Wyndham Hotels currently have a promotion where 10,000 airline miles can be earned for stays at three different hotel brands. The promotion is currently active and you must register by September 10. Stays must be completed by October 10. Amtrak and the following airlines are taking part: Air Canada, American, Continental , Delta, Midwest, Northwest, Spirit, United, and US Airways. Sun Country is offering 100 UFly points.
Sign up for Wyndham Rewards and set your account to earn miles instead of points.
My Prescription
If you are hungry for airline miles then you could have 10,000 in just three days by staying at just three of the hotels 11 brands: Days Inn, Super 8, Ramada, Travelodge, Howard Johnson, Knights Inn, Baymont Inn, Hawthorn Suites, Microtel Inn, and Wingate Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. Here are the participanting hotels. Worth investigating.
Park Hyatt's Bicycle Valet Program
Hyatt's Park Hyatt chain is offering the use of a hybrid bicycle to its guest for four hours each day of their stay in select cities. This is a fairly new Park Hyatt program but the number of hotels on board is growing with cities such as Washington D.C., Paris, Chicago, Buenos Aires, and Moscow onboard. By signing up with the hotel a week in advance of your stay, you will be provided with hybrid bikes for four hours, along with a lock, helmet, water, and map of area cycling trails. Contact the hotel's concierge for more information on the Bicycle Valet Program.
From Park Hyatt's Facebook page:
Whether it is taking a leisurely ride around the city, or getting acquainted with the global trend of urban cycling lanes, Park Hyatt makes it easy to enjoy the ride with its new Bicycle Valet program, slated to launch worldwide on August 1, 2009. Available through the concierge, this specialty service invites guests to uncover the city’s best sites with the use of a bicycle and the following amenities: a lock, helmet, lights, pump, kickstand, bottled water, and biking map, based on availability.
The Park Hyatt Bicycle Valet program will be complimentary at most Park Hyatt locations with a refundable deposit. Bicycles will be available in four-hour increments and guests will be required to complete a waiver before checking out a bicycle. Guests using the Bicycle Valet service at select locations will also be able to request a gourmet picnic lunch to take with them on their urban exploration.
My Prescription
Seeing a city by bike is a great way to see a lot of places in a very short period of time. This is especially true in bike-friendly cities such as Paris and Washington, D.C. With Hyatt's Faster Free Nights only a month away taking advantage of offers such as this one offered by the Park Hyatt should be considered when you are planning on your Hyatt vacations. Be sure to confirm the hotel offers the bicycle service before booking and contact the concierge as soon as possible after booking to ensure availability.
From Park Hyatt's Facebook page:
Whether it is taking a leisurely ride around the city, or getting acquainted with the global trend of urban cycling lanes, Park Hyatt makes it easy to enjoy the ride with its new Bicycle Valet program, slated to launch worldwide on August 1, 2009. Available through the concierge, this specialty service invites guests to uncover the city’s best sites with the use of a bicycle and the following amenities: a lock, helmet, lights, pump, kickstand, bottled water, and biking map, based on availability.
The Park Hyatt Bicycle Valet program will be complimentary at most Park Hyatt locations with a refundable deposit. Bicycles will be available in four-hour increments and guests will be required to complete a waiver before checking out a bicycle. Guests using the Bicycle Valet service at select locations will also be able to request a gourmet picnic lunch to take with them on their urban exploration.
My Prescription
Seeing a city by bike is a great way to see a lot of places in a very short period of time. This is especially true in bike-friendly cities such as Paris and Washington, D.C. With Hyatt's Faster Free Nights only a month away taking advantage of offers such as this one offered by the Park Hyatt should be considered when you are planning on your Hyatt vacations. Be sure to confirm the hotel offers the bicycle service before booking and contact the concierge as soon as possible after booking to ensure availability.
Vegas Bump Jackpot & Delta 757 Business Elite Seats
This past Sunday I was in Vegas and I had booked my self on the 9:55 AM flight out of Las Vegas to Atlanta. I intentionally booked the mid-morning flight as I felt it had the best opportunity for a voluntary bump. My goal was to get either a Transcontinental upgrade or get bumped, to my surprise I ended up getting both.Bump
I arrived 2 hours early for the flight, after a night in Vegas that seemed like a long time. But I was the first to the counter and the agent put my name on the list for a bump. I was hoping for a bump since there were only 2 seats available for upgrade and I was #3 on the upgrade list. #1, and #2 were standing behind me in line. About 40 minutes prior to departure the gate agent called for volunteers and I was near by. I asked when he could get me to my final destination and if he could confirm me in first class. Not only was he able to get me to Atlanta in First class, but he was able to get me there in time to make my original connection, which had already cleared an upgrade as well. A zero minute difference in arrival time netted me $200 and a seat in the front.
Delta 757 Business Elite
After I received my $200 Delta voucher for the bump, I went online to see if I could see the new reservation. When I logged in I noticed that the seat was considered Business Elite. So I looked on Seatguru.com to see a review of the seats. They recline 160 degrees, have a massaging function, and sport a 20 inch width. While there are some concerns about service on the 757 in Business class, I had a great trip up front in 1B. There was Video on Demand for free, a nice lunch, and as much Coca Cola as I could drink. I found the seats to be less comfortable than the Business Elite on the 767/777, but it was a great improvement over domestic First and certainly over my original 27F exit row coach seat.
Bottom Line
Spending a little extra time in the airport because of a bump can yield extra airline cash. In my case it ended up being $200 for 0 extra minutes of my time and I got to try out the Business Elite seats on the 757 for the first time.
The Palazzo Las Vegas
This past weekend some friends and I met up in Las Vegas and tried our luck at the Palazzo.
The Room
The room was fantastic, all rooms are called suites at this hotel and it shows why. The room was two double beds with a pull out couch, separate seating area, desk, table, and large walk in bathroom. Flat screen TVs, under marble lighting, and remote control shades made for a nice touch. Here are a few pictures:
Dining
We tried out Sushi Samba and Solaro by the poolside. Sushi Samba was a blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, with cool music and design. We started out with the Rock Shrimp Tempura, followed by Ceviche, then a platter of Sushi, and our main course was a mixture of meats, rice and beans. Overall the food was mediocre but fun since we got to try a bunch of different items. Solaro was by far my favorite lunch spot. The seating area was next to the pool covered by large umbrella and a gentle mist was spraying the surrounding area, so it was nice and cool. The food was good, and they served breakfast along with lunch items.
Bottom Line
Overall this hotel is in a prime location on the strip, has a nice pool, good restaurants, and the casino has very high ceilings making for a nice experience.
The Room
The room was fantastic, all rooms are called suites at this hotel and it shows why. The room was two double beds with a pull out couch, separate seating area, desk, table, and large walk in bathroom. Flat screen TVs, under marble lighting, and remote control shades made for a nice touch. Here are a few pictures:
Dining
We tried out Sushi Samba and Solaro by the poolside. Sushi Samba was a blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, with cool music and design. We started out with the Rock Shrimp Tempura, followed by Ceviche, then a platter of Sushi, and our main course was a mixture of meats, rice and beans. Overall the food was mediocre but fun since we got to try a bunch of different items. Solaro was by far my favorite lunch spot. The seating area was next to the pool covered by large umbrella and a gentle mist was spraying the surrounding area, so it was nice and cool. The food was good, and they served breakfast along with lunch items.
Bottom Line
Overall this hotel is in a prime location on the strip, has a nice pool, good restaurants, and the casino has very high ceilings making for a nice experience.
United Eliminates Close-In Award Booking Fee
I got an email from United Monday stating they are removing their Close-In Award booking fees which were previously $75 and $100 per ticket. This is good news for those of you who like to use your United Miles for last minute trips. Be sure to book your award on United.com to avoid the $25 award fee for booking through United Reservations.
Email from United
Mr. Weeklyflyer,
We understand you've been looking for an easier way to book award travel, and we're happy to announce we are leading the way.
Becoming the first airline to remove the close-in award processing fee is our way of providing you with even more value for your continued loyalty.
Beginning July 30, 2009, you can book a Mileage Plus® Award ticket less than 21 days in advance, and pay no close-in award processing fees.
Prediction
Last August Delta announced an award ticketing fee for all Domestic or International flights. I predict Delta will soon match United in removing this fee.
Email from United
Mr. Weeklyflyer,
We understand you've been looking for an easier way to book award travel, and we're happy to announce we are leading the way.
