Issue #56  --  August 26, 1999

<< U P F R O N T >>

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Noisy Out There
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There's a lot of "noise" in the market this week: fare sales, sweepstakes, promotions. That would suggest that advance bookings for Fall travel are weak, and the marketing folks are scrambling to protect their shares of a shrinking pie.

The shrinking pie part, if true, is two-ways good for the traveling public:

1) A bit of falloff on the demand side means more empty seats. Which translates into more onboard comfort, and better odds of getting that frequent flyer award or upgrade.

2) We can also expect to see some aggressive bonus mile promotions coming online in the next few weeks.

The big news on the frequent flyer front is Delta's announcement (see below) that it will match United's generous mileage expiration policy, itself announced just last week.

<< M I L E S >>

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Delta Liberalizes Mileage Expiration Policy
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Essentially matching United's announcement last week, Delta will now extend mileage balances for three years every time a SkyMiles member has any account activity--accrual or redemption.

In 1995, Delta became the first airline with a mileage expiration policy that ensured mileage balances would not expire as long as a member flew one Delta or Delta Connection flight every three years. However, as more airlines adopted even more generous expiration schedules, Delta's position slipped from leader to laggard.

Specifically, SkyMiles will not expire as long as a member participates in one of the following activities every three years:

* Takes a qualifying flight on Delta, the Delta Connection carriers, Delta Express, and the Delta Shuttle
* Earns SkyMiles through one of its program partners - these include 13 airline partners, 23 SkyMiles hotel partners, five SkyMiles car rental companies, the American Express/SkyMiles Credit Card, or any of the other SkyMiles partner programs such as cruise lines, restaurants, mortgages, real estate and telephone service
* Or, redeems SkyMiles for any SkyMiles award

What we said about United's new policy applies equally to Delta's: with such minimal conditions for extending miles, expiration is now a non-issue for most program members.

Delta chose not to emulate United's offer to reinstate miles that expired at the end of 1998 if certain conditions were met.

>> More <<
Delta

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Thrifty Joins Mileage Plus
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Thrifty Car Rental is the newest United Mileage Plus partner.

Mileage Plus members who rent from Thrifty airport locations in the U.S. and Canada between Sept. 7 and Nov. 20, 1999, will receive triple miles--150 miles per rental day.

To receive triple miles, the rental car must be picked up during the promotional period. Rentals of up to 14 days in length will be eligible for triple miles, with additional days awarded at the regular level. The offer is available at airport-arriving locations in the U.S. and Canada only. Other limitations may apply.

United Mileage Plus members also have the opportunity to earn miles when they park at participating Thrifty Car Rental airport locations that offer parking. Customers can earn 250 miles when they park three times at the same U.S. Thrifty parking facility within a one-year period.

>> More <<
o Thrifty
o United

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Budget Joins TWA Aviators
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Budget Rent a Car has joined TWA's Aviators program.

Budget is offering TWA Aviators members triple miles (150 miles/paid rental day) from September 1, 1999 - December 15, 1999, for any rental on standard or CorpRate rates of three days or longer. To receive triple miles, TWA Aviators members should refer to their August/September newsletter for the special Budget Triple Miles Insert. Advance reservation is required, and blackout dates apply. The offer may not be combined with any other promotional offer, and customers may only earn miles/points/credits in one frequent traveler program for each qualifying rental.

>> More <<
o Budget online
o TWA

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Starwood Ties Up with Qualiflyer Group
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Starwood Hotels and the Qualiflyer Group will be marketing partners beginning September 1.

The partnership allows members of Starwood Preferred Guest to transfer Starpoints into Qualiflyer miles on a 1:1 basis. These miles can be redeemed for free flights on all Qualiflyer airlines.

In addition to regular Starpoints earned for each stay, Starwood Preferred Guest awards 1000 Qualiflyer Bonus Miles for each stay at any of Starwood's worldwide hotels from September 15, 1999 through November 15, 1999. There is a maximum of 3000 Bonus Miles awarded per member. To participate in this promotion, members must call the award center and quote promotion "M7" and their Qualiflyer account number.

Alternatively, Qualiflyer members can earn 500 Qualiflyer miles at Westin, Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Caesars and Hotels, and 250 Qualiflyer Bonus Miles at Four Points Hotels. Qualiflyer members can also redeem their miles for Starwood awards.

The Qualiflyer Group includes 11 airlines: Swissair, Austrian Airlines, Sabena, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airways, AOM French Airlines, Crossair, Lauda Air, Tyrolean Airways, Air Littoral and AirEurope. The following airlines also participate in the Qualiflyer program: AeroMexico, Air One, ANA-All Nippon Airways, Austrian Airtransport, Cathay Pacific Airways, Crossair Europe, Delta Air Lines, Finnair, Malaysia Airlines, Nationwide Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Ukraine International and US Airways

>> More <<
Starwood

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Double AAdvantage Miles for Wyndham Stays
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Wyndham will double the American Airlines AAdvantage miles it usually gives AAdvantage members who stay at Wyndham-branded hotels during an upcoming special promotion.

