Enroll in The Extra Mile program by Dec. 31, 2007 and receive 50 percent more miles for every eligible fare* you purchase.
The program lets you earn miles between Jan. 1, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2008.

Choose from three offers:
Offer 1 Pay $50 and receive a 50% mileage bonus on all flights up to 5,000 bonus miles.Register for Offer 1 using registration code AC8M01.

Offer 2Pay $100 and receive a 50% mileage bonus on all flights. Cap of 10,000 bonus miles.
Register for Offer 2 using registration code AC8M02.

Offer 3Pay $150 and receive a 50% mileage bonus on all flights. Cap of 15,000 bonus miles.
Register for Offer 3 using registration code AC8M03.

Pointswizard.com Spin: An inexpensive way to get extra OnePass miles. Click blue line aboveto get to the offer

Labels: Continental Airlines, OnePass Miles, travel

AP) – Q: My frequent-flier accounts have been inactive for too long, and my miles are going to go down the drain. What’s an inexpensive last-minute save?A: Inactivity periods can creep up on frequent-flier members, especially since some major airlines have been reducing the amount of time fliers’ accounts can rest idle — no miles earned or redeemed — before wiping clean program members’ accounts.

American Airlines’ 36-month inactivity period switched to an 18-month limit on December 15, United Airlines will make the same switch on December 31 and Alaska Airlines will cut its inactivity period from three years to two years starting April 1, 2008.Other airlines’ inactivity periods range from JetBlue Airways’ one-year expiration date to Continental Airlines’ indefinite commitment.But saving miles is easy — no need to rely on travel to earn miles. A program member can shop, eat out, take a survey, watch an online ad, donate miles to charity or order magazine subscriptions to add mileage to an account in small increments, keeping it alive.

“It’s hard to believe that we would be talking about frequent-flier programs and someone’s worrying about their miles expiring,” said Randy Peterson, publisher of InsideFlyer magazine. “Virtually any activity counts toward extending your miles, all of which are pretty easy and pretty everyday.”Leisure-time solutions such as holiday shopping with the airlines’ retail partners or eating out at one of the thousands of restaurants linked to major airlines’ flier programs require little extra effort or spending.”All of the big programs these days have what I call mileage malls, which are networks of online retailers,” said Tim Winship, a frequent-flier program expert. “The larger such malls comprise up to 200 and more online retailers.” To use these malls, program members must first go to the Web site of the airline on which they want to accrue miles and click through to the retailer’s site via the mileage plan window.To use a dining program, register a credit card number with a mileage plan (free), then pay for meals with that card.Purchasing groceries can also net miles — United, for example, has a relationship with several major grocery chains.

Transferring miles to another account or buying up miles are not good deals, said Winship and Peterson.Many airlines charge 1 cent per mile transferred, with an additional transaction fee. On Northwest Airlines, for example, transferring the minimum 5,000 miles would cost $75, with no additional miles gained.Alaska requires a 1,000-mile minimum purchase when buying miles directly — not a bad deal for $25, plus taxes — but gaining free miles via regular purchases and activities has more value.”You would be hard-pressed to think of anything that you might want to buy that you couldn’t earn miles for,” said Winship. “Many of these online malls have in place right now bonus mile promotions that go through Christmas”Many major airlines’ program members can also sign up with Web sites e-rewards.com and e-miles.com.

Sitting through a short ad or filling out an online survey posts 10-15 miles per activity to a previously-specified airline, ensuring that infrequently-used mileage accounts don’t die.And while miles stored in American’s mileage program expired on December 15 if the last activity registered was in June 2006, the airline offers a one-month grace period, until January 15, 2008, for program members to redeem or earn miles and win back expired accounts.If all else fails, some airlines offer mileage reactivation.American can retrieve expired miles through December 2008, at a cost of $50 for every 5,000 miles, plus a processing fee; Alaska’s reactivation, available up to a year from the day of expiration, costs a flat $75.United does not currently offer a reactivation plan. (via -AP- cnn.com)

The Pointswizard.com Spin: click blue line above to see this article

Labels: frequent flyer, travel

While SIR PAUL McCARTNEY is a Christmas-time regular at the Hilton resort on Rangali Island in the Maldives where he enjoys snorkelling and swimming, this year he is staying closer to home. The music legend is spending Christmas Day in the UK with four-year-old daughter Beatrice. McCartney is planning a family Christmas at his Peasmarsh estate in West Sussex, along with children Heather, Mary, Stella and James. Paul has another reason to be near home - he is about to become a grandfather again. Mum-of-two Stella (Miller, two, and Bailey, one) is expecting her third child with husband Alasdhair Willis around Christmas Day.

