Bankruptcy Watch

Hopes that Northwest was on track to reach an accord with its flight attendants union were dashed on Monday when the Association of Flight Attendants rejected the airline's latest contract proposal.

Northwest responded by voiding the flight attendants' previous agreement and unilaterally imposing a new contract stipulating severe salary and benefits cuts.

The union countered by giving Northwest 15 days' notice of a possible strike and other labor actions.

The combination of bankruptcy and the prospect of a strike and service disruptions could drive away would-be customers, jeopardizing Northwest's prospects for survival.

The 15-day strike notification period ends on Aug. 15 at 9 p.m. CT. Travelers ticketed for flights after that should monitor the situation closely. If there's no progress by then, there's a very real possibility of flight delays and cancellations.

FrequentFlier Forum Topics

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

In the "Airline Programs" Forum, tommyguest is wrestling with the switching dilemma: "I am and have long been a platinum member in Continental's OnePass; I flew Continental all the time when I was in NYC. Now, I can only fly NWA but, because flights are codeshared, I earn miles on Continental. However, because my NWA flights are discounted fares, I only earn half the actual mileage for elite status on Continental. I still get a 125% bonus for overall mileage. Despite the low mileage I earn for elite status, I will still make platinum status. My question is whether I should use my NWA WorldPerks number, bite the bullet for a couple of months to earn status and make the switch from Continental to NWA."

Also in the "Airline Programs" Forum, wisernow wonders whether award travel earns miles: "Will I get any FF miles when I fly on an award ticket? Finally saved enough for a trip to England, and curious to find out if the miles on this trip will count."

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

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American Discounts Award Trips to Cancun

AAdvantage members can save 10,000 miles on restricted coach award tickets for travel between Cancun and the continental U.S., Canada and the Caribbean from Aug. 21 and Dec. 13.

With the discount, Cancun award tickets can be had for 20,000 miles.

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Earn Bonus for AA Transatlantic Flights

AAdvantage members can earn up to 5,000 bonus miles for roundtrip flights between the U.S. and London, Frankfurt or Zurich from Sept. 5 through Nov. 15.

Bonus is 5,000 miles for coach fares booked in Y, B or H fare categories or 2,500 miles for coach fares booked in K, L, or M fare categories. Bonus may be earned up to three times.

Registration is required. Promotion code: USEU5.

(United has a similar promotion in place. See below.)

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British Airways May Sell Air Miles

British daily The Times reports that "British Airways is investigating the possible sale of Air Miles in a deal that could see cash released from the loyalty scheme to help to prop up the airline's ailing pension fund."

Price for the retail-oriented loyalty program, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of BA and separate from BA's Executive Club scheme, is 25 million pounds, about $47 million.

Among the potential buyers: Sir Keith Mills, who founded Air Miles in 1988.

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Earn HHonors Bonus Points for Conrad Stays

Through Aug. 31, HHonors members will receive the following for eligible Conrad stays: 2,500 HHonors bonus points, a complimentary upgrade to the next available room category (subject to availability upon check-in), airport limousine transfer to and from the hotel, daily breakfast, and early check-in/late check-out.

To receive the bonuses, book the "Yourself at Conrad" rate online or Plan Code "H0" via Hilton Reservations and Customer Care -- except at The Waldorf Towers, where Plan Code "H1" replaces "H0."

A two-night minimum stay is required at the Conrad Bangkok, Conrad Centennial Singapore and Conrad Tokyo; a three-night minimum stay is required at the Conrad Bali Resort & Spa and Conrad Istanbul.

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More Midwest Miles at SkyMall

Midwest Miles members can earn 15 miles per $1 spent at SkyMall, one of the participating e-tailers in the recently opened Midwest Miles Mall.

Use the FrequentFlier Mile Search to find other miles-for-merchandise opportunities.

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Preferred Hotels Launches New Guest Recognition Program

Members of the newly launched I Prefer Global Guest Benefit Program from the Preferred Hotels Group don't earn points or free nights. Rather, they receive such on-property perks as free high-speed Internet access (where available), priority early check-in and late check-out and room upgrades, plus access to a members-only website and special offers.

During the introductory period, there's no fee to join. But the company's marketing materials hint that a membership fee is in the offing.

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Priority Club Bonus at U.K. Holiday Inns

Through Sept. 30, Priority Club Rewards members will earn a 2,000-point bonus when booking eligible stays of two or more nights at any of nine newly converted Holiday Inns in the U.K.

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United Bonuses Transatlantic Flights

Mileage Plus members can earn up to 5,000 bonus miles for roundtrip United flights to London, Frankfurt or Zurich between Sept. 5 and Nov. 15.

Qualifying flights are between the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands and London, Frankfurt or Zurich.

Bonus is 5,000 miles in Y, B and M booking classes, 2,500 bonus miles in H, Q and V booking classes. Bonus may be earned up to three times.

Registration is required. Promotion code is MPE 196.

(American has a similar offer in place. See above.)

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Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) Asia Flights on Cathay Pacific from $739

Cathay Pacific's August "Deal of the Month" features Hong Kong, Manila, Colombo, Taipei, and Ho Chi Minh City. Departures are available from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York, and fares start at $739 roundtrip.

Departures are valid Mondays through Thursdays from Sept. 1 through 30. Book tickets by Aug. 31. The maximum stay is 30 days.

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2) Off-peak Cancun Fares on United from $280

Off-peak (read: hurricane season) flights to Cancun are on sale from United. Prices start at $280 roundtrip, and departures are available from the East Coast and Midwest.

Departures are valid through Oct. 28, and travel must be completed by Oct. 31. Book tickets by Aug. 4. Fares require a two-night minimum stay, and the maximum stay is 30 days.

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Win a Round-the-World Trip for 2

Enter US Airways' Daily Dividends sweepstakes by Sept. 30 for a chance to win a trip for two around the world on Star Alliance airlines, including stops at five destinations, hotel accommodations, and rental car. other prizes include cash, cruises and an airport lounge membership.

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Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

"Just was notified that as of October 2006 all Marriott hotels will be 'no smoking hotels.' I suppose people who smoke will be discriminated against again. Maybe traveling will not be enjoyable for us and a loss of revenue for hotels with no smoking policies." [N.P.]

[FrequentFlier.com replies - We're firmly on Marriott's side in this. And we're not alone. A recent study by J.D. Power and Associates found that 79% of hotel guests want a completely smoke-free hotel rather than just a non-smoking guest room. Westin has a similar policy and we look forward to other major chains following suit.]

Until next week...