AAdvantage more advantageous - short flights, fewer miles

Frequent-flier programs are terrific when they work, but when you have to wait to hit a certain threshold to cash in for a “free” flight they aren't so attractive.

American Airlines’ vaunted AAdvantage program is rendering short hauls less expensive. Previously, it took 25,000 miles to book a round-trip MileSAAver (SM) award on routes under 750 miles. From September 1, (at least for a while) you can do it for 15,000.

Those runs don't apply to the Caribbean; they've got to be within the continental United States or Canada. Still, that will open up some significant territory. Consider, 15,000-mile Short-Hop awards will work such routes as Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Denver (DEN), Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Atlanta (ATL), Chicago O'Hare to New York LaGuardia (LGA), Miami (MIA) to New Orleans (MSY), Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO), or Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to Boston (BOS).

20th anniversary for Continental OnePass

Continental Airlines will launch a number of promotions to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its frequent-flier program.

OnePass was formed in 1987, when Continental and Eastern Airlines merged their frequent-flier programs, and has 32 million members, who can accrue miles with more than 100 partners.

To commemorate the program's success, Continental is holding an anniversary auction throughout July, at continental.com.

US Airways promotes new Dividend Miles

For a limited time, US Airways is showcasing its frequent-flier program, Dividend Miles.

Dividend Miles members can sample the Trial Preferred Program, allowing priority check-in and boarding, and unlimited upgrades to First Class, for a 90-day trial period.

There's also the chance to try out the luxury and comfort of the US Airways Club. Program members who purchase and fly on a First-Class ticket by August 31 will be rewarded with a complimentary day, valid for US Airways Clubs at 16 airports across the country.

NW resumes Twin Cities-Vancouver service

When an airline wants to promote a route, it cuts fares, boosts bonus frequent flier points, or both. Northwest Airlines has chosen to shine a spotlight on the resumption of nonstop Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) to Vancouver (YVR) flights by throwing in 1,000 WorldPerks Bonus Miles.

Fly round-trip between October 1 and December 20, and fatten your WorldPerks account accordingly.

First, of course, you have to be a WorldPerks member and you have to register specifically for the promotion. Enroll in WorldPerks by going to nwa.com/worldperks/enroll or call 1-800-225-2525. There's no cost.

American Airlines offers triple AAdvantage miles

American Airlines is offering triple AAdvantage miles for round-trip travel between New York JFK and London Heathrow until August 31.

With more than 22,000 bonus miles available for each round-trip, passengers could find themselves able to take a free (apart from taxes and airport charges) flight within the US and Canada.

Chuck Imhof, American's Vice-President of Passenger Sales for Greater New York, commented on the offer: "American offers products and services that are designed to please the business traveler, including the frequency of flights we have between the world's two major financial centers of New York and London.

Delta partners Avis to deliver SkyMiles deals

To complete its new one-stop shop for frequent fliers, Delta Air Lines has partnered the car rental group Avis, and promises bonus miles for combined bookings.

The Atlanta-based carrier recently unveiled an enhanced online reservation system, which allows SkyMiles members to secure travel insurance, book a hotel room, and hire a vehicle while organizing flights.

As part of Delta's partnership with the Avis Budget Group, frequent fliers will now be rewarded with 1,000 bonus miles and 1,000 Medallion Qualification Miles if they secure a hire car at delta.com, or via a Delta agent, through August 31.

AA unveils new frequent-flier e-magazine

American Airlines has unveiled a new community element of its frequent-flier program AAdvantage, an e-magazine with video features and forums.

AAdvantage Milestones invites fliers to take virtual tours of oneworld destinations and access user-friendly information, and will encourage frequent fliers to exchange travel information, photographs, or advice.

Members will have access to broadcast and social media, while periodical updates will bring new community features.

Double AAdvantage miles on new routes out of RDU

Once upon a time, American Airlines operated a major hub at Raleigh/Durham International (RDU). No longer, but that doesn’t mean American has abandoned the burgeoning Research Triangle area. RDU is now a “focus airport” for the airline. American Eagle has taken a lot of the load out of RDU of late, forging new route to key destinations. To get you to notice, American Eagle is offering double AAdvantage frequent-flier miles on these runs.

Specifically, that means double miles from Raleigh/Durham to Jacksonville (JAX), Kansas City (MCI), and Louisville (SDF).

This AAdvantage double-miles deal is valid through July 31. That means the heart of the busy summer season.

Kingfisher joins the WorldPerks network

India's fastest growing carrier, Kingfisher Airlines, has joined Northwest Airlines' WorldPerks loyalty program.

The partnership will allow frequent Northwest fliers to earn and redeem miles on flights to, from, and within India on Kingfisher's young fleet of Airbus jets.

Other benefits of the latest WorldPerks expansion include swifter connections between the airlines, electronic ticketing, and simpler check-ins, plus access to Indian airport lounges for WorldClub and World Business Class passengers.

EarlyReturns takes top frequent flier honors

Frontier Airlines' EarlyReturns loyalty program was honored as the frequent flier plan of choice at this year's prestigious Freddie Awards.

At the 19th annual prize-giving ceremony in Virginia, Denver-based Frontier picked up the Best Award and top accolade for Program of the Year in the Americas.

Representing the opinions of early 450,000 international travelers, the InsideFlyer magazine ballot forms the basis of the most comprehensive consumer-nominated honors in the industry.

73m Caribbean Miles redeemed in first quarter

Within its first three months, Caribbean Airlines' frequent-flier program saw passengers redeem more than 73 million air miles, it has been announced.

The carrier handles operations formerly undertaken by BWIA West Indies Airways, and its fliers have converted over 3,096 upgrades and reward tickets since the Caribbean Miles program was launched on January 1.

To reflect the popularity of the system, the Trinidadian carrier is offering a 20 percent discount on popular US connections with the West Indian isles to Caribbean Miles MasterCard holders.

Earn HawaiianMiles with Continental

Frequent fliers with Hawaiian Airlines can now earn air miles by flying on Continental Airlines' domestic route network, as part of a new code-sharing agreement.

Similarly, members of the OnePass loyalty program can pick up miles when island hopping with the Honolulu-based carrier.

The partnership also allows passengers to book flights with both airlines on one itinerary, with seamless connections and no need to check in or deposit luggage more than once.

Convert ATA points to Southwest awards

The special relationship between discount airlines ATA and Southwest continues to flourish. The relationship began when Southwest got many of ATA's gates at Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) a few years ago and the two airlines established a code-share pact.

Now comes word that ATA Travel Award frequent-flier members can redeem 7,250 Travel Awards points for one Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards award. The upshot is that ATA Travel Awards members gain access to more than 50 additional domestic destinations served by Southwest.

There's already a relationship between the carriers' two frequent-flier programs. Members have been able to earn either ATA Travel Awards Points or Southwest Rapid Rewards credits for a while now. What the new wrinkle permits is conversion of ATA points to a Southwest ticket.

Tax-time double miles from United, Chase

Okay, so it’s tax time, and what we’re about to tell you won’t lower your bill, maybe not even your blood pressure, but it could ease the pain a bit. United Airlines and Chase Card Services, a division of JP Morgan Chase & Company, are doubling your miles for every eligible dollar spent when you use the United Mileage Plus Visa® card to pay personal — or quarterly estimated — federal income tax.

The theory is that you’re going to have to pay Uncle Sam anyway, why not get something in return?

Make tax payments online by going to www.chasepayyourtaxes.com/united or call 1-877829-2954 for federal taxes.

