Issue #25  --  December 17, 1998

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Airport Security Alert
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While no specifics were available at press time, we're already hearing anecdotal reports of increased airport security and delays in the wake of the U.S./U.K. air strikes against Iraq.

Be prepared to arrive at your departure airport earlier, and to spend longer in check-in lines and at security checkpoints. Also, if you're carrying on wrapped-up Christmas presents, there's a higher-than-usual probability that security personnel will UNwrap them as part of the more vigorous screening procedures.

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Holiday Travel Expected to Reach Record Levels
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Exacerbating the above-mentioned security slowdowns, the Air Transport Association is forecasting record numbers of air travelers during this year's holiday period.

Over the next 19 days, the ATA expects 33.5 million passenger boardings, an increase of over 500,000 boardings over last year. The busiest day of the 2.5-week holiday travel period will be Saturday, when over 2 million passengers will fill U.S. aircraft to 84% of capacity overall. Christmas day itself should be the lightest travel day, with planes only filled to 65% of capacity.

Again, plan to arrive early at the airport. And when you do arrive, be patient.

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Continental WILL Upgrade Golds to Platinum Status
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In response to complaints voiced by its most loyal frequent fliers, Continental announced that it WILL "grandfather" any OnePass member who flies at least 50,000 miles or 60 flight segments by December 31 into the new Platinum Elite level for 1999. To qualify for Platinum status after the first of the year would require travelers to fly 75,000 miles or 90 segments.

The airline had originally proposed not reclassifying its Gold members as Platinum members under the newly expanded elite portion of OnePass. That was a bad decision, and we should credit Continental being responsive to customer feedback and reversing their policy on this.

As previously announced, OnePass customers who would have qualified for Bronze Elite in 1998 by flying 20,000 miles (or 25 segments) will automatically become Silver Elites in 1999. OnePass members who would have qualified for Silver status by Flying 35,000 (or 40 segments) in 1998 will automatically become Gold Elites in 1999.

Separately, Continental today announced it will redeem a record number of OnePass frequent flyer rewards in 1998, even though paid load factors were at an all-time high this year.

Nearly one million travel rewards will be redeemed by OnePass members by the end of the year, compared to fewer than 700,000 in 1997. This represents a 35 percent annual increase.

>> More <<
Continental online

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Reader Feedback
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>> The following was received from J.H., in reference to D.S.'s letter last week regarding Continental's failure (since remedied, see article above) to adequately recognize existing elite members in its expanded elite universe:

"Well, we frequent fliers really do have a voice. I used the ideas and text of one of your patrons to write Continental re. their recent changes to and dilution of Gold Elite. Everyone's opinion does count!"

Thanks,
J.H.
Soon to be Platinum

>>Here's another response to last week's letter from D.S.:

"D.S. is not terribly happy with Continental's One Pass program. If he wishes, I will swap my elite status in Delta's program for his in Continental. Delta does not seem to understand the bad will that they create among its "elite" members when they send out certificates good for upgrades for use on only the most expensive fares. I am consistently a gold member of their program but fly mainly internationally. Thus, their 880 mile upgrades are worthless as are their international upgrades which they mail with annoying regularity."

"Delta's management provides no response other than to say that they are sorry I am disappointed. Is anyone else equally disappointed? If so, please tell Delta to scrap this ridiculous system."

>>Carry-on regulations have become one of the hot topics...

"In my mind, the luggage sizers are incredibly obnoxious. A piece of luggage that would easily fit in the overhead bin WILL NOT fit through the sizer, this thing only shows what would fit under a seat. I usually only travel with one bag (carry on) that is reasonably dimensioned and will fit comfortably overhead. But now I have to put up with this crap, which basically constitutes a change in baggage policy. Using these sizers, you "may" now bring two carry-ons on board that BOTH fit under the seat in front of you."

"Apparently, deregulation has made things worse. The airlines are treating their "customers" worse than cattle. On a recent United flight I was unlucky enough to get stuck on a DC10 for almost 3 hours. I weigh 180 lbs at 6'1", so I don't think you can call me fat. I BARELY fit into the seat, there was zero wiggle room on either side. Then the guy in front of me reclined, and I had literally less than one inch of room to "sit back, relax and enjoy the flight". If they transported cattle like that, the law would be breathing down their necks."