Paul’s ex-wife HEATHER MILLS is expected to be nearby. The former model owns a home just 15 miles down the road from the McCartney estate and will undoubtedly want time with her little girl as well. Shortly after the festive period, Heather is rumoured to be heading off to her holiday home in Slovenia for a winter break.

Despite their recent move to LA, VICTORIA and DAVID BECKHAM are coming home to England for Christmas. The pair are planning a typically Beckham overthetop celebration with their three children and families. Currently in the middle of her Spice Girls world tour, Victoria has the week off, and the Beckham brood will be staying in their mansion in Sawbridgeworth, Herts. Sons Brooklyn, eight, Romeo, five, and two-year old Cruz will be joined by Victoria’s parents Tony and Jackie, along with her sister Louise and David’s mother, Sandra. MADONNA will be spending Christmas ………….(via Dailymail.co.uk)

The Pointswizard.com Spin: click blue line above to read the whole story

Labels: travel

Prizes

SWEEPSTAKES GRAND PRIZE:One (1) Grand Prize will be available to be awarded in the Sweepstakes, consisting of a Marriott “Millionaire’s” Package, including One Million Marriott Rewards Points, One Million Frequent Flyer Miles from winner’s choice of participating airlines, and a $25,000 Marriott Gift Card. The total approximate retail value of the Grand Prize is $51,050.INSTANT WIN PRIZES:

FIRST PRIZE: One (1) First Prize is available to be awarded. The First Prize consists of 1,000,000 Marriott Rewards Points.The approximate retail value of the First Prize is $9,000.

SECOND PRIZES: Ten (10) Second Prizes are available to be awarded. Each Second Prize consists of 100,000 Marriott Rewards Points.The approximate retail value of each Second Prize is $900.

THIRD PRIZES: Five (5) Third Prizes will be awarded. Each Third Prize consists of 50,000 Marriott Rewards Points.The approximate retail value of each Third Prize is $450.

FOURTH PRIZES: Eighty-four (84) Fourth Prizes are available to be awarded. Each Fourth Prize consists of 10,000 Marriott Rewards Points.The approximate retail value of each Second Prize is $90.

The Pointswizard.com Spin: click blue line above to get started

Labels: Marriott Rewards

The famous Black Amex Card (Centurion) now gets even cooler with its own forum on the internet.

"Travel Perks

Gold Status for Delta, Continental and US Airways

Centurion cardholders qualify for Gold status for Delta Skymiles, Continental Onepass and US Airways Dividend Miles program automatically without having to fly the required miles or number of flights. Gold status brings its perks like check in at First Class counters, double miles when you fly, free upgrades.

New : Gold Elite Status with Virgin Atlantic Airways

Centurion has just announced that cardholders will now automatically qualify for Gold Status in the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club program. Being a Gold member allows you to earn 50% extra Virgin miles and other extra perks. Secondary cardholders also get this benefit.

Centurion Airport Lounge

Cardholders can also access Continental’s Presidents Lounge, Delta Crown Room Club and NorthWest Airlines World Club when you are flying on their airlines. You also get access to Priority Pass Lounges regardless of which airlines you fly. Priority Pass has over 450 airport lounges worldwide.

Elite Car Rental Program

Complimentary memberships are available to centurion holders for both Avis and Hertz.

Elite Hotel Status

The elite status available to centurion members has been the latest controvesy among cardholders. When the centurion card was first marketed, cardholders automatically qualified as Diamond (Elite) status for Hyatt, Gold Status (mid-tier) for Hilton HHonors program, Platinum status for Starwood Preferred Guest Program, and also elite status for Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts.

