U P F R O N T

Something Cranky in the Air
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This past week, I received a record number of cranky e-mails. A sign of the times, no doubt.

In some cases, the writer's ire was directed at me. Elsewhere, the target was another reader's past comments. And in yet another case, the comments were airline critiques. See "Rants & Raves" for a sampling.

I'm including Pamela's note here, in the "Up Front" section, because it addresses an important piece of the airline survival puzzle: exactly which labor groups should be asked to suffer -- and how much -- in the interests of keeping airlines in the air?

"Your August 14th article about US Airways and its bankruptcy... I agree that bankruptcy and the subsequent restructuring hopefully will give the Company the ability to right many of the mistakes of the past decade.

"However, greed at the bottom? I just want to remind you that the average salary of the Customer Service and Reservations agent is $38,000 per year. I don't know many of my fellow agents that have been able to buy second homes at the beach, especially after a 10 year wage freeze from 1989 to 1999. While we are an aging workforce, retirement looks bleak and far off since our pension plan was frozen in 1991. Let's don't even talk about the condition of our (and many other people's) 401ks.

"While we realize we must make sacrifices again for the Company's survival, we only ask that our concessions be fair and equitable."

- Pamela Terry/President, CWA Local 2000

Countdown to CHAOS at Midwest Express
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Extending the labor theme, as we go to press, Midwest Express and its flight attendant union are in "super mediation" -- a last-ditch negotiation to reach contract terms before Aug. 30.

If no agreement is reached, the flight attendants will launch CHAOS (Create Havoc Around Our System), which would include random, unannounced mass walkouts and strikes on individual flights.

If you're ticketed to fly MWE on or after Aug. 30, you'll want to follow this story carefully.

> More...

O N S I T E

What to Do (or Not) with Endangered Miles
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With actual and potential bankruptcies a daily fact of life in the travel industry, many of you are wondering whether there's anything you can and should do to protect your frequent flyer miles. I know that because it's far and away the most-asked question coming in over the transom.

Rather than answer each and every e-mail individually (can you say carpal tunnel syndrome?), I've consolidated the advice on a single webpage and posted it on FrequentFlier.com.

Comments and other suggestions are welcome.

New on the FrequentFlier Forum
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Jim likens US Airways' new fare and elite policies (see below for more) to "cutting off your nose to spite your face." Ronald (who is NOT on my payroll... wait, what payroll?) suggests that "Maybe they should talk to Tim Winship, the guru of airline knowledge and create a better business model? At least Tim would be able to tell them what NOT to do." Brenda's take: "Elite FF members will cash out & go elsewhere, we are not dumb!"

ANY AIRLINE CONSIDERING FOLLOWING IN US AIRWAYS' FOOTSTEPS SHOULD READ THESE COMMENTS.

Do you have mileage-related questions, answers, anecdotes? Post them (and read others') on the FrequentFlier Forum.

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

US Air Elite Status: For Rich Suckers Only
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Beginning next year, only those paying the highest airfares -- a shrinking group of business travelers, mostly -- will be able to qualify for elite status on US Airways. Here's the official announcement, excerpted from a list of fare-policy changes announced earlier this week:

"Customers ticketed on non-refundable fares will continue to earn full Dividend Miles credit. Effective for travel Jan. 1, 2003, and beyond, miles and segments earned on most non-refundable fares will not count toward Dividend Miles Chairman's Preferred, Gold Preferred and Silver Preferred status."

I have just 1 word for US Airways: Stupid, stupid, stupid.

As I suggested in a recent editorial in Smarter Living, US Airways is throwing out the baby with the bath water. If the goal is to insure that rewards and recognition are strictly commensurate with revenue contribution, fine. Follow American's lead and give more elite-qualifying credit for full fares, and less credit for discounted fares.

But to eliminate non-refundable fares altogether from the elite-qualifying equation will simply drive many frequent flyers -- who fly for both business and leisure, using both restricted and unrestricted tickets -- to other airlines which take a more holistic view of loyalty.

By declaring bankruptcy, US Airways broke faith with their shareholders. With this new policy, they break faith with their most profitable customers. Who's next?

Alaska, Horizon Offer -- CORRECTION
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[In last week's issue, the promotion code required to participate in this offer was NOT mentioned. Apologies. Here it is again, WITH the code.]

Mileage Plan members will earn double miles on all flights operated by Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air between Sept. 3 and Oct. 31. The bonus can be earned an unlimited number of times.

Register ** using promo code 101619 ** prior to the first qualifying flight online.

