Reader David writes: Hey there. This is a question for your blog. I’ve heard about Delta’s financial troubles, and for the first time heard them mention the “B” word. Since I really concentrate on accumulating Delta FF miles, I was wondering what would happen to them if they went bankrupt — heaven forbid. What’s happened historically in other airline bankrupcy situations. Any insight on that? I wouldn’t worry about your Delta miles. United and USAirways recently went through Chapter 11 (United is still there) and their miles are still being put to good use. I have no worries about United miles at all. USAirways miles are a somewhat different story — they may have to re-enter bankruptcy, and their future as an independent carrier is a bit murkier. Even so, all hope is not lost…
The United-Delta Fare War Continues: $118 roundtrip, DC-Los Angeles on Delta
It’s another fare basis starting in UA, UA0INNQ. There’s no minimum stay, maximum stay, Saturday night stay, or even advance purchase required. The fare is valid to or from Washington’s Dulles or National airport.Delta doesn’t fly non-stop. I’ve seen connections in Delta’s Atlanta hub and Dallas. The fare even seems to work with Delta codeshare flights on Continental aircraft through Houston and Cleveland.
Frequent Travelers Have to Eat, Too
Spot On links to a personal chef service that will come to your home, prepare all of your meals, and store them to be reheated in minutes. This is capitalism at its greatest, offering specialized services that give people more of the most precious commodity, time. Rather than a “fast food nation” perhaps we’re evolving to be able enjoy time with family without sacrificing health or quality. Fine Dining Solutions in the Washington DC area offers some great meals, but no miles. If I were a chef I’d offer miles. But that’s why all of our contributions are unique.
Up to $25 in Coffee from Expedia
Expedia Business Advantage will give you $5 in coffee for signing up by May 31st (free) and another $20 in coffee with your first air or hotel booking by June 30. Here’s their ad: An Expedia
Australia deals on United
United has some very impressive E-Fares to Australia for travel beginning May 31 through June 3, 2004 and returning June 7 through June 10, 2004. From: To: Roundtrip: Chicago (ORD) Sydney, Australia (SYD) $599 Denver (DEN) Melbourne, Australia (MEL) $589 Los Angeles (LAX) Sydney, Australia (SYD) $599 San Francisco (SFO) Melbourne, Australia (MEL) $549 Washington, D.C. (IAD) Sydney, Australia (SYD) $639 Other departure cities are available as well. A roundtrip from Washington, DC to Australia is about 20,000 flown miles. Premier Executives and Premier Executive 1Ks get a 100% mileage bonus. That’s 40,000 miles at 1.6 cents per mile, a long way towards requalifying for elite status, plus credits in the round the world promotion.
Feel like you’re in a hotel, even at home
Free 65 issue subscription to USA Today.
United Emails Hit Piece On Independence Air to DC Flyers
United sent out a hit piece on Independence Air to their DC-area Mileage Plus members this evening. You may have heard about a new airline in the East Coast market—Independence Air. Before you are swayed by their promises of lower fares and greater amenities, take a look at how Mileage Plus
Virgin USA to be based at San Francisco or New York
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s lobbying hasn’t nailed it down for California completely — Branson is considering both San Francisco and New York. British entrepreneur Richard Branson said on Monday the Virgin USA start-up airline, which is tentatively set to launch sometime next year, has narrowed its choices for a home city to San Francisco or New York. … “I can’t at this stage confirm whether it’s going to be Airbus or Boeing … I think the airline is going to need about 50 planes,” he said
More on Amtrak Discounts
I keep an updated list of Amtrak discount codes on this blog. Frommer’s publishes such a list as well. Here’s what they have to say about the matter: The best of the bunch is code V822. It will knock fares down by 20% on all unreserved trains as far north as Albany, as far east as Boston, as far west as Harrisburg and as far south as Virginia. There are no blackout dates, and you can travel as late as Dec. 16 on this code. When you’re picking your train on Amtrak’s site, look for trains with a “U” symbol under the “Accommodations” column — those are the unreserved trains. If V822 doesn’t work, try V729, a very similar discount. Want to try the high-speed Acela train? Use code V711 for Acela and Metroliner trains…
Coded messages
I blogged recently about airlines communicating with each other about pricing through the media, since anti-trust rules preclude them from discussing their pricing directly. Airlines also communicate with each other through arcane ‘fare basis codes’. Every airfare carries with it a several letter code which is used to identify the rules and restrictions associated with the ticket. On Friday Delta loaded a fare of ~ $98 between Chicago and New York … no advance purchase or Saturday stay required. The fare basis was UA0TN. Get it… UA, for United Airlines, which is headquartered in Chicago?So sometime on Saturday United loaded a fare of ~ $98 between New York and both Cincinnati and Atlanta, Delta’s two East Coast hubs. Delta sent United a message, and United sent one back. United’s fare basis is TNMX. The first…
