"Next month, United Airlines and American Airlines will strip frequent-flier miles from accounts that have been inactive for 18 months, half the time they had been letting accounts sit idle previously.

Infrequent fliers can preserve their miles by taking action that adds to or subtracts from their account balance before the deadlines.

American and United are among many airlines that are cracking down on casual customers by shortening the time an account can remain dormant before miles disappear.

The old industry standard was 36 months. Now, most major airlines require action every 18 to 24 months. Among old-line carriers, only Northwest is still at 36 months. Continental says it has never expunged miles from accounts, although it reserves the right to do so after 18 months of inactivity.

The good news is, you usually don't have to take a trip to generate activity in your account. "
[Via www.sfgate.com]

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
To read the rest of this article click blue line above.

Don't miss the chart at the bottom of the article that gives you all the airlines and their expiration policies.

Labels: american Airlines, frequent flyer, miles, United Airlines

"Know if your carrier adheres to this rule — it could be your saving grace

Even though U.S. airlines have weakened the Rule 240 clauses in their contracts of carriage, it still pays to have a copy with you to show the airline's ground service agents what your rights are when your flight is badly delayed or canceled.

Before the deregulation of the U.S. airline industry in 1978, every U.S. airline had to follow the same set of rules — including those dealing with "irregularities" such as canceled flights.
In those days, airline fares and routes were regulated by the Civil Aeronautics Board, the predecessor to today's Federal Aviation Administration.
One of these rules, number 240, specified that if an airline couldn't get you to your destination on time, it was required to put you on a competitor's flight if it would get you there faster than your original airline's net flight. Airlines were even required to put you in first class if that's all that was available.

They rarely advertised this perk, however, since airlines naturally didn't want to fork over scarce cash to fly customers on a rival carrier. But seasoned road warriors have always known they could approach the counter and say the magic words "240 me" to be put on the next flight out.

Airlines formed after deregulation — such as JetBlue, Southwest, and Spirit — were never required to follow these rules. Even so, some of these newer airlines may attempt to put you on another airline if there's no other choice.
"While we don't have a traditional Rule 240, we will purchase confirmed seats as necessary on another airline to get customers to their final destination in the event of irregularities within our control," Todd Burke, JetBlue Airways' vice president for corporate communications, told Airfarewatchdog.com.
In addition, if there's a "significant delay," JetBlue's compensation may include a "partial or full refund," in addition to accommodation on another airline.

However, in recent years, as "legacy" carriers such as American, United, and Delta have struggled to remain profitable, and some have slashed costs to emerge from bankruptcy, many have quietly weakened their Rule 240s.

United Airlines, for instance, no longer states in its contract of carriage that it will fly you in first class on a competitor, if that's all that's available, although it will transport you in coach class on another airline.

Although Delta Air Lines still has a Rule 240 in its contract, it no longer makes any mention of transporting passengers on other airlines in the event of a flight disruption.

Continental Airlines will upgrade a delayed passenger only on its own flights—not on a competitor's—and only if doing so will get you to your destination earlier than would otherwise be the case.

US Airways has nothing in its terms of transportation concerning Rule 240, though spokesperson Amy Kudwa said the airline still applies the rule on all flights except international flights.

The good news is that Northwest Airlines still has a very traditional contract, little changed from the days of regulation. It will put you on another airline, in first class if necessary, if your original flight is delayed 60 minutes or longer.

It's important to emphasize that these rules generally apply to situations within the airline's control, such as mechanical problems. But if the flight irregularity results from a "force majeure event" such as bad weather, a riot, or a work stoppage, then all bets are off. And the legacy carriers may not have agreements with their newer competitors such as JetBlue and Southwest, so that they might not re-route you on those carriers.