The perk that was coveted by centurion members was the Platinum Status of the Starwood Preferred Guest program. That was because Starwood has probably the best hotel frequent guest program with no blackout dates and suite upgrades for platinum members. Centurion cardholders often sited the room upgrades from Starwood Hotels essentially cover the cost of the card. Starwood also allows members to transfer points into airmiles at very favorable terms.

However, there has been some changes (or rather reduction) to the elite status perks that cardholders now get that has infuriated many centurion members. Firstly, Hyatt is no longer a partner with the centurion program. Hence, cardholders no longer get Gold status membership with Hyatt. But the most important changes are that from February 2007, centurion cardholders will no longer be automatically qualified for platinum status for the Starwood Preferred Gues Program. Instead, they now only qualify for gold status. Gold status can be easily gotten just by having a Starwood Preferred Guest credit card and just charging it in one calendar year. It is harder to get room upgrades and many centurion members are upset about this.

Fine Resorts and Hotel Program

Centurion has over 550 hotel partners around the world. When you make a reservations through centurion travel service, you will receive room upgrades at check-in when available, continental breakast for two, guaranteed 4pm late checkout and complimentary amenities depending on the hotel property.

But the most important perks under this program comes from the Mandarin Oriental and Ritz Carlton. When you book a room at the Ritz Carlton, you will get a room upgrade at the time of your reservations and you will also get a $50 spending credit. For any reservations at the Mandarin Oriental, you will get a room upgrade upon reservation and also another room upgrade at check-in (ie 2 upgrades). You will also receive from centurion a “Buy One Get One Free Night” coupon for each and every Mandarin Oriental Properties (except Mandarin NY). So, if you travel a lot and stay at the Mandarin Oriental, you will get a fantastic deal for each Mandarin Hotel that you stay in.

New : Relais & Chateaux Club 5C

Centurion has also just announced that cardholders can enroll in the Relais & Chateaux Club 5C program without fulfilling the standard spend and stay requirements. But firstly, what is Relais & Chateaux? It is an association of 460 independent luxury hotels and restaurants with an average capacity of 30 rooms in 51 countries in 5 continents. Their properties are known for their charm, exclusivity and great culnery experience. Relais Gourmands, which is a group within the association, consists of the world’s finest dining establishments.

The Club 5C is Relais & Chateaux royalty program. Its main benefits are the VIP Welcome and Discovery Privilege. The VIP Welcome is a special welcome from the staff of the property. The Discovery Privilege is a customize experience prepared for members during their stay. It includes thngs like a perfume customized specially for you, behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen, fine wine tasting, and sybaritic spa treatment.

Annual Travel Benefit

Centurion cardholders will get a $100 statement credit when they book a qualifying vacation package with Centurion Travel service. This benefit can also be combined with other centurion travel benefits like the Cruise Privileges Amenities and Centurion Destination Vacations. This benefit is also available to Platinum Cardholders.

Centurion Cruise Privileges and Centurion Destination Vacations

Cruise privileges simply mean you will get a $500 shipboard credit when you book a cruise through Centurion Travel service. You can also earn up to 50,000 membership reward points when you book a one-of-a-kind taylored vacation through centurion travel to one of their exclusive resorts.

Baggage Insurance

If you book your travel tickets using your centurion card, you have up to $1,250 in baggage insurance for your carry-on luggage and $500 in checked-in luggage in addition to the insurance provided by the carrier. Tyler found this feature very helpful as he has had a few experience where he had a couple of damaged items on board a plane with his carry-on bags. American Express promptly reimbursed him the amount to replace his damaged items.