Becoming the first airline to remove the close-in award processing fee is our way of providing you with even more value for your continued loyalty.
Beginning July 30, 2009, you can book a Mileage Plus® Award ticket less than 21 days in advance, and pay no close-in award processing fees.
Prediction
Last August Delta announced an award ticketing fee for all Domestic or International flights. I predict Delta will soon match United in removing this fee.
Bottom Line
This was a way for airlines to charge a premium on award redemptions to match the high prices of last minute tickets. With the addition of in additional pay-services such as pay for seats, food, and fuel surcharges, the airlines can make more money if the seats are filled rather than going empty.
Delta Announces 4th Tier - Diamond Status
On Tuesday Delta will announce Diamond Status benefits, a 4th Tier level above Platinum status. There is a article over at Newsday detailing the benefits.
Diamond Status
-The new diamond level will require 125,000 MQMs or fly 140 segments per calendar year
Benefits include:
Diamond Status
-The new diamond level will require 125,000 MQMs or fly 140 segments per calendar year
Benefits include:
- A complimentary Delta Sky Club membership
- Diamond, platinum and gold Medallion members will have ticketing fees waived for all bookings, whether completed by phone, online or in person
- 125% bonus miles
- Award ticket upgrades (Golds/Plats/Diamonds)
- Unlimited award ticket redeposits (Platinum still get 2)
- VIP Phone Line
- Diamond and platinum members will choose from a list of benefits including new System wide upgrades, Bonus Miles, gifting Medallion status, SkyClub passes, Travel/Retail Gift Card
- Miles accumulated beyond each medallion level will be rolled over to the next year instead of not counting towards any additional status
Bottom Line
These are great enhancements and will apply to the most loyal Delta traveller who reaches over 125,000 miles or 140 segments. That's a lot of flying. Today the only incentives for flying on Delta once you reach the 75,000 Platinum status threshold are the threshold award gifts. The free Sky Club membership is a $300 value to a Platinum member, and removing the award booking fees for all members is a great move that is becoming a trend.
Great Prices on Flights to Costa Rica
The weekend I was searching for flights down to Costa Rica (SJC) and found fares sub ~$250 from New York (JFK), DC (DCA) and Tampa (TPA). This is a great opportunity for a last minute family vacation over the Labor Day weekend and a great use of those voluntary bump vouchers.How to Find the Flights
I found the flights using ITA Software month long search for 6-8 nights. First log into the ITA site. Then select the month long search option. Specify the departure airport (DCA, JFK, TPA) how many nights you'd like to stay. Then select the starting time of the month you'd like to search. For my example I chose August 15th for 6-8 nights departing from DC (DCA) to Costa Rica (SJC). The search results show a flight leaving on September 2nd returning on September 9th for $240 all in Delta.
Bottom Line
This is a good fare to Costa Rica for a last minute vacation this summer. If you combine this flight with the Starwood free night weekend awards or the Intercontinental free night awards it could turn out to be a very cost effective trip.
Camp Hyatt on Assignment
For those of us with kids, here is a fun way for you and your kids to spend some quality time together on your travels. Hyatt's Camp Hyatt program is running a promotion/contest, Camp Hyatt on Assignment, for kids between 6 and 12 to give kids an authentic destination experience, introduce them to the Camp Hyatt program and spark their journalist minds. Kids are asked to make a 1 to 2 minute video describing why they would be the perfect Camp Hyatt reporter. Grand prize is a week's vacation for 4 to a Hyatt Resort for a week of Camp Hyatt adventures. Entries must be submitted by September 4. For more information on the Camp Hyatt on Assignment promotion go to CampHyatt.com.
The Details
Do you know a budding journalist between the ages of 6-12 who loves to travel and enjoys the outdoors, learning about the environment, animals, and new cultures?
If the answer is yes, have them explore camphyatt.com to learn about the exciting destinations, adventures and activities offered by Hyatt Resorts and Camp Hyatt. Camp Hyatt offers kids 3-12 activities that focus on culture, history and the environment surrounding each unique location including dolphin sightseeing, nature walks, pottery, recycling, crafts and more.
Once kids have explored the site, a parent can upload their child's video detailing and describing why they want to visit Camp Hyatt and report like a journalist on their experience. One grand prize winner will be selected and will win a trip for them and three guests to a Hyatt Resort with Camp Hyatt and report on their experiences on camphyatt.com.
My Prescription
This is a great way to spend time with your kids that may also expose you and your children to a great offer provided by Hyatt. The grand prize is nice but the real prize will be the fun you and your children will have try to come up with a creative video for the contest. Get that video in by September 4.
The Details
- Enter between July 23, 2009 and September 4, 2009
- Children ages 6 to 12
- Parent or legal guardian can upload the child's original one- to two-minute video describing why the child is the perfect Camp Hyatt reporter, which Hyatt Resort location and Camp Hyatt activities they would enjoy most and why.
- No purchase is required to enter.
- One grand prize winner with the most creative and entertaining video will win a 6-day/5-night trip for them and three guests to enjoy authentic hospitality at a Hyatt Resort of their choice in the US or Caribbean and experience a week of Camp Hyatt.
Do you know a budding journalist between the ages of 6-12 who loves to travel and enjoys the outdoors, learning about the environment, animals, and new cultures?
If the answer is yes, have them explore camphyatt.com to learn about the exciting destinations, adventures and activities offered by Hyatt Resorts and Camp Hyatt. Camp Hyatt offers kids 3-12 activities that focus on culture, history and the environment surrounding each unique location including dolphin sightseeing, nature walks, pottery, recycling, crafts and more.
Once kids have explored the site, a parent can upload their child's video detailing and describing why they want to visit Camp Hyatt and report like a journalist on their experience. One grand prize winner will be selected and will win a trip for them and three guests to a Hyatt Resort with Camp Hyatt and report on their experiences on camphyatt.com.
My Prescription
This is a great way to spend time with your kids that may also expose you and your children to a great offer provided by Hyatt. The grand prize is nice but the real prize will be the fun you and your children will have try to come up with a creative video for the contest. Get that video in by September 4.
Hyatt Gold Passport: "Free Trial" or Upgrade Offer
Hyatt Faster Free Nights are just a few weeks away so as you preparing your plans for Hyatt stays you may want to consider getting to Platinum or Diamond membership levels faster to take advantage of their benefits. Hyatt currently has a promotion will provide you with complimentary Platinum status that would normally take 5 stays or 15 nights to achieve. To maintain the Platinum status all you have to do is stay 5 nights with 120 days of enrollment. After completion of the 5 night requirement you will have the status until February of 2011. Diamond can be achieve with just 15 nights.
To receive the benefit of this promotion, new members must enroll in Hyatt Gold Passport via goldpassport.com/trialoffer and current members must call Gold Passport Customer Service at (800) 228-3360 between May 1, 2009 and September 15, 2009.
Trial Platinum Membership
- Join Hyatt Gold Passport today.
- Enjoy the benefits of Platinum membership, such as 15% point bonus. (Normally requires 5 stays or 15 nights)
Maintain Platinum Membership
- Stay 5 eligible nights at Hyatt within 120 days of enrollment.
- Membership valid through February 2011.
Upgrade to Diamond Membership
- Stay a total of 15 eligible nights at Hyatt within 120 days of enrollment.
- Enjoy the benefits of Diamond membership, such as 30% point bonus, complimentary Regency upgrade, welcome amenity and more. (Normally requires 25 stays or 50 nights)
- Membership valid through February 2011.
My Prescription
Take advantage of this offer. Sign up now and when you are doing your Hyatt stays for Fast Free Nights you will be at Diamond after just 15 nights. A great deal that will pay off with a better chance for upgrades when you use your faster free nights. For information on the Hyatt Rewards Program read my review published last month.
American Airlines: Road Warrior Contest
For those road warriors among us, here is a chance to be rewarded. American Airlines's 8th annual road warrior contest is currently taking applications. If you think you have what it takes to be crowned the king of the road then enroll by August 31.
- Grand Prize of 2 million Hilton HHonors(R) bonus points and 1 million AAdvantage(R) bonus miles.
- Second Prize consists of one Bose(R) Lifestyle(R) 48 DVD home entertainment system, one Bose(R) Wave(R) music system, one pair of Bose(R) QuietComfort(R) 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling(R) headphones, and one five-night trip for two to the Hilton Papagayo Resort & Spa in Costa Rica from Hilton Caribbean.
