access to elite check-in counters and priority boarding when traveling on Continental, Delta and Northwest flights.

One wrinkle in the otherwise seamless integration: flights on Delta's Song and Delta Connection flights operated by American Eagle earn SkyMiles credit but not Continental or Northwest miles.

There's no specific start date yet, but at some point "later this summer" award flights on all 3 carriers will be available through all 3 airlines' frequent flyer programs.

When fully in place, the tie-up will include lounge access (effective June 18 also), code-sharing, and full frequent flyer program reciprocity. The airlines list lower ticket prices among the partnership's consumer benefits, an assertion which will almost certainly be proven false. But the increased opportunities to earn and redeem miles and the expanded elite perks do offer real value to customers of all 3 airlines.

Looking further ahead, it seems increasingly likely that Continental and Northwest's new relationship with Delta will lead to their incorporation into the SkyTeam global alliance, of which Delta is a founding member. Additional mileage opportunities will ensue.

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

Alaska Discounts Canada-West Coast Awards
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Mileage Plan members can save 7,000 miles off the standard 20,000-mile Coach Saver award when booking award travel on Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air between Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, or San Francisco and Vancouver, Calgary Kelowna, or Victoria between now and Aug 27.

Award reservations must be booked online at http://alaskaair.com to receive the discount.

Alaska Offers Miles-for-Java
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Mileage Plan members can now earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on coffee and other merchandise purchased online at seattlesbest.com.

Miles are awarded for online purchases only, and consumers must enter their Mileage Plan member number when checking out.

> More...

AAdvantage Miles for More BA Flights
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Effective July 1, AAdvantage members will earn miles for British Air flights to/from Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. For the foreseeable future, the blackout on miles for U.S. flights will remain in effect.

Reminder: also beginning July 1, the earning rate for travel on BA discount economy fares will be reduced to 25% of actual flown miles, and members will only earn .5 elite-qualifying points for those same fares. BA is also reducing to 25% the earning rate in America West's program, and will eliminate altogether elite-qualifying miles for discounted coach.

Best Western Adds Asiana
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Asiana Airlines is Best Western's newest airline partner, allowing Gold Crown Club International members to accrue Asiana Club miles for stays at Best Western hotels.

To promote the tie-up, double Asiana Club miles will be awarded for every qualifying Best Western stay between July 1 and Aug. 31. Registration and membership in Gold Crown Club International are required. Promotion code is BWAS03.

> More...

CO Awards Bonus for Online Check-In
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OnePass members will earn 1,000 bonus miles the first time they check in at continental.com between June 15 and Sept. 30. Online check-in is offered for domestic Continental flights from 1 to 30 hours before departure.

Registration is required, using promo code 53099.

> More...

GlobalPass Adds Tam, Spirit
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Effective July 1, GlobalPass members will be able to earn and redeem miles for flights on TAM Brazilian Airlines and Spirit Airlines.

If you don't recognize the name, GlobalPass is the moniker for the recently refurbished and relaunched LatinPass.

> More...

Florida Flights Earn US Air Bonus
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Dividend miles members will earn triple miles for first class or select coach class fares (Y, B or U fare classes), or double miles on other qualifying, paid coach class fares (M, H, K, Q, V or L fare classes) for US Airways flights to/from Florida between July 1 and Sept. 30.

Register prior to travel at http://www.usairways.com/dm/4785.

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...

Central America sale fares from $239
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American is offering sale fares to destinations in Central America, with prices as low as $239 roundtrip. You can fly to Guatemala City, Guatemala; Managua, Nicaragua; San Jose, Costa Rica; and San Salvador, El Salvador, through June 30. Book tickets online only, at least 7 days in advance, and BY THURSDAY, JUNE 19.

> More...

Fly first class on America West from $298
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With America West's first-class sale fares, you'll be able to take advantage of all the flexibility and comfort that's associated with the forward cabin. According to the airline, these fares are up to 70% lower than its usual first-class seats, which makes this a good deal if you don't mind paying at least 3 times more than you typically would for a sale fare in coach.

If you need flexibility, these tickets are less restricted than typical coach fares; no advance purchase or minimum/maximum stay is required, and you can fly 7 days a week, through Sept. 30. Plus, you'll earn 50% more FlightFund frequent flyer miles. Book tickets by Tuesday, June 24.

> More...

Until next week...