New : Domestic Companion Airfare Program

Both the Platinum and Centurion Card have just announced a new domestic companion airfare program. Under this program, you can get a free companion airfare when you use your centurion card to buy a ticket (which cost at least $299) on any of the big six carriers. You can request up to four complimentary tickets a year. You have to book through Airlines Promotion South Inc (API) and you have to meet a few restrictions. These include :

1. Ticket having to be roundtrips (multi-city, one-way and open jaw does not count)

2. 7 days advance booking

3. Saturday night or 2-night midweek stay.

4. A few fare restrictions and blackout dates

International Airline Program

This feature is actually also available to Platinum cardholders. This is how it works. For every full fare business or first class ticket that you purchase using the centurion card (using centurion travel service), you will get a free companion ticket. Tyler has not used this feature so far. On surface, it looks like a great benefit, but there are many occasions where 2 discounted business class tickets will cost cheaper than one full fare business class tickets. If you always book your tickets last minute and travel business class, you may find this a useful feature.

Centurion Villas

Centurion has partnered with a few very exclusive partners which enables cardholders to stay at the following exclusive places. They include the Four Seasons Residence Club, LaCURE, The Mansion at MGM Grand in Vegas (you cannot book at stay there even if you wanted to) and other Villas of distinction throughout the world.

Exclusive Resorts

Centurion has also partnered with many exlusive resorts in over 25 worldwide destinations. These can be booked through centurion travel service.

The Limousine Program

Booking a limousine through centurion travel service allows you to earn 3 membership reward points for every dollar that you spend on the service. The Limousine can be booked at 1-800-AXP-LIMO or through the centurion travel service.

International Communications Solutions

This program allows you to receive special pricing when you buy a GSM cellphone (GSM works in more international countries) and use phone plan from Vodafone (at reduced rates). You also get to rent a GSM phone for free is you use the centurion card for 60 days when you are going overseas. I don’t think this is a feature that will be used too often by cardholders though.

Private Jet Service

The Centurion program has partnered with six leading private jet companies. If you decide to enroll in any of them either through charter, membership or fractional use, you will get extra benefits when you enroll with the centurion card.

Space Adventure Spaceflight Club

Centurion members receive a complimentary membership with Space Adventures, the world’s premier space tourism company (according to Amex - and probably the only one!). This club is obviously for space enthusiasts, where you get private tours of launch facilities and other perks. Plus you get annual credits that you can use to pay for a suborbital flight!.

New : Tour GCX Membership

Tour GCX is a membership that provides individual and corporate members with unique access to private golf clubs and other golf experiences. They are able to provide this service because of marketing and business relationships with various prestigious private golf clubs.

Centurion cardholders who purchase the membership is allowed to reserve up to 5 tee times (foursomes) at select private golf clubs. The membership cost $3,125. Members also have special access to unique golf experiences like tournaments, pro-ams, clinics, outings and travel packages. Most of the courses are located at the New York Metropolitan areas like Long Island, New Jersey, Weschester County. Courses are also available at Florida, Las Vegas and D.C.

Lifestyle Perks

Centurion and Departure Magazines

Centurion members will get two magazines. The first is the Centurion magazine which is published four times a year. This is kinda like a Robb’s Report on the world of travel, food, wine, fashion and culture. You also get the Departure magazine, which is published seven times a year. Platinum Card members also get the Departure magazine, which is a magazine on luxury lifestyle.

Equinox Fitness Club

Centurion members who purchase a membership at the Equinox Fitness Club get a centurion preferred rate and receive a package of additional benefits like complimentary personal training sessions, spa treatments, guest passes, Kids’ Club certificates. Platinum members also get this benefit.

By Invitation Only, Destination Shopping, Premium Seats and Luxury Seats, Gold Card Events

As a centurion card member, you will be getting lots of mails and invitations to exclusive events. Firstly, there is an By Invitation Only which apparantly has access to exclusive once-in-a-lifetime events. In their brochure, amex mentions events like sports, performing arts, epicurean delights, business symposium with distinguish speakers, private vineyard tours during harvesting season! According to Tyler, an example would be a semi-private meal with chef Thomas Keller at Per Se in NYC (I believe it was $1300 per person), or VIP tickets to Sting and backstage passes to meet him (Tyler can’t remember the pricing).

Members will also get access to premium seats and luxury suites for sports, entertainment and live events at venues in Los Angeles and New York. You can also have access to the Platinum Lounge from Amex at the STAPLES Center in LA.