"Hoping to never fly United again"

>>Also on the subject of carry-ons, here's O.C. weighing in from Australia on Continental's dispute with United on bag sizers:

"I'm right with you. Continental are just trying to find a new way to make a buck. Meanwhile, suckers like me are queuing extra long while the abusers bring truckloads of baggage on board."

"PS This is the upside of Australia's cosy little duopoly. Both carriers enforce the same rules. So these people get short shrift. The downside of course is higher airfares but when the boss is paying, who cares!"

>>T.N. passes along the following comments re MileNet (covered in the November 5 edition of The Crier), together with some constructive criticism:

"I would like to mention that I was directed to use a new program called MileNet which essentially allows you to earn FFP points for free while surfing the internet. However, I only have internet access through my workplace proxy, and have not been able to use the program yet as it (until recently) came in a proxy server "friendly" version. Now they have finally released a version that allows people to use the program in their workplaces where a proxy serves exists. However, I seem unable to get decent support over the phone, even though I have phoned them and left messages (on my own nickel, I might add). I am simply hoping that they will see this message, and realize that if they want people to use their program, they had better provide good support. I think their idea is a great one, and while I realize they just got up and running in November, if they wish people to use their program, and pass it on to their friends, they REALLY need to improve their support. Thanks."

>>Finally, here's L.'s feedback on recent America West special offers. We've taken issue with America West several times for their buy-or-die style offers. And for the record, the special offers in The Crier are reported, not advertised. Ads are clearly marked with "Support our sponsor" tags or the like.

"This is the second time in a few months you have sent me your fine magazine containing "suposedly specials" from America West. Each time I have tried taking advantage of these specials I have been told that they are no longer available. I suggest that they border on advertising fraud. I feel that they lacking in credibility and think that you should seriously consider whether you should be advertising for a company like that."

>> Rants, Raves?
Feel free to take issue with any opinions expressed in The Crier. We recognize that ours isn't the only viewpoint, and make it a priority to devote space to others' feedback. So e-mail us... if it's relevant, and we have space available, we'll probably reprint it.

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Double AAdvantage Miles for Toys, Books
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If you're an AAdvantage member and plan to purchase toys or books for holiday gift-giving, you can reward your own generosity with double miles.

Use your Citibank AAdvantage card for purchases at any toy store or bookstore, between November 1, 1998, and January 31, 1999, and you will earn 2 miles for every dollar you spend.

According to the fine print, the determination of whether any particular retail establishment qualifies as a toy store or bookstore is at Citibank's discretion. So if you're planning a major purchase from a retailer whose status may be questionable, check first with Citibank.

>> More <<
American

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Delta Upgrades
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Delta is investing $314 million in customer service improvements associated with its new BusinessElite service for intercontinental business travelers. The new product is designed to replace international first class with an almost-first-class roster of benefits, at a business-class fare.

Features include:

    *  New sleeper seat designed by B/E Aerospace for use
       on all B-767ER, MD-11 and B-777 aircraft with 60 inches of
       pitch, 160 degrees (or 17 inches) of recline, and a 2x2x2 
       seating layout (never a middle seat);
    *  Fully electric controls for recline, lumbar support, leg 
       rest extension for full leg and thigh support, leg rest 
       height and foot rest;
    *  Redesigned seat backs for a more private environment;
    *  Battery-saving EmPower system for laptop computers, a 
       dataport for online access and a personal telephone at 
       every seat;
    *  Enhanced in-flight entertainment shown on a personal video
       screen;
    *  Easy to use controls with integrated telephone;
    *  A streamlined airport experience with priority check-in, 
       baggage handling and boarding;
    *  A redesigned catering concept that features more
       personalized service and a selection of four different 
       entrees (including a vegetarian choice), premium cheeses, 
       and ice cream sundaes;
    *  New self-service snacking station and flexible dining 
       option;
    *  New wine selection; and
    *  Larger pillows, new blankets and improved amenity kits.

According to Delta, the airline conducted extensive research with customers in the development of the seats. More than 80 frequent international business travelers participated in eight-hour seating sessions to provide feedback on seat comfort and features. The BusinessElite seat offers the most recline and leg room for a business-class fare as well as six-way, adjustable headrests, unique one-touch controls for "sleep" and "land" positions, a personal in-seat reading light, increased console space and a pullout cocktail tray.