- Three Third Prizes include a three-night vacation for two to the Hilton Papagayo Resort & Spa in Costa Rica from Hilton Caribbean.
- All five winners will receive a Verizon BlackBerry(R) Storm(TM) smartphone and a $100 Verizon gift card. And all five of the newest Road Warriors will be featured on the cover and throughout the March 15, 2010, issue of American Way with their travel tales, photos, and more.
Free Wifi on American Airlines Flights Through August 23rd
American is running a promotion for their In-Flight Wifi until August 23rd, 2009. You can access the wifi free by entering the code-AAWiFi76194A1 when on a Wifi enabled flight.American Airlines Wifi
Now you can be connected while in flight with Gogo® Inflight Internet service on select American Airlines flights. The fee based service is now available on all Boeing 767-200 flights, select MD80's, and is coming soon to our Boeing 737 fleet.
Wi-Fi on American's flights is available in the continental U.S. Service is also available to customers traveling to Mexico and southern Canada; however, coverage currently does not extend 100 miles beyond the U.S. border.
Each paid Gogo session includes full Internet, VPN and e-mail access. From the sign-in page you can enjoy complimentary access to AA.com, The Wall Street Journal Online Headlines and Frommers destination guides. Cell phone and Voice-over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services are not available. For other details including pricing, go to http://www.gogoinflight.com/.
Deliver a report Gogo Inflight Internet works with all Wi-Fi enabled devices including smart phones and other mobile devices. Platforms supported include Blackberry®, Windows Mobile®, Apple® and Nokia® (Symbian S60). Voice service is not supported.
Starwood Would Like You to ROCK OUT!
Starwood wants you to rock out! That right, rock out! Rock out! Like a rock star! Starwood has recently announced a promotion that reward you with a ticket to a concert for a stay at one of their hotels. A pretty rockin' deal! All you have to do is sign up before September 1st and each stay between now and then will earn a free concert ticket. You are able to earn 4 free tickets. Sweet.
The Concerts:
www.livenation.com/spgsummerconcerts
The Details:
The Concerts:
www.livenation.com/spgsummerconcerts
The Details:
- Sign up by August 31, 2009, Midnight EDT
- Each member can earn one (1) free general admission lawn seat ticket with every one (1) eligible stay between July 15, 2009, and August 31, 2009.
- Limited to four concert tickets per member.
- The code for a free ticket may be used toward one (1) general admission/lawn ticket for a show held at select Live Nation-owned and -operated venues in the United States during the 2009 season.
- Tickets are redeemable until October 31, 2009, or while supplies last.
When in Rome! See the Vatican Excavations Tour
There is a little known tour at the Vatican that we were fortunate enough to go a while ago. Its the Excavations tour at the Vatican.The Excavations tour takes you down to the original ground level of St. Peter's tomb below St. Peter's Basilica. Peter was one of Jesus's 12 deciples and a fisherman from Galilee. Peter was executed in the year 64 AD during the reign of the Roman Emperor Nero. After his death a shrine was built on the burial site and some hundred years later the Old St Peter's Basilica was built. Pope Pius XII ordered the excavations during WWII and in 1950, St Peter's tomb was discovered.
Walking along the tour you'll see what is believed to be the original tomb of Peter. Going down you'll pass through several layers of air lock glass doors and a few rooms at ground level. When you exit the tour you enter the place of burial for Popes and where the normal tour takes people.
How to Reserve the Tour
Email the Vatican in advance and request the Excavations tour in your language of choice. Follow the directions and you'll see an amazing tour experienced by few.
IHG Promotion: 2 Nights = 1 Free Night
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), whose brands include Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, and Crowne Plaza, is offering a free night for every two nights at their hotels. The offer is valid until August 15 and the free nights can be used any time prior to December 26, 2009.
There are some restrictions associated with the offer that you should consider:
- Only 4 free nights can be earned.
- Members will earn free nights instead of base and Elite points/miles.
- The two Qualifying Nights may be on consecutive or two non-consecutive nights stayed during the Promotion Period.
- Alternative Promotion: Members who have completed the PCR membership enrollment process prior to accessing http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/pc/1/en/c/10/content/dec/teaser/pc/0/en/lp/promolp/screaming/promo.html?_promoCode=7013 may alternatively choose to participate in earning double points or double miles (“Double Promotion”) and will be prompted to choose which promotion they prefer on the registration page for this Promotion. Members may only participate in one of these promotions. See https://secure.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/pc/1/en/login?_promoCode=7013&secure=true for terms and conditions for Double Promotion.
Although there are no points involved, free nights are free nights. Here is your opportunity to earn at least 4 free nights with just 8 nights in one of their nearly 4,000 hotels. I will register for IHG's Priority Club membership today and report back on the Double Promotion. Look for my follow-up in the comments section for this post.
United Attacking Credit Card Fees
Today, July 20, United will stop processing credit-card transactions from certain travel agencies. The travel agencies will now have to start paying the 3.5 percent credit card processing fees that United previously paid. This transition in fees will likely be paid by you at some point as travel agencies need to make money too. If this change leads to increased income for United, it is probable that other airlines will follow suit in this copy-cat industry.
According to a New York Post article, "half of airline tickets are now purchased through the country's roughly 18,000 travel-agency locations." So, 50% of you, in theory, may see a change in costs today or in the near future.
My Prescription
Although this is suppose to be only a trial program for United, the writing is on the wall that this program, if successful for United, will grow and make it to other airlines. The implementation of this change will also likely lead to further changes in the buying patterns of consumers who look to find the optimal way to maximize their spending. With no booking fees on United, and many other airline sites, it is likely that consumers will continue to shift their purchases to airline sites. It will be interesting to see if this materializes. If it does, how long before booking fees, or whatever term airlines want to make-up, become standard on tickets purchased on their sites? Regardless, prepare for more fees.
According to a New York Post article, "half of airline tickets are now purchased through the country's roughly 18,000 travel-agency locations." So, 50% of you, in theory, may see a change in costs today or in the near future.
My Prescription
Although this is suppose to be only a trial program for United, the writing is on the wall that this program, if successful for United, will grow and make it to other airlines. The implementation of this change will also likely lead to further changes in the buying patterns of consumers who look to find the optimal way to maximize their spending. With no booking fees on United, and many other airline sites, it is likely that consumers will continue to shift their purchases to airline sites. It will be interesting to see if this materializes. If it does, how long before booking fees, or whatever term airlines want to make-up, become standard on tickets purchased on their sites? Regardless, prepare for more fees.
Earn Points Without Traveling by Buying Money
Most of us use our reward credit cards to earn points and miles towards trips by purchasing everyday items. Charging food, gas, groceries can add up quick.
In this Flyertalk thread some people have taken it to another level by purchasing US Mint dollar coins on their reward credit cards. The process goes like this. First wait until the beginning of your credit card cycle, purchase US Mint coins (with free shipping), receive the coins, deposit the coins into your bank account, then pay off your credit card statement.
This can be a great way to pad your airline or hotel account on a monthly basis. Be sure if you use this to use it responsibly by using the coins to payoff the credit card statement on a monthly basis.
In this Flyertalk thread some people have taken it to another level by purchasing US Mint dollar coins on their reward credit cards. The process goes like this. First wait until the beginning of your credit card cycle, purchase US Mint coins (with free shipping), receive the coins, deposit the coins into your bank account, then pay off your credit card statement.
This can be a great way to pad your airline or hotel account on a monthly basis. Be sure if you use this to use it responsibly by using the coins to payoff the credit card statement on a monthly basis.
Hilton Promotion: 10,000 Points
Hilton recently announced a promotion that will award 10,000 bonus points after 5 stays. The promotion is valid for stays between July 15 and September 30 at participating hotels. The bonus points awards increase for each stay:
- 1st Stay - 500 points
- 2nd Stay - 1,000 points
- 3rd Stay - 1,500 points
- 4th Stay - 2,000 points
- 5th Stay - 5,000 points
A maximum of 10,000 points can be earned with this promotion and the offer cannot be combined with other select promotional rates, bonus points and/or miles offers.
Hotel Reward Programs: Hilton's HHonors
This post is the third in a series that will provide an analysis of the various hotel reward programs. The analysis of the reward programs will include information on the participating hotel chains, ease of earning points, point redemption options and costs, program tiers, and, finally, an overall evaluation of the program. As more programs are reviewed a side-by-side comparison of the programs will be provided along with the program's Martini score, our unique valuation for reward programs that will allow you to effective compare programs.
