U P F R O N T
United, US Airways Link Mileage Programs
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After a prolonged review, the DOT last week blessed the proposed alliance between United and US Airways, clearing the way for code-sharing, frequent flyer program links and other forms of cooperation between the 2 profit-starved airlines.
The elements of the partnership will be introduced piecemeal, according to the following timetable:
> Oct. 14 - Reciprocal lounge access
Members of United's Red Carpet Club and the US Airways Club will be able to use each other's airport lounges.
> Nov. 1 - Reciprocal frequent flyer program participation
Mileage Plus members will be able to earn miles on US Airways, US Airways Express and US Airways Shuttle flights. And US Airways Dividend Miles members will be able to earn miles on United and United Express flights.
> Jan. 1 - Elite qualification
Miles earned for US Airways flights will count towards 2004 elite status in Mileage Plus. And miles earned for United flights will count toward 2004 elite status in Dividend Miles.
> Early 2003 - Code-sharing, mileage redemption
Code-share flights begin. And members of both programs can begin redeeming miles for award flights on the other airline.
Longer term, the tie-up portends the eventual inclusion of US Airways in the Star Alliance, which is co-anchored by United. Participation in a global alliance has been cited as an important component in US Airways' recovery plan.
The additional opportunities to earn and redeem miles are obviously welcome enhancements for members of both airlines' programs. More important, the tie-up will generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues for both carriers, significantly improving the prospects of long-term survival for United and US Airways.
M I L E S & P O I N T S
Best Western Stays Earn Triple Aeroplan Miles
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Members of Best Western's Gold Crown Club International program will earn triple Aeroplan miles for eligible stays at any of Canada's 168 Best Western hotels between Oct. 15 and Dec. 31.
GCCI members must register for the promotion, using promotion code TPL 750, and choose Air Canada as the designated airline for mileage accrual.
> More... or 1-800-237-8483
Cruise for AAdvantage Miles
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AAdvantage members can earn miles-for-cruises with the World's Leading Cruise Lines, including Carnival Cruises, Holland America, Cunard, Yachts of Seabourn, Windstar, and Costa Cruises. There's even a dedicated AAdvantage Cruise website where would-be cruisers can check scheduled sailings, pricing and mileage offers.
Miles are awarded based on the cruise's length, from 1,500 miles for 1 - 5 night cruises to 10,000 miles for 13-plus night cruises. Through Dec. 31, AAdvantage members who book through the AAdvantage Cruise program will receive the standard mileage award, plus 5,000 bonus miles.
> More... or 1-800-647-6433
Bid OnePass Miles for Concerts, Marathon
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Currently on the block at Continental's OnePass mileage-auction site: Carnegie Hall concerts (including reception and buffet dinner), and VIP access to the New York City Marathon.
> More...
EVA Air Bonus for Transpac Flights
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Through Oct. 31, EVA Airways is offering 5,000 bonus miles to Evergreen Club members who book roundtrip trans-Pacific flights and complete travel by Nov. 15. One-way flights earn 2,500 bonus miles.
> More... or 1-900-695-1188
Hyatt Relaunches "Faster Free Nights"
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Between Oct. 1 and Feb. 28, 2003, Gold Passport members will earn 1 free night after every 2 Hyatt stays charged on a MasterCard.
Free nights are in addition to regular Gold Passport points and can be redeemed from Nov. 1 through Apr. 30. There is no limit to the number of free nights that be earned.
Current Gold Passport members can register for the promotion by calling 1-800-51-HYATT. New Gold Passport members will be registered automatically.
> More...
Double Miles-for-Shopping at WorldPerks Mall
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From Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, WorldPerks members will earn double miles for purchases at participating WorldPerks Mall partners, including Barnes and Noble, eBags, Eddie Bauer, Gateway, Land's End, Nordstrom, etc.
To earn the bonus, register prior to shopping. You can pre-register now at the below link.
> More...
United Extends Online Booking Bonus
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United will continue offering Mileage Plus bonus miles for tickets purchased on its website through the end of the year.
Earn 500 bonus miles for roundtrip tickets, 250 bonus miles for one-way tickets, purchased on united.com using a U.S.-issued credit card from Oct. 1, 2002 through Dec. 31, 2002. First-time bookings on united.com earn an additional 500 bonus miles for roundtrip tickets, 250 for one-way tickets.
Travel need not be completed by Dec. 31, 2002 to receive bonus miles.
> More...
United Adds Miles-for-Loans Partner
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Mileage Plus members can now earn miles for home mortgage, home equity, or auto loans, or for real estate transactions, made through LendingTree.
Earn 1,250 miles for every $10,000 borrowed for mortgage, home equity, or auto loans, and 3,000 miles for every $10,000 of a home's sale or purchase price when selling or buying from a LendingTree-referred realtor.
> 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...
Seven cities to/from Las Vegas from $118 R/T
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There's always a reason to visit Las Vegas, whether you want to play the slot machines or watch the magic of Siegfried and Roy. National is offering lower-than-usual sale fares between Eastern cities and Las Vegas, if you can travel between Dec. 2 and 19. Purchase tickets online only and by Thursday, Oct. 10.
> More...
To/from U.S., Canada, and Mexico from $78 R/T
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Alaska Airlines has extended its fall fare sale to/from cities in the U.S., Canada, and selected destinations in Mexico. Book tickets by Thursday, Oct. 17. A 14-day advance purchase is required.
> More...
R E A D E R R A N T S & R A V E S
This Week's E-mail Bag
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"In regard to AA's little mileage transfer profit center, why would you suggest a flat $50 fee?
"Good grief, it's just a keystroke! A $50 keystroke? AA should be transferring the miles free, since transferred miles are miles that will come off their books very quickly.
"As for AA's policy of charging fees by the mile, there is no variable cost associated with the number of miles transferred. Whether the transfer is 100 miles or 100K miles, the transfer cost is the same - - near zero.
"The most that AA should do is limit the number of (free) transfers per year."
- Garth
"I agree with you, American Airlines should just charge a one time fee of $25 - $50 for a transfer of miles to whose ever account. It shouldn't matter on the amount."
- Topsinblue
"I just wanted to second the comments made recently about non-upgradeable fares. I am a college professor and state rules require me to fly the cheapest fare. This makes me ineligible for upgrades on most international flights I make with United. I would not mind if they charged extra miles to upgrade a lower fare, but not allowing any upgrade at all is unfair. I would also appreciate if the Star Alliance allowed upgrades on partner airlines (very few do). If they allow you to get any class service ticket with miles, why not upgrades? As many frequent travellers the last thing I want to do is take another trip using my miles; I prefer to use them to travel a bit more comfortably, even if the upgrades are pricey mile-wise.
"Why only "a bit"? Recently ORD-MSY (2 hours 20 min) and IAD-MSY (2 hours 38 min) 1st class United, only bags of peanuts, no pre-departure drink. Attendant repeating several times "on this short flight."
- Jorge
S W E E P S T A K E S & F R E E B I E S
Win a Super Bowl Trip from Southwest
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Enter Southwest's Super Bowl Sweepstakes between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30 to win a trip to Super Bowl XXXVII on Jan. 26, 2003, in San Diego for yourself and 10 friends.
Prize includes 11 roundtrip tickets to San Diego; 4 nights hotel for winner and guests; lunch with NFL players or coach; 11 tickets to the Super Bowl.
To participate, complete the entry form on Southwest's website (link below). One entry per person.
> More...
[Other travel-related sweepstakes and giveaways are online here.]
Until next week...
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