Additional customer benefits include complimentary access on day of travel to BusinessElite lounges in Atlanta and New York's Kennedy airports and all Delta Crown Room Clubs. SkyMiles members will earn 125 percent of actual mileage flown on all paid Delta business class fares.

BusinessElite will be introduced in phases starting later this month. It will replace Delta's existing first class and business class on all flights to Europe, Asia and Brazil.

>> More <<
Delta

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Carry-On Rules WILL Be Enforced at DIA
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Beginning today, Thursday, United will begin enforcing its carry-on restrictions at Denver's International Airport (DIA).

Baggage sizers will be positioned in front of all United X-ray security check points, limiting bags to 9 inches by 14 inches. Any bag which doesn't fit through the sizer, or which exceeds 45 inches in combined height, length and width, will be rejected, forcing the owner to return to the check-in counter to check the bag.

Meanwhile, Continental Airlines has dropped the threat of a lawsuit in exchange for a promise from United that it will leave the Concourse A X-ray machines free of the baggage sizers, a Continental spokeswoman said.

The goal of the carry-on size limitation, according to United, is to speed boarding times at DIA, where the airline has 315 daily departures.

At the risk of drawing fire from the carry-it-all-on crowd, I'm again going to commend United for taking the lead on this. It's an imperfect solution, and history may prove it to be the wrong one for the long term. But it's a good faith attempt to address a real, and growing, problem.

>> More <<
United

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American Holiday Classics
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American Airlines has a holiday season treat in store for its customers. The airline is showing such holiday classics as "It's A Wonderful Life," "Miracle on 34th Street" and "Christmas in Connecticut" free of charge in all classes of service from December 20-27.

American will show "Miracle on 34th Street" on Hawaii and domestic flights, "It's A Wonderful Life" on United Kingdom, Central and South America and Caribbean flights as well as domestic and Hawaii flights, and "Christmas in Connecticut" on United Kingdom, San Juan and Central and South America flights.

In addition to these films, two other popular holiday classics, "Stowaway" and "White Christmas," will be available to first class passengers as personal video selections. A holiday documentary, "A Hollywood Christmas," will also be shown on the main screen on westbound and northbound international flights of seven hours or longer.

As a side note, I was on an American flight on Thanksgiving day, and then too the inflight movies were free. I was impressed on Thanksgiving, and here again during this holiday period, that American chose to forego a revenue opportunity to do something nice for their customers. It's a classy gesture, altogether too rare in the commercial world.

>> More <<
American's website

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2For Ireland
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Aer Lingus, the national airline of Ireland, is bringing back its companion fare at the same price offered last year. The airline's 1999 "2For Ireland" fare is $488 for two roundtrip tickets to Dublin, Shannon or Belfast from all of its U.S. gateways -- New York, Newark, Chicago and Boston. The special fare goes on sale, Wednesday, December 16, for travel January 11 through March 10, 1999.

Travelers can combine the "2For Ireland" fare with Aer Lingus' Discover Ireland program, which offers accommodations as low as $35 per person, sharing, per day, and, an Avis rental car starting at $21 per day.

Aer Lingus' "2For Ireland" fare may be booked through January 31, 1999, and travel must be completed by March 10, 1999. Tickets need to be purchased within 72 hours of making the reservation and passengers must travel together.

Within the past two years, Aer Lingus has doubled its frequency from Chicago as well as added capacity from Boston and New York. It operates Airbus 330s and one MD-11 on its transatlantic service, and another Airbus is scheduled for delivery next spring when Aer Lingus commences nonstop transatlantic service between Los Angeles and Dublin.

>> More <<
For more information regarding "2For Ireland" fare restrictions and availability, see your travel agent or call Aer Lingus at 1-800-IRISH-AIR (474-7424).

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Site Suggestion
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One of the challenges faced by all business travelers is maintaining your well-honed exercise and diet regimen while on the road. It's all too easy to become an overfed couch potato when your days are composed of marathon meetings, punctuated by restaurant meals.

24HourFitness.com is the website for 24 Hour Fitness clubs. But it's the site itself, rather than the clubs (with which we have no direct experience), which we're endorsing here.

There's information on diet, exercise, even an article on packing for travel. But what the site really provides, by accident or by design, is inspiration. And, speaking for myself, it is inspiration--more than acres of Nautilus hardware or minceur menus--that is needed to keep me fighting the battle of the bulge.

>> More <<
24HourFitness