American Airlines gives away a million miles

Register with American Airlines' frequent-flier program or refer a friend to the carrier's promotional Web site for the chance to win a share of a million bonus miles.

Passengers can enter the sweepstakes for the Million Mile Give Away up to three times, and don't even need to book a flight. Participants will vie for the grand prize of 250,000 miles with AAdvantage, the world's largest loyalty program.

Thirty runners-up will also walk away with 25,000 bonus miles each, and the closing date for entries is April 10. Winners will be notified by June 15.

Frequent-flier flexibility: new one-way award on Alaska Air

This could start well a trend, one that will directly benefit fliers in search of flexibility. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can now redeem their miles for one-way passage anywhere Alaska Airlines and partner Horizon Air fly. The move marks the first of its kind by a major United States carrier, affording fliers some attractive alternatives never open before.

The new deal allows fliers to book one-way travel for half the mileage of round-trip awards. Case in point: fly intra-Alaska, say from Anchorage (ANC) down to Juneau (JNU) for 7,500 miles. On the wider-ranging Alaska route structure, fly to a US or Canadian destination for 10,000 miles on a Saver Award, and 20,000 miles on a Peak Award.

Double AAdvantage miles via Raleigh/Durham

AAdvantage members can earn double miles when flying to or from Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, with American Eagle Airlines, regional operator for the world's largest carrier.

Flights between Raleigh/Durham International and Jacksonville, Florida; Kansas City, Missouri; and Louisville, Kentucky - the three newest links at the airport - qualify for the promotion, which applies to travel from May 1 through July 31.

Frequent-fliers must register prior to travel in order to earn their additional points, using the promotional code AARDU.

American Express, Delta SkyMiles benefits - a clarification

Clarification on an earlier posting regarding new Delta SkyMiles Card benefits from American Express.

Consumer and small business cardmembers can now earn better benefits including more bonus miles when they use the card. Consider, American Express cardmembers can now:

- Earn 1,000 bonus miles for attaining the $5,000 mark in eligible purchases, using the Delta SkyMiles Options Credit Card;

- Earn 2,500 bonus miles for racking up $10,000 in eligible purchases with the Delta SkyMiles Credit Card, or the Delta Sky Miles Business Credit card;

Miles, marvelous miles: Alaska and Horizon double 'em up

Like airline miles? Like them a lot? If you're a member of Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan and are traveling to or from any of Alaska Airlines' or partner Horizon Air's California destinations, you can rake in Double Miles through April 4.

To do that you'll have to register online at www.alaskaair.com, and complete your trips by April 4.

Alaska and Horizon serve a slew of California cities: Burbank (BUR), Eureka/Arcata (ACV), Fresno (FAT), Long Beach (LGB), Los Angeles (LAX), Oakland (OAK), Ontario (ONT), Orange County (SNA), Palm Springs (PSP), Redding (RDD), Reno (RNO), Sacramento (AMF), San Diego (SAN), San Francisco (SFO), San Jose (SJC), and Santa Barbara (SBA).

Alaska doubles California air miles

Alaska Airlines has announced that it and sister carrier Horizon Air will award double miles to frequent fliers to California.

Passengers flying between one of the two airlines' 16 destinations in California to any location in the US, Canada, or Mexico will qualify for the Double Mileage Plan.

Members of the air miles program must register on the airline's Web site and ensure they complete travel by April 4 to earn the extra miles.

Rapid Rewards really rapid for California fliers

Here's a way to rack up Rapid Rewards twice as fast: book passage on discount airline Southwest to California. Reserve a seat on a flight to or from any one of the carrier's eight California destinations by March 8 and get double frequent-flier credits for travel through April 4.

The key proviso is that you have to book on either Southwest's Web site, or via its business booking tool www.SWABIZ.com.

That's it.

No strings attached to AirTran's rewards

Members of AirTran Airways' A+ Rewards loyalty program can now earn air miles by purchasing electronic goods with InPhonic.

Wireless products such as phones and PDAs, as well as associated purchases such as Bluetooth headsets, chargers, and batteries, will earn consumers frequent-flier miles through the carrier's new A+ Rewards Wireless program.

The deal is the result of a partnership between AirTran, InPhonic, and mForce Communications, which will "give our A+ Rewards members opportunities to earn A+ Rewards credits while attending to their wireless needs", said Tad Hutcheson, the carrier's Vice-President of Marketing.

Mileage Plus accounts will expire soon, United warns

Members of United Airlines’ Mileage Plus frequent-flier program have been warned that accounts will now expire after only 18 months of inactivity, in a reduction designed to reward loyal customers.

Account holders who have not earned or redeemed air miles since July 1, 2006, have until the end of 2007 to either use their accumulated miles, or amass more, to keep their membership active.

The revised system means that passengers who fly with United regularly will compete against fewer fliers when redeeming their miles in the carrier's promotions.

JAL’s Business Class deal: 10,000 miles plus economy ticket

Transpacific flights can be interminable. Fliers crave all the comfort they can muster on such sojourns. If you’re a member of Japan Airlines' JAL Mileage Bank frequent-flier program, and can muster up 10,000 miles, you might have a ticket up front, in the pointy end of the airplane.

Buy a regular Economy-Class ticket between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Tokyo Narita (NRT), not a deep discount one, and fork over 10,000 miles. You’re set. The transaction gives you a one-way upgrade to JAL Executive Class, a place replete with flat seats that recline 170 degrees, gourmet meals, lounge access, and extraordinary in-flight entertainment.

20,000 miles and a regular Economy ticket net a round-trip upgrade.

Delta renders SkyMiles redemption more flexible

If you’re a Delta Air Lines SkyMiles® member in search of more redemption flexibility, your moment may have come. The nation’s third-largest airline is not reworking SkyMiles radically, but it is building in some much-needed flexibility that could help stretch your miles.

When booking a travel award, you can now combine Coach, First Class/BusinessElite®, SkySaver and SkyChoice travel on one ticket and save thousands of miles in the process. No longer are you locked into one option on both the outbound and return legs of your journey.

Case-in-point: travel Atlanta (ATL) to London Gatwick (LGW) in a SkyChoice BusinessElite seat, and return in a SkySaver Coach seat. Redemption? 150,000 miles under the new formula, as opposed to 250,000 miles under the old one.

American Sweepstakes offers 1.5m bonus miles

American Airlines' passengers have up to four opportunities each to win 1.5 million frequent-flier miles, a $30,000 MasterCard voucher and $30,000 in Marriott gift cards.

Runners-up will also scoop ten MasterCard gift vouchers, each valued at $500, in this AAdvantage promotional give-away.

Fliers can enter the Travel for Life Sweepstakes by registering at the Web site, sharing the promotion with four friends or by booking an American Airlines ticket online using MasterCard.

AA breaches Gulf with frequent-flier deal

American Airlines has strengthened ties with Gulf Air, the official carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, to offer new frequent-flier opportunities.

As a result of the cooperation, members of the AAdvantage loyalty program will be able to earn or redeem flier miles on Gulf Air connections, which include 50 destinations in 30 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Asia and Africa.

Fliers can journey with American Airlines to Dublin, Frankfurt, London Heathrow or Paris and continue to earn frequent-flier miles with a Gulf Air connection, or use accumulated AAdvantage points to pay for flights with the Bahrain-based carrier.

Rack up AA bonus miles from the Bay to LA

In the never-ending pursuit of frequent-flier miles, you want as many targets of opportunity as possible. West Coast travelers can tap into a treasure trove, especially those who ply the California Corridor between the Bay and LA. How does 1,000 bonus miles sound?

