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UP FRONT..........................................................
Media Inquiries (2 of 'Em!)
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Here's an opportunity to weigh in with your travel experiences and observations for stories being developed by 2 noted travel writers.
Inquiry #1
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Journalist for a major national magazine would like to interview frequent fliers -- not necessarily business travelers -- age 50 or older who have redeemed their miles recently for a special, dream vacation. Must be willing to discuss how you did the redemption and what you got for your miles. Am especially interested in unusual, off-beat anecdotes and stories about this topic. Please submit your name, e-mail address, office and cell phone numbers and age. Respond to jlevere@nyc.rr.com.
Inquiry #2
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If you've ever worked for a company, you've probably run into a stupid travel expense policy. For example: the corporation will pay for as many pricey phone calls from your hotel room, but if you buy a phone card to try to save a few bucks, it won't reimburse you. Here's your chance to sound off about your experiences. Please e-mail us with your stories of silly company travel policies at editor@elliott.org -- and then go online and take a really quick 3-question survey at http://iag-inc.com/int/interview.cfm?id=13.
Please include your full name, city, and what you do for a living.
ON SITE...........................................................
FrequentFlier Forum Topics
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As always, there's plenty of activity on the FrequentFlier Forum.
In the "Airline Programs" Forum, Marathon Man wonders whether iDine miles-for dining is slimming down: "On both the US Air and Delta sites I was checking for places I always go and they are no more. Seems a lot of places have dropped off--or is it just me?" [I'm a big iDine fan, and I've noticed the same thing.]
Also in the "Airline Programs" Forum, biztraveller, a United Premier Exec, raises the issue of award availability: "I've never been able to redeem my mileage on United for free tickets. Specifically, to Hawaii. No matter what dates I input for Hawaii, there seems never to be availability of seats throughout the year. However, if I purchase tickets, the same flights tend to always be available."
In the "Retail, Other Non-Travel Programs" Forum, JoeJanko has kudos for MyPoints: "I redeemed 11,250 points for a $100 Marriott Gift Cheque on 9/22 AND RECEIVED THE CHEQUE YESTERDAY (9/27)!"
And much more... Questions, answers? Post them to the Forum!
-> More: http://frequentflier.com/forums/index.php
MILES & POINTS....................................................
MasterCard Charges Earn Best Western Bonus
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Through Feb. 28, 2005, Gold Crown Club International members residing in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean will earn 20% bonus points for qualifying Best Western stays charged to a MasterCard.
Pre-registration is required.
-> More: http://www.goldcrownclub.com/offers/mc_MC20P_04.asp
Double OnePass Miles for Le Meridien Stays
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From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, OnePass members will earn double miles -- a total of 1,000 miles -- for Business Class stays at participating Le Meridien hotels. (Business Class rate includes free buffet breakfast, a 20% discount on Business Center services, late check out.)
-> More: http://continental.com/onepass/news/hotel/htl_20040915_01.asp
Continental Adds Advantage to OnePass Program
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Advantage Rent-A-Car is the latest addition to the OnePass partner roster.
OnePass members will earn 100 miles per rental day, up to a maximum 1,000 miles per Advantage rental, when they book cars online at www.continental.com or www.advantagerentacar.com/continental.
Reservations booked through other sources earn 50 miles per day, up to a maximum 500 miles per rental.
-> More: http://continental.com/onepass/news/car/car_20040901_01.asp
Hertz Offers Free Weekend After 3 Rentals
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Hertz is offering a free weekend rental after 3 qualifying paid rentals of 2 or more days between Oct. 1 and Dec. 16 at participating locations in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada. Certificates can be redeemed at participating locations for vehicle pickups through May 15, 2005.
To qualify, renter must be a #1 Club or #1 Club Gold member and register. A maximum of 3 Free Weekend Certificates may be earned, per member.
-> More: http://offers.hertzgold.com/offer.aspx?offerid=61
Walk for Hope (& HHonors Points)
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Hilton HHonors members will earn 5,000 bonus points for participating in a City of Hope walk to cure breast cancer.
For a schedule of upcoming walks in various cities, and to register (necessary), follow the below link.
-> More: http://www.cityofhope.org/walkforhope/hhonors/
Points.com to Increase Rates
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On Sept. 30, annual PointsPlus memberships fees will increase from the current $19.95 to $29.95.
PointsPlus members may make unlimited exchanges among participating loyalty programs.
