Consumer Reports Issues Mileage Program Report Card

The October issue of Consumer Reports includes an extended report on frequent flyer programs. In particular, CR focused on the awards side of the programs, rating 10 airlines according to their success in booking coach awards.

Overall, CR was pleasantly surprised with the results of their award-booking survey: "[W]e were able to get 93 percent of the U.S. flights we requested, albeit with some compromises." But what CR considers acceptable compromises, many travelers would consider deal-breakers. Most importantly, CR noted that "in many cases we had to pay double the expected miles."

It's unfortunate that CR approached the issue of award availability with such low expectations. Only if it's considered acceptable to force program members "in many cases" to pay extra for an unrestricted award could CR give the airlines ratings of "very good" or "excellent." We consider that an uncritically low standard and would rate the airlines considerably lower than CR did.

CR's findings? Of the eight full-service carriers, CR ranked American best, followed by Northwest, Alaska, Delta, US Airways, Continental, United and, worst, America West. Of the two discounters included in the survey, JetBlue nosed out Southwest.

FrequentFlier Forum Topics

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

In the "Airline Programs" Forum, FJ has moved away from a city served by Northwest, leaving him with 20,000 WorldPerks miles and no easy way to earn more. "Any tips on getting to 25,000 miles without actually flying Northwest?"

Also in the "Airline Programs" Forum, Limie has been stumped trying to redeem BA miles for an award trip on American or Cathay Pacific. "I have not been able to get any availability between now and the year end. Has anyone any experience of successfully using BA miles on Cathay or American for an international trip, or even a trip down to the Caribbean on American?"

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

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MyPublicInfo Is New Alaska Air Partner

Mileage Plan members can now earn 1,000 miles (1,250 miles for MVP Gold members) for signing up for MyPublicInfo's personal identity protection services.

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America West, Northwest to Sever Frequent Flyer Ties

In the aftermath of the AmWest-US Airways merger, which keeps the newly formed US Airways in the Star Alliance, the longstanding frequent flyer partnership between AmWest and Northwest (which participates in the competing SkyTeam alliance) will be terminated.

The key dates in the disengagement are Mar. 31, 2006 -- the last day of reciprocal mileage earning and redemption -- and Mar. 31, 2007 -- the date by which all award travel must be completed on the other carrier.

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Amtrak Doubles the Points

Through Dec. 31, members of Amtrak's Guest Rewards program will earn double points for Acela Express or Metroliner trips between any city pairs.

Registration is required.

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More Delta Miles-for-Dining

Between Oct. 1 and Nov. 31, SkyMiles members can earn up to 3,000 bonus miles for eight qualifying SkyMiles Dining dines of $25 or more.

Dine twice to earn 500 bonus miles, four times to earn 1,000, six times to earn 2,000 and eight times to earn 3,000.

Registration is required.

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Northwest Discounts Las Vegas Awards

Between Oct. 30 and Dec. 14, WorldPerks members can redeem 5,000 fewer miles for award travel between Las Vegas and Indianapolis, Indiana; Des Moines, Iowa; Flint, Michigan; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Fargo, North Dakota; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Madison, Wisconsin.

A Saturday-night stay is required, and blackout dates apply.

With the discount, coach awards are 20,000 miles, first class awards are 40,000 miles.

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Double Southwest Credits for InterCon Stays

Between Oct. 15 and Dec. 16, Rapid Rewards Members who are also members of Priority Club Rewards will earn double Southwest credit (1.0 credit instead of the standard 0.5 credits) for qualifying stays at InterContinental Hotels Group properties worldwide, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites hotels.

Southwest must be the designated airline earning partner in the traveler's Priority Club profile to receive the Rapid Rewards bonus.

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Swiss to Terminate TravelClub

Effective Apr. 1, 2006, the Swiss TravelClub will be no more.

TravelClub members' miles will be transferred to Lufthansa's program, Miles & More, with no loss of miles or status. Lufthansa is in the process of acquiring Swiss.

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United Bonus or Discount for Washington, DC Flights

Between Oct. 5, 2005 and Feb. 15, 2006, Mileage Plus members who fly up to four roundtrips to or from Washington, D.C. (Washington Dulles, Reagan-National or Baltimore/Washington)can earn up to 25,500 bonus miles or 25% off a future flight.

The bonus or discount increases according to the number of flights during the promotion period, beginning with a 2,500-mile bonus for the first flight and reaching 10,000 bonus miles for the fourth flight, for a total of 25,500 bonus miles. The discount begins at 10% and reaches 25% for four or more flights.

Registration is required.

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United Bonus or Discount for West Coast Flights

Between Oct. 5, 2005 and Feb. 15, 2006, Mileage Plus members who fly up to eight roundtrips between any airports in California, Oregon and Washington can earn up to 36,000 bonus miles or 20% off a future flight.

The bonus or discount increases according to the number of flights during the promotion period, beginning with a 1,000-mile bonus for the first flight and reaching 8,000 bonus miles for the eighth flight, for a total of 36,000 bonus miles. The discount begins at 10% and reaches 20% for eight or more flights.

Registration is required.

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From United: More Miles-for-Wine

Mileage Plus members who purchase $50 or more at the Hartwick & Grove online wine store by Oct. 31 will earn 2,500 bonus miles. That's in addition to the 10 miles per $1 spent, or 20 miles per $1 if the order is charged to a Mileage Plus Visa card.

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Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) Hawaii Sale Fares on United from $264

Flights to Hawaii are as low as $264 roundtrip with United's new sale. Destinations include the Big Island, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu. American is offering a competing Hawaii sale.

Travel is valid Mondays through Thursdays through Dec. 15. United has not listed a booking deadline. Fares require a three-night minimum stay, and the maximum stay is 30 days.

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2) Costa Rica on TACA from $209

TACA's latest sale features fall flights to Costa Rica. Prices start at $209 roundtrip, and departures are available from both coasts.

Travel is valid through Nov. 15. Book tickets by Oct. 15.

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Win 2 Million Marriott Points, Airline Miles

Through Dec. 31, enter the Marriott Millions sweepstakes for a chance to win two million Marriott Rewards points plus two million miles in a choice of airline programs plus $5,000 in Hertz rental certificates.

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Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

"Arghhhh. Won't you please say something about US Air's ridiculous allotment of frequent flyer seats?

"I go to London each summer. Last year I started trying to get a ticket in January to depart Los Angeles in July. No dice. So this year I started trying for next July in October. No dice.

"This company aggressively advertises its credit card in order to get frequent flyer points, and they ought to be stopped from practicing such deceptiveness." [Suzanne T.]

Until next week...