American Airlines, the nation’s largest carrier, is offering that 1,000 AAdvantage boost to program members who take a round-trip between Los Angeles International (LAX) and San Francisco International (SFO), the West Coast’s prime powerports.

United gives travelers Down Under cheer

Members of United Airlines' frequent-flier program Mileage Plus will benefit from bonus miles when booking flights between the U.S. and Australia throughout the winter travel season.

Valid on all tickets reserved through March 31, 2007, the special promotion will reward customers with 15,000 bonus miles when booking a United First ticket, 10,000 bonus miles for United Business, and 7,500 bonus miles for United Economy.

As well as the additional bonuses (which apply as extra, on top of the miles earned for the flight itself), customers of United this winter can also find cheap deals on off-peak travel days.

Earn bonus miles, win $20,000 at AA's online mall

Members of American Airlines’ AAdvantage frequent-flier program can earn bonus miles and an entry to a $20,000 sweepstakes for doing their holiday shopping at AA's eShopping SM mall.

When paying with MasterCard, shoppers can double their miles earned. Rewards range from four to ten miles per dollar spent and bonus miles are available for shoppers who spend more than $250 (500 bonus miles) or $500 (1,000 bonus miles).

Citi and AAdvantage credit card members earn one bonus mile per dollar.

United's Mileage Plus members could get 'free' tickets

© United Airlines

Members of United Airlines' Mileage Plus frequent-flier program can earn a free ticket for travel on the carrier by flying three qualifying round-trips over the next two-and-a-half months.

Mileage Plus passengers will earn 5,000 bonus miles for completing one qualifying round-trip, 10,000 miles for completing two, or 25,000 miles for traveling on three round-trip United, United Express, or Ted flights before January 31, 2007.

By flying three qualifying trips in this period (the first must be completed by December 31), passengers will collect enough miles to redeem them for a Saver Award ticket.

Airline credit card comparison site launched

Los Angeles-based CreditCardAssist.com has created a new section on its web site, which compares airline miles credit cards including Delta SkyMiles® Gold Credit Card, JetBlue Card from American Express® and Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature.

When purchases are made with such credit cards, the holder accumulates air miles, which can later be redeemed against the cost of flights.

The site is operated by Optimum Interactive and the company's Managing Director, Rob Willard, said: "We were concerned by the fact that so many consumers were feeling confused or even disappointed in how their airline credit cards worked.

Use miles at the mall with Delta

For a limited period all elite members of Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles program, regardless of status, will have access to the carrier's Medallion Marketplace.

Normally reserved for its Platinum Medallion members only, through December 1 Delta's Silver and Gold Medallion members will be able to purchase items from the online shopping mall using their frequent-flier miles.

The complete catalog features more than 300 items, including hotel accommodations, electronic goods, and home, sports, and outdoor equipment. There is also an option to purchase special gift cards in time for the winter shopping season.

US Airways launches frequent-flier mall

Members of US Airways’ frequent-flier program will have an additional way to earn bonus miles after the airline launched its Dividend Miles Shopping Mall.

The Internet shopping site brings together many brands and retail franchises to offer members rewards for doing their shopping through the airline's specialist site.

In addition, any purchases made before December 31 will be eligible for the US Airways Everything Counts promotion, which means all miles will count towards earning Preferred Status in the Dividend Miles program in 2007 (see US Airways gives miles of assistance).

Delta hooks up SkyMiles phone contract

Delta Air Lines has joined forces with InPhonic, Inc. to create a new series of rewards through its frequent-flier program, SkyMiles.

The SkyMiles Wireless program will allow customers to earn miles through the purchase or renewal of several wireless devices, accessories, or calling plans through any of the nation's top providers.

Purchasing anything from PDAs, Bluetooth headsets, in-car chargers, or extra batteries will earn additional miles that can be applied to their loyalty program balance and recouped for flights on Delta services.

Rack up bonus miles for transatlantic travel on AA

Frequent-flier programs pack tremendous power. They prompt people to fly, fly more, and fly on one airline (or within one airline alliance). The carrier which conceived of the concept is American Airlines. Back in the early 1980s, the carrier rolled out AAdvantage, and in so doing changed the face of air travel.

Now, word that American is sweetening the deal for transatlantic Economy Class passengers, offering bonus AAdvantage miles for travel between the United States and a trio of European cities.

Book passage to London Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW), or either Frankfurt (FRA) or Zurich (ZRH), and rack up extra miles. How many AAdvantage miles you earn is dependent on the fare bucket booked. The least expensive Economy Class fares (K, L, or M) yield 2,500 miles. Somewhat more costly categories (Y, B, or H) give you a full 5,000 bonus miles.

ATA revamps frequent-flier program

Discount airline ATA Airlines has just rendered Travel Awards, its frequent-flier program, a richer proposition - allowing travelers to earn more points, and do it quicker.

To boost traffic on key routes to Mexico and Hawaii, the carrier is offering double points: 1,500 round-trip to Mexico instead of 750, and 2,000 points round-trip to Hawaii instead of just 1,000.

Time is an important factor in frequent-flier programs, especially expiration dates. Now, ATA points expire after 24 months, instead of 12.

JetBlue joins Delta in Amex partnership

JetBlue Airways has mirrored Delta Air Lines in offering a credit card link-up with American Express for customers to gain special discounts on air travel.

Small business customers who hold a JetBlue Business Card from Amex will receive an automatic five percent discount on all JetBlue flights and all holders of any other Amex Business Card will get three percent off the cost of their air fare with the carrier.

JetBlue is the latest signatory to such an agreement with OPEN Savings, and the good news for consumers is that the offer has no time-limit or expiry date and is good for as long as the agreement is in place.

American improves partnership with Tahiti airline

American Airlines has announced an expansion to its frequent-flier relationship with Air Tahiti Nui.

The Texas-based national carrier, one of the world's largest airlines, will give passengers the chance to earn AAdvantage miles when flying on any routes offered by the French Polynesian airline.

Until this announcement, AAdvantage members were able to redeem miles on Air Tahiti Nui, but not earn the rewards for flying with the smaller carrier.

SkyMiles' intriguing education option

Here’s a fascinating way to fatten a frequent-flier account. For a limited time, Delta Air Lines SkyMiles members can rack up miles for education loans. The deal is in conjunction with Collegiate Funding Services (CFS). CFS, in turn, is part of Chase Education Finance, the student-loan arm of JPMorgan Chase & Company.

SkyMiles members get a mile per dollar spent for Private Education Loans – loans for tuition, books, computers, and other living expenses. Graduate and undergraduate students can borrow up to $35,000 annually. They’ll have to have proof of enrollment. For details, punch up www.delta.ed-loans.com/private.

Working on the assumption that students love to travel, this earnings option should dovetail nicely with their lifestyle. Hit the books, then take a break - perhaps in Vail, Acapulco, or London - all via SkyMiles.

Fidelity customers gain AAdvantage

Members of American Airlines' AAdvantage program who open a brokerage account with Fidelity Investments can earn thousands of air miles.

The financial services giant is the latest company to participate in the airline's AAdvantage loyalty program, which marks its 25th anniversary this year.

AAdvantage members, by opening an account, can earn 5,000 miles for a deposit of $2,500-$9,999; 15,000 miles for $10,000-$49,999; and 25,000 miles for deposits of $50,000 or more.

ATA/Dollar do double points

Two of this country’s leading purveyors of low-cost transportation - one terrestrial, the other airborne - have hooked up to offer double points. Dollar Rent A Car has joined discount airline ATA's Travel Awards frequent-flier program.

