Bankruptcy Watch

Since last week's report on the continuing standoff between Northwest and its flight attendants, the airline persuaded a federal judge to issue a temporary injunction prohibiting the attendants from making good on their threat to strike.

In his ruling, the judge instructed the two parties to reappear in court today, Aug. 30, to report on any progress made toward reaching an accord. And if there were no signs of progress, the judge warned that he would take as much time as necessary to consider the attendants' union's right to strike before issuing a final judgement.

Not surprisingly given the acrimony infecting the two sides' relationship, there was no progress in breaking the deadlock and no hopeful signs for a resolution on the horizon.

According to a representative of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), "While AFA remains committed to reaching a negotiated settlement with the company, our informal discussions with Northwest over the past few days reveal that meaningful negotiations are not possible at this juncture."

It's unlikely the judge will decide the matter in the run-up to the travel-intensive Labor Day weekend. Thereafter, it's anybody's guess when or what he will rule.

FrequentFlier Forum Topics

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

In the "Airline Programs" Forum, Boston Fan is trying to make sense of the rules governing airport lounge access: "I just booked award tickets for a family vacation in London over the Christmas holiday. On the way to London, we are in First/Business Class (economy on the way home). As we will have a several hour layover in Minneapolis on the outbound leg, I was wondering if the First/Business class status allows us access to the WorldClub? If not, any recommendations on the best way to obtain access?"

And in the "Hotel Programs" Forum, phil questions the value of Platinum status in Starwood's Preferred Guest (SPG) program: "I have been SPG platinum four of the past five years, this is going to be the last however. I have been gold with Marriott and Hilton concurrently as well (a lower level than the Platinum if you were to compare programs). My upgrade percentage with Hilton and Marriott -- almost 100%, not so with SPG. Free breakfast and lounge access with Marriott and Hilton -- 100%, not even once with SPG."

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

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AAdvantage Miles for Internet Phone Service

AAdvantage members can earn up to 15,000 bonus miles for signing up for Internet home phone service with EarthLink trueVoice.

Miles will be deposited into customers' accounts after the sixth paid EarthLink invoice.

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Double EA$Y CHOICE Stamps at Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn

Between Sept. 1, and Nov. 30, guests at Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn hotels will earn two EA$Y CHOICE stamps per night, up to 10 stamps per stay, for each qualifying stay. (It's not necessary to be a member of Choice's Privileges program to take advantage of this offer.)

Once earned, 10 stamps can be exchanged for a $50 room credit, six stamps for a $25 room credit, or three stamps for $10 off a future night.

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Marriott Launches Promotion Tracker

Marriott Rewards members can now track their progress toward qualifying for promotional bonuses which require, for example, multiple stays.

When members sign in to their accounts on MarriottRewards.com, the new Promotion Tracker will display available offers and show how far members have to go in order to qualify for bonuses, etc.

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National Car Rental Offers One-Two-Free

Between Aug. 16 and Dec. 15, members of National Car Rental's Emerald Club will earn a free rental day after every two paid rentals of an Intermediate or larger vehicle for two or more days each. (Emerald Club enrollment fees are also waived for the promotion period.)

Free day e-voucher is valid for rentals of Intermediate through Full size vehicles between Jan. 1 and June 25, 2007.

Registration is required.

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Northwest Bonus for Europe Flights

Matching similar offers from American and United, Northwest is offering bonus miles for roundtrip Northwest or KLM flights to London, Frankfurt or Zurich between Sept. 5 and Nov. 15.

Bonus is 5,000 miles for travel on Y, S or B fares and 2,500 miles for travel on M or H fares. Bonus can be earned up to three times during the promotion.

Registration is required.

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Earn Double Points, Miles for Priority Club Stays

Between Sept. 12 and Dec. 15, Priority Club Rewards members will earn double points or double miles for the second and subsequent qualifying stays at InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Express by Holiday Inn.

At Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites, members earn double points or miles beginning with the first qualifying stay.

Registration is required.

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Thrifty Doubles Blue Chip Credits

Through Nov. 15, members of Thrifty's Blue Chip Rewards program who choose credits over airline miles will earn two credits for each 24-hour rental, double the normal award rate.

With the bonus, a free day's rental is earned after eight days' paid rental. The free-day certificates earned during the bonus period are valid for one year.

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Referral Bonus for United Credit Cardholders

Mileage Plus Visa cardholders can earn 5,000 bonus miles for each new cardholder they refer, up to a maximum of 15,000 bonus miles for three referrals.

New applicants must cite the referrer's Mileage Plus number when they call 1-877-507-5674 to sign up. Bonuses will post six to eight weeks after each new cardmember's first purchase.

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Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) Best Fares to/from Colorado on United from $178

Flights to and from Colorado are on sale with United's new promotion. Prices start at $178 roundtrip for travel through the middle of November.

Travel is valid daily through Nov. 15. Book tickets at least 14 days in advance, and by Sept. 6. Fares require a two-day minimum stay.

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2) Horizon Air Fares from $49 Each Way

To commemorate Horizon Air's 25th anniversary, Horizon and Alaska Air flights are on sale systemwide. Fares start at $49 one-way and destinations include cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Travel is valid daily through Dec. 14. Book tickets at least seven days in advance, and by Sept. 7.

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Win a Trip for 2 to Rome

Through Sept. 24, enter Ponds' "Divine Dates" sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for two to Rome, including business-class air and four nights' hotel accommodations. Other prizes include spa weekends and movie tickets.

Entries require a promotion code, available on specially marked Ponds products but which may also be obtained without making a purchase by mail postmarked on or before Sept. 11.

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

Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

"Just a follow up to the discussion in last week's Crier about canceling and re-applying for credit cards.

"I have at several points in my life canceled an airline or hotel card and then, years later, gotten the same card again. I can't recall exactly how much time elapsed between the old and new cards, but at least a year. In all cases I was able to take advantage of the bonus when I got the card for the second card.

"Having said that, I should also add that in one case the issuer of the card wanted to deny the bonus, because I wasn't a 'new' customer. I had a chat with their customer service supervisor, explaining that I would only get the card if I was awarded the bonus miles. I ended up getting the card and the bonus miles!" [George T. - Atlanta, GA]

"Are you aware of any 'debit' card that accrues frequent flyer miles?" [Rick P.]

FrequentFlier.com replies - Except for Delta, all major airline programs have debit card tie-ups which typically award one mile for every $2. There's a list with links at http://frequentflier.com/card-debit.htm.

Until next week...