Hotels
The Hilton hotel chain is comprised of 3,300 hotels in 77 countries worldwide. The Hilton brands: Hilton® (over 500 properties), Conrad® (18), Doubletree® (180), Embassy Suites® (~200), Hampton Inn® and Hampton Inn & Suites® (1400+), Hilton Garden Inn® (350), Hilton Grand Vacations Club® (34), Homewood Suites by Hilton® (275), and Waldorf Astoria Collection® (5).
Hilton® hotels and resorts have set hospitality standards worldwide by hosting dignitaries, celebrities and everyday travelers in style for more than 80 years. From the lavish The Waldorf Astoria® to the exotic Caribe Hilton, there's a Hilton that's perfect for you.
With award-winning luxury hotels strategically located in capital cities and exotic resorts around the world, Conrad® Hotels offer outstanding service for both business and leisure travelers. Enjoy the finest accommodations, excellent restaurants, fully equipped health clubs and sophisticated conference and meeting facilities.
With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations in more than 150 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Latin America, Doubletree has reinvigorated today's hotel experience by providing today's business and leisure travelers with more of the true comforts they enjoy at home.
Whether you're traveling for business, a family vacation, or just to get away for a few days, our spacious two-room suites and lobby atriums offer you plenty of room to stretch out and relax. Wake up to our complimentary full cooked-to-order breakfast and wind down with our nightly Manager's Reception featuring your favorite beverages.
With almost 1,300 locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Latin America, Hampton® hotels offer guests guaranteed high-quality accommodations, friendly service, and clean and comfortable surroundings for a great value. Plus, guests will enjoy complimentary high-speed Internet access in-room and wireless in all public areas, our On the House® hot breakfast, On the Run Breakfast Bags™, local calls at no charge and lots more.
At Hilton Garden Inn® hotels, you'll find everything you need to be self-sufficient on the road. Each guest room offers a hospitality center with a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, plus complimentary high-speed Internet access, two telephones with voicemail and dataport and secure remote printing to the 24-hour complimentary business center.
Spacious, condominium-style accommodations are complete with fully equipped kitchens, separate living and dining areas, and feature studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations. Designed as vacation ownership resorts, each Club offers extensive amenities which set the stage for grand vacations and great getaways. Stay for leisure or business travel...or join our exclusive membership Club and own your accommodations for a lifetime.
Homewood Suites by Hilton® allows you to feel closer to home whether you're traveling for a few nights or longer. Every spacious studio, one- and/or two-bedroom suite features enough space for work, relaxation or entertaining, plus all the comforts of home, including a fully equipped kitchen, a remote controlled television, two telephones with voice-mail and complimentary high-speed Internet access at all U.S. locations. You'll also enjoy a daily complimentary Suite Start™ hot breakfast and a Welcome Home® reception with a light meal and beverages every Monday-Thursday (subject to state and local laws). All for less than you might think.
The Waldorf Astoria Collection® offers all the amenities and services that guests should expect at some of the most extraordinary properties in the world. Located in desirable travel destinations, each hotel has its own individual character, timeless architecture and special history. Hotels and resorts in the collection include the legendary Waldorf Astoria® in New York City, Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa in Maui, La Quinta Resort & Club in La Quinta, California and Qasr Al Sharq in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Program
Hilton's HHonors program is unique in that it offers customizable earning options and numerous opportunities to pile on the points. The key difference between this program and other hotel reward programs is that you are able to earn both points and airline miles, Double Dipping®, for each stay.
The program has four levels of membership: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Diamond. Key facts about each membership level:
- Blue - Basic level of service.
- Silver - Earned after 4 stays or 10 nights. Silver earns a 15% point bonus.
- Gold - Earned after 16 stays, 36 nights, or 60,000 base points. Gold earns a 25% point bonus, an option to collect 1,000 points per stay, and complimentary high-speed internet access.
- Diamond - Earned after 28 stays, 60 nights, or 100,000 base points. Diamond earns a 50% point bonus, an option to collect 1,000 points per stay, a space available room upgrade, breakfast, and complimentary high-speed internet access.
The membership program is based on a calendar year.
Earning Points
With Hilton HHonors, you can earn both hotel points and airline miles for the same eligible stay at 3,300 Hilton Family hotels worldwide. Choose your personal Double Dip® Earnings Style from three rewarding options:
- HHonors Points and Variable Miles - Earn 10 HHonors Base points + 1 airline mile per eligible U.S. dollar spent
- HHonors Points and Fixed Miles - Earn 10 HHonors Base points per eligible U.S. dollar spent + 500 miles per stay (100 miles per stay at Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Homewood Suites by Hilton.)
- HHonors Points and HHonors Points - Earn 10 HHonors Base points + 5 bonus points per eligible U.S. dollar spent
In addition to earning points for hotel stays, points can be earned with rental cars. Rentals at Alamo, Avis, Budget, Europcar, National, and Thrifty earn 250 HHonors points. Some of these offers are require a hotel stay at the time of the rental so check Hilton's site for restrictions. Sixt Car Rental offers 500 points per rental and is not dependent on a Hilton stay.
While earning points is reason enough to rent with these companies, there are also discounts and upgrades available to HHonors members.
- Avis - Avis provides a 25% discount for your rental. Enter Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number K851000.
- Budget - Budget offers HHonors members up to 20% off each time you rent. Simply provide your Budget Customer Discount (BCD) number U106100 when making your reservation.
- Europcar - All Hilton HHonors members benefit from special rates throughout the year when renting with Europcar, including a 5% discount for Blue members and a 10% discount for all VIP members. Plus, HHonors Diamond VIP members are entitled to an upgrade free of charge when using preferential rates! Quote the appropriate promotion code at reservation time: Blue - 42194435; Silver and Gold - 42194481; Diamond VIP - 42194502.
- Sixt - All Hilton HHonors members benefit from special rates throughout the year when renting with Sixt rent a car. HHonors Diamond VIP members are entitled to an upgrade free of charge! Quote the appropriate promotion code at reservation time:
Blue - 9903807797558; Silver and Gold - 9903808797579; Diamond - 9903809798951
HHonors points can also be earned with Visa and American Express credit cards as stated in posts earlier this month. A substantial amount of points can be earned with these cards so do not miss out on this opportunity.
There are other earning options that are not nearly as significant as hotel stays, car rentals, and credit card usage. Future posts will provide additional details on these opportunities.
Redeeming Points
Hilton offers many ways to redeeming your points from hotels to cruises to Disney vacations. Redeeming points for hotels stays are the most efficient use of your points. Redemption levels for hotels:
You can stretch your points for great reward savings at participating Point Stretcher hotels worldwide. Point Stretcher hotel rewards let you stay for 40% fewer points than the amount of points required for Standard Hotel Rewards at participating Point Stretcher hotels worldwide. The only problem with the Point Stetcher program is that there only a select number hotels taking part in the program. Since the majority of hotels are not participating you can expect to pay full (point) price a majority of the time.
Points can be redeemed for airline miles in the following intervals:
- Aeromexico: 25,000 HHonors points-> 6,500 kms
- Air New Zealand: 10,000 -> 20 Airpoints Dollars
- LAN*: 25,000 -> 6,500 kms
- Southwest: 10,000 -> 1.0 credit
- US Airways: 10,000 -> 850 miles
- American Airlines, Gulf Air, Hawaiian Airlines®, Mexicana Airlines, Midwest Airlines, Qantas Airways, South African Airways, and Virgin Atlantic Airways: 10,000 -> 1,500
- Conversion rates for all other partners: 10,000 -> 1,000
Cars can be rented with Hilton's U.S. car rental partners from 14,000 to 18,000 HHonors points per weekday. Week-long rentals will require 70,000 to 75,000 depending on the rental car company.
More luxurious options for redeeming points can be found on Hilton's website. Some of these options include the use of points to purchase unique experiences such as tours of New York or Beijing, motorcycle rentals, ski passes, Caribbean destination packages, gift certificates for cruises, and Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Future posts will discuss each of these options in more detail.