To introduce the new deal, Dollar is offering double points (150) when customers rent a compact car or larger vehicle for two or more days at participating locations. This deal is valid through November 15.

To make sure that you get credit for the double points, be sure to punch in promotional code ATAD when making your reservation, and, this is important, present your ATA Travel Awards number to the car rental folks when picking up the Dollar rental car.

Extended perks with JetBlue Card

An extra advantage to using the JetBlue Card from American Express has been offered to members of the airline's TrueBlue frequent-flier program.

Holders of the American Express-affiliated credit card can automatically extend the life of their current TrueBlue points balance by 12 months each time they spend more than $200 on the card or purchase travel with JetBlue.

"In listening to JetBlue's TrueBlue members, they told us the opportunity to extend the life of their TrueBlue points would significantly increase the value of the program," said Andrea Spiegel, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for JetBlue.

Netflix fliers, sign up and earn Delta SkyMiles®

Creative frequent-flier programs are casting about constantly for deals - ways to allow their members to earn more miles. To that end, Delta SkyMiles' members can now land 1,500 miles when they join Netflix, the online movie rental service.

If you’re a SkyMiles member and are interested, go to shopmyway.com/netflixskymiles to join Netflix. You can choose from among nine subscription plans, starting at $9.99. As for titles, Netflix offers more than 55,000. The company provides pre-paid shipping, and lets you dispense with late charges and specified return dates.

Netflix's most popular program is the $17.99 per month deal. It allows you to rent as many DVDs as you want, and keep out as many as three movies at any one time.

Back to school with extra points

American Airlines is making that back-to-school shopping trip a bit easier by offering its AAdvantage program members double miles on school supplies.

Anything from a new ruler to clothing bought from a range of retailers that are affiliates of the AAdvantage eShopping program is eligible to earn double rewards from now until September 17.

Stores included in the promotion are Target.com, Land's End, Overstock.com, Staples, Nordstrom, and HP Home Store.

EVA’s bonus miles meal deal

As the Sesame Street song goes: “everybody eats.” Now, classy Taiwanese carrier EVA Air is offering fliers bonus miles for doing just that, specifically for ordering their in-flight meals in advance on the airline’s Web site.

If you’re a member of the EVA Air Evergreen Club Frequent Flyer program, and are traveling in Super First, Super Business/Business or Premium Laurel Class you can earn 100 bonus miles for each sector of your sojourn. Just go to www.evaair.com and order your meal.

You can order food tailored to your taste 21 days to 24 hours prior to departures. Some cities are excluded from the deal because of airport-handling restrictions.

Chase, United pair up for card offer

Credit card company JP Morgan Chase and United Airlines have teamed up to provide a special private-label card deal aimed at frequent travelers.

The United Travel Card can be used as a regular credit account but comes with additional benefits when used to buy qualifying flights, vacations, upgrades, or any other purchases in conjunction with United travel.

When customers spend $199 or more they are entitled to 90-day interest-free financing and do not have to make any payments on the balance for the initial grace period. There is no annual fee for the card and instant credit is available on approval.

Cancun travelers gain an AAdvantage

Members of American Airlines’ frequent-flier program will be able to "purchase" round-trip flights to the popular Mexican resort of Cancun for just 20,000 miles.

The discounted MileSAAver rate applies to travel from all AA destinations throughout the continental United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.

It represents a saving of 10,000 miles per trip and is available for a limited time only – from August 21 through December 13.

Miles bonus for AA European flights

American Airlines’ (AA) frequent-fliers can receive a bonus of up to 5,000 miles when booking a flight from the United States to certain destinations in Europe.

The offer is being extended to all AAdvantage customers booking flights to London, Frankfurt, or Zurich from now through November 15, for travel between September 5 and November 15.

Passengers booking an Economy Class fare in the Y, B, or H fare categories on a round-trip to Europe will receive the full 5,000 bonus miles. Customers booking Economy Class K, L, or M fare will be eligible for 2,500 bonus miles.

American offers short-hop savings

Members of American Airlines' frequent-flier program, AAdvantage, will be able to cash in their miles for smaller reward flights in smaller increments as part of a special relaunch of the short-hop MileSAAver program.

Customers will be able to book nonstop round-trip travel of less than 750 air miles within the continental United States and Canada through the airline's Web site for a reduced number of AAdvantage miles.

The cost in AAdvantage miles could be up to 40 percent less when the new short-hop MileSAAver program is reintroduced.

US Airways agrees car-rental partnership

National Car Rental customers will now be able to earn US Airways’ Dividend Miles each time they hire a car after the two companies agreed a new frequent-flier arrangement.

Through the partnership with one of the largest rental companies in the world, US Airways hopes to offer its frequent fliers an even more rewarding service.

Travis Christ, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at US Airways, welcomed the reward program, saying: "US Airways continues to provide opportunities for travelers to earn Dividend Miles awards.

United launches Mileage Plus Wireless

United Airlines has launched a new rewards program for its frequent fliers, which allows members to earn miles for purchasing wireless products and services.

Through a dedicated site MileagePlusWireless.com, United is offering several of the most popular wireless products including cell phones, cell phone contracts, satellite TV, PDAs, and Bluetooth accessories.

Buyers are rewarded with ten miles for every dollar spent on accessories, as well as up to 5,000 miles for a new service contract when items are purchased from the special online store.

Hilton offers Double Points and Double Miles in Sacramento

Looking for a way to really multiply your hotel points and airline miles fast? If your journeys take you to Sacramento (SMF) anytime soon, consider staying at the Hilton Sacramento Arden West.

Do that and - through July 31 - you’ll be able to rack up double Hilton HHonors® base points and double airline miles. Those double miles can be had on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, or US Airways.

The Hilton Sacramento Arden West is the only full-service, high-rise Hilton family hotel in the Sacramento area. It is located within decent distance of downtown, the Sacramento Convention Center, and the State Capitol.

Hyatt, United boost bonus points

Good news for Hyatt Gold Passport frequent-stayer members. Through July 31, you can earn Gold Passport points, and 1,500 United Mileage Plus bonus miles for each stay.

Alternately, you can choose 500 regular Mileage Plus miles, plus another 1,500 bonus UA miles.

You’ll have to register for this special July promotion. To do that, go to hyatt.com and punch in both your Gold Passport, and your Mileage Plus numbers. If you’re not a member of either program, go online and join.

Unselfish miles – Delta’s revamped SkyWish program

Okay, so you’ve been saving for that special trip, amassing all the Delta SkyMiles you can. How about an attitude adjustment, an appeal to the commonweal?

Consider donating at least some of those miles to Delta’s recently revamped SkyWish effort. Send a family member to see a soldier who’s been wounded or fly workers to a disaster site. Make an impact with points that would otherwise have gone to give you diversion.

If you’re a SkyMiles member, you can now donate to any of a dozen charities Delta supports by going to the Web site, or by calling 1-800-325-3999.

‘SuperSize’ your Northwest WorldPerks miles

Looking to fill out those last few miles for a Northwest Airlines WorldPerks award? Got an extra $20 to spend? That’s what it takes to purchase 1,000 bonus miles in this latest NWA promotion. The transaction is pretty straightforward: the airline gets more revenue, and you get the boost needed, perhaps, to earn that next award.

Northwest can use the money. It’s currently in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and is in search of new revenue streams to help it recover.

