Issue #7 -- August 8, 1998
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At Northwest, Strike Looms Large
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Northwest is one week into the 30-day cooling-off period triggered by the failure of management and the pilots' union to reach agreement on contract terms. The pilots have voted in favor of a strike if their demands aren't met, and could begin their walkout as soon as Saturday, August 29.
As if the threat of a pilots' strike weren't labor problem enough, Northwest members of the International Association of Machinists (IAM) union are also in contentious contract negotiations with Northwest management.
This week, IAM members overwhelmingly rejected a tentative contract agreement and, like the pilots, authorized a strike. As was the case in the pilot negotiations, the machinists must wait until the National Mediation Board has declared an impasse, after which their own 30-day cooling-off period would begin. The IAM is the largest of Northwest's unions, representing 27,000 mechanics, baggage handlers, office and security workers.
>> More <<
Northwest is making available on its website information on flights that may be affected by the strike, as well as status reports on the labor negotiations, as follows--
o Northwest flight updates
o Further information on the labor negotiations
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What To Do If Northwest Strikes?
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If Northwest's pilots do shut down the airline, the supply side of the U.S. air transportation system will diminished by 11%, with no corresponding decrease in demand.
The timing couldn't be worse for Northwest or, more important, for the traveling public. With the strong economy in the U.S., planes are already running full. And, to make matters worse, the strike would begin just as the Labor Day crush gets under way.
What to do? Here are some tips from the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA):
o Use a travel agent. "Having several million passengers suddenly displaced and looking for seats on alternative transportation could create major havoc, especially for those travelers who booked directly with the carrier," stated Ed Perkins, ASTA's consumer advocate. "Savvy travelers who work with a travel agent can breathe easier knowing they have a travel professional in their corner, sorting through their options to help them reach their destinations."
o Get a paper ticket if flying on Northwest. "While many passengers have become accustomed to electronic tickets, they are still not easily transferable to other carriers in the event that your original airline isn't flying," explained Perkins. To ensure swifter service, make sure you have a paper ticket."
o If flying an unaccompanied minor, choose another carrier. "Northwest has indicated that it will not accept unaccompanied minors for domestic travel between August 28 and September 1 and for international travel between August 26 and September 1," stated Perkins.
o If any special services are needed, choose another carrier. "Northwest is not accepting any special requests during the same periods for domestic and international travel," said Perkins, noting that stretchers, oxygen, and pets are included. "It is wise for anyone who needs assistance with any of these matters to consult with a local travel agent who can identify other available options."
o Expect problems. Most travelers who are currently holding tickets on Northwest Airlines for travel after August 28 will find their tickets honored by other carriers. "But given the strong economy, and the high load factors, Northwest ticket holders could expect long and frustrating waits in finding alternate transportation if they don't have a travel agent," according to Perkins. He added, "If you're holding a frequent flyer or consolidator ticket on Northwest, you will undoubtedly have trouble finding another carrier willing to honor the ticket."
Since this advice comes to us from the travel agents' advocacy group, we should take the "Don't make a move without a travel agent" part of the above with a grain of salt. Still, the points are well taken and should be seriously considered.
>> More <<
ASTA
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Northwest Extends Double WorldPerks Offer... Again
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It's déjà vu all over again.
For... what, the fourth time?, Northwest has extended its current WorldPerks double miles offer. As was reported just last week, when the offer was extended for travel through September 1, this offer applies to Northwest's full, unrestricted economy fares, plus business and first class fares.
This same offer is now being extended again, and will now apply to eligible flights taken through September 30. The terms and conditions of the offers, in case you missed them the first time, or the second, or the third:
o North America Coach Class Offer. Double mileage offer applies to residents of the U.S. and Canada for travel through September 30, 1998. Qualifying fares must be booked in Y/B class of service only. Offer is valid for flights throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Other restrictions apply.
o North American and International First and World Business Class Offer. Double mileage offer applies to residents of the U.S. and Canada for travel through September 30, 1998. Qualifying fares must be booked in First Class or World Business Class only (F,P,C or J fares). Offer is valid for travel within the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean or from the U.S. and Canada to Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa and India only. Travel miles will not apply to KLM flights between Amsterdam and destinations in Asia and the South Pacific, Mexico, South and Central America. Other restrictions apply.
>> Editorial Comment <<
Far be it from me to complain about more opportunities to earn frequent flyer program miles. But there's something wrong with this picture. As has been reported here and elsewhere, there's a significant possibility that Northwest's pilots will strike, beginning August 29. And yet here's Northwest extending their offer to cover travel on flights during the month of September, flights that may not operate for lack of pilots. This might be considered crafty marketing in some circles. In consumer circles, it's more likely to be considered misleading and disrespectful. My marketing advice to Northwest, for what it's worth: Don't promote what you can't promise to deliver.
>> More <<
Northwest
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Delta: No More Advance Boarding Passes
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Beginning September 1, Delta Air Lines will issue boarding passes for domestic flights only on the day of travel. Earlier this year, Delta began issuing boarding passes only on the day of travel for international flights.
Delta's move is in line with procedures already implemented by most other airlines. The change, at Delta and industry wide, is a response to two other developments in the air travel arena: electronic tickets, and heightened security at airports. Because flyers must now check in at the airport to have their identification checked for security purposes, the utility of a preissued boarding pass no longer exists.
