Follow-up to Last Week's Media Query

Thanks to everyone who responded to my request in last week's Crier for feedback on complimentary elite upgrades. As it turned out, there were far more responses than I could possibly follow up with by phone, an indicator of the high level of passion surrounding the issue.

I'll post a link to the article when it goes live on the SmarterTravel.com website.

For now, a preview: if the admittedly limited sampling accurately reflects the experience of the larger universe, then airlines are dependably delivering on their promise to upgrade elite flyers.

For reasons described in the article, that finding confounded my own expectations. But that's why it's worth raising the question in the first place.

This Week's Travel Industry Newsbites

We reported last week on the solid 2nd quarter financial performance of American, Continental and Southwest, which posted profits of $58 million, $100 million and $159 million respectively.

Subsequent reports have been more of a mixed bag.

On a positive note, Alaska weighed in with a $17.4 million profit for the quarter, America West was up $14 million, and SkyWest's net was $24.8 million.

JetBlue was in the profitable-but-disappointing category, with a $12.2 million profit (good), down from $21.5 million during the same period last year (bad).

And in the this-is-seriously-scary column, Delta's loss for the quarter was $388 million and Northwest's was $217 million.

In another step in their march toward marriage, America West and US Airways have received merger approval from the federal Air Transportation Stabilization Board. The ATSB has a stake in the matter because it supported federal loan guarantees for both airlines after 9/11.

While there's a long list of other approvals yet to be secured -- from regulators, creditors, shareholders, etc. -- this is beginning to look like a done deal. And that's welcome news for US Air customers.

As of Thursday last week, all of United's labor groups have ratified their collective bargaining agreements. That leaves 1 unsettled issue on the labor front: a new retirement plan for United's flight attendants.

FrequentFlier Forum Topics

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

In the "Airline Programs" Forum, krisdelta is seeking redemption advice: "I have about 72,000 SkyMiles. I need to plan a vacation for 2 adults and a child."

In the "Hotel Programs" Forum, mrcheaps, whose tagline is "It's Chic to be Cheap," sings the praises of TripRewards' price guarantee for stays at Days Inn, Ramada, Super 8, etc.: "If you find a lower internet available rate for a reservation that you booked through them and file a claim within 24 hours, your first night will be free. In the last two days, I have gotten 14 nights free between June and August. At $70+ per night, this is over $1000."

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

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America West Partners with DHL

FlightFund members can now earn miles when shipping via DHL.

Earning rate is 2 miles per $1 spent on ShipReady prepaid mailers and 1 mile per $1 spent on other DHL services.

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More Miles-for-Dining for OnePass Members

Between Aug. 1 and Sept. 31, members of Continental OnePass Dining can earn up to 3,000 bonus miles.

Earn 1,500 bonus miles by spending $150 or more on qualifying dines during August, and another 1,500 bonus miles by spending $150 during September, for a total of 3,000 during the promotion period.

Bonuses are in addition to normally earned miles-for-dining.

Registration is required. Offer valid only for OnePass Dining members with online accounts at onepass.rewardsnetwork.com.

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Earn Delta Miles for Car Insurance Quotes

SkyMiles members can now earn 500 miles for requesting a "qualified" quote on automobile insurance from the American Express Property Casualty companies. (According to the website: "A qualified auto insurance quote is one that receives a rate, and is not declined or incomplete.")

Quotes may be requested by phone at 1-888-269-1597 or online by following the link below.

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Earn More Dining Miles from Delta

Between Aug. 1 and Sept. 31, Delta SkyMiles members can earn up to 3,000 bonus miles through SkyMiles Dining.

Earn 1,500 bonus miles by spending $150 or more on qualifying dines during August, and another 1,500 bonus miles by spending $150 during September, for a total of 3,000 during the promotion period.

Bonuses are in addition to normally earned miles-for-dining.

Registration is required. Offer valid only for SkyMiles Dining and Hotels members with online accounts at skymiles.rewardsnetwork.com.

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Hilton Double Miles or Points for Caribbean Stays

Through Sept. 30, Hilton HHonors members will earn either double airline miles (American, Continental, Delta, US Airways, United, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic) or Double Hilton HHonors Base points for qualifying stays at participating Caribbean Hiltons.

For double miles request Plan Code "EQ," and for double points request Plan Code "EV" when making reservations.

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Song Is Singing Double Miles

During September and October, SkyMiles members will earn double miles for every Song flight booked on delta.com or flysong.com and charged to an American Express card.

Registration is required.

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Budget Offers More Southwest Credits for Leisure Rentals

Through Sept. 30, Rapid Rewards members will receive double credit (1 credit instead of .5) plus free use of a child safety seat on qualifying minivan or SUV rentals of 3 or more days, with a Saturday stayover.