Centurion has also partnered with many high end retailers where you will receive unique in-store amenities and perks like personal shoppers, VIP rooms, exclusive in-store events, private viewings of collections, trunk shows and private sales. Partners include Bergdorf Goodman, Bulgari, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

You will also get access to Gold Card Events where you will be given a chance to buy tickets to sports and entertainment events before tickets go on sale to the public. Amex Gold Card members already have this privilege and perk.

Personal Concierge Service, Dining Reservations, Centurion Travel Service

While the Platinum Card and other credit cards offer concierge service, the Centurion goes one step further by assigning you your own personal concierge. Tyler told me that all you have to do is to tell them what time are you most likely to call and Centurion will arrange for a concierge personel who works in the same time zone shift to be your personal concierge. That way, you will most likely to be speaking to the same person who will get to be familiar with your special requests, needs and querks! This is part of the package that Tyler likes the most because he says they are really good. For example, he mentions that on numerous occasions, he was able to get seats in very hard to get restaurants. They may not be the best seats, but at least, he got a table when normally there was no way that was going to happen. He also mentions another occasion where he had a show ticket in Vegas cancelled for no good reason, and conturion concierge managed to get him center seats on the eighth row!. On occasions where his personal concierge was not available, he did experience a couple of incidents where he felt the concierge personel could have done better, but these occasions (according to him) were rare.

Other Improved Features from Gold Card

The Centurion card also has features that are found in the regular gold card and even the Platinum Card. However, you get slightly better perks with the Centurion Card. For example, on the Buyers Assurance Plan, centurion cardholders get double the manufacturers warranty for up to five years. For the Gold and Platinum Card, the extention for warranty is only for one year.

On their purchase protection plan, centurion members are covered for any product that they purchase on their card for up to 90 days if they are lost, stolen or even damaged by accident or vandalism. You are covered up to $10,000 per occurance and up to $50,000 per year per cardholder account.

Their return policy is similar to the Platinum and Gold Card in that you can return an item you bought and if they retailer or manufacturer refuses to accept it, Amex will refund you for up to $300 per item. You have to return within 90 days. You are allowed to claim up to $1000 a year." (via http://blackcardforum.com)

The Pointswizard.com Spin: Click blue line above to go to the forum

Labels: Amex

Escaping the cold this winter? Budget helps warm you up by awarding 25,000 bonus SkyMiles on all Budget by the Month rentals in Florida.

This offer is valid on all car groups on rentals greater then 59 consecutive days at participating Budget airport locations in Florida through March 31, 2008. Reference coupon #MUAZ111 when making your 24-hour advance reservation.Choose from a large selection of cars, at the most convenient airport locations and enjoy the great value and service you expect from Budget.

The Pointswizard.com Spin: click headline above to get all the details

Labels: Budet Rent a Car, DeltaSkymiles.bonus miles, Florida

“ A new service promises Londoners they’ll never have to spend much time looking for the loo.

Westminster City Council, which covers London’s bustling Oxford Street, the West End, and the Houses of Parliament, on Thursday launched “SatLav” — a toilet-finding service for mobile phone users.Harried theatergoers, distressed shoppers and hard-pressed bar patrons in London’s West End can now text the word “toilet” — and receive a text back giving the address of the nearest public facility.” (via www.iht.com)

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

Labels: EUROPE, London

ENTER TO WIN A 5-DAY/4-NIGHT STAY AT THE PACIFICA RESORT IN CABO SAN LUCAS*INCLUDING ROUND-TRIP AIRFARE FOR TWO courtesy of usairwaysmag.com

The first and only wellness-oriented resort exclusively for adults in Los Cabos, Pacifica is a secluded haven of tranquility and pleasure dedicated to the holistic concept of unity of body, mind, and spirit. From the clean-lined grace of the resort’s beautiful architecture to the harmonious simplicity of its unique gardens, Pacifica surrounds you with a sense of peace and beauty.

Situated on a stunning expanse of pristine white beach and surrounded by desert-inspired landscaping, this elegant and stylish retreat inspires total relaxation and self-renewal.