The Bottom Line
Although I have stayed at Hilton hotels in the past I have not included Hilton in my normal hotel rotation. That may change after taking some time to analyze the HHonors rewards program. The hotel chain has a wide range of hotels and the hotels are present in many cities in the U.S. and around the world. The costs for redemption seems high but the rate of earning is high as well. My interest has definitely been piqued by the numerous redemption options available. As I delve further into these redemption options and the HHonors program I will let you know if they are worth the pursuit. As it is, Hilton should be a consideration for your hotel dollars.
New SPG Platinum Requirements or IT Glitch?
You decide for yourself, but when I logged in today to my SPG account it said I needed 45 stays or 50 nights to maintain Platinum status. In the past it was 25 stays or 50 nights to maintain Platinum status.
See this Flyertalk thread for more details. Anxiously awaiting feedback from William on Flyertalk.
If the new requirements are in place, you'll need to book more stays on SPG.com if you had planned on the original 25 stays to maintain your Platinum status.
See this Flyertalk thread for more details. Anxiously awaiting feedback from William on Flyertalk.
If the new requirements are in place, you'll need to book more stays on SPG.com if you had planned on the original 25 stays to maintain your Platinum status.
Starwood Reduces Rates up to 50%
Many Starwood locations in North America, Latin America and the Asia Pacific Region are offering reduced rates for reservations made by Monday, July 20, for stays before October 12. CNNMoney.com stated the reason for the offer was to boost slumping sales as businesses and consumers slash spending. This offer is good until Monday so book your travel this weekend. I would expect other hotel chains to continue to offer discounted rates with some offering substantial savings in the coming months.
DOT Fines Delta for Illegal Bumping
Delta was recently fined $375,000 by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for illegal bumping activities. It was determined that Delta violated several rules including not consistently seeking volunteers before bumping passengers off of flights and sometimes failing to provide a letter to passengers explaining why they had been bumped. After reviewing several articles on the Delta fine, I liked Scott Laird's article for the information and background it provided.
Bumping My Way to Happiness: Checking Flight Availability
To improve your chances for bumping take a look at AMEX Class Availability. This site allow you to search flights to determine how many tickets are available. If you are able to locate flights that have limited seating then your odds of being bumped, obviously, goes up. This site is fairly easy to use but may have information that is not accurate (ie. some flights or airlines may not provide data to the site). This site should be a tool in your bumping arsenal but not necessarily gospel.
First, select your flight:
Second, review your results:
Example of flight with seats (2+2+2+1=7) available.
Example of flight that is likely sold out.
My Prescription
Use this free site as guide in your quest to be bumped. The information seems to be accurate for the flights I have searched but anything can happen so do not expect a bump opportunity every time you see all 0s pop up. As I have already stated, just use this software as a tool in you arsenal. To further improve your bumping chances, I will be doing a review of ExpertFlyer, a fee-based site that also checks seats availability, soon to see if it is worth paying for this service.
The Palace Hotel San Francisco - Trip Report
Recently a friend asked about Starwood hotels in San Francisco. Since I've stayed in two of the eleven Starwood hotels in San Francisco I thought it would be a good idea to share the reports here. This review is of the The Palace Hotel San Francisco. Also see this report of the W Hotel San Francisco.
Check In
Walking into this hotel I felt like I was stepping into an old luxury hotel. The check in was friendly and efficient. We were given the option of king room or suite upon check in, which we promptly accepted the latter. Walking past the staircase up the elevator we were struck by the width of the hotel’s hallways, newer hotel’s (W San Francisco) don’t seem to have nearly as much space in the halls. The hotel also has a very nice indoor pool with hot tub.
Room
The door opens to good size living room on the right with couch, desk, armoire, and windows on all around. There was a faint smell of smoke and since both my wife and I don’t smoke we called the front desk to inquire about other suites. There were no other suites available so we opted to open the windows and eventually the smell abated. The bedroom was large with an attached walk in bathroom. The bed was comfortable and had nice Lenin. I recall the bathroom amenities were Molton Brown (nice touch).
The Bedroom
The Living Area
The View
Location
In my opinion the location is still not as nice as the Westin St Francis, but is closer to Union Square than the W San Francisco.
We used Starwood points at 12,000 Starwood points per night for 1 night. While the cost was $0.00, this was also not a great value of points since the rooms are going for around $154 a night giving a point value of $.012 per point.
Where are My Delta Points Avis?
This weekend I was checking my Delta SkyMiles account to see how ridiculously high the balance is getting from the slew of promotions Delta is running and I came across something odd.I had only received 200 miles for my recent Avis rental instead of the 5,000 per rental outlined in this promotion. Recently Avis has come out with multiple promotions where you can earn 5,000 or 3,000 Delta SkyMiles per rental.
I wanted to share with you how to get the proper number of miles posted to your SkyMiles account if this happens to you.
First pull up your Avis account and get the rental agreement number from your past rentals. Then call up Avis Customer service at 800-352-7900, Mon-Fri 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM Central Time. Ask them to verify that you had the proper promotion code tied to the reservation. Once they verify that ask them to submit for the miles.
Bottomline
It pays to stay on top of your mileage accounts. Had I not checked my Delta SkyMiles account I would have missed two rentals where Avis didn't credit the proper amount of miles. At 5,000 per rental that is a total of 10,000 miles, almost half way to a domestic coach.
W Hotel San Francisco - Trip Report
Recently a friend asked about Starwood hotels in San Francisco. Since I've stayed in two of the eleven Starwood hotels in San Francisco I thought it would be a good idea to share the reports here. My first review is of the W Hotel San Francisco.
Checkin
When you enter the hotel you are entering the typical bar scene which W has become known for. The hallways were dark with the lounge music playing in the background. Upon arrival I was notified I had been pre-assigned into a corner room on a high floor. This was good since I had requested that Champagne and fruit be delivered to our room prior to our arrival.
Room
The door opens to a small hallway viewing the seating area by the window. The bathroom was nice and is on the left side of the hallway, very clean and new feeling. Overall the room at 400 square feet is well appointed. We were on a high floor in a corner room so the room had great lighting and a good view.
Sitting Area
Checkin
When you enter the hotel you are entering the typical bar scene which W has become known for. The hallways were dark with the lounge music playing in the background. Upon arrival I was notified I had been pre-assigned into a corner room on a high floor. This was good since I had requested that Champagne and fruit be delivered to our room prior to our arrival.
Room
The door opens to a small hallway viewing the seating area by the window. The bathroom was nice and is on the left side of the hallway, very clean and new feeling. Overall the room at 400 square feet is well appointed. We were on a high floor in a corner room so the room had great lighting and a good view.
Sitting Area
Bed Area
Bathroom Area
Arrival Present
Location
The location is on 3rd street, just a few blocks from Union Square. Two other Starwood hotels are close by, the St Regis is right next door, and the Luxury Collection hotel the Palace is just around the corner. The Westin on Union Square has this location beat for the leisure traveller but the W is still a good location for exploring the city. This hotel is in very close proximity to an Avis station so I would advise on renting a car for the day if you need one so you don't have to pay for parking.
Bottom Line
We used Starwood points at 12,000 per night for 24,000 total Starwood points per night for two nights. While the cost was $0.00, it was not a very good point value of $.016 per point when the room rates are going for around $194 a night. While not the achieving the best value for my SPG points I did get a free room in a great location to explore the city.
The location is on 3rd street, just a few blocks from Union Square. Two other Starwood hotels are close by, the St Regis is right next door, and the Luxury Collection hotel the Palace is just around the corner. The Westin on Union Square has this location beat for the leisure traveller but the W is still a good location for exploring the city. This hotel is in very close proximity to an Avis station so I would advise on renting a car for the day if you need one so you don't have to pay for parking.
Bottom Line
We used Starwood points at 12,000 per night for 24,000 total Starwood points per night for two nights. While the cost was $0.00, it was not a very good point value of $.016 per point when the room rates are going for around $194 a night. While not the achieving the best value for my SPG points I did get a free room in a great location to explore the city.
How to Use Hotwire to Find Hotel Identities and at Low Prices
Hotwire.com is a search engine that deeply discounts hotels from one star up to five stars. The catch is that the hotels are disguised preventing you from knowing what hotel you are going to stay at prior to the purchase. In this post I will attempt to show you a way around this to ensure you have a reasonably good prediction of where you will end up.
First Search an Area & Select Star Rating
The first step is to navigate to the hotel search page and enter your location and dates. In my example I will use Las Vegas center strip and select five star hotels. There are only two-five star hotels available to select from. The names on Hotwire.com are “5-Star Condo in Central Strip” at $79, and “5-Star Hotel in Central Strip” at $103 per night.