Buy the extra 1,000 miles whenever you fly Northwest, Northwest Airlink, or KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

HHonor thyself – double points for Houston stay

If you’re a Hilton HHonors frequent guest member, here’s a way to rack up double Points & Miles® on your next trip to the Bayou City.

Stay at the Homewood Suites by Hilton® Houston (near the Galleria) and earn double HHonors base points as well as double miles on Air Canada, Aeromexico, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, or US Airways.

Frequent fliers rewarded but no longer for loyalty

According to industry experts, frequent-flier programs are no longer what they once were and offer rewards for shopping at sponsored affiliates rather than repaying customer loyalty to airlines themselves.

Frequent-flier programs are now a multi-billion dollar industry, having had humble beginnings more than 25 years ago with just the American Airlines AAdvantage program.

Originally a way to foster brand loyalty, the programs now feature numerous corporate tie-ins with credit card companies, car rental firms, and even restaurants.

Northwest’s new WorldPerks deals

© Northwest Airlines

Looking for the latest Northwest Airlines’ deals? There’s a central repository, one that details the carrier’s hottest offerings. Just go to www.nwa.com/deals.

Here are just some of the WorldPerks frequent-flier promos you’ll find there:

Earn WorldPerks miles for refinancing your home with HomeLoanCenter. Rack up 1,750 miles for every $10,000 borrowed after closing a refinance, purchase, mortgage, or home equity loan. Want more? Get an additional 12,500 bonus miles after closing a refinance by submitting your application before August 31;

If you’re headed for the Los Angeles Basin, stay at the Doubletree Hotel Ontario Airport and receive double WorldPerks miles, and double Hilton HHonors® base points. Be sure to book plan code HH2;

Big SkyMiles bonuses for dining out

As the Sesame Street song goes: "Everybody eats." Eat out at participating restaurants by year's end and Delta Air Lines' SkyMiles members can take away up to 25,000 bonus miles from the table after 25 qualified dines.

SkyMiles members must register in advance at skymilesrewards.com/25 before July 25, and they've got to spend at least $25 per dine (that includes tax and tip). To find out just what restaurants are participating, go to the Web site.

SkyMiles-earning opportunities

Delta Air Lines is serving up some ongoing SkyMiles-earning opportunities, the kinds of accumulations that can help you reach your travel target be it a trip to see a friend in New York, or that long-planned vacation.

SkyMiles members can get unlimited Internet access on Get PeoplePC Online for $10.95 per month and rack up 4,000 bonus miles in the process. Call 1-888-587-9669 and mention offer code AMSTERDAM.

United doubles miles on a dozen routes

There are few phrases more precious to passengers than “double miles”. It sends them into paroxysms of planning – where to redeem the suddenly acquired bounty?

United Airlines understands the passion. Through July 31, the nation’s second-largest airline is offering double Mileage Plus frequent flier miles on paid, qualifying published fares between the following cities:

- Washington Dulles (IAD) and Phoenix (PHX) or Miami (MIA);
- Denver (DEN) and Phoenix, Miami, Las Vegas (LAS), Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood (FLL); or Ontario, California (ONT);
- Chicago (ORD) and Phoenix, Miami, or Las Vegas;
- San Francisco (SF) and Phoenix or Las Vegas.

Frontier offers more miles with Marriott

Frontier's frequent-flier passengers can now earn even more air miles thanks to a tie-up with Marriott, the worldwide hotel and hospitality chain.

The companies have signed a three-year agreement, linking the low-cost airline's and the Marriott Rewards loyalty programs.

Members of Frontier's EarlyReturns program will earn miles for every dollar spent at a number of Marriott's accommodations, including the Renaissance Hotels & Resorts and Marriott Vacation Club International.

World Cup rewards for Aeromexico members

As the official airline of the Mexican national soccer team, Aeromexico will celebrate the achievements of the squad at the World Cup in Germany by awarding Club Premier members 625 frequent-flier miles for every goal scored by Mexico.

To qualify for the offer, Club Premier members must book and fly during the soccer World Cup, Friday, June 9, through Sunday, July 9, and register using their Club Premier account. Travel on Aeromexico codeshare partners does not count.

Bonus miles earned during the Soccer World Cup promotion will be credited to Club Premier accounts on July 12.

Alaska announces Mileage Plan changes

If you're feeling generous with your miles on Alaska Airlines, the company has just made it easier for you to give the gift of travel.

The airline has announced changes to its loyalty program that will allow holders of a Mileage Plan account to transfer their miles across to another account in increments of 1,000 miles - up to 30,000 miles per transaction and 100,000 miles per year.

Transferring miles is not free, however. Customers will be charged $25 per transaction and one cent per mile transferred but the system will be made more rewarding by allowing customers to combine accounts for free tickets more quickly.

Local charities benefit from Hawaiian

Frequent fliers on Hawaiian Airlines can now earn miles for the local nonprofit organization of their choice through the HawaiianMiles Charities program.

Participating members can designate a charity and Hawaiian will automatically donate ten per cent of all miles accrued by that frequent flier into a bonus account, without deducting any miles from the member's account.

There are eight listed nonprofit organizations to choose from, including the American Red Cross, Blood Bank of Hawaii, the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii, and the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii.

United fliers seeing double

To celebrate its 25th birthday, United Airlines' Mileage Plus frequent flier program is offering a double miles promotion.

Customers purchasing tickets at the company's Web site from May 18 through May 31 and traveling by November 15, 2006 will be eligible for the reward.

"These types of promotions enable customers to maximize their earning potential through their loyalty to United," said the airline's Vice President for Loyalty and e-Commerce, Kenneth Feldman.

Thrifty joins Hawaiian’s frequent flier program

Here’s a new way to earn miles in HawaiianMiles, Hawaiian Airlines' frequent flier program. Rent a car from Thrifty Car Rental and rack up 50 miles per day.

To get the liaison between the two companies off to a fast start, Thrifty is offering double miles—100 per day—to HawaiianMiles members who rent a mid-size car for three days or longer during a special promotional period. That promotion runs from June 1, 2006 though September 30, 2006 – nicely placed so vacationers can build up points during the summer travel season.

Win a Pontiac through AA '25 deals'

One of American Airlines' latest offers in its "25 deals in 25 days" program gives AAdvantage frequent fliers the chance to win a 2007 Pontiac G6.

Alongside yesterday's opportunity to win the new Pontiac, AAdvantage members can earn 1,250 bonus miles if they rent a car from partner National Car Rental before July 31.

Today's offer, the 11th of 25 deals, is for 2,500 bonus miles when AAdvantage members buy a Wave music system from Bose before May 18. That purchase includes entry to a draw to win a Lifestyle home entertainment system.

Are you TrueBlue? Frequent flier awards easier to use

Frequent flier awards are terrific, but the real proof of a program is how easy those awards are to use. To that end, discount airline JetBlue just made its TrueBlue® Flight Gratitude points easier to redeem and twice as flexible.

Travelers can book TrueBlue awards on JetBlue’s Web site. Immediately, they can see how many award seats are available for a particular flight on a given day, then book a seat online.

The cheap-seat carrier is issuing TrueBlue awards differently now. They’re being distributed as two TruePasses, each good for one-way travel and fully transferable. TruePasses have to be used within a year of issue, but the neat thing is that they can be used at different times and by different people. The TrueBlue member says who gets them.

American Airlines’ frequent flier program turns 25

What a difference 25 years can make. A quarter of a century ago, the notion of frequent flier programs was radically new. Now, travelers can’t live without them. They dictate travel patterns and fulfill the fantasies of millions of people.