-> More: https://points.com/bonusOffer
Bonus Miles for New United Express Flights
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Mileage Plus members will earn 500 bonus miles on qualifying roundtrips between Washington Dulles and Memphis, Milwaukee and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for travel from Oct. 4, 2004, through Jan. 15, 2005, and between Washington Dulles and Houston for travel from Oct. 17, 2004, through Jan. 15, 2005.
Registration is required.
-> More: http://www.united.com/offer/mpdn84
United Bonus for Cruises
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Through Oct. 15, Mileage Plus members can earn 25,000 bonus miles for booking a Celebrity Cruise to Alaska or the Caribbean lasting 9 or more days. (Sailings available through 2005.)
Reservations can be booked at united.com or by dialing toll-free 1-888-UAL-2-SEA.
-> More: http://united.com/cruises
STEALS & DEALS....................................................
Deal Alert from SmarterLiving.com
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1) Nationwide Sale on America West from $29
America West is offering nationwide sale fares starting at $29 1-way. Destinations include Portland, OR; San Diego; St. Louis; and more; and travel is valid from Oct. 4, 2004, through Jan. 14, 2005. Fares may be combined for roundtrip travel.
Book tickets online at least 14 days in advance, and by Thursday, Oct. 21.
-> More: http://www.smarterliving.com/air/deal.php?id=7337
2) Asia Fares on Japan Airlines from $548
Japan Airlines has announced Asia sale fares starting as low as $548 roundtrip. Travel on most routes is valid through Jan. 7, and destinations include Bangkok, Beijing, Manila, Seoul, and more.
Book tickets at least 7 days in advance, and by Tuesday, Oct. 5.
-> More: http://www.smarterliving.com/air/deal.php?id=7354
SWEEPS & FREEBIES.................................................
American's "Vegas Check-In Challenge"
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Enter American's Vegas Check-In Challenge by Nov. 15 for a chance to win a grand prize package including 50,000 AAdvantage bonus miles, a trip for 2 to Las Vegas and an entry in Harrah's Set For Life sweepstakes (prize: $100,000 a year for the next 20 years.)
-> More: http://www.aacheckin.com/home.html
[Visit http://frequentflier.com/sweeps.htm for more travel sweepstakes.]
READER RANTS & RAVES..............................................
Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel
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"The inability to book on US Airways to redeem frequent flier miles has already begun.
"Last week I booked a half dozen trips on hold to use up the miles by the end of the year. I also tried for a week to book two United flights (star alliance partners). When trying to ticket the reservations over the weekend all of the flights had been deleted from hold status and none were eligible. Only a very limited number of red eye flights are now eligible. Overseas flights in December were suddenly all marked out and calls to the US Airways United extension received a voicemail that they were busy and then disconnected. This had gone on for a week but I finally got through to a US Airways reservationist who told me in 5 seconds time that United was sold out (even though only 20% of the flights were sold and dozens of frequent flier seats were available on each flight on the United web site). If you have US Airways miles they are literally worthless as of now - take it from someone who has plenty to unload!" (Thom)
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[In response to Glenn's note in last week's crier regarding the new ticketing fees...]
"Not to turn your newsletter into a second message board, but if that is the reality, it still doesn't generate additional fliers. Rather it tries to strip more money from those who are flying, disingenuously. Raising the fare never works on current fliers, doesn't create new fliers or bring back past fliers who gave up on flying because the service stinks, the flights are generally uncomfortable, prices for gas, food, and concessions close to airports and inside the airports are gauging, and current version of airline security violates our 4th Amendment rights when options certainly exist to NOT violate them but are ignored. Imagine being asked to leave your checked bag and being told to unlock them in the *United States of America*. Additionally, as a consumer, I am not drawn to buy a ticket advertised at $99, only to end up paying $201 due to taxes and fake fees. I recall all these on-line options were available in 1999 - 2000. We had no problems then. Maybe we need that economy again. The folks at the top of all these "hurting" US airlines needs to go back to Economics 101. If they can't sell ice-cream, they can't sell seats. Let them fail." (Al in Boston, MA)
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"I saw a flyer last time I flew thru Pittsburgh (PIT) that they are wired now. Almost anywhere in the airport you can flop down and use your laptop for free... neato... (altho how secure can that be?!?) Any idea how many airports are wired? Does anyone has a list somewhere????" (Pat in PA)
[Editor's Note - Good question... Anyone know where there's a list of wired airports?]
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If you have a rant or a rave, e-mail us at rants@frequentflier.com.
Until next week...
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