From September 1 through December 31, 1999, American Airlines AAdvantage members who stay at Wyndham (and pay the corporate rate and above) will receive 1,000 AAdvantage Miles per stay--double the 500 AAdvantage Miles frequent fliers usually receive when they stay at Wyndham hotels.

The new double miles promotion does not replace the "Wyndham Triple Upgrade" offer in which Wyndham provides upgrade certificates for each stay on the three primary components of business travel: airline, car rental and hotel, in addition to double miles on the hotel portion to all AAdvantage Executive Platinum and Platinum members through December 31, 1999.

>> More <<
Wyndham online

<< S T E A L S & D E A L S >>

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British Air's 2-for-1
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British Airways wants you to try its Club World business class service. And they want you to join Executive Club USA, BA's frequent flyer program.

So here's the deal: If you're a new Executive Club member, and you travel roundtrip in Club World, you'll receive 2 free roundtrip economy-class tickets to anywhere in the BA network. Oh, and you'll have to provide BA with your assessment of their business class product.

The offer requires that new members fly transatlantic roundtrip (or two one-way segments) in Club World on British Airways, and provides two free economy tickets on any of its airline partners including oneworld members and other partners.

Purchase of a roundtrip Club World ticket is required, for travel between August 30 and December 15, 1999. Upon submitting their comments to British Airways, travelers will receive complimentary economy class tickets for two for travel between January 15 and December 15, 2000. Reward travel includes domestic USA flights on British Airways' partner carriers.

The "call for comments" piece looks to be a token hurdle: according to BA, it can be "feedback of any length -- long or short." Submit by visiting britishairways.com/opinion by December 31, 1999.

Along with this response, customers will be required to enroll in British Airways' Executive Club USA. In return, they will receive two free roundtrip economy class tickets to any British Airways partner/oneworld destination of their choice. It's a small price to pay, especially if you're going to be flying business class to London anyway.

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British Airways

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Fly Free, Forever, On Virgin
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Virgin Atlantic Airways this week unveiled its first-ever global online promotion.

The competition gives surfers the chance to win a pair of roundtrip economy tickets to any Virgin destination for each winner every year for the rest of their lives.

Internet users must log on to the Virgin Atlantic website and play a simple game. Players have fifteen seconds to spray paint the tailfin of a Virgin plane with obstacles making the task more difficult. Once successful, they will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the grand prize. Virgin will select one winner from each area -- US, UK, South Africa and China. The winner from the US will be eligible for flights from any of Virgin's North American gateways. This online initiative will be running for two weeks from August 24 until September 5th.

Virgin Atlantic serves London from eight U.S. gateways: three times daily from New York (JFK); twice daily from Newark, Los Angeles and Orlando; and daily from San Francisco, Washington (Dulles), Miami, and Boston; with daily Chicago service scheduled to commence later this year.

>> More <<
Virgin Atlantic online

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Win a Trip to Bermuda
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US Airways Vacations is giving away a vacation for two to Bermuda including roundtrip air and three-night hotel accommodations at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort. Registration ends Aug. 31, 1999, and the winner will be chosen by random drawing on Sept. 3, 1999.

There is no purchase necessary to win. Taxes are the responsibility of the winner and other conditions may apply. The odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. For complete information, rules and to register, visit http://www.usairwaysvacations.com

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Web site

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Northwest: Spend your Tax Refund Here
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Northwest is hoping Minnesota residents will earmark some of their state tax refunds for Northwest tickets. And they're offering discounts to make sure they do.

The Northwest Minnesota Tax Rebate Offer provides savings of up to $150 on round-trip tickets originating in Minnesota to the contiguous U.S. 48, Alaska, Canada and Europe.

Discounts are available for purchase through August 31, 1999. A minimum 7-day advance purchase and Saturday night stay are required. Some travel days around the holidays are blacked out and other restrictions apply. Travel can begin on September 7, 1999 and is valid through March 15, 2000.

>> More <<
Northwest (Click on the "Minnesota Tax Rebate" feature.)

<< I N D U S T R Y N E W S >>

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Qantas: The Koala is B-a-a-a-c-c-k
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I've always been a big fan of the koala Qantas has for years used as its mascot and advertising proxy. Apparently, said koala was retired from service. (I only know that because Qantas is bringing the critter out of retirement.)

Qantas Airways has brought back its cuddly spokeskoala to promote its latest service, comfort and dining upgrades.

Introduced in 1967, "Sydney" (am I the only one who didn't know the koala had a name?) spent approximately 22 years "making Qantas synonymous with Australia." (I was off base here as well... in my mind, the equation was koala = Qantas, not Qantas = Australia.) His "I hate Qantas" tag line was used in most of the airline's commercials produced from 1967 to 1990.

The new koala's name is Vic. And he's no curmudgeon. In fact, Qantas characterizes Vic as "A Kinder, Gentler Koala." ('Cuddly' may be the word they were searching for.)

"Vic," incidentally, refers to Victoria, Vic's home before he was discovered and attained star status. Apparently the Victorian marsupials are of a tougher breed, better suited for the rigors of acting. Vic is actually a father and son pair who are virtually indistinguishable.