Next Check BetterBidding.com for Recent Booking Experiences
Betterbidding.com is a great place where you can share your Hotwire.com and Priceline.com bidding experiences with other travelers. Navigate to the Nevada section and see what hotels are currently being sold for in the five star category. In my example of Las Vegas, there are a few hotels that have been selling for in the five star category.
So now we have a reasonable idea that the hotel in the five star category we will end up with could most likely be including the Wynn, the Venetian, or the Trump.
Next Review Hotwire listing for Hotel Identifiers
This is where it gets tricky. The main thing I look for is a cross-reference of the number of Tripadvisor.com reviews listed on the Hotwire.com hotel description page.
Trip Advisor Reviews can Narrow Down the Possibilities
The number of Tripadvisor.com reviews is almost a dead giveaway in my opinion. Tripadvisor.com is where travelers can go and post reviews about hotels. Tripadvisor.com tracks how many reviews have been recorded for a given hotel, and they are fairly unique for each hotel. Go to the Hotwire.com hotel description and view how many reviews for each hotel. In my example of Las Vegas I choose the five star central strip which has over "+1780" reviews.
Hotwire.com
As you can see it has over "+1780" reviews and now I can cross reference this on Tripadvisor.com with the suspected list of hotels I got from betterbidding.com. Voila, the Wynn hotel has 1809 reviews while the Venetian has 2011 and the Trump has only 224. This is almost a dead giveaway, and since the Hotwire.com room goes for $103 per night compared to the hotel’s website price of $159 that is a $56 savings.
Bottom Line
If you follow a few simply steps using Hotwire.com, you can save big bucks and be almost certain of the hotel you will purchase.
Bumping My Way to Happiness: Your Rights for Involuntary Bumping
Although bumping can be an easy way to earn credit toward future flights, involuntary bumping can delay seeing a loved one, a missed opportunity, or a bad start to a vacation. To ensure you know your rights regarding involuntary bumping the following from DOT's website should help:
Involuntary Bumping
DOT requires each airline to give all passengers who are bumped involuntarily a written statement describing their rights and explaining how the carrier decides who gets on an oversold flight and who doesn't. Those travelers who don't get to fly are frequently entitled to an on-the-spot payment of denied boarding compensation. The amount depends on the price of their ticket and the length of the delay:
* If you are bumped involuntarily and the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to get you to your final destination (including later connections) within one hour of your original scheduled arrival time, there is no compensation.
* If the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to arrive at your destination between one and two hours after your original arrival time (between one and four hours on international flights), the airline must pay you an amount equal to your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $400 maximum.
* If the substitute transportation is scheduled to get you to your destination more than two hours later (four hours internationally), or if the airline does not make any substitute travel arrangements for you, the compensation doubles (200% of your fare, $800 maximum).
* You always get to keep your original ticket and use it on another flight. If you choose to make your own arrangements, you can request an "involuntary refund" for the ticket for the flight you were bumped from. The denied boarding compensation is essentially a payment for your inconvenience.
Like all rules, however, there are a few conditions and exceptions:
* To be eligible for compensation, you must have a confirmed reservation. A written confirmation issued by the airline or an authorized agent or reservation service qualifies you in this regard even if the airline can't find your reservation in the computer, as long as you didn't cancel your reservation or miss a reconfirmation deadline.
* You must meet the airline's deadline for buying your ticket. Discount tickets must usually be purchased within a certain number of days after the reservation was made. Other tickets normally have to be picked up no later than 30 minutes before the flight.
In addition to the ticketing deadline, each airline has a check-in deadline, which is the amount of time before scheduled departure that you must present yourself to the airline at the airport. For domestic flights most carriers require you to be at the departure gate between 10 minutes and 30 minutes before scheduled departure, but some deadlines can be an hour or longer. Check-in deadlines on international flights can be as much as three hours before scheduled departure time. Some airlines may simply require you to be at the ticket/baggage counter by this time; most, however, require that you get all the way to the boarding area. If you miss the ticketing or check-in deadline, you may have lost your reservation and your right to compensation if the flight is oversold.
* As noted above, no compensation is due if the airline arranges substitute transportation which is scheduled to arrive at your destination within one hour of your originally scheduled arrival time.
* If the airline must substitute a smaller plane for the one it originally planned to use, the carrier isn't required to pay people who are bumped as a result.In addition, on flights using aircraft with 30 through 60 passenger seats, compensation is not required if you were bumped due to safety-related aircraft weight or balance constraints.
* The rules do not apply to charter flights, or to scheduled flights operated with planes that hold fewer than 30 passengers. They don't apply to international flights inbound to the United States, although some airlines on these routes may follow them voluntarily. Also, if you are flying between two foreign cities-from Paris to Rome, for example-these rules will not apply. The European Community has a rule on bumpings that occur in an EC country; ask the airline for details, or contact DOT.
Involuntary Bumping
DOT requires each airline to give all passengers who are bumped involuntarily a written statement describing their rights and explaining how the carrier decides who gets on an oversold flight and who doesn't. Those travelers who don't get to fly are frequently entitled to an on-the-spot payment of denied boarding compensation. The amount depends on the price of their ticket and the length of the delay:
* If you are bumped involuntarily and the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to get you to your final destination (including later connections) within one hour of your original scheduled arrival time, there is no compensation.
* If the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to arrive at your destination between one and two hours after your original arrival time (between one and four hours on international flights), the airline must pay you an amount equal to your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $400 maximum.
* If the substitute transportation is scheduled to get you to your destination more than two hours later (four hours internationally), or if the airline does not make any substitute travel arrangements for you, the compensation doubles (200% of your fare, $800 maximum).
* You always get to keep your original ticket and use it on another flight. If you choose to make your own arrangements, you can request an "involuntary refund" for the ticket for the flight you were bumped from. The denied boarding compensation is essentially a payment for your inconvenience.
Like all rules, however, there are a few conditions and exceptions:
* To be eligible for compensation, you must have a confirmed reservation. A written confirmation issued by the airline or an authorized agent or reservation service qualifies you in this regard even if the airline can't find your reservation in the computer, as long as you didn't cancel your reservation or miss a reconfirmation deadline.
* You must meet the airline's deadline for buying your ticket. Discount tickets must usually be purchased within a certain number of days after the reservation was made. Other tickets normally have to be picked up no later than 30 minutes before the flight.
In addition to the ticketing deadline, each airline has a check-in deadline, which is the amount of time before scheduled departure that you must present yourself to the airline at the airport. For domestic flights most carriers require you to be at the departure gate between 10 minutes and 30 minutes before scheduled departure, but some deadlines can be an hour or longer. Check-in deadlines on international flights can be as much as three hours before scheduled departure time. Some airlines may simply require you to be at the ticket/baggage counter by this time; most, however, require that you get all the way to the boarding area. If you miss the ticketing or check-in deadline, you may have lost your reservation and your right to compensation if the flight is oversold.
* As noted above, no compensation is due if the airline arranges substitute transportation which is scheduled to arrive at your destination within one hour of your originally scheduled arrival time.
* If the airline must substitute a smaller plane for the one it originally planned to use, the carrier isn't required to pay people who are bumped as a result.In addition, on flights using aircraft with 30 through 60 passenger seats, compensation is not required if you were bumped due to safety-related aircraft weight or balance constraints.
* The rules do not apply to charter flights, or to scheduled flights operated with planes that hold fewer than 30 passengers. They don't apply to international flights inbound to the United States, although some airlines on these routes may follow them voluntarily. Also, if you are flying between two foreign cities-from Paris to Rome, for example-these rules will not apply. The European Community has a rule on bumpings that occur in an EC country; ask the airline for details, or contact DOT.
Delta 2500 Bonus Miles Per Flight
With the deluge of Delta miles lately, Delta has announced yet another bonus miles promotion. The offer is for 2500 bonus miles per round trip flight booked between July 9th and September 3, 2009. There are some reports of receiving a similar offer for 5000 miles, so this is obviously a targeted promotion.
Enjoy 2,500 bonus miles plus business conveniences.
There's never been a better time to fly Delta. We have the bonus miles you deserve—and the business amenities and convenience you want. You'll enjoy 2,500 bonus miles when you fly round trip to any of our 350+ destinations. Register, then book your round-trip ticket and complete your travel by September 3, 2009.
