Gobble, Gobble

Best wishes to all Crier readers for a safe and restful Thanksgiving.

Given the delays and cancellations that began earlier this week, and their likely cascading effects throughout the holiday weekend, this may be not just the busiest Thanksgiving travel period ever but the most frustrating as well.

Don't say we didn't warn you. We've consistently advised against flying on the days immediately before and after Thanksgiving. And that's advice I personally take seriously: I'm staying close to home.

For the holiday meal, I plan to travel across town by car to be with friends and family. At some point during the long day of eating, drinking, and socializing, a few of us will sneak off to the den to watch USC (my alma mater) play Arizona State in one of the most anticipated games of the college football season. Holidays don't get any better.

For all the blessings I enjoy, what I'm most thankful for: At no time during this Thanksgiving weekend will I be anywhere near an airport.

FrequentFlier Forum Topics

In the "Airline Programs" Forum, tompk is wondering about the back-end of mile redemption: "When you book an award ticket on US Air do they take the miles from your account right away or do they wait and take them closer to the travel date? I booked an award ticket a few months ago for travel next March and they have yet to take the miles out of my account."

Also in the "Airline Programs" Forum, dilly is looking for a quick route to elite status: "Does Delta do any type of challenge (Medallion) like AA etc."

Questions, answers, opinions? Post them to the Forum!

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FrequentFlier Features

Recent FrequentFlier Features posted to the FrequentFlier.com website include the following:

• Airline Mileage Programs Continue Downward Spiral
  For frequent flyers, it's all bad news, all the time.

• When Frequent Flyer Miles Are for Sale, It's Buyer Beware
  The price of miles: High!

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FrequentFlier Funnies

In consideration of the holiday, we're opting for a bit of humor in place of our normal "Miles & Points" coverage, which will resume next week.

From the website This Is True (thanks to Reggie A.):

Officials in Sioux City, Iowa, asked the Federal Aviation Administration to change the designator of its airport, SUX, because it was an "embarrassment" to the city.

After the FAA offered several alternatives -- GWU, GYO, GYT, SGV and GAY -- city officials decided what they had wasn't so bad after all, and decided to make the most of it. The airport's new slogan: FLY SUX. (AP) ...Whereas the public says FLYING SUX no matter where they're going.

Deal Alert from SmarterTravel.com

1) Europe Sale Fares on Alitalia from $491

Winter flights on Alitalia are on sale from $491, including taxes and fees. Flights are available from Boston, Chicago, and New York, and destinations include Paris, Rome, Venice, and Athens.

Travel is valid from January 10 through March 13, 2008. Book tickets by November 25. Fares require a Saturday-night stay, and the maximum stay is one month.

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2) Fall Fares on Southwest from $54 Each Way

Southwest has announced a new sale for travel during the so-called "dead weeks" between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Fares start at $54 one-way or $108 round-trip, and cities include Chicago, Las Vegas, and Washington, D.C.

Travel is valid from November 28 through December 20. Book by November 26, 11:59 PM CT.

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Win a Trip to the Galapagos, Belize, or Alaska

Enter Philips' "Conquer the World" sweepstakes by December 31 for a chance to win one of three grand prizes: an eight-day trip for two to Belize, a 10-day trip to the Galapagos Islands, or an eight-day trip exploring southeastern Alaska by ship.

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

Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel

"I know many people claim they can never use their earned miles. I, however, have never had a problem with United.

"I have used my miles for upgrades, free tickets for myself or relatives, and most recently a first class ticket to Australia from the East coast for August 2008. I had an overabundance of miles so I decided to splurge. Planning ahead does pay." [M. Jean M.]

"While agree with the quoted about Abby G.'s forum entry [mentioned in a previous newsletter], it should be noted that the Eurostar service has just moved to St. Pancras station instead.

"Haven't had the chance to hop on yet, but I hear it's lovely (not that Waterloo was shabby) ... and it is also about 20 minutes faster now, due to better track." [Sean G.]

"In response to Susan W. [who was responding to Abby G.], it is in fact possible to check baggage on Eurostar, for an additional charge, although usually not necessary unless you're carrying bulky items, musical instruments or bicycles, or, as her husband was, knives, and not as convenient as checking baggage on an airline. The train also no longer leaves from Waterloo, but from St. Pancras International, also easily accessible from central London." [Steve C.]

"Susan W.'s letter about taking Eurostar from London to Paris overlooked the very recent change in terminal - the new St Pancras station will make the London-Paris Eurostar journey even shorter, and St. Pancras is also on the London Underground." [E.L.]

Until next week...