Alaska is also offering 5,000 bonus miles for first-time ticket purchases at alaskaair.com and 1,000 bonus miles for every subsequent online ticket purchase.

Double AAdvantage Miles for LGA-Midway Flights
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AAdvantage members will earn double miles for travel on American's new flights between New York La Guardia and Chicago's Midway Airport from Sept. 4 through Nov. 30.

Register prior to travel using promo code NYMDW.

> More...

Best Western Stays Earn Points AND Miles
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From Sept. 1 through Dec. 31, Gold Crown Club International members will earn both Gold Crown points and 250 airline miles for the same qualifying stay at participating Best Western hotels in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia.

Participating airlines: Air Canada, Alaska, America West, American, Delta, Northwest, United and US Airways.

> More...

Northwest Discounts Mexico, Arizona Awards
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From Sept. 3 through Dec. 13, WorldPerks members can redeem miles for award travel between the West Coast and Mexico or Arizona on Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air for 5,000 fewer miles.

Discount applies to coach-class award travel to Cabo San Lucas, Manzanillo, Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cancun, Phoenix or Tucson.

Book awards online or by calling 1-800-44-PERKS.

> More...

Bonus for United Express Flights to/from CHI
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Between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30, Mileage Plus members will earn 500 bonus miles for roundtrip United Express flights between Chicago and the following cities: Akron, OH; Appleton, WI; Birmingham, AL; Charleston, SC; Charleston, WV; Columbia, SC; Fargo, ND; Green Bay, WI; Moline, IL; Norfolk, VA; Portland, ME; Roanoke, VA; South Bend, TN; Traverse City, MI.

Offer may be earned a maximum of 3 times. Register online.

Choice Hotel Stays Earn United Miles
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United Mileage Plus members can now earn miles for stays at more than 3,300 Choice International hotels.

Qualifying stays at Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion and MainStay Suites brand hotels in the U.S. and Caribbean earn 250 miles; stays at Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brand hotels in the U.S. earn 150 miles. To earn miles, cite your Mileage Plus number at check-in.

> More...

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...

Nationwide fare sale from $68 R/T
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Southwest has renewed its ongoing systemwide fare sale, with cross-country fares as low as $198 round-trip, and additional discounts within Texas and the Midwest. Sale fares are valid for travel between Sept. 3, 2002, and Jan. 10, 2003, with the lowest fares for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

> More...

Travel to/from Las Vegas or Reno starting at $38 R/T
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National is offering 21% off its usual published fares to Las Vegas and Reno, for travel between Sept. 3 and Dec. 18. America West has matched these fares. Purchase tickets online only and by Sunday, Sept. 1. A 7-day advance purchase is required by both airlines.

> More...

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

The Industry Everyone Loves to Hate
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"Your negative comment on "the industry everyone loves to hate" seems a bit exaggerated and inappropriate. I too have gripes with some airlines policies. [British Airways] lost my luggage for 5 days in Turkey and seemed to figure that it was too far away to do much about!] I fly Continental and Northwest and have found both trying to do the best they can to be gracious and also survive. I am all for challenging and keeping them on their toes but negative comments in this post 9-11 era is not helpful--a friendly comment."

- Michael

"Great comments about the nickeling and diming. I'm seeing it BIG time with Air Canada. I'm guessing the airlines are plotting to install pay toilets that read your debit card to charge admission (no airline miles added to your American Express!). Or worse yet, providing free beer and charging $20. to use the facilities."

- John

Fly or Drive
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"I recently checked the Internet on Travelocity and United Airlines to find the best fare from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA. The fare was a ridiculous $550. This is an automobile of 3 1/2 hours. No wonder they are going bankrupt. Who, in their right mind would pay this much to travel such a short distance. I am renting a van and driving for less than $140.

"I tried to contact United to tell them but their web site does not permit a contact unless you fill in a flight, date, etc. I guess they don't want to know what the public has on their mind. I am a member of their Silver Wings but don't know if my lifetime membership will last for my lifetime."

- Shirley

Airport Security
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"Boo-hoo to William and his ranting about airport security! My heart is bleeding for him and I feel so bad that he'll have to drive on his next vacation. Gee, it's wonderful that he is able to pick out terrorists based on the way they look (meaning dark skin, perhaps??). Maybe he should be working in airport security, since he obviously knows more than everyone else there (i.e. those who barely speak English, don't have a green card, and have an IQ the same as room temperature).

"I'm REALLY disappointed that you printed such bigoted, ignorant comments from such a narrow-minded individual. I thought the Frequent Flier Crier forum was to spread information about travel, not to spout whiny, childish, elitist comments."

- Mary

Until next week...