The airline industry’s first frequent flier program was conceived by American Airlines. To celebrate its 25th birthday, AA is giving away as many as 42 million AAdvantage miles to customers on select “Celebration Flights” across the country.

Up to 1,700 passengers on nine American flights, and one American Eagle flight, will receive 25,000 AAdvantage miles each. That’s enough for a round-trip economy-class award ticket within the continental United States, Alaska, and Canada.

United ‘reinvent loyalty program’ through Chase link

© United Airlines

Frequent fliers on United who rack up loyalty points with the airline's Mileage Plus program can now enjoy enhanced redemption options through Mileage Plus Choices.

Holders of a Mileage Plus Visa card available through JPMorgan Chase & Co. will earn Choices points, that can be used to "purchase" free flights or other awards, such as hotel stays, car rental or flight and seat upgrades, including extra legroom.

"With our introduction of Choices, Mileage Plus has elevated our customers' award options to a new, extraordinary level," said Kenneth Feldman, United's Vice President of Loyalty and e-commerce.

Frequent flier miles are 25 next week

The Freddie Awards will honor the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the first frequent flier rewards program at its annual awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Thursday (April 27).

American Airlines introduced the first rewards program, American Advantage, on May 1, 1981, and since then the concept has gone from strength to strength, with frequent flier miles now being redeemed for almost 280 million travel awards.

Rewards program boost for AirTran fliers

© AirTran Airways

Low-cost carrier AirTran Airways has announced a double-credits offer to its frequent flier reward program members for all travel booked and completed between selected destinations before June 15.

A+ Reward members will receive double credits for flights to and from Chicago's Midway Airport (MDW), Westchester County Airport (HPN), Richmond International Airport (RIC), Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC), Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), Bloomington/Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), Moline/Quad Cities International Airport (MLI), and Akron-Canton Airport (CAK).

United ups mileage requirements

Travelers enjoy what can best be described as a love/hate relationship with their frequent flier programs. It has been that way from the start, but now United Airlines' powerful Mileage Plus program is increasing the number of miles needed to get a standard economy award ticket. From October 16, it will take 50,000 miles to earn what 40,000 miles used to, 20 per cent more.

Crain’s Chicago Business (United is headquartered in suburban Chicago) reports company officials as saying that they’re making the move to match the redemption levels of most competitors.

Want to win a million miles?

Consider for a moment where one million Continental Airlines OnePass frequent flier miles could take you. Japan? Europe? The Caribbean?

Continental Vacations and the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority have launched a Million-Air Sweepstakes. The grand prizewinner not only gets a million OnePass miles, they fly to Vegas free from August 1 – 4 to enjoy a four-day/three-night getaway. They’ll stay at the Aladdin Resort & Casino, have dinner for two at one of the hotel’s restaurants, enjoy limo transport to and from McCarran International Airport (LAS), and receive $1,000 in shopping certificates at The Shops in Desert passage (at the Aladdin Resort & Casino).

Wine if you want extra Delta air miles

Members of Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles frequent flier program are being offered extra air miles when they join or gift membership a number of Vinesse wine clubs.

Jeff Robinson, managing director of the SkyMiles program, explained: "By giving or receiving Vinesse's high-quality wine throughout the year, members will receive a considerable amount of miles toward their next Award Travel vacation."

Delta's Dollar rental bonus

© Delta

For a limited time Delta Air Lines SkyMiles members can earn triple reward points when they make certain car rentals with Dollar Rent A Car.

Delta frequent fliers who hire a compact car or larger at participating locations and keep it for at least two days' use will be eligible for the extra air miles. The offer applies to rentals made between April 1 and June 30.

To qualify for the 150 bonus miles per rental day, customers must quote promotional code DL12 when making their reservation and provide their SkyMiles ID card at the time of rental.

MileagePlus gives away 25 million miles

United Airlines, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its MileagePlus frequent flier program, will award 25 loyal customers with one million miles each.

The fortunate 25 can redeem miles in lots of ways: 40 domestic Saver Award coach tickets, or ten first-class Saver trips to Paris, or even plasma television sets.

To be in with a chance, MileagePlus members should go to www.united.com/25million. Sweepstakes participants can fly anytime until June 16, and will receive one entry per qualifying segment flown on United, United Express, or Ted. The more you fly, the more entries you rack up.

New frequent flier options for United passengers

Passengers flying with United Airlines will benefit from new frequent flier options and other benefits thanks to a deal struck between the airline and China's Shanghai Airlines.

Under a code-sharing deal agreed last night, the two companies will offer one another's passengers access to their departure lounges and the chance to accrue frequent flier miles.

This deal comes as the Chinese government continues to liberalize its aviation market and relax its rules on foreign tourism. The world's fastest-growing economy is already an important destination for business travelers and could soon begin to compete for a larger share of the U.S. tourist market.

New goodies for American’s Elites

There are new goodies for American Airlines’ AAdvantage frequent flier members, or more specifically, for those holding coveted elite status.

If you have an AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum®, or AAdvantage Gold® card - and meet certain mileage and points goals for each elite level by December 31, 2006 - you get to choose from a list of rewards: systemwide upgrades and Admirals Club passes. There’s also AAdvantage Gold membership for a friend or family member.

If you hit specified miles and points targets by the end of this year, you will be sent an e-mail inviting you to choose a reward within six weeks. To get this notification you have to opt-in to receive an AAdvantage e-Summary. There’s no need to register in advance for the offer. For a comprehensive listing of the rewards, terms and conditions, go to aa.com/eliterewards.

JAL rewards millionth member

Japan Airlines (JAL) is giving away one international round-trip business class ticket and a total of one million free miles in recognition of the growth of its JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) program.

The frequent flier program is creeping towards one million members and the lucky millionth will be awarded a round-trip ticket in JAL Executive Class from the U.S. to Japan.

In addition, one hundred randomly selected members will receive 10,000 free miles each. These winners will be selected from Mileage Bank members who have registered their email addresses before the millionth member signs up.

Reward drive for Delta fliers

Customers renting a mid-sized car or larger for at least two days at participating Florida Dollar offices will be able to earn triple Delta Air Lines SkyMiles until May 31.

To qualify for the bonus customers must quote promotion code DLD6 when making their initial reservation and provide SkyMiles identification when picking up their vehicle.

Frequent flier miles are subject to a surcharge of 50 cents per rental day (up to $2 per transaction) and reservations at least one day in advance are required to qualify for the deal.

Delta expands code share

Delta Air Lines and China Airlines have expanded their code-sharing agreement. The new contract means that Delta passengers flying from the U.S. to Asia will be able to continue their onward journeys on China Airlines-operated flights and still accumulate frequent flier mileage for their entire trip.

From April 1, Delta passengers will be able to earn mileage rewards on China Airlines services to Taipei from Anchorage, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York (JFK), San Francisco, and Seattle. Customers will also be able to earn Delta reward points on coordinated onward services to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi.

Swap air miles for merchandise

United Airlines is giving its frequent travelers the opportunity to redeem their reward miles against brand-name merchandise, gadgets and goodies. The scheme will run until December 31, and is available to Mileage Plus' 1K, Premier Executive and Premier members.

The new rewards include Canon digital cameras, Toshiba 27" Integrated HD-DVD Combo LCD televisions and Callaway Heavenwood golf clubs. A full list of the merchandise is available on United's website.

As well as the new offerings, customers will still be able to redeem their frequent flier points against air travel, car rental and hotel stays.