Of course, you can still request an advance seat assignment when making reservations. Delta will continue to offer advance seat selection up to 331 days before the date of travel. Reserved seats will appear on your itinerary card.
Boarding passes will be issued up to six hours before a flight only on the day of travel at the origination airport. If that day's travel includes connecting flights, then all of that day's boarding documents will be issued at the point of origin. For example, a passenger traveling from Atlanta to Boise with a connection at Salt Lake City, would receive the boarding documents for that day's travel for the Atlanta-Salt Lake City flight and for the Salt Lake City-Boise flight when checking in at Atlanta.
Also beginning on September 1, passengers must claim their boarding pass for domestic flights at least 20 minutes prior to their flight departure time or their seat assignments will be subject to cancellation. Delta's policy for claiming boarding passes for international flights will not change: passengers must claim boarding passes at least 45 minutes before departure for international flights (30 minutes for Canada and Mexico).
>> More <<
Delta
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Budget Introduces Fastbreak
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Beginning this week at major U.S. airports, Budget Rent a Car launches its new express service featuring paperless transactions. According to the company, Budget Fastbreak customers can be on their way in just a matter of seconds.
To enroll in Budget Fastbreak, customers sign a Master Rental Agreement (MRA), which details all of their preferences, from optional coverages and vehicle types to award options. Once customers are enrolled in the program, they will never again have to sign another rental agreement. There's no charge to enroll.
"Where else can you get speedy service and an extraordinary choice of vehicles under the same roof," asked Sandy Miller, chairman and CEO of Budget Group, Inc. "Fastbreak, coupled with our new frequent renter program, Perfect Drive, places Budget among the most attractive and competitive car rental companies in the industry." According to Miller, Budget has signed up more than 300,000 Perfect Drive members since the program's April launch.
Customers can enroll in Fastbreak and Perfect Drive at any one of more than 600 participating Budget locations across the nation or by downloading application forms from Budget's web site.
>> More <<
Budget
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TWA and Icelandair Link Frequent Flyer Programs
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For the first time in Icelandair's 50-year history of transatlantic flights, the airline has signed an agreement that will enable members of its frequent flyer program, Saga, to earn and redeem miles on flights within North America. Beginning September 1, 1998, Saga members will be able to earn miles and take awards on TWA flights.
At the same time, members of TWA's Aviators program will be able to earn miles and take awards on Icelandair's flights.
TWA and Icelandair share U.S. gateways at Boston, New York (JFK), Baltimore/Washington, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Orlando. Icelandair flies to destinations in Scandinavia, the UK and Continental Europe through its hub in Keflavik, Iceland.
>> More <<
o TWA
o Icelandair: 800-223-5500
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Labor Unrest at AirTran
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Northwest isn't alone in facing a showdown with labor.
AirTran has been unable to reach agreement with the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), prompting the National Mediation Board to declare an impasse. The impasse triggers a mandatory 30- day cooling-off period, after which the union is permitted to strike, if it so chooses.
Stay tuned.
>> More <<
AirTran
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Catch the Asian Flu (While You Can)
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As pernicious economic anemia continues to affect most countries in Asia, travel bargains just keep comin'. Here are two that were recently announced...
>> Internet Specials on Korean Air <<
Korean Air is offering round-trip economy-class Internet fares for as low as $US500 from 13 gateways in the US or Canada to Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. Travel must begin between September 1 this year and September 30. Tickets are only valid for 30 days from the departure date. The fares must be ordered via the Internet.
>> Sheraton Discounts Throughout Asia <<
The Sheraton group is offering "Sensational Suresaver Savings" at various hotels throughout the Asia Pacific region. The offers expire at different times so check with each individual hotel. However, rates under the special offer include the following - the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel in Bangladesh has rooms for $US93, the Beijing International Club Hotel rooms for $US125, the Sheraton Nanjing Kingsley Hotel and Towers rooms for $US85, the Sheraton Bandara Hotel at Jakarta Airport rooms for $US95 a night, the Sheraton Media Hotel and Towers, Jakarta, rooms for $US85, the Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel and Towers rooms for JPY23,100, and the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok rooms for $US88. In addition, the Sheraton's Luxury Collection hotels are offering up to 35 per cent off regular rates under Luxury Collection Hotels SureSaver rates. SureSaver business rates offer up to 30 per cent off the regular rate, with no restrictions.
>> More <<
o Korean Air
o Sheraton
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Preview Travel to Partner with MasterCard
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Preview Travel and MasterCard on Wednesday announced a marketing alliance designed to increase the number of online travel shoppers.
The alliance makes MasterCard a premier advertiser and the exclusive payment system sponsor for Preview Travel, as well as the primary sponsor of the Preview Travel Business Travel Center. The program, which will appear on Preview Travel's Web site and on America Online at keyword: previewtravel, will provide Preview Travel's MasterCard users with travel and entertainment offers, upgrades, special awards and discounts. The program will also feature a point-of-purchase promotion on Preview Travel's services on Excite and Lycos.
There's not much to this in terms of substantive consumer benefits. But it points up the importance, now and in future, that MasterCard places on online travel sales. And MasterCard's association should help alleviate some of those niggling fears some people have regarding the security of online transactions.
>> More <<
o Preview Travel
o MasterCard
