In light of the revelation that JetBlue had agreed to provide passenger data to the TSA to test CAPPS II, the Computerized Airline Passenger Pre-Screening System, the airline went into spin mode claiming: No JetBlue customer information has been shared with the US Government with respect to testing the CAPPS II program currently under design. Bill Scannell proves JetBlue is lying. JetBlue gave full passenger data to a government contractor to test a prototype program that wasn’t yet being referred to as CAPPS II. So while technically true that they weren’t helping with a “program currently under design,” their response is completely disingenous. A summary of the contractor’s analysis, which even includes some passenger addresses and social security numbers, is available online to prove it, too. (Link via Reason‘s Hit and Run.)
About Gary Leff
United enrollment bonus
United is offering a 3000 mile bonus for new enrollments in Mileage Plus.This is the first enrollment bonus from United that I’ve since in a very long time which doesn’t require a flight to get the miles. So if you don’t already have an account — or you know someone who doesn’t have an account — now is the time to get one! This offer is valid through October 15th.Now, a new Mileage Plus member may want to accumulate miles quickly — by getting the United Visa which carries a $60 annual fee and rewards you with 20,000 bonus miles.
Cheap Transatlantic Fares Now Available
Looks like cheap Winter transatlatic fares (traveling beginning in November) have been loaded. I’m seeing $200+tax from the East Coast and $300+tax from the West Coast. Of course tax runs $85 or so.Happens every year. You just have to be patient. Voila!
For reading or kindling
This FatWallet thread has links to more than 100 free magazine subscriptions.
Real knives come back. How about linens and hot towels, too?
Metal knives are back in first class on Northwest and they’re coming back on Continental. The stupid TSA rule that banned them has been reversed. After all, metal forks were just as dangerous. You can’t bring your own version of the very same knife, though. While knives are allowed on the plane they aren’t allowed through security. Doesn’t that get it in reverse? I thought the point of not allowing an object through security was to prevent it from getting onto the plane. I guess I’m old-fashioned that way.
New financial product
Apparently you can now sell your soul. Get an online quote today.My soul is apparently worth
A contest for Canada
Canadian residents can enter a contest for 250,000 Air Canada Aeroplan miles. It’s on the front page of the Claritin website. I understant that Canadian packages of Claritin have miles on the boxes as well, but I don’t go up to Canada often and haven’t verified this.
Believe it or not, KUDOS TO CONTINENTAL AND ALASKA
I’m not a fan of their changes at all, but I want to send out a hearty cheer to both Continental and Alaska for announcing changes to next year’s program over three months in advance.I don’t know how good a job they’ll do communicating changes to their general membership. And really, notice ought to be at the end of 2002/beginning of 2003 for changes in 2004 — after all, travelers are flying all year in 2003 for 2004 benefits — but it’s important to applaud advance notice of changes just as it’s important to condemn lack of notice.
Alaska Announces Changes to its Elite Program for 2004
Alaska Airlines announced changes to elite benefits for 2004. There’s also a brochure (Adobe Acrobate file) comparing year-over-year benefits. MVP (first tier elite) will require 20,000 miles rather than 15,000 miles of flying on Alaska/Horizon (no change to requirement for partner airline flying) MVP Gold (second/top tier elite) will require 40,000 miles rather than 35,000 miles of flying on Alaska/Horizon (no change to requirement for partner airline flying) MVP Gold unlimited upgrades at booking will be limited to Q fares and above. Lower fares will only permit upgrades to be confirmed 3 days in advance of flight. Mileage upgrades will double in price from 5,000 miles each way to 10,000 miles each way. The “AS50” award — 15,000 miles for a 50% discount — will now have a discount value capped at $250, and will…
All About This Site
Since this website is brought to you in the form of a blog — daily commentary offered with the most recent items first — older items quickly fall off the page. I only display the most recent week’s worth of content at any one time. I like to think, though, that some of the entries retain their value even after the week has passed. And you can still read them — just click on the Archives link or pick one of the entries labeled “Greatest Hits” at the right (under my picture).Don’t want to miss a single deal or offer? Just be sure to enter your email address under Subscribe for Updates and each night you’ll receive an email with the day’s content. And I will never use your email for any other purpose. For…