Because inquiring minds want to know... And speaking of inquiring minds, another Down Under campaign that's yesterday-fresh in my mind is the "Put another shrimp on the barbie, mate" series. Maybe the Australian Tourist Commission could entice Paul Hogan out of retirement for a remake? Or, combining the strengths of 2 celebrity spokes-Australians: the Paul-and-Vic act, promoting Qantas tour packages to the Australian outback?

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Travel & Leisure's Best Of...
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Travel & Leisure has released the results of its fourth annual World's Best Awards readers' survey.

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Travel & Leisure

<< R E A D E R R A N T S & R A V E S >>

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Long Distance Carriers (continued)
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[This is turning out to be a subject in which a lot of people have a lot of interest. And very strong feelings. For another interesting take on the subject, see Darin's post on the FrequentFlier Forum at http://frequentflier.com/cgi-local/index.cgi?read=801.]

Dear Tim,

After watching the bonus miles offers getting better and better, I finally took up Sprint's Northwest offer of 25,000 + 500 extra miles for signing up on-line. Like your other subscriber, I had had enough of MCI's horrible customer service anyway. Sprint's customer service isn't much better!

I signed up for the Sprint offer on July 15th and received the confirmation screen thanking me for switching and telling me I would be switched in about 5 days. Two weeks later, I still hadn't been switched and I had already cancelled my MCI service so I was then subjected to "casual billing charges". I sent an e-mail to Sprint's Customer Service Address, and received a reply assuring me I would receive a reply within 24 hours. Another week later, still no reply.

I then tried to get through on the telephone number for customer service and was put through the key-pad entry hell over and over again. when I did actually speak with a human, twice I was given different numbers to call. Which put me through the keypad system again. Three times, after finally reaching other humans, they disconnected me after putting me on hold to be sent to another representative. I want those miles, so I kept trying, and reached another representative, a Mr. Wallace, who took my work and home phone numbers, promised to investigate my sign-up and call me back.

You guessed it, I never heard anything more from Mr. Wallace. I fired off another e-mail to customer service (this one reflected my aggravation), and received the same screen promising a reply within 24 hours. Still nothing.

A month after my initial sign-up, I tried again, and after three more disconnects, I finally reached someone who was able to sign me up again over the phone, and assured me I would still get the full 25,500 miles in the offer. However, my long distance service won't begin for another 5 or so days. She gave me a phone number to call everyday to see if I've been activated yet., the first airmiles won't appear for about 5 more weeks.

So far, I've spent about 8 frustrating hours trying to get switched from MCI to Sprint! If I have indeed been switched...

The representatives I talked to all asked me how they could "provide excellent service". Is the answer such a mystery to them?

 - Karen

Thanks so much for the Frequent Flier Crier! I love this newsletter. I was pleased to see an article about the terrible customer service of Mci! I too was bashed by them and they blamed me. I was irate at the blatant disrespect I received from them! I am now a happy customer of Sprint!

Have a super Day!

 - Jude

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How to Earn Frequent Flyer Miles
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Tim:

I am an avid Frequent Flyer and wanted to show your readers just how easy it is to rack up lots of FF miles by flying very little.

I've suggested to many of my friends that they join the airline frequent flyer programs and rack up frequent flyer points so that they can fly for free, (like I do). I often hear the same response: "But I never fly anywhere" or "It's not worth it" or "it's too hard and takes too much time."

Ugh!

A few nights ago, I put together a list of all the bonuses I will receive in 1999 just for being a member of the frequent flyer programs and keeping my eyes and ears open. What follows is the product or service obtained, cost (if any), and the amount of FF miles:

* Waterhouse Securities (transferred mutual fund) -10,000 American FF miles
* Schwab, Inc. (transferred mutual funds and stocks) - 23,000 Delta Skymiles
* Etrade #1, (Transferred Stock) - 10,000 United Miles
* Etrade #2, (transferred more stock, 2nd account) - 25,000 Hilton Honors Points
* Sprint Long Distance ($5.00/mo) - 15,000 Alaska Air Miles - 12 months (ends 8/2000)
* Sprint Long Distance ($5.00/mo) - 7500 TWA FF Miles (ended 4/99)
* MCI Long Distance ($5.00/mo) - 12,000 Continental FF Miles (ended 8/99)
* Healthy Choice Frozen Foods ($2.00 each) - 2000 American FF miles for 40
* Delta American Express Card (Free for first year) - 10,000 Delta Skymiles
* RT Courier Flight Bangkok ($400) - 16,000 United FF Miles
* Chase Continental Visa ($45) - 4000 Continental FF Miles
* Misc. purchases FF Credit cards - 10,000 FF Miles, American, Continental

All together, about 125,000 Airline FF Miles, enough for 5 RT airline tickets, and 25,000 Hilton Points. And it wasn't hard to do. I was notified of all the great deals via the newsletters I received from the FF programs.

I've compiled a web site that has more info on the FF plans and allows you to join multiple sites automatically, just by filling out a simple form. Check it out at:

http://members.xoom.com/WCBOB/ffp.htm

Great E-Zine!

 - Bob

[Thanks, Bob. That's truly inspirational.]

Until next week...