Even if you are flying an airline that adheres to Rule 240, its employees may be reluctant to rewrite your ticket on a competitor because of the financial implications of doing so. So it pays to print out and carry a copy of the contract of carriage and present it to the gate agent if necessary." By George Hobica [Via msnbc.msn.com]

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
Know your rights. We did another post on this topic on April 7. 2007

Labels: Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, rule 240, United Airlines, US Airways

To register a trip outside the U.S. with the U.S. State Department takes only about 5 min. You can do it on line. They ask for only your passport number, an address where you are going, and the names and passport numbers of the people you are traveling with. Should there be an emergency where Americans need to be evacuated, the State Department then knows how to contact you. If someone desperately needs to contact you, the State Department knows how to do it. go to https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
In the event of a hurricane, etc., if they don't know where you are, you are left with trying to find out where they are and adding yourself to the list of Americans they are compiling; it's much better, to be on the list to start with. Click blue line above

Labels: State Dept., travel

Enter American Airlines' "Depart from the Ho Ho Hum" sweepstakes by December 31 for a chance to win one of five grand prizes, including two first-class tickets to London, hotel, and tickets to a soccer match; a one-year Admirals Club membership plus 500,000 AAdvantage miles; a flight simulator experience; etc.

Labels: AAvantage, American Airlines AAdvantage

Quadruple Miles, Quadruple Smiles

This winter, go global and earn four times the miles!

Between December 1, 2007 and February 29, 2008, stay at participating Hilton Family hotels worldwide and earn quadruple miles with Delta Air Lines®.

Just pick a global destination - you have six continents to choose from! Remember, wherever you go, there'll be a Hilton Family hotel nearby.
Quadruple Miles, Quadruple Smiles

This winter, go global and earn four times the miles!

Between December 1, 2007 and February 29, 2008, stay at participating Hilton Family hotels worldwide and ean quadruple miles with Delta Air Lines®.

Just pick a global destination - you have six continents to choose from! Remember, wherever you go, there'll be a Hilton Family hotel nearby.

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
Be sure you have Delta as the airline frequent flyer program with Hilton Honors.

Labels: Delta Airlines, HILTON, Hilton HHonors

Escape to a W Hotel and experience a unique mix of innovative design, comfort, and cultural influences from fashion to music to art, and everything in between. It gets even better. When you book a two-night stay with W Hotels using any American Express® Card, you'll enjoy a third night on us.

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
Book and stay by December 31, 2007.
Deals like this don't come along that often. (New York City hotels are among those included)

Labels: american Express, DEALS, New York City, W Hotels

"In fact, many smart travelers are converting at least part of their loyalty to the hotels. How does it work?

Well, if you're on the road quite a bit, chances are good you're staying a hotel. If you're traveling around the country, you might have developed a good relationship with one or more hotel chains. Almost every chain has a loyalty program these days. Most are linked at some level with the airline programs.

But here's the important point: take a look at your total travel bill. Chances are good that your hotel costs were more than the charge for your airline ticket.

So the question is this: how can you leverage your hotel cost for discounts and freebies in the future?"
[Via www.adn.com]

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
Click blue line above to read the whole article

Labels: Air Miles, Airlines, mileage, travel

Enjoy the savings and earn double miles on weekend rentals of 2 or more days, or rentals of 5 or more days, at a participating airport or off airport location in the U.S., Puerto Rico or Canada.

That’s 100 miles per day on weekend rentals and 1,000 miles on rentals of 5 or more days.

To reserve this offer online:
* Click on blue line above to go to offer page
Click on the applicable "Quote It" button
* Your Discount CDP Number 391867 and Promotional Coupon (PC) Number will automatically be applied to
your reservation.
* Select "Continental Airlines" from the drop down menu in the "Frequent Traveler" field,
and enter your OnePass number in the "Frequent Traveler Number" field.

Participating Locations in U.S., Puerto Rico & Canada

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
Save this one-good from Now through December 31, 2008

Labels: Continental Airlines, Hertz, OnePass Miles

Nov. 15, 2007/10:19AM
"Will Announce Air Traffic Control Changes Before Thanksgiving; Targets Northeast

 President Bush Thursday will announce a sweeping government response to record flight delays, reports White House correspondent Peter Maer. A White House official tells CBS News the plan will confront next week's holiday rush. It will also deal with longer-term issues.

The administration will call for new FAA air traffic control efforts to respond to non-weather-related delays. In a radio interview with CBS News, Air Traveler's Association president David Stempler said the administration "will make some quick air traffic control improvements to try to get a lot more efficiency for the Thanksgiving and holiday period." Stempler said future plans include new approaches and departure paths at New York's JFK Airport and access to air space currently used by the military.