Fly Delta and enjoy all the amenities that make business travel better:
Enjoy 2,500 bonus miles plus business conveniences.
There's never been a better time to fly Delta. We have the bonus miles you deserve—and the business amenities and convenience you want. You'll enjoy 2,500 bonus miles when you fly round trip to any of our 350+ destinations. Register, then book your round-trip ticket and complete your travel by September 3, 2009.
Fly Delta and enjoy all the amenities that make business travel better:
- In-flight Internet access so you can check email, surf the Web, and log in to your company's VPN—all from your seat. Wi-Fi will be available on more than 1,000 daily domestic flights by the end of 2009.
- Power ports at all seats in BusinessElite® and on select aircraft in First Class. Be more productive with in-flight power adapters for your laptop and other mobile devices.
Flying Delta will save you time before you even board the plane. Our mobile check-in lets you check in from your PDA or web-enabled cell phone up to 24 hours prior to departure. It's the fastest, most convenient way to check in. Fly round trip to any one of our 350+ destinations and you'll enjoy 2,500 bonus miles. Register, then book your round-trip ticket and complete your travel by September 3, 2009 to get your 2,500 bonus miles.
Terms and Conditions
Eligibility: Only members who receive this communication directly from Delta Air Lines are eligible to participate in this offer. This offer is non-transferable. To participate in this offer, eligible members must register online by September 3, 2009.
Validity: Purchase and fly one qualifying Delta or Northwest operated round-trip flight by September 3, 2009, and earn 2,500 bonus miles. A qualifying flight includes any Delta, Northwest (includes Mesaba, Pinnacle, and Compass) or Delta Connection® carrier flight. Codeshare flights operated by carriers other than the Delta Connection and Northwest Airlink carriers are excluded from this offer. Delta Shuttle® flights are also excluded from this offer. Bonus miles do not count toward Medallion® qualification or Million Miler™ status.
Travel Period: Travel must be between July 9 and September 3, 2009. All travel must be completed by September 3, 2009.
Additional Restrictions: Bonus miles will post to the SkyMiles account of the qualifying member 4-6 weeks following the end of the promotion (September 3, 2009). Taxes and fees for Award Travel are the responsibility of the passenger and must be paid at the time the ticket is booked. Award Travel seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or in all markets. All SkyMiles program rules apply. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide. Offer void where prohibited by law. Other restrictions may apply. Offer subject to change. Please refer Delta customer service representative to 970642.
Delta Double Miles Promotion
Received an email from Delta offering double miles if I opt to travel at a higher fare class. Here is the relevant portion of the of the offer:
Here's your chance to travel in style—and get rewarded in the process. Book a higher fare class on your next round-trip Delta or Northwest flight and you'll earn double miles. Register for this offer, then book and complete your round-trip flight by September 7, 2009 to land the double miles.
You can even get double miles for moving to the higher Economy classes. But you have to register, book and complete travel by September 7, 2009 to get the double miles. Hey, this may open up a new way of flying for you. Book your Delta or Northwest flights today.
Here is a breakdown of the bonuses:
Bumping My Way to Happiness: Voluntary Bumping Performance 2009: Jan to Mar
Spent a few hours today reviewing the DOT's website reading about the performance of the major U.S. carriers. Focusing on voluntary bumping I was able to procure these nuggets of information for you. The data in this posts represents the first quarter of 2009.
________________ Flights Enplaned Passengers Voluntary Vol/Flight
US ______________ 35,594 ________ 12,580,587 __ 22,938 ____ 0.644
UNITED __________ 31,798 ________ 11,953,422 __ 19,330 ____ 0.608
AIRTRAN _________ 21,264 _________ 5,344,683 __ 10,270 ____ 0.483
NORTHWEST _______ 25,086 _________ 8,365,018 __ 12,089 ____ 0.482
CONTINENTAL _____ 21,950 _________ 8,626,868 ___ 9,797 ____ 0.446
DELTA ___________ 35,230 ________ 14,426,780 __ 13,981 ____ 0.397
ATLANTIC SE _____ 25,124 _________ 2,898,511 ___ 8,974 ____ 0.357
PINNACLE ________ 22,023 _________ 2,355,938 ___ 6,526 ____ 0.296
AMERICAN ________ 46,622 ________ 18,099,010 __ 12,910 ____ 0.277
MESA ____________ 20,714 _________ 2,494,444 ___ 5,720 ____ 0.276
SOUTHWEST _______ 97,696 ________ 23,366,897 __ 22,760 ____ 0.233
COMAIR __________ 14,495 _________ 1,377,802 ___ 3,365 ____ 0.232
SKYWEST _________ 44,689 _________ 4,592,875 ___ 9,654 ____ 0.216
EXPRESSJET ______ 25,292 _________ 2,569,898 ___ 5,191 ____ 0.205
ALASKA __________ 11,796 _________ 3,258,996 ___ 2,326 ____ 0.197
AMERICAN EAGLE __ 37,408 _________ 3,373,399 ___ 3,846 ____ 0.103
FRONTIER _________ 7,711 _________ 2,094,048 _____ 632 ____ 0.082
HAWAIIAN _________ 6,122 _________ 1,995,333 ______ 82 ____ 0.013
JETBLUE _________ 16,218 _________ 5,108,284 _______ 1 ____ 0.000
These numbers show us the volume of voluntary bumping taking place and the rate that voluntary bumping takes place per airline. As you can see by the numbers, Atlantic Southeast, Pinnacle, Comair, and Mesa lead all carriers in the number of voluntary bumps per passengers flown. The largest carriers, despite having some of the highest number of voluntary bumps, are not among the top when considering the total number of passengers flown.
I hope you found this information useful as it illustrates the limited number of bumping opportunities available. More information will be forthcoming.
________________ Flights Enplaned Passengers Voluntary Vol/Flight
US ______________ 35,594 ________ 12,580,587 __ 22,938 ____ 0.644
UNITED __________ 31,798 ________ 11,953,422 __ 19,330 ____ 0.608
AIRTRAN _________ 21,264 _________ 5,344,683 __ 10,270 ____ 0.483
NORTHWEST _______ 25,086 _________ 8,365,018 __ 12,089 ____ 0.482
CONTINENTAL _____ 21,950 _________ 8,626,868 ___ 9,797 ____ 0.446
DELTA ___________ 35,230 ________ 14,426,780 __ 13,981 ____ 0.397
ATLANTIC SE _____ 25,124 _________ 2,898,511 ___ 8,974 ____ 0.357
PINNACLE ________ 22,023 _________ 2,355,938 ___ 6,526 ____ 0.296
AMERICAN ________ 46,622 ________ 18,099,010 __ 12,910 ____ 0.277
MESA ____________ 20,714 _________ 2,494,444 ___ 5,720 ____ 0.276
SOUTHWEST _______ 97,696 ________ 23,366,897 __ 22,760 ____ 0.233
COMAIR __________ 14,495 _________ 1,377,802 ___ 3,365 ____ 0.232
SKYWEST _________ 44,689 _________ 4,592,875 ___ 9,654 ____ 0.216
EXPRESSJET ______ 25,292 _________ 2,569,898 ___ 5,191 ____ 0.205
ALASKA __________ 11,796 _________ 3,258,996 ___ 2,326 ____ 0.197
AMERICAN EAGLE __ 37,408 _________ 3,373,399 ___ 3,846 ____ 0.103
FRONTIER _________ 7,711 _________ 2,094,048 _____ 632 ____ 0.082
HAWAIIAN _________ 6,122 _________ 1,995,333 ______ 82 ____ 0.013
JETBLUE _________ 16,218 _________ 5,108,284 _______ 1 ____ 0.000
These numbers represent the number of flights, number of passengers on those flights, passengers who volunteered to be bumped, and the number of passengers who volunteered to be bumped per flight flown.
A lot can be derived from this information.
- Forget about volunteer opportunities at JetBlue, Hawaiian and Frontier. The opportunities will be few and far between for these airlines.
- The best chance for being bumped is with U.S. and United based on their number of voluntary bumps per flight.
- No major carrier has an average of voluntary bumps greater than 1. This further supports my case for getting to the gate as early as possible to ensure your name is first on the list. If there is going to be bump there is a very good chance it will be just for one person.
