U P F R O N T

The Hint of a Glimmer of Activity
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We're finally seeing some signs of consumer-focused activity from the airlines, which have been dazed and confused, seemingly more interested in securing federal aid than in giving customers compelling reasons to return to the skies.

While fare sales are beginning to appear, unfortunately most of the pricing activity has been confined to discounts on unrestricted economy-class fares, typically purchased only by business travelers.

On the mileage front, by contrast, we're seeing much broader marketing initiatives. Most notably: a flurry of activity from American (see below) which has already elicited a competitive response from Delta and, it is hoped, will spur other carriers to match or exceed their offers as well.

O N S I T E

New on the FrequentFlier Forum
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Lisa raves about the Air Miles program (not currently offered in the U.S.). James has a miles-for-referrals suggestion. Cindi wants to know whether US Airways' e-saver fares earn FFP miles and count toward elite status. Ronald, as usual, has more tips than I have fingers. And more...

Do you have questions, answers? Post them to the Forum!

> More...

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

Miles for Relief (Updated)
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We included a comprehensive list of travel suppliers' participating in relief efforts in last week's issue (http://frequentflier.com/ffc-092601.htm). Here are 2 more...

Members of Hilton's HHonors program can donate HHonors points to either the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund or to the International Committee of the Red Cross. For each 10,000 HHonors points donated, Hilton HHonors will contribute $25 to the Red Cross Charity the member chooses. To donate HHonors points, call 1-800-548-8690 in the U.S. or the nearest Hilton HHonors customer service center outside the U.S.

American Airlines is allowing AAdvantage members the opportunity to donate their miles to the American Red Cross relief efforts. Members should contact the AAdvantage customer service desk for more information.

American Doubles Miles for All Flights
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American is offering double miles for travel systemwide on American Airlines, American Eagle or TWA flights from Oct. 2 through Nov. 15, 2001.

Bonus miles do not count toward elite status qualification. Registration is required, either online or by calling 1-800-882-8880. The registration code is DBLAA.

American Offers Awards for Less
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American has reduced mileage levels for award travel on American flights systemwide.

For domestic award trips between Oct. 2 and Nov. 15, 2001, the mileage requirement has been reduced from 25,000 to 15,000 miles for coach, and from 40,000 to 30,000 for first class. N. America - Europe coach awards have been reduced from 40,000 to 35,000 miles between Oct. 15, 2001, and Mar. 31, 2002.

Award travel to Japan and Latin America is also discounted. Reductions and time periods vary, so check American's website for specifics.

American Extends Elite AAdvantage Status
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"As a gesture of appreciation to its most loyal customers," American is extending elite-status memberships for AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum and Gold members for an extra year. Current elite status, which would normally expire in Feb. 2002, will now expire Feb. 28, 2003.

First-Time AA.com Bookings Earn Bonus
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First-time American or American Eagle bookings made on AA.com between Sept. 26 - Oct. 31, 2001, for travel by Dec. 31, 2001, earn a newly instituted 3,000-mile bonus for the first-time booking plus the standard 1,000-mile bonus for AA.com bookings, for a total of 4,000 miles.

Delta Doubles Miles
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SkyMiles members can earn double miles on all Delta flights worldwide through Nov. 15, 2001. Unlike the American double-mile offer, the Delta bonus miles will count toward 2002 Medallion elite-level status.

Members residing in the United States, Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and other Caribbean islands must call 1-888-558-3358 and enter their SkyMiles number and code 2014 to register for the promotion.

Delta Discounts Awards
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Delta is offering reduced mileage awards to SkyMiles members flying within or between the continental U.S., Alaska and Canada through Nov. 15, 2001. Levels are reduced from 25,000 to 15,000 miles for a coach SkySaver award, and from 40,000 to 30,000 miles for a first class SkySaver award.

For award travel from Oct. 15 through March 14, 2002, between the U.S., Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe, coach SkySaver awards will be reduced from 50,000 to 40,000 miles.

> More...

SkyMiles Credit Card Charges Earn Double Miles
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Delta is offering double miles for ALL purchases made with the Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from Oct. 15 through Nov. 30, 2001. (Normally, SkyMiles Credit Card users earn double miles for some but not all purchases.)

Bonus SkyMiles earned as a part of this promotion are limited to 25,000.

Alaska Extends Elite Status
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Alaska Airlines will extend for 1 year elite status to existing Mileage Plan MVP and MVP Gold members.

MVP and MVP Gold memberships that are due to expire Dec. 31, 2001, will be automatically extended to Dec. 31, 2002. New membership cards will be mailed out by the end of the year.

Alamo Rentals Earn Triple Airline Miles
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Alamo is offering triple miles or credits in 6 airline programs, plus discounts of up to 20%. Participating programs: American AAdvantage, Continental OnePass, Hawaiian HawaiianMiles, Northwest WorldPerks, Southwest Rapid Rewards and US Airways Dividend Miles.

Bonus mile offer applies to rentals of 2 to 14 days or 4 to 14 days, depending on the airline, and expires on Dec. 19, 2001 (Feb. 28, 2002, in the case of US Airways).

See Alamo's website for complete details.

BA Introduces Online Redemption
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Members of British Airways' Executive Club can now redeem miles for selected BA flights online. There's even an incentive to do so: a 2,000 mile discount on each ticket booked online before Dec. 15, 2001.

> More...

China Southern Offers "Instant" Upgrades
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Through Dec. 31, 2001, China Southern Airlines is offering members of its Sky Pearl Club program instant upgrades from economy to PremiumEconomy on its Los Angeles - Guangzhou flights.

Sky Pearl Club members can upgrade (upon availability), for 30,000 km or six FFP mileage vouchers at 5,000 km each, at either airport, or from the China Southern ticket offices in Guangzhou or Los Angeles.

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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...

Fly Coast-to-Coast From $188 R/T and Save on Midwestern Travel
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ATA has announced a "Get Up and Go" sale with savings on cross-country routes and fares to/from cities in the Midwestern U.S. Travel is valid through Feb. 13, 2002. Purchase tickets by Monday, Oct. 8.

> More...

Fall and Winter Savings to Europe Starting at $284 R/T
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American Airlines has released a sale on fall and winter travel to destinations in Europe, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Brussels. The lowest fares to the U.K. and France are available for travel between Oct. 14 and Mar. 18, 2002, on Mondays through Thursdays.

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S W E E P S T A K E S & F R E E B I E S

Win a Week in Puerto Rico
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Sign up to receive Webeenthere's newsletter to be entered in a drawing to win 1 week at the Palmas Del Mar resort in Puerto Rico. Receive an extra chance to win for every friend you refer.

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Until next week...