I’m usually an Avis guy (recent problems notwithstanding). But sometimes the rates from other car companies are just too good. I recently booked a colleague on a 13-day full size rental with Budget that came to $295 — that’s $22.69 a day including taxes and fees. Their United Airlines special offer gives miles and a real 10% – 15% off the best web rate. Not always useful, but one for the arsenal.
About Gary Leff
Gratis Networks becomes FreePay
About 3 weeks ago, Gratis Networks changed its name to FreePay. Gratis, of course, is the company that spawned the Free iPods offer and then expanded into things like free digital cameras and free Xbox 360s. As long-time readers of this site know, I spent a lot of time figuring out the best ways to go about getting these offers. In general, you have to complete a marketing offer and get several friends (3 to 10, depending on the electronic item you seek) to do the same. If you wait long enough, easy offers will show up — offers that are free or free for a trial period long enough to cancel without getting charged. Customer service is slow, the company isn’t responsive, but I’ve always gotten my items — the iPod mini, the photo…
Overstock Coupon Link
Overstock.com is offering 12% off entire orders for first-time buyers through September 30th.
USAirways-America West Frequent Flyer Partnership Coming Soon
In the next few weeks you’ll be able to earn miles in the program of your choice — USAirways Dividend Miles or America West FlightFund — when flying on either airline. Sometime in 2006 miles from both accounts will be merged together. The two airlines have started to release some information regarding their frequent flier plans. Starting this fall, members of US Airways Dividend Miles plan and America West’s FlightFund plan can earn and redeem miles throughout the new airlines’ combined route system. Next year, the miles will all be combined into a single Dividend Miles account. And the miles will not expire as long as your account is open, officials of the airlines said. …The airlines speculate that “Day 1” of the merged airline could be as early as Tuesday, Sept. 27.
Earning and burning miles for hurricane relief
The Akron Beacon-Journal carries a piece (Hat tip to Tripso Daily) on using your points to help Hurricane Katrina victims. The best advice, no surprise, is to visit Webflyer.com which has a rundown of how to use your points to make a difference. Most major programs have a way to either donate points (which in many cases will be converted to cash for charity by the loyalty program) or to earn points for your own donation of cash.
Gas Prices Rise, Rental Car Gas Becomes Cheap
Tyler Cowen points to gas prices higher than a rental car company’s price for refilling your tank. Gas at the pump in downtown Birmingham: $3.99/g. Gas from Hertz when you return it: $3.05/g. Still, be careful out there — there may be other costs besides per-gallon costs, such as flat service charges on gas refills. And this doesn’t mean you should “prepay” the gas which requires you to return the car empty in order to make out well since you’re prepaying an entire tank of gas (again, check the service fees).
Why can’t Avis update my payment information correctly?
Why did it take four tries to update my credit card number with Avis? The first two times I called and the agent took the new number, each time telling me that it was updated correctly but on followup calls I learned that nothing had changed. I had my Diners Club card as my default payment method in my profile, naturally I prefer their benefit of primary insurance coverage. On the third try I was successful in updating the card on file but despite assurances to the contrary it did not get updated on my reservation for tomorrow afternoon. Fourth call and I’m told all is correct, we shall see when I arrive at the airport whether my name and space number is on the board or if I have to go to the desk…
United’s Mystery Double Miles Promo Revealed
Sep
01
2005
It turns out that United’s mystery double miles promotion that Northwest was ostensibly countering with its own double miles promo was a targeted email offering to Mileage Plus members in the Upper Midwest. United was certainly targeting Northwest’s stronghold, just days after Northwest mechanics went on strike. Northwest countered with across-the-board double miles. While United was taking advantage of an opportunity to poach Northwest passengers, I suspect Northwest is trying to lure passengers who might otherwise book away due to negative publicity surrounding the strike in a month where traffic is likely to be slower than the peak summer season.
Am I the last to learn truly disturbing news?
Sony Pictures is apparently going forward with Road House 2… without Patrick Swayze. Christina Applegate’s husband may star instead. This just seems very, very wrong. Up next… Point Break 2 without Keanu Reeves, Patrick Swayze, or Gary Busey?
Double Miles for Northwest Flights
Aug
31
2005
Northwest is offering double miles (which also count towards status) on Northwest and KLM through October 9th. Registration is required. They say the offer is intended to match a similar one from United, which leads me to ask what double miles offer from United? I haven’t seen one. I can’t find one on the United website. And as far as I can tell it hasn’t been mentioned on Flyertalk.com, which is as close as one can come to saying it doesn’t exist. Maybe their corporate espionage folks knew about one coming down the pike? Here’s hoping…
