The darndest things turn up at the Best Western. A rare silver dollar dating from 1866, perhaps the world’s most notable missing coin, may have been turned over to experts last week in the bar of a Best Western hotel in Maine. The coin, valued at more than $1 million, was surrendered in Augusta by a librarian who said he received it from an eccentric friend several years ago in a box of coins of considerably less value. Only two 1866 silver dollars without the inscription “In God We Trust” are known to exist. The other is in a private collection, and the missing one was largely written off as lost after gunmen snatched it in 1967 from millionaire Willis H. du Pont, to whom it will revert.
Register And United Will Keep Its Word
United made an offer for substantial bonus miles for flights taken during the first quarter of 2004 — as much as quintuple miles for top elites. Then they changed the wording of the offer, to make the bonus top out at quadruple miles. But many flyers saw the original offer, which was advertised on the United website and in USA Today. After much prodding, United has agreed to honor the original terms of the bonus — but only for those flyers who know about the bait and switch. So you need to register to get them to stand by the terms of their original offer. And do it quickly — it isn’t clear how long the registration link will be valid. Gene Fowler, who has done yoeman’s work in getting United to honor their offer,…
Free USAirways Upgrade Certificates
As noted before, but I’ve recently confirmed that this still works — when you sign up for USAirways small business rewards program, the welcome packet comes with (2) space available upgrade certificates useful for North American flights.
Gearing up for Sydney Service
Hawaiian Airlines is now selling tickets for its new Sydney flights which commence in May. Prices start at$755 plus tax roundtrip from Honolulu to Sydney and flights are offered four days a week.I discussed prospects for this service when it was announced in January.
Points for Your Pooch
As I reported last month Japan Air Lines has a new reward program for pets. Apparently they think it’s one of a kind (subscription required) The JAL Pet Club, as it will be called, will allow consumers to exchange points for in-flight cage rentals, pet airfares and presents for their pets. “We are unaware,” a JAL official told the Japan Times, “of any similar services targeting pets offered by other airlines, Japanese or foreign.” Perhaps they should read this website? As I’ve written before Continental, Virgin, and El Al all offer pet reward programs. Several hotels offer pet loyalty programs as well.
New Reward Card
The March issue of Inside Flyer (subscription required) notes a new mileage earning credit card Middle East Airlines and Lebanon’s Banque Audi have launched a new mileage-earning credit card. The Banque Audi Cedar Miles Silver card earns one mile per $1.50 spent, and the Gold card, one mile per dollar. New cardholders receive a welcome bonus of 3,000 miles, an extended grace period, travel insurance, life insurance and insurance against lost luggage when the card is used for ticket purchases, as well as purchase protection (Emphasis mine)This seems like an important benefit for anyone carrying a card issued in Lebanon and earning miles on Middle East Airlines.
African Airline Partnerships
The Air France-KLM merger has significant implications for African carriers.The nascent Wings alliance is falling away, and being folded into Skyteam — so that Air France and KLM will be teamed up with Delta, Continental, Northwest, Aeromexico, Alitalia, Korean, and Czech.KLM controls Kenya Airways and Delta partners with South African. Both could potentially join Skyteam.In the meantime, the rest of Africa’s airlines are a mess on their own.
One more indication that China is moving inexorably towards capitalism
Air China, which codeshares with more than 60 carriers worldwide, is planning to go public.The flag carrier of the People’s Republic of China will recognize private ownership. So much for collective ownership over the means of production.
Best-ever bonus for Marriott Visa signup
Gary Steiger of Free Frequent Flyer Miles notes: 20,000 points for first use. Call (800) 897-7240. I am unable to find this offer on line. The phone number is dedicated to this offer only. The fee is waived for the first year, and 20,000 Marriott points are good for about 5,000 airline miles or a night at a mid-level (category 4) hotel.
Great Flower Value
FTD.com is offering 30 United miles per dollar spent.