Use promotion code UUAZ032 when booking to receive the bonus.

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Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) Hawaii Fares on Aloha from $149 Each Way

Travel between California and Hawaii is on sale. Aloha's offer starts at $149 1-way for travel through December.

Travel at the lowest prices is valid Tuesdays through Thursdays from Aug. 22 through Dec. 15. Book tickets by July 29.

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2) Caribbean Fares on US Airways from $139

Low-season flights to the Caribbean and Latin America are on sale from US Airways. Prices start at $139 roundtrip, and destinations include The Bahamas, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

Travel on most routes is valid from Aug. 29 through Nov. 10. Book tickets at least 3 days in advance, and by Sept. 30. Fares require a 2-night or Saturday-night stay (whichever comes first), and the maximum stay is 30 days.

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Win a Trip for 2 to St. Maarten

Through Dec. 4, enter the "Experience St. Maarten" sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for 2 to St. Maarten, including roundtrip air, 7 nights hotel accommodation, sunset cruise, some meals and $500 shopping spree.

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

Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

"I have a sad but true travel story regarding Northwest. My preference would be to go ballistic, but I believe a more reasoned approach will get better results. I hope that you or your readers can suggest a remedy for me.

"I made plans for my wife's parents, my parents, my sister-in-law, and my brother (our Maid of Honor and Best Man) to join us in Ireland for our 20th Wedding Anniversary. We booked our flights on Aer Lingus, and we could not have been more pleased. However, we all needed to get to Chicago. Since I live less than 4 hour's drive from Chicago, I chose to drive. I joked with colleagues and family that 'I don't trust Northwest to get me, my family, and all our belongings, safely to Chicago before flying Aer Lingus.' Everyone laughed, but no one disagreed.

"Well, here's the sad but true part. My father-in-law passed away last year. For that reason alone, both my mother-in-law and sister-in-law decided not to join us. That left my parents and my brother (along with my wife and two children). A smaller gathering for this occasion, but still a nice one. Then, the day before we were set to depart, my maternal grandmother passed away. So, now my mother and father backed out on the trip, to stay for the funeral.

"That left just my brother - and here's where I need some help. His flight from Memphis, TN on Wednesday, June 29 was to depart at 2:15 P.M. and arrive at Chicago-O'Hare with plenty of time prior to departure on Aer Lingus. Well, the flight was delayed due to mechanical problems at 2:10 P.M.; then again due to mechanical problems at 3:00 P.M., while they were moved to another gate and a different plane. Finally, at 3:30 P.M., the flight on the new plane was canceled 'Due to Weather.'

"Now, when I talk to Northwest, they tell me they are obligated for NOTHING, because the flight was canceled due to conditions beyond their control. However, I truly believe I have a legitimate case that 2 mechanical delays - when weather was NOT AN ISSUE - was the root cause for the cancellation. Am I being too 'common-sense,' or am I missing something in the fine print?

"I'd appreciate any suggestions that anyone could offer. Again, I am inclined to go berserk, and demand $10,000 - which is what the total trip cost me. I'll never get my 20th Anniversary back, and who knows what can happen between now and a 25th? I sure think my brother and I are entitled to a little more than a free round-trip ticket from Memphis to Chicago!

"Thanks in advance for any advice you and your readers can offer." [Bob C.]

"Have a modified rave for Alamo Car rental...

"After a long wait at Fort Lauderdale airport to get a car with GPS after I only reserved a regular full-size one, I got talked into renting a 'luxury' Pacifica wagon/van, which was supposed to have a GPS but didn't, and then they gave me a portable one. My original cost was supposed to be approx. $190, but this was costing over $400. I took it anyway figuring I'd fight later since my family was already waiting over an hour for me. The GPS didn't even work and I emailed customer service during my vacation who told me to take it up with the office when I returned it, or take it back for an exchange on the car, which I thought was a total waste of my time. Naturally, the office in West Palm Beach airport had no idea what happened, made a note that I was unhappy, but charged me the full $422 anyway as I rushed for my plane. I got home, called the Fort Lauderdale office, expecting a major fight since this was all after the fact. I asked for the manager, was put through immediately with none of that 'I can help you first' crap, and got a charming woman named Erin. She listened to my story, apologized for my trouble and immediately put through a credit bringing my cost down to a few dollars less than my original $190 estimate.

"Sure, it was annoying to do all that, and it would have been nice had the GPS worked, but it was a very pleasant surprise to have them handle the problem so quickly. I think that at least part of this was due to them having some system of noting my displeasure in their file, so it wasn't a complaint out of the blue. In the end, I'd give them a thumbs up on the deal." [Susan G.]

Until next week...