It turns out that cars may be more fuel efficient than trains (link via Marginal Revolution).Challenging assumptions about railways’ green superiority, the study finds that the weight and fuel requirements of trains have increased to the point where rail could become the least energy-efficient form of transport. Engineers at Lancaster University said trains had failed to keep up with the motor and aviation industries in reducing fuel needs. They calculate that expresses between London and Edinburgh consume slightly more fuel per seat (the equivalent of 11.5 litres) than a modern diesel-powered car making the same journey. The car’s superiority rises dramatically when compared with trains travelling at up to 215mph. Here’s the money quote:“I know this will generate howls of protest, but at present a family of four going by car is about as environmentally…
About Gary Leff
25% Amex Conversion Bonus
Through June 30th there is a 25% bonus for transferring American Express Membership Rewards points to Aeromexico. Of course, Aeromexico is a partner of Delta (and a member of Skyteam) so this may be of value far beyond Mexico.
Discounts with Visa
It’s worth checking the Visa website occasionally. They have several discounts and free offers to take advantage of with companies you’re probably buying from anyway. Just a few examples: $10 off $50 at Office Depot Second night free at Radisson hotels Free half-pound of African coffee when you add $35 to your Starbucks card 15% Off at JC Penney
Easy Partner for Northwest Fly Free Faster 4
In my discussion of strategies for Northwest’s Fly Free Faster 4 bonus I mentioned earning a partner credit by shopping at Office Max through the Northwest Mall and purchasing some “free after rebate” items. From today through Saturday, June 26 the following items are free after rebate at Office Max: Belkin Double-Sided Copy Clip (0223-2300) $4.99 – $4.99 = $0 3M 10-oz. Electronic Equpiment Cleaner (2034-5253) $5.99 – $5.99 = $0 Endust 10-oz. Duster (0221-4142) $8.99 – $8.99 = $0 Digital Camera Memory Card Readers (2068-8481/2068-8506/20688711/2068-8490) $29.99 – $19.99 – = $0 Sakar Trimstyle Caller ID Phone of 13 Memory Desk Speakerphone (2017-2965/2017-2956/2033-2089/2033-2052) $19.99 – $9.99 – $10 = $0 24-CD Wallet (2055-6649) $4.99 – $4.99 = $0 Royal Expert 2 Organizer (2004-5782) $14.99 – $7 – $8 = $0 Remember that your order has…
Renting a Car in Europe
MSNBC’s Savings Sleuth offers tips for renting a car in Europe. Since I can’t figure out how to provide a permalink to the piece, I reproduce much of the advice below: 1. Reserve your car ahead, before you depart from the US Without fail, you’ll find that rates will be lower when you book from home. If you’re already on vacation and you decide you want to rent, it’s even worth it to have a friend or family member reserve on your behalf from the US. 2. Stick to the big car rental agencies When it comes to renting a car in Europe, you’ll more often than not get the best quotes from the biggest agencies: Avis, Hertz, EuropeCar, and AutoEurope. Be sure to inquire about current specials and discount initiatives. 3. Rent a manual…
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Triple USAirways Miles to and from Washington, DC
USAirways is offering triple miles (registration required) for flights between Washington DC and 17 cities to promote the arrival of ‘Go Fares’ in DC.
Charter One Gift Card Opportunity to Diminish?
There’s a rumor afoot that Charter One Bank Gift cards are going to become less lucrative for earning miles. Charter One bank, whose gift cards have been useful for earning up to 5000 miles a month at no or next to no cost, is said to be planning to limit purchases to $1500 per month. I just entered my order for $5000 for the month, so the offer is apparently still working to its full potential. But it may not last much longer. The opportunity is described in detail at Charter One offers to sell you Gift Cards for no extra fee up front. These are pre-loaded Mastercards which can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. They can also be used for PIN transactions for a charge to the card of $1 per transaction, or…
United Denied Government-backed Loan
The Air Transportation Stabilization Board has denied United’s request for a federally backed $1.8 billion loan. Apparently they believe the airline can survive without it, not surprising since the airline’s chief executive more or less said the same thing last week. Of course, if the airline couldn’t attract financing on its own, there would be an equally good argument to deny federal support. More fundamentally, what is an emergency measure designed to address potential liquidity problems in the immediate aftermath of September 11th still doing considering financial support for airlines three years later? And why are they open to considering another application from the airline in the future? Will we ever get out from under this process?
Tens of Thousands of Pilots Defending Against Terrorism?
Joanne McNeill writes that air marshalls are ineffective and arming pilots would be better — and that Barbara Boxer is leading the charge to put guns in cockpits. Apparently only Nixon really could go to China.
