Scalia’s opinion explaining his decision not to recuse himself (as requested by the Sierra Club) in the case of Richard B. Cheney vs. US District Court for the District of Columbia makes for really interesting reading. The facts of the case as relayed by Scalia are very different from media accounts. But that’s not what I’m concerned with here. I’m concerned with the travel implications. Scalia flew on a government plane with Dick Cheney to Lousiana and flew back commercially. Scalia writes Our flight down cost the Government nothing, since space-available was the condition of our invitation. And, though our flight down on the Vice President’s plane was indeed free, since we were not returning with him we purchased (because they were least expensive) roundtrip tickets that cost precisely what we would have paid if…
MilePointPointsDotCom
Points International, which operates Points.com, has agreed to acquire MilePoint.com.The purchase price of Canadian $7.5 million will include a combination of C$3.5 million in cash and four million common shares. MilePoint’s current clients include Northwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Starwood Hotels. The merger seems like a natural fit, and gives Points International an impressive roster of clients in the airline and hotel loyalty space. In addition to MilePoint’s client base, Points International partners with several companies through its Points.com Points Exchange loyalty currency exchange program, including American Airlines, eBay, USAirways, Alaska Airlines, Choice Hotels and Aeroplan.
USAirways Firesale Watch
USAirways prepaid $250 million of their loan backed by the federal government in exchange for easing restrictions on the sale of assets. That’s a pretty good indication that the carrier is, in fact, looking to sell some assets; that it isn’t just a stalking horse for wage concessions from the airline’s unions. That doesn’t mean the USAirways shuttle will be unloaded, however — the airline could spin off regional carriers and still contract with them for feeder service while raising cash.
Another Northwest Game
Northwest has a new instant win game Take an online tour of our new World Business Class* now and earn a chance to win: Grand Prize – a pair of World Business Class tickets to anywhere Northwest or KLM flies 10 Instant Prizes – 50,000 WorldPerks
More Free Stuff
You can choose from a Waterworld poster, retractable 12′ computer modem cord, stickable bubble clock, or carabineer flashlight. Here’s a coupon for a free Pepsi from Baja Fresh, no purchase required. And for a more travel related item, you can get a $25 coffee certificate for participating in an online demo from Expedia Corporate Travel.
Wake Up Right
Sign up for a free $10 Starbucks Gift Card.
Saturday Morning Free
Get a free beer bottle opener from Grolsch and a free one-year subscription to PC magazine from Ziff Davis.
TV Guide
The A&E television show Airline has been renewed for a second season.
In Urgent Need of Legislation
Apparently bestiality isn’t illegal in Denmark, but some politicians want to change that.
Megamiles for Cell Phones
Earn 25,000 miles on United, Northwest or Delta for each phone and service agreement you purchase from Nextel through March 31st — up to 125,000 miles. Alternatively, you can earn 16 Southwest Rapid Rewards credits per phone and plan, up to 80 credits.Most purchases require a two-year service agreement and carry a $200 early termination fee.Read the fine print on the offer you’re considering, though. First, the miles won’t all be posted right away. Instead, Miles will be awarded as 2,000 miles after 30-days, 1,000 miles per month for the next 21 months and 2,000 miles after the 23rd month. Second, the Delta and Northwest offers for 25,000 miles per phone are only available to elite members — at least that’s what the terms and conditions say. The Southwest offer says it’s valid only for…