The Pointswizard.com Spin: Click on headline to enter. Entries must be received no later than midnight, December 31, 2007. We visited here for a day a few weeks ago - This resort is fantastic. Good Luck

Type your opinion here.

Labels: Cabo, USAirways

We were booked on a recent Delta Airlines non-stop JFK to Cabo San Lucas, Mx. a few Saturdays ago. Yet again Delta Airlines screwed up the flight, our day and the start of our vacation. After sitting in our seats without taking off for almost an hour after the 9AM take off time an announcement was made. - the fire extinguisher in cargo area was not working and a service truck had hit the plane. Due to these problems we got off the plane a little after 10AM (the only food voucher all day was for $7.50). A replacement plane was flown to Kennedy from La Guardia and we took off for Atlanta because the replacement plane couldn’t make the whole trip. The usual crackers and such were served.

Changing planes in Atlanta was long because boarding passes had to be reissued even though at Kennedy we were told that wasn’t going to happen. On the flight to Cabo we again had crackers etc. You would think that we would of gotten some real food when our plane left Atlanta in the late afternoon due to the Delta Airlines caused delays. We arrived in Cabo - SIX hours late, missing an afternoon of our vacation.

What did Delta do to say we’re sorry?? NOTHING - no free ticket or $300 off your next flight. Where is the new attitude they talk about in their ads?

The Pointswizard.com Spin: Click on blue line above to see our post a few months ago about Delta problems.

Labels: Cabo, Delta

Free Rick Steves’ Travel BookPosted By: PointsWizard Published in travel, EUROPE
11
Dec
“Followers of Rick Steves, whose guides to Europe are packed in many a bag of globe-trotting Americans, will like this offer.Rick is giving away free copies of his 63-page, summer 2007 personal European travel journal. It’s an inside look at where he goes, how he travels and what he’s thinking as he trots from Rome, to Spain, to Croatia, among other places. Included are memorable hotel stays, including one at a former convent in Florence. The Loggiato dei Serviti sounds Old-World wonderful. Beamed ceilings, parquet floors, heavy curtains with tasseled sashes, views over an ancient square. In winter, you can book a double for about $140, which is a very good price in these days of the doleful dollar. .” (via usatoday.com)

The Pointswizard.com Spin: get your free copy - click on headline above

Labels: air travel, EUROPE

Hartwick and Grove Wine Merchants. This month They have selected some great wines as features, each of these wines is available with a 30% discount in addition to 25 miles per dollar spent.

To qualify for the discount please use coupon code UA3SD7 at checkout. 30% discount is only available on featured wines listed below. When creating an account please have your Mileage Plus Frequent Flyer number available, without this we can't give you all those miles.

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
Expires 12/31/2007.

Labels: bonus miles, United Airlines Mileage Plus, wine

Tis the holiday season to shop for everyone on your list including yourself! Best of all, you can use your Marriott Rewards points, save time and money. Don't know what to get or don't have the time to get it? Marriott Rewards has done the shopping for you and put together a large assortment of gift ideas ideal for everyone on your list. Be sure to place your order soon to receive before the Holidays!

Redeem from great merchandise such as:
Garmin Nuvi 200
Sony 32" Bravia Flat Panel LCD HDTV
Dooney & Bourke CROCO Hobo Bag
Nikon D40 Digital Camera – 157,000
Tag Heuer Formula One Chronograph Watch
Sony 60GB Handycam Camcorder
Callaway Big Bertha 460 Driver

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
Finally a use for the Marriott points I never seem to use.

Labels: Marriott, Marriott Rewards points

Book your vacation today and get 5-Day Park Hopper® Tickets and a four-night hotel stay all for the price of a three-night vacation package with tickets — starting at just $247*! Enjoy two free days in the Parks and one free night at a participating Disneyland® Resort Good Neighbor Hotel!


The Pointswizard.com Spin:
For vacations booked by April 21, 2008 with travel completed by April 28, 2008. The package includes a 5-Day Park Hopper® Ticket for the regular price of a 3-Day ticket.

Labels: Disney, Disneyland