Over a year ago I posted on Flyertalk.com a fairly lengthy explanation of why I thought that the mileage required for most airline awards — especially premium class international awards — would go up over time. In light of Northwest’s recent announcement that its best awards would cost 25-40% more next year, I thought it prudent to recreate the argument here … So that folks can attenuate their strategies accordingly, before more airlines follow suit (which they will). The August 2003 issue of Inside Flyer had a cover story (subscription required) on making your miles last into retirement, essentially creating a mileage 401(k) plan. With all due respect to the folks at the magazine, this strikes me as the worst possible mileage strategy. Miles are worth more now than they will be tomorrow and the…
Discount on overpriced ‘cool’ stuff
The W Hotel Store is offering 20% off through June 30, 2005 with promotion code 2WP2E.
30% Off at Polo.com
Just found this: Between Saturday November 20th and Tuesday November 30th simply enter promotional code NOVEMBER within your shopping bag to receive 30% off the entire site. If you use the promotional code during our PRIVATE SALE period (November 20th through Monday, November 22nd), your 30% off will be applied to already reduced prices. Also, you’ll enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $150.
Inexpensive Washington, DC Hotels
Special hotel rates are available through March 31 in conjunction with the movie National Treasure. Rates at Washington, DC’s Grand Hyatt start at $99. Other hotel deals are available as well, such as $109 at Melrose. The Grand Hyatt’s standard rate hovers around $300 per night, though it dips down so around $229 on lower occupancy nights — so $99 is an excellent deal. However any night where the $99 rate is available I’m almost certain that there’d be Priceline availability as well. A four-star bid in the Capitol Hill/Convention Center zone should yield the Grand Hyatt for $65-$70 on those nights.
250 Free Priority Club Points
Nov
19
2004
You’ll receive 250 Priority Club points if you download the Yahoo! toolbar.
Lodging.com Loyalty Program
Nov
19
2004
Lodging.com has introduced a reward program that credits 4% back for prepaid hotel bookings on the site. The credits can be used towards future hotel bookings on the site once a balance exceeds $10. This might be particularly useful for folks who book travel for others and are able to use prepaid channels.
New Amtrak Mastercard Offer
MBNA is offering the standard 500 Amtrak Guest Rewards points for signup plus a $50 Amtrak travel certificate. Offer appears to expire January 31, 2005.
16,000 Northwest Miles for Visa and 2 Partner Activities
Nov
17
2004
The Northwest Visa comes with a 10,000 mile signup offer. Northwest’s Fly Free Faster Second Chance bonus which runs through February 15th will award 5,000 miles for signing up for the Visa and completing two partner activities such as Mileage Mall purchases (minimum $25) or hotel stays or car rentals. Registration is required. If you register by December 31st in the Mile-Zilla promotion and get the card by January 31st, you’ll get another 1,000 miles. So your Northwest Visa signup by January 31st will net 16,000 miles. Plus you’re on your way to additional miles in the Mile-Zilla promotion with 40 credits. Ten more credits yields an additional 500 bonus miles, and can be earned by signing up for My NWA Info (5 points, but don’t do it until you’ve registered for Mile-Zilla!) and crediting…
W Newark (Silicon Valley) for $48
From 9am Eastern on November 18th to 9am Eastern on November 20th, the W Silicon Valley is available for $48 on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night stays between November 19th and January 2nd. Call 877-WHOTELS and mention rate plan UNWRAP.
American Airlines Redeploys Pillows
Nov
17
2004
American is pulling pillows from its MD80 aircraft and redeploying them to other aircraft flying longer routes. They think they can save a six-figure amount in cleaning costs by not hunting down pillows on their MD80 aircraft. The usual silly explanation is given, however: “It will streamline our cabin service,” Hat tip to Today in the Sky.
