Frequent Flier Miles Are Expiring Faster
USA Today did a good job in compiling the expiration policies of major U.S. frequent flier programs. Time to strategize your usage of mileage programs!
"Of 16 U.S. airlines contacted by USA TODAY, only Continental and Aloha said miles do not expire in their frequent-flier members' accounts. Continental has a written policy stating that miles can expire if none are earned in 18 months, but the airline doesn't act on it, says spokesman David Messing. AirTran and JetBlue have the strictest expiration policies, with credits or miles expiring one year after they are earned. Airlines' expiration policies have nuances. For example, some carriers require miles be added to keep accounts alive. For others, adding or redeeming miles will keep the account alive. Members of many airlines' frequent-flier clubs can prevent their miles from expiring by cashing some in for a magazine subscription. Or they can make an online purchase from ..." Full StoryBest Western's China Strategy: Premium Upscale Hotel Chain
The strategy is probably flawed. I am not sure if Best Western can efficiently build brand image as an upscale hotel chain in China, given all major hotel chains have invested in 4-/5-star hotels heavily in China, and more people have visited the U.S. (and therefore know one thing or two about what Best Western is in America). On the other hand, downtown thrifty hotels are in huge demand -- a domestic 3-star hotel chain has just went IPO in NASDAQ lately.
"Best Western International Inc., the world's biggest hotel chain by rooms, is changing its China strategy in hopes of going beyond its traditional image as a purveyor of budget hotels. The Phoenix-based chain has scrapped plans to build a network of 100 three-star, budget hotels in China by 2007. Instead, it plans to triple the number of its four- and five-star hotels in China to 60 by 2009. David Kong, chief executive of Best Western, described the chain's image as a "solid three-star brand in the United States," that developed alongside the explosive growth of American interstate highways in the 1950s and 1960s. But it is the company's chain of more upscale hotels, called Premier, that Best Western is trying to introduce overseas in greater ..." Full StoryBest Hotels In Shanghai Featured in WSJ
Wall Street Journal discussed some amazing hotels in Shanghai. For example, Grand Hyatt Shanghai, famously located in the highest building building in Shanghai, offers breathtaking views of the Bund. Because all these hotels were only opened in the last several years, you can really expect posh interior design and impeccable experience during your stay.
"Grand Hyatt Jin Mao Tower, home of the Grand Hyatt, is the fourth-tallest tower in the world and a remarkable structure: 421 meters high with pagodalike accretions every dozen or so stories, making it look as though it has been extended telescopically, and a faintly Art Deco crown. The Pudong Shangri-La The newly expanded Pudong Shangri-La aspires to be the premier luxury hotel in Shanghai. Its new Horizon Club, between the 27th and 31st floors of the 36-story second tower, opened in September. The five Horizon Premier King Suites are some of the city's most luxurious and spacious (94 square meters). Each is a long rectangular room, decorated in deep wood tones, with floor-to-ceiling windows along one wall. Half is devoted to sleeping: A comfortable ..." Full StoryAmerican, Delta And Other Airlines Are Raising Fares
Major airlines are certainly gaining pricing powers. If it is any indication, I was recently downgraded twice to economy class because Northwest oversold business class tickets.
"American, the nation's largest carrier, raised fares Thursday night on most of its routes except to and from Dallas, where it is locked in a fare war with Southwest Airlines Co. Delta raised fares broadly except where it competes with Southwest and other low-cost airlines. Continental Airlines Inc. and US Airways Group Inc. both said Friday that they would match the higher fares. United Airlines was still considering the issue, but it raised other fares by up to $50 one-way; Northwest Airlines Corp. said late Friday it had matched the raise. The leading low-cost carriers, Southwest and JetBlue Airways Corp., said Friday they had not raised prices. At the same time, American cut fares to and from the Dallas area to compete with a fare ..." Full StorySingapore Airlines' New Cabin Design
Yet another milestone of innovation from Singapore Airlines. The new design just makes me drool. We are talking about full-flat bed, 15-inch LCD and business panel in business class cabin. Unfortunately, the design will not be rolled out to flights in Asia any time soon. Cannot wait to try it out!
"Singapore Airlines today launched its latest suite of cabin products that is set to be the new industry benchmark for premium air travel. Designed to deliver the most luxurious and stylish travel experiences, the suite of products and services include new Singapore Airlines First, Business and Economy Class seats, the next generation KrisWorld inflight entertainment system and an enhanced service delivery. "This is by far our most important and comprehensive product and service development programme. Our customers' involvement was key to the entire process. From initial conceptualisation to design review and prototype testing, the feedback and comments from our frequent flyers have given us invaluable insight to what customers want and perceive to be the inflight experience of the future," says Sak-Hin Chin, General Manager ..." Full StoryFrequent Flier Programs: The Best Success Rates Of Upgrade Award Booking
WebFlyer compares the overall success rate for booking an upgrade award trips in different airlines' frequent flier programs. The average success rate, as reported by WebFlyer readers, is 58%.