Free Spirit

© Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines has just launched an innovative new frequent flier program called “Free Spirit”™. The initiative is designed to allow for redemption of awards for travel on every Spirit flight without having to work around nettlesome blackout dates.

Redemption for domestic awards starts at 15,000 miles and Caribbean redemption at 20,000. To help keep track of the miles you rack up, you’ll be able to view account balance and status levels with a visit to the website.

Armed with an expanding fleet of new Airbus twinjets, Spirit has been making real waves of late, expanding routes and adding innovative products. Free Spirit is the latest.

New rewards for Delta fliers

Members of Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles Elite program are being offered a new online redemption service that boasts a range of goods.

Medallion Marketplace will start in March and allow Platinum Medallion members to redeem their miles online for a selection of travel-related and household goods including hotel stays, electronics, gardening equipment and gift cards.

Travelers can choose from more than 300 items and Jeff Robertson, managing director of the SkyMiles program, hopes that the new selections will inspire more passengers to fly with Delta.

Mileage Plus celebrates birthday with new rewards

United Airlines’ hugely successful Mileage Plus program (with more than 45 million enrolled members) celebrates its 25th birthday this year. To underscore that success, the nation’s second-largest airline is offering Mileage Plus heavy-hitters some intriguing new rewards in addition to the miles they earn which require no actual mileage redemption.

You can opt for a new reward when reaching any of these mileage milestones: 40,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQM) or 40 Elite Qualifying Segments (EQS); 75,000 EQM or 75 EQS; 125,000 EQM or 125 EQS; and (this is for really frequent fliers) 125,000 EQM or 300 EQS.

Japan Airlines to join global airline group

Japan Airlines is a step closer to joining the oneworld global airline alliance after the two groups exchanged a memorandum of understanding.

oneworld already brings together some of the world's biggest airlines including American Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, Iberia, Cathay Pacific, LAN, Finnair, and Aer Lingus, plus their affiliates.

Passengers traveling with oneworld members enjoy more benefits and services than any individual airline can offer, including the opportunity to earn and redeem frequent flier miles across the network.

Say 'I Love You' and earn miles

© Northwest Airlines

In preparation for Valentine's Day, globe-girdling Northwest Airlines is offering WorldPerks members three ways to earn bonus miles between now and February 20.

If you buy from a WorldPerks Mall merchant you can rack up 500 bonus miles for every two purchases of $50 USD or more, 1,000 bonus miles for four purchases of $50 USD or more, and 2,500 for ten buys of $50 USD or more.

There is a slew of merchants from which to choose: Ashford.com, Cabela's, Circuit City, Flower Club, FTD.com, Goidiva, Nordstrom, Red Envelope, Spa Finder, Target.com, and Things Remembered.

If you want to keep reminding that special someone about your love and devotion all year long, a membership in Vinesse American Cellars Wine Club will earn as many as 12,700 miles.

Free miles to tempt Texans

American Airlines is offering extra frequent flyer miles to customers on its new Dallas to Missouri service.

The announcement comes as American goes head-to-head on the route with rival Southwest Airlines.

In a promotion that will run from March 2 until May 26, American is offering up to 60,000 extra miles to passengers making six return trips between Dallas (Fort Worth and Love Field airports) and Kansas city, St. Louis, San Antonio or Austin.

United and South African start code-share flights

United Airlines and South African Airways are now selling code-share passage on one another. Aside from virtually seamless connectivity, the arrangement means that travelers can earn United Mileage Plus frequent flyer miles to more destinations in Europe and Africa.

United and South African frequent flyers started earning miles on each other's flights in November. From April, when South African Airways officially joins the Star Alliance, Mileage Plus members will begin earning elite qualifying miles for travel on Africa's premier airline.

United travelers can book passage on South African flights between Washington Dulles and connecting points between Johannesburg and Cape Town, Durban, East London, and Port Elizabeth.

Northwest’s 100,000 mile dash

Register for Northwest Airlines’ 100,000 Mile Dash promotion and find out exactly how far 100,000 extra frequent flyer miles can take you.

You will need to be a WorldPerks’ member to take up the offer. If you’re not, sign up here. Your mailing address must be in the 50 United States or Canada to participate in the promotion.

Second, you’ll need to agree to receive travel-related e-mails from Northwest through May 31, 2006. If you’re not yet getting NWA e-mail, log in to the site with your WorldPerks number and sign up.

Fewer passengers fly for free

New research by Back Aviation Solutions for USA Today finds that fewer passengers have been traveling for free (with airline loyalty schemes) in recent years.

In the 12 months to June 2005, one in 16 passengers traveling on a domestic flight were doing so with air miles, down from one in 14 two years previously.

This has been blamed on airlines increasing the number of restrictions on free travel, as well as frequent flyers saving up their points for hotel rooms or foreign travel.

25 years and growing: American's AAdvantage program

When American Airlines launched its AAdvantage frequent flyer program a quarter of a century ago, few foresaw the marketing juggernaut that it would become. It influences the travel patterns of literally millions of passengers.

“The AAdvantage program consistently ranks high as an influential factor in customer choice,” understates Kurt Stache, President of AAdvantage Marketing Programs.

It was the world's first serious travel loyalty plan, one that has been copied throughout the travel industry. Now, if an airline doesn't have a frequent flyer program (one that's intertwined with those of partner airlines, hotels, and car rental firms) it is at a marked competitive disadvantage regardless of how good its service might be.

Not only do frequent flyer programs influence travel, they are standalone moneymakers for cash-strapped airlines. The new book Mileage Pro - The Insider's Guide to Frequent Flyer Programs by Randy Petersen and Tim Winship, estimates that, as a group, U.S. airlines “sell more than four billion dollars per year in frequent flyer miles”.

Double miles are back out of Cincinnati

One of Delta Air Lines’ most popular promotions was “double miles.” It put people on Delta’s airplanes, and frequent flyer miles in passenger accounts.

Now, it’s back, with some qualifications. Fly out of Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to any of five European destinations between now and March 31, 2006 and get double SkyMiles. That’s a transpacific-like 15,000 frequent flyer points per trip, just for jumping The Pond.

From Cincinnati, SkyMiles members can earn double points for flights to London Gatwick, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Rome, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt airports.

'Short-hop' tickets for less

American Airlines is once again making “short-hop” MileSAAver awards available at a discount.

Members of the airline's advantage scheme, AAdvantage, can purchase cheap tickets for non-stop routes of fewer than 750 air miles.

For flights until February 28, 2006, loyalty-scheme members will need far fewer AAdvantage miles to enjoy “short-hops” between cities such as Chicago and Atlanta, Chicago-Philadelphia and Los Angeles-San Francisco.

American Airlines made the discount deal available last year, when its popularity prompted the airline to bring it back for another round.

New book for mileage pros

There is a new book on the market detailing the essentials of frequent flyer programs. It is written by Randy Petersen and Tim Winship, acknowledged gurus in the field.

Mileage Pro: An Insider's Guide to Frequent Flyer Programs is not Frequent Flyer Programs for Dummies, but it does a nice job of laying out the basics for novice frequent flyers and elite level travelers alike.

Mileage Pro examines an expanding landscape of rewards and incentives, and how travelers can master the game to earn trips, hotel rooms, rental car upgrades and an assortment of goods and services.

SkyMiles for holiday purchases

© Delta Airlines

Want to rack up some Delta Air Lines SkyMiles this holiday season? The nation's second largest airline is running a special frequent flyer promotion with SkyMall, the largest in-flight catalog company in the country.