Many of the immediate fixes and long range proposals target what the administration describes as "the most overstressed" part of the system, the frequently-clogged Northeast Corridor. Many flight delay problems start in the New York City region. The administration says up to a third of the nation's air traffic flies through the area and two-thirds of all flights nationwide can be affected by delays around New York City airports. The administration has considered fining airlines for operating chronically delayed flights. " [Via cbsnews.com]

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
Click blue line above to read the whole article

"Users hate early termination fees that come with their mobile service contracts. Now, in part because of pressure from lawsuits filed challening the practice, all four major U.S. wireless carriers are softening the blow.

Verizon Wireless was the first to prorate early termiantion fees last year. at&t Wireless did so in October. T-Mobile and Sprint now also say they will start prorating their early termination fees in the first half of next year.

The fees aren't gone. But the amount will decrease the closer you get to contract end date. Sprint also says it will allow allow users to change plans without renewing the contract, something Verizon started doing in October.

All the moves are user friendly. Look for more signs of "friendliness" as use of unlocked phones starts to spread, open source Android phones start to make their appearance and, just maybe, a new carrier decides to push the envelope even more."
[Via ipcarrier.blogspot.com] published Nov. 9, 2007

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
click on blue line above to see the original article

Labels: Android, att, Google, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon

WIN A TRIP FOR TWO TO MESA, ARIZONA AND STAY AT THE BEAUTIFUL ARIZONA GOLF RESORT
Plus round-trip airfare for two courtesy of usairwaysmag.com

VACATION PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• 4 DAY/3 NIGHT STAY FOR TWO AT THE ARIZONA GOLF RESORT

• UNLIMITED GOLF FOR TWO AT THE ARIZONA GOLF RESORT

• ROUND OF GOLF FOR TWO AT LONGBOW GOLF CLUB

• DINNER FOR TWO AT BROADWAY PALM DINNER THEATER

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
Entries must be received no later than midnight,November 30, 2007.
from US Airways Magazine
click blue line above to get started

Labels: Arizona, free trip, sweepstakes, US Airways

"If you're a frequent user of Priceline like I am, you know there are bidding restrictions. These restrictions can lead to overbidding.

You may still get a pretty good deal, but not the lowest rock-bottom price that Priceline has hidden in its computer system.

You can't simply increase your bid by $1 after each rejection. If you don't want to change your dates of travel or hotel class or add an additional hotel zone, Priceline makes you wait 24 hours before you can bid again.

But there is a way to manipulate your bidding, find the cheapest price offered, get around the 24-hour rule and stay exactly in the area you want. "
[Via komotv.com/news]

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
To see the rest of the article click on blue line above

Labels: air travel, DEALS, priceline

Earn double miles when you use your MasterCard® card at the AAdvantage eShopping Mall at 25 select Merchants between 11/1-12/31. Plus a bonus for spending thresholds -

Spend $250 and get 500 bonus miles
$500 and get 1,500 miles
$1000 and get 4,000 miles

The 25 Merchants are -

GiftCertificates.com
JCPenney
Barnes & Noble
Kodak Gallery
Land's End
J&R Music World Computer World
Blue Nile
Macy's
BOSE
Drugstore.com
Circuit City
Overstock.com
Eluxury
Sears
eToys
redEnvelope
Eddie Bauer
Staples
Gap
Dell
Harry and David
Cabela's
The Sharper Image
Saks Fifth Avenue
TigerDirect.com

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
Click blue line above for AAdvantage website

Want even more miles??
Step 1- pick out merchants you are interested above
Step 2- go to www.giftcertificates.com and order a gift certificate for the merchant with a mileage or
points earning credit card
step 3- pay for AAdvantage Shopping purchases with the gift certificate

Remember the merchant has to be on both sites to get even more extra miles

Labels: AAdvantage Shopping

"Delta Air Lines Inc.'s top executives, looking for a way to bolster the bottom line, are retooling the carrier's frequent-flier program, and it could mean that booking award flights -- already a daunting task -- could get even harder.

That could alienate the airline's most loyal travelers, who according to industry watchers, are already wandering.

