Jan
25
2005
Randy Petersen believes that United’s Mileage Plus is worth $2.4 to $2.7 billion and that a public offering could lie in the future.
The Value of Mileage and Mileage Programs
About Gary Leff
iPod Shuffle Review
Jan
23
2005
Engadget reviews the iPod Shuffle: This thing is tiny — and light. You’ll never feel it around your neck or in your pocket. It’s like a stick of gum, not a pack. Just be sure not to leave it in your jeans when you wash them. Gets me excited about the new Free iPod Shuffle offer from Gratis, not to mention the Free Mac Mini.
Follow the Bonus Miles Leader
Jan
23
2005
Continental and United are both offering 42,000 bonus miles for business class flights across the Atlantic, matching British Airways and American.
Double Miles on USAirways
Jan
22
2005
USAirways is offering double miles for purchases made through the end of the month on all flights through the end of 2005. Business class flights to Europe earn 40,000 bonus miles (like American and British Airways) and all flights to the Carribean and Latin America earn 10,000 bonus miles. Registration is required, and again the bonus applies only to tickets purchased by January 31.
Independence Air Has Breathing Room, Too
Jan
22
2005
The year started with a bleak outlook for Independence Air, as news broke that they had missed an interest payment on some bonds leading to speculation that they were close to a bankruptcy filing. (If they were going to file for bankruptcy there was no reason to make the payment, and they’d want to conserve cash in any case.) Then they announced plans for job cuts, renegotiated lease payments on aircraft, agreed to return some aircraft, and obtained a loan from GE. All of this bought some breathing space for the carrier, though did little to improve their revenue outlook. But my opinion of the carrier is somewhat boosted by two big bets being made on the carrier by Wall Street heavyweights. Regulatory filings late Friday indicate that two major hedge funds have acquired 12.5%…
USAirways Gets Some Breathing Room
Jan
22
2005
Members of the machinists union at USAirways approved pay cuts. They were the last union to do so. Coupled with the bankruptcy court’s decision to allow USAirways to draw on the cash behind its federally back load guarantee, the airline has been given a few more months of life. There’s currently no indication that they’ll return to profitability, especially since March is generally their lowpoint in cash for the year. But I don’t see an immediate liquidation threat. In other words, it should be fine to book February flights on the airline.
Surely this must make sense in some parallel universe
Jan
22
2005
The Hagerstown, Maryland airport currently serves an average of fewer than 45 passengers a day. So it may be no surprise that the airport is currently slated to lose commercial service on April 30. But they’re spending $60 million to upgrade the runways for bigger planes starting in April anyway. And bizarrely enough, the fact that they’re losing all service is seen as bolstering the decision to invest in support for larger aircraft.
Two New Free Electronics Offers
Jan
21
2005
Gratis Networks, the semi-secret company behind the free electronics offers like the free Photo iPod, looks like it is beginning to come out of the closet. Their corporate website now features a blog with updates on their offers and newsclips. It makes for an interesting read, as they’ve been covered across the mainstream media. It also signifies a bit of a shift for them, I think. They seem to have tried to fly a bit ‘under the radar’ in the past, making it difficult to find out who or where they were. Part of their business model has been to keep everything automated and to provide nearly no customer service whatsoever. I wonder whether that’s changing. I have had absolutely outstanding luck with them. I’ve received an iPod, a Photo iPod, a flatscreen TV, a…
Get Major League Baseball Gear Free Plus Shipping
Jan
20
2005
MLB.com has a $10 off $10 purchase coupon — just use code 10cart. So search for inexpensive hats and shirts to come up with a $10 shopping card. Shipping should come to $5.
Too many miles chasing too few seats (so burn as you earn)
Jan
20
2005
Back in November I explained why mileage award prices will go up, now and in the future, because there are simply too many miles chasing too few seats. This new piece (originally in the Boston Globe and then syndicated) outlines the current state of the phenomenon. Frequent-flier miles are easier to come by as airlines sell more miles to partners like credit card companies and hotels, but they’re harder than ever to redeem. Behind-the-scenes deals with corporate partners are helping cash-strapped airlines rake in millions of dollars at a time when high fuel costs and lower fares are killing their bottom lines. At the same time, these deals give companies that buy miles a sought-after incentive to offer their customers. But frequent-flier club members shouldn’t think all the freebie miles they’ve racked up will add…