Here’s how it works. Through December 31, 2005, go to www.skymall.com/delta15 and make a purchase. You’ll earn 15 Delta frequent flyer miles per dollar spent, for each qualifying purchase. This is a five-fold increase from the typical three miles per dollar travelers usually receive for SkyMall buys. Use your Delta SkyMiles Credit card from American Express, and get even more miles.

Frequent flyer hits one million miles

A passenger has reached one million frequent flyer miles in what he called "The Great Canadian Mileage Run 2005."

Marc Tacchi purchased one of Air Canada's North America Unlimited Passes, a $6,000 ticket that effectively gives the holder unlimited travel within North America between October 1 and November 30.

Infrequent flyer busted

An Australian man who accumulated over 17 million frequent flyer miles without boarding a plane has been sent to jail.

Austin Perrott, from Melbourne Australia, took advantage of an online irregularity while working for Singapore Airlines as a customer service supervisor.

The glitch allowed him to add a fake name to a flight's passenger list and award miles to the name.

American offers frequent flyer miles promotion

Ahead of the busy Christmas shopping period, American Airlines has launched an offer that will give shoppers frequent flyer miles with every purchase.

Between now and December 31, 2005, customers buying items on American's eShoppingSM mall located on its website will earn double the frequent flyer mileage they would usually receive with each purchase.

Delta frequent flyer mile promotion

Delta Airlines and American Express have announced a special offer to obtain more frequent flyer miles.

Between November 1 and December 31, all purchases bought with an American Express Delta SkyMiles card will earn the customer twice as many frequent flyer miles as they would have previously received.

To qualify, card members must first enrol for the promotion on American Express' website or by calling the company.

Airlines merge frequent flyer program

America West Airlines and US Airways have gone a step further in their merger with today's announcement that they will be consolidating their frequent flyer programs.

Members of America West's FlightFund and US Airways' Dividend Miles will be able to redeem and earn mileage points for flights on both airlines.

Alaska offers frequent flyer miles through jewelry purchases

Alaska Airlines is offering its customers the chance to earn frequent flyer miles by purchasing jewelry online at Alaskajewelry.com.

The online jeweler and Alaska have entered a strategic partnership, and every dollar spent on the site counts as one frequent flyer mile.

American offers frequent flyer mile bonus

American Airlines has announced that it is offering a substantial amount of frequent flyer miles for business and first class passengers on round trip transatlantic flights between the United States and Britain.

The offer is valid for travel from now until December 31, and travelers can earn a minimum 50,000 miles for each round-trip flight.

Travelers must be members of American's AAdvantage frequent flier program. There is no fee for joining.

Members will earn 42,000 bonus miles for each round trip flight, plus any additional miles for the length of the trip.

Southwest expands Rapid Rewards scheme

Southwest Airlines is expanding its Rapid Rewards scheme for frequent fliers by teaming up with the InterContinental Hotels group (IHG).

From October 1, Rapid Rewards members who stay in any of the 3,500 IHG properties around the world and enrol in IHG's own Priority Club rewards scheme will receive an extra half-credit on their rewards scheme with Southwest.

Logan plans Registered Traveler scheme

Boston's Logan International Airport is considering the introduction of a Registered Traveler scheme that would shorten check-in times for frequent fliers.

Over the past year, the airport has been taking part in a pilot scheme that has seen over 1,800 regular American Airlines customers using exclusive security lanes.

US Airways launches vacation deals

US Airways, which is set to merge with America West Airlines, has announced the start of its "See the US and Save" package vacation sale.

A number of discount airfares and hotel deals will be available as well as the possibility of earning up to 2,000 frequent flyer miles on the airline's Dividend Miles program.

The sale will last from now until September 30, and is valid for vacations that occur between September 20 through December 15, 2005.

Delta offers discounts for North Carolina travel

Delta Airlines has announced discount airfares and frequent flyer mile benefits for direct flights to and from Hickory, North Carolina this fall.

Hickory is a good starting point for outdoor adventure travel in North Carolina's rugged Western mountains.

One-way airfares will range from $79 to $139 for flights serving Hickory. Some samples include Atlanta for $79, West Palm Beach for $94, and Los Angeles for $139.

In addition, customers can earn 1,000 bonus miles on Delta's frequent flyer program for each round-trip flight serving Hickory.

Passengers looking for the cheap airfares must book their tickets before September 23, 2005 and travel between September 15 and November 20, 2005.

Merging airlines consolidate frequent flyer plans

© America West

Tempe, Arizona-based America West Airlines and Arlington, Virginia-based US Airways are to merge their frequent flyer programs as part of the anticipated merger between the two airlines.

As part of the plan, users of US Airways' Dividend Miles and America West's FlightFund plan can earn and redeem miles throughout both airlines' combined network of flights.

This means that travelers will have more ways to use their frequent flyer miles. America West primarily serves destinations on the West Coast and South-west United States, while US Airways focuses more on the East Coast.

In 2006 all miles from both programs will be consolidated into a single Dividend Miles account, and the miles will not expire unless the frequent flyer account is closed.

Delta changes frequent flyer program

© Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines will be ending its existing frequent flyer program, but travelers will still be able to accumulate miles and use them toward airfare discounts.

The old program will be merged into the SkyMiles program, which is effectively the same. Miles and points from the older frequent flyer system will be transferred to the SkyMiles program at the end of 2006.

Delta spokesman Anthony Black said the move was made to avoid complications and simplify the benefits programs for both the passengers and the airline.

Mr. Black added: "It brings all the programs together so you only have to keep track of one account."

Southwest extends frequent flyer program

Discount carrier Southwest Airlines announced today it would be expanding its Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program.

Effective immediately, the airline will give frequent flyer members 24 months to earn credits towards free travel, an increase from the previous level of 12 months.

Southwest will also remove system blackout dates and implement seat restrictions for Reward travel.

US Airways continues frequent flier mile card despite merger

Thanks to a $455 million investment from Juniper Bank into US Airways' merger with America West, the airline will continue use of credit cards that give users frequent flier miles with each purchase.

America West will also be continuing its frequent flier miles from a credit card program as well, but it will also need to restructure its offer when the airlines merge.

A spokesman for US Airways said that it would be business as usual for cardholders, and the switch in banks would not affect them or cause any inconveniences.

Airline pet promotions abundant

A number of airlines are announcing travel promotions that encourage people to bring their pet along.

United Airlines is launching its United Pet Class that gives owners 1,200 frequent flier miles for flying with their pets. Those miles can then be used to purchase tickets with a discount or even a free airfare.

But perhaps the most extravagant program comes from Virgin Atlantic. The airline is really pampering pets, who are also able obtain frequent flier miles.

The miles can also be used to make future airfares cheaper, but also can go towards bowls, T-shirts, or toys. Furthermore, when pets arrive in London from any US destination, they are fed and groomed at a pet welcoming center.

The airline offers pets their own passport that gets stamped with a paw print. United does not issue passports, as airline officials said that the program is meant for people.

Business travelers missing frequent flier benefits

A recent study by the American Small Business Travelers Alliance (ASBTA) has revealed that many small business frequent travelers who take two or more pleasure trips per year have never used frequent flier programs to obtain cheap airfares.

According to the ASBTA study, 31 per cent of small business travelers take two or more pleasure trips every year, while a further 21 percent take more than four.

It turned out that 47 per cent of these people said they never redeemed travel points, such as frequent flier miles, for free or cheaper airline tickets.

Chuck Sharp, ASBTA president, believes that many passengers are missing out on significant discounts on their airfares.