Issue #127  --  Dec. 28, 2000

<< U P F R O N T >>

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Short Crier, Happy New Year
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As is typically the case in the world of frequent flyer programs, this end-of-the-year week has been a quiet one. Which means that this week's Crier is shorter than usual.

Space not being at a premium, I'd like to wish our subscribers all the best for the New Year. And say "Thanks" for your support and feedback. Year 2001 will be the fifth year FrequentFlier.com has been online. And you're reading issue 127 of The Crier. We have survived the dot-com implosion for, I think, 3 reasons:

1) Fiscal conservatism. We've stayed well clear of the Internet frenzy, concentrating on providing our readers with useful information rather than beating the bushes for venture capital and pursuing growth for its own sake. Result: We have low overhead and no debt or shareholders to service.

2) Passion. We love what we cover, warts and all. And hopefully it shows.

3) Reader support. Because we focus on a rather narrow topic, frequent-travel programs, we will never be a zillion-visits-per-day website. But if we're short on volume, we're long on loyalty and involvement. How do I know? Two ways: 1) We get terrific feedback from our readers -- high quality, and lots of it; and 2) our churn rate (dissatisfied readers unsubscribing from the newsletter) is exceedingly low.

Again, thanks for being a part of our success.

<< O N S I T E >>

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

Rucas is looking for a way to earn airline miles for Amazon.com purchases. Neworleanstraveler has a suggestion for earning an easy 500 ClickMiles. Also, Ronald has tips on earning United miles and Greenpoints. Craig has info on airlines' canceling Hawaii flights. And Janey wants feedback on her Capital One credit card.

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

>> More - The FrequentFlier Forum

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How Was Your Year, Mileage-Wise?
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If you haven't yet, have a look at the "Year in Review" article on the site.

Granted, these end-of-year wrap-ups have become a bit of a cliche. But it's a worthwhile exercise nevertheless, forcing you to step back and look at the larger picture. Let me know if you have any mileage-related developments you think should be on the list.

>> More - Year 2000

<< M I L E S >>

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Countdown to Elite: 3 Days to Go
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Time's running out! If you haven't yet accrued the necessary miles, segments or points to qualify for elite status in 2001, you have just 3 days to do so.

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Starwood Joins Aeroplan
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Beginning January 1, Aeroplan members can earn miles for qualifying stays at participating Starwood hotels.

Earning rates vary, according to the Starwood brand: 1,000 base miles at Westin, Sheraton and W hotels, 1,500 at St. Regis and The Luxury Collection, and 500 at Four Points by Sheraton.

>> More - Air Canada

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Citibank Home Equity Loans Pay 10,000 ClickMiles
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Earn 10,000 ClickMiles when you book a Citibank home equity line of credit with Platinum Mastercard Access.

You can apply for a reusable line of credit up to $500,000 (up to 100% of your available equity). Interest rates vary according to the amount of the loan.

>> More - ClickRewards

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Cruise for 25,000 AAdvantage Miles
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If a cruise is in your plans for year 2001, Renaissance is offering 25,000 bonus AAdvantage miles per cabin for a range of 12-day Mediterranean itineraries. A number of sail dates are available, between May and October.

Booking must be made before March 2.

>> More - Renaissance

<< S T E A L S & D E A L S >>

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Deal Alert from SmarterLiving.com
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Two hot deals from SmarterLiving.com...

>> Coast-to-Coast Fare War!

Most major U.S. airlines are offering coast-to-coast fares starting at $198 for off-peak travel. Travel is valid January 3 through June 8. Purchase tickets by midnight PT on Tuesday, January 16 and at least seven days in advance of travel.

For more details, go here.

>> Worldwide Travel Sale Ends Friday

Northwest Airlines is offering a sale on domestic, European, and Asian travel. Purchase tickets by Friday, December 29. Fares booked online receive an additional five percent discount. Other U.S. airlines have matched this sale.

For more details, go here.

<< IN D U S T R Y U P D A T E >>

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UA - US Merger (continued)
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We reported last week on the GAO's negative report on the proposed United - US Airways merger.

This week, the drama continues with the postponement of the Justice Department's review from January 16 (during the current administration) to April 2 (during the Bush administration). While neither the airlines nor DOJ officials would comment on the extension, it's clear that United and US Airways hope that their chances will be better in a more aggressively pro-business atmosphere expected to obtain under Bush.

It is to be hoped that the Bush forces can balance the need to allow business adequate freedom to operate in a competitive environment (good) with the need to protect consumers from the natural anti-competitive tendencies of companies which dominate their markets (also good).

Until next week...