Delta will implement a change Dec. 1 that will make fewer award seats available on popular flights, even for loyal customers willing to redeem double the miles to get a "free" ticket.

Delta will also start passing along a "surcharge" for miles tickets booked on SkyTeam airline partners.

In an Oct. 30 interview, Lee Macenczak, Delta's executive vice president of sales and marketing, said that, "90 to 95 percent of people using SkyChoice," Delta's premium award level, won't be affected.

"We perceive it to be a minor change, but it's elicited a much more emotional response," he said.

Travel industry watchers have been complaining, saying the move could be matched by other legacy carriers.

In other words, it's a "race to the bottom," said one industry observer.

"The real trend in the industry is to just make fun of people, basically," said Atlanta consumer advocate and WSB radio talk show host Clark Howard.

"They say, 'Hey look, how'd you like to get a free trip to Italy? Just kidding,' " said Howard, who decried Delta's move as the latest trick on people lured into loyalty programs that never really pay off.." [Via www.bizjournals.com/atlanta]

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
We hope other airlines don't follow this bad move by Delta.
To see the original story click on blue line above

Labels: Delta Airlines, frequent flyer

Blackstone (who just bought Hilton) intends to incorporate a significant portion of its existing portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts onto the Hilton platform, adding to the luxury offerings available to Hilton customers. Blackstone’s holdings include such upscale properties as The Boulders Resort and Spa (Arizona), The El Conquistador Resort (Puerto Rico), and The Boca Raton Resort and Club (Florida).

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
Click blue line above to see LXR portfolio of luxury hotels.
The big question is will we be able to use Hilton Honors points for stays. It would seem a very good possibility. They may become members of the Waldorf=Astoria Collection

Labels: Florida, HILTON, Hilton HHonors, luxury

Select from our list of over 6,000 stocks and ETFs
Schedule investments on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis
Invest any dollar amount on Tuesdays exclusively online

Open a new OnePass ShareBuilder account and you’ll receive 2,000 OnePass miles after your first stock purchase.

Plus, get a free iPod® shuffle when you subscribe to the Advantage Pricing Program for the first three months.

Open a new OnePass® ShareBuilder account and get 2,000 miles after your first trade. Also, subscribe to the Advantage Pricing Program for three consecutive months, and earn an iPod® shuffle or $50 in holiday cash (good for movies, DVDs, music and books)

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
Offer ends 12/31/07.

Labels: Continental Airlines, iPOD, OnePass Miles

Hilton HHonors proudly presents the Grand Rewards store in the heart of New York City. It’s a brand new way to redeem your HHonors points—in person...in the Big Apple...at your convenience.

The Grand Rewards store features access to Broadway theater tickets and top brands like Gucci(R), TaylorMade (R), Apple(R), and much more*.

So look, touch and listen while you shop your heart out with your HHonors points. The store is located at 569 Lexington Ave, between 50th and 51st.

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
Now Open! Just in time for holiday shopping!

Labels: HILTON, Hilton HHonors, Marriott Rewards, points

"If you read this blog regularly, you know I'm a big fan of earning miles for dining. And I practice what I preach, typically eating at two restaurants a week which award miles. As an elite member of the dining program, I earn 10 miles per $1 spent.

So I was intrigued by the latest from American: AAdvantage miles for buying gift certificates from restaurants participating in AAdvantage Dining. I can easily imagine giving restaurant gift cards as Christmas presents, and earning miles in the process makes the prospect that much more attractive.

Note that the gifts are restaurant-specific. Not all restaurants offer gift cards or gift certificates. And the AAdvantage Dining website doesn't help determine which ones do and which ones don't—you'll have to contact the restaurant and ask.

And to earn miles, you'll have to purchase the gift certificate with a credit card already on file to earn dining miles, and make the purchase on a day when miles are normally awarded for dining (some restaurants only award miles on slower days).

Notwithstanding the limitations, this is a solid earning opportunity. While it's currently being offered only by American, it's likely to be adopted by other airlines with dining-for-miles programs as well." by Tim Winship (via Smartertravel.com)

The Pointswizard.com Spin: with the holidays coming- Buy these cards as gift and you benefit from the miles.

Labels: AAdvantage, American Airlines AAdvantage, gift cards