______________Enplaned Passengers __Voluntary __ Vol/10000
ATLANTIC SE ___________ 2,898,511 _____ 8,974 _____ 30.960
PINNACLE ______________ 2,355,938 _____ 6,526 _____ 27.700
COMAIR ________________ 1,377,802 _____ 3,365 _____ 24.422
MESA __________________ 2,494,444 _____ 5,720 _____ 22.930
SKYWEST _______________ 4,592,875 _____ 9,654 _____ 21.019
EXPRESSJET ____________ 2,569,898 _____ 5,191 _____ 20.199
AIRTRAN _______________ 5,344,683 ____ 10,270 _____ 19.215
US ___________________ 12,580,587 ____ 22,938 _____ 18.232
UNITED _______________ 11,953,422 ____ 19,330 _____ 16.171
NORTHWEST _____________ 8,365,018 ____ 12,089 _____ 14.451
AMERICAN EAGLE ________ 3,373,399 _____ 3,846 _____ 11.400
CONTINENTAL ___________ 8,626,868 _____ 9,797 _____ 11.356
SOUTHWEST ____________ 23,366,897 ____ 22,760 ______ 9.740
DELTA ________________ 14,426,780 ____ 13,981 ______ 9.691
ALASKA ________________ 3,258,996 _____ 2,326 ______ 7.137
AMERICAN _____________ 18,099,010 ____ 12,910 ______ 7.132
FRONTIER ______________ 2,094,048 _______ 632 ______ 3.018
HAWAIIAN ______________ 1,995,333 ________ 82 ______ 0.410
JETBLUE _______________ 5,108,284 _________ 1 ______ 0.001
These numbers show us the volume of voluntary bumping taking place and the rate that voluntary bumping takes place per airline. As you can see by the numbers, Atlantic Southeast, Pinnacle, Comair, and Mesa lead all carriers in the number of voluntary bumps per passengers flown. The largest carriers, despite having some of the highest number of voluntary bumps, are not among the top when considering the total number of passengers flown.
I hope you found this information useful as it illustrates the limited number of bumping opportunities available. More information will be forthcoming.
Delta & Virgin Blue Announce Plans for Joint Venture
Delta announced today that they are seeking regulatory approval for a joint venture with Virgin Blue to give each other's carriers access to the network in the US and in the South Pacific. This is great news for those who were thinking about redeeming to Australia on the LAX-SYD Delta flight that began on June 1.
About Virgin Blue
Nine-year old Virgin Blue Airlines Group carries 18 million guests annually and comprises Australia's domestic airline Virgin Blue, Long Haul international airline V Australia, New Zealand-based Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue*, a joint venture airline with the Government of Samoa. Together the airlines operate a fleet of 80 modern Boeing 737-NGs, Boeing 777 and Embraer E-Jet aircraft flying to 28 Australian and 13 international destinations in the U.S., South Pacific and Southeast Asia. The airline group is much acclaimed for outstanding guest service. Recently, Virgin Blue was awarded Australia's highest national customer service accolade. The airline was acknowledged as having the highest customer service standards of any organization at the 2008 Australian customer Service Institute Awards.
Also in 2008 Australian travel agents again voted Virgin Blue Australia's "Best National Airline" and "Best Regional Airline" at the annual National Travel Industry Awards (NITA). Velocity, the airline's loyalty program, was recently awarded 2009 "Program of the Year" in the global Freddie Awards, which recognize the world's most outstanding airline frequent flyer programs.
*Polynesian Blue is not included in the joint venture alliance.
About Virgin Blue
Nine-year old Virgin Blue Airlines Group carries 18 million guests annually and comprises Australia's domestic airline Virgin Blue, Long Haul international airline V Australia, New Zealand-based Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue*, a joint venture airline with the Government of Samoa. Together the airlines operate a fleet of 80 modern Boeing 737-NGs, Boeing 777 and Embraer E-Jet aircraft flying to 28 Australian and 13 international destinations in the U.S., South Pacific and Southeast Asia. The airline group is much acclaimed for outstanding guest service. Recently, Virgin Blue was awarded Australia's highest national customer service accolade. The airline was acknowledged as having the highest customer service standards of any organization at the 2008 Australian customer Service Institute Awards.
Also in 2008 Australian travel agents again voted Virgin Blue Australia's "Best National Airline" and "Best Regional Airline" at the annual National Travel Industry Awards (NITA). Velocity, the airline's loyalty program, was recently awarded 2009 "Program of the Year" in the global Freddie Awards, which recognize the world's most outstanding airline frequent flyer programs.
*Polynesian Blue is not included in the joint venture alliance.
Special Series - Earning Miles & Points Without Travelling
If you recently graduated from College or plan on graduating in the near future United has an easy way to rack up 10,000 Mileage Plus Bonus miles.
Earn United Miles through College Plus
As a United College Plus® member, you can earn miles toward free travel on United flights and with Mileage Plus® partners. But you also have many exclusive bonus-mile opportunities available to you.
Graduation Bonus
We will help you celebrate your college graduation with 10,000 Mileage Plus bonus miles (see United College Plus rules for details). Just send the following to the address below, and your bonus will be posted to your account within 4-6 weeks of receipt:
Mileage Plus partners
Plus, earn miles when you stay at a hotel, rent a car, make a long-distance phone call, make a purchase on your Mileage Plus Visa®, shop or invest online- and more - with over 100 Mileage plus partners around the world. For more information or to enroll, visit united.com/mileageplus.
* Copy of official transcript must be received within 12 months of graduation.** Must be a member of College Plus prior to graduation to be eligible for bonus miles.Questions? Please contact collegeplus@united.com.
Earn United Miles through College Plus
As a United College Plus® member, you can earn miles toward free travel on United flights and with Mileage Plus® partners. But you also have many exclusive bonus-mile opportunities available to you.
Graduation Bonus
We will help you celebrate your college graduation with 10,000 Mileage Plus bonus miles (see United College Plus rules for details). Just send the following to the address below, and your bonus will be posted to your account within 4-6 weeks of receipt:
- A copy of your final transcript showing that you did indeed graduate as a full-time student from a U.S. college or university.*
- Your United College Plus/Mileage Plus account number.**
- Your e-mail address.
Mileage Plus partners
Plus, earn miles when you stay at a hotel, rent a car, make a long-distance phone call, make a purchase on your Mileage Plus Visa®, shop or invest online- and more - with over 100 Mileage plus partners around the world. For more information or to enroll, visit united.com/mileageplus.
* Copy of official transcript must be received within 12 months of graduation.** Must be a member of College Plus prior to graduation to be eligible for bonus miles.Questions? Please contact collegeplus@united.com.
Alert: Airline Sale Today!!!
Virtually all U.S. airlines are offering discounted fares for the fall travel period. Delta, United, AA, Southwest are all offering steeply discounted fares that must be purchased by tonight (midnight). Go!
Essential Travel Sites for Your PDA
List of sites that may be beneficial to PDA users.
Airline and Rail Travel
Air Canada
Air-France
American
Amtrak
British Airways
Continental
Delta
JetBlue
KLM
Lufthansa Airlines
Northwest
Southwest
United
US Airways
WestJet
Air Travel Resources
Flight Stats
kayak mobile
Orbitz
SeatGuru
Hotels
Doubletree
Embassy Suites
Hampton Inn
Hilton
Marriott
Starwood SPG
"On the Road" Resources
City.mobi
Dictionary
Fandango
Gas Buddy
Hop Stop
Language Translator
National Weather Service
Starbucks
TV Guide
Wikipedia
Zagat
As we come across new sites that we believe may interest you we will add them to this list. If you have sites that may be of interest to our travelers email us: pointsandmiles@gmail.com.
Airline and Rail Travel
Air Canada
Air-France
American
Amtrak
British Airways
Continental
Delta
JetBlue
KLM
Lufthansa Airlines
Northwest
Southwest
United
US Airways
WestJet
Air Travel Resources
Flight Stats
kayak mobile
Orbitz
SeatGuru
Hotels
Doubletree
Embassy Suites
Hampton Inn
Hilton
Marriott
Starwood SPG
"On the Road" Resources
City.mobi
Dictionary
Fandango
Gas Buddy
Hop Stop
Language Translator
National Weather Service
Starbucks
TV Guide
Wikipedia
Zagat
As we come across new sites that we believe may interest you we will add them to this list. If you have sites that may be of interest to our travelers email us: pointsandmiles@gmail.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