"US Airways Dividend Miles 75% United Mileage Plus 69% Philippine Airlines Mabhuhay Miles 66% SAS EuroBonus 65% Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan 62% America West FlightFund 62% Northwest WorldPerks 62% American AAdvantage 61% Finnair Finnair Plus 60% LAN LanPass 59% Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles 58% Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus 57% Lufthansa Miles & More 57% TAP Air Portugal Navigator 55% EVA Air Evergreen Club 54% Delta SkyMiles 52% Qantas Airways Frequent Flyer 52% Asiana Airlines Asiana Bonus Club 51% Korean Airlines Skypass 51% Continental OnePass 51% All Nippon Airways ANA Mileage Club 50% CSA Czech Airlines OK Plus 50% Air France Frequence Plus 49% Air New Zealand Air Points 48% VARIG Varig Smiles 47% Air Canada Aeroplan 44% Aero California Club Altus 44% Aer Lingus Gold ..." Full StoryFrequent Flier Programs: The Best Success Rates Of Award Trip Booking
WebFlyer compares the overall success rate for booking an award trip in different airlines' frequent flier programs. The average success rate, as reported by WebFlyer readers, is 53%.
Although I have tons of miles in United, Northwest and Singapore Airlines, the only successful award trip I ever booked is with Singapore Airlines.
"US Airways Dividend Miles 68% Philippine Airlines Mabhuhay Miles 66% TAP Air Portugal Navigator 62% Qantas Airways Frequent Flyer 61% Lufthansa Miles & More 61% American AAdvantage 60% Midwest Airlines Midwest Miles 60% Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer 60% AeroMexico Club Premier 59% Southwest Rapid Rewards 59% SAS EuroBonus 59% SN Brussels Airlines Privilege 58% Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles 58% United Mileage Plus 57% Virgin Atlantic flying club 57% Mexicana Frecuenta 56% Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus 56% Swiss International Air Lines Swiss TravelClub 56% Air France Frequence Plus 55% Vanguard Airlines Vantage Points 55% GlobalPass 54% British Airways Executive Club 54% KLM Flying Dutchman 53% Asiana Airlines Asiana Bonus Club 53% Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan 53% Aer Lingus Gold Circle Club 52% Air New Zealand Air Points ..." Full StoryScary Stories Of Being Late For Flights
WSJ's travel columnist Scott McCartney compiled a list of horrible experience from airline customers being dumped from oversold planes, being charged enormous late fees and getting terrible delayed. My family was once late to a Delta flight due to freeway accident and had to pay for new tickets over $2,000. I will never ever fly Delta gain!
"Several readers raised great questions about airline overbooking practices. David Shea: "It's interesting that American's spokesman Tim Wagner would say 'Essentially, they bought a product that has been "used," whether they were in the seat or not.' If the product has been 'used' as Mr. Wagner claims, what right does American have to cancel the return flight?" John P. Godshall told of an inconvenient consequence of overbooking: "My flight from Charlotte to London was severely oversold, and US Airways was desperately trying to find volunteers, even after the plane was fully boarded. Two people already on the plane finally decided they would give up their seats, but this also meant that their bags had to be unloaded from underneath the plane. Finding and unloading these ..." Full StoryTravel Insurance Or Not?
Scott McCartney at WSJ reviews whether one should purchase travel insurance. It is probably true for exotic trips, one should seriously consider travel insurance.
"Travel agent Steve Danishek from Seattle, whom I've known for many years as a wise voice on travel issues, pointed out that the cost of a medical evacuation can be huge. "My mother, now deceased, wasn't worried about the possibility of losing the $3,000 cost of a Panama Canal cruise and didn't purchase insurance, but was stung by the $31,000 cost of the air ambulance from Panama City to Seattle for her broken hip," Mr. Danishek said. He also pointed out that as a travel agent, he never fails to offer travel insurance, both to protect clients and to protect himself. "I am protecting myself from the possibility of future litigation if the client suffers a loss and decides to cast a net for reimbursement ..." Full StoryPromotions For Frequent Flier Elite Status
Some latest promotions from major airlines to help you get your elite status sooner. To me, the advantage of Elite status is obvious: quicker boarding, access to lounges and better seating. Now that I'm flying 14 weeks a year, I cannot live without Elite membership.
"It's that time of year when frequent fliers look to accrue the crucial miles that will get them so-called elite status for 2007, and airlines are rolling out offers to help them make it. Elite status in airlines' mileage programs entitles fliers to perks like free or discounted upgrades, priority boarding, special seating or access to airport lounges. The miles that qualify for elite status tend to be miles actually flown on the airline or its alliance partners, rather than miles accrued through credit-card purchases or deals with retail and hotel partners. As a result, these loyal passengers are particularly coveted by airlines. Now, some airlines are rolling out promotions to help their fliers make elite status by year end, when the airlines add up ..." Full StoryQuicker Security Screening For Less Than $100
Frequent fliers beware: you can pay under $100 for much quicker security screen at some airports.
"Despite rising fees by the Transportation Security Administration, Clear -- the registered-traveler program that expedites the security-screening process -- announced last week that it will keep the annual price of its service below $100. As the program preps for its national rollout (it has been operating a pilot program in Orlando since July 2005) the TSA determined the program would cost around $30 per member. Until now, the TSA has waived the charge, leaving travelers with only the $79.95 cost from Clear. Clear Chief Executive Officer Steven Brill says the company will absorb a portion of the cost by the TSA and lower its charge to $69.95, keeping the total cost at $99.95. The new pricing began last week. Clear, with more than 30,000 members ..." Full Story