MilesBuzz! - Would Mr and Mrs FlyerTalker like about 100,000 FREE Hilton points?

Would Mr and Mrs FlyerTalker like about 100,000 FREE Hilton points?

Well Hilton sure know how to gain the attention of all us point hounds out there! I started a thread exactly a month back that seemed to give anyone an instant 1,000 points. It grew and grew, and dozens here added to the data base of knowledge with good suggestions as time went on, especially Mvic and MrLimo.

THe deal got better and better. In the end these 3 threads have experienced a few 100 posts, way more than anything else on FT in the past month, which shows if nothing else that FREE points are still the prime interest of those who use these boards.

I have just found that 2,000 extra points have been added to my HHonors account.

A couple can it seems end up with about 100,000 Free points if you follow through with this. Without one Hotel stay or one flight taken. Those points can be used for as many as EIGHTEEN FREE Hilton Hotel nights, OR transferred on a convertor basis into nearly all major US flier plans as well if you wish.

If you ALREADY are up to speed with this promo you may wish to try for those extra 2,000 points per family member. If you are NEW to this Hilton spaghetti factory of deals, grab a LARGE coffee and sit down and read the background and genesis to it all:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum94/HTML/002427.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/003354.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/003377.html


What does 100,000 HHonor points get you?

Check this Hilton redemption chart:

http://www.hilton.com/hhonors/rewards/hotel.html


Scroll right down to the "Point Stretcher" award chart.

33,000 points (Code PO6) will get you SIX nights free at the lowest price properties, or EIGHTEEN free nights if these locations and properties suit.

Conversely 96,000 points (exactly what I figger a couple might end up with from this promo) will get you FIVE free nights at their highest level "Premium" Hotels internationally - code PP5. Booking five such nights could easily run $1,500 so this is a useful free points target to aim at. Hilton have really caught my attention over this and I will use them in future in preference to Starwood/Sheraton, all other things being equal.

Thank You Hilton. Thank you FlyerTalk! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

------------------
~ Glen ~

[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 10-15-2000).]

Thank you Glen

Didn't think it could get any better but some how it just does. Possibly the change profile points are reset each quarter, we will see in Jan if another 4K can be scooped.

Yes MVIC that sounds like a logical idea that they "reset" their clock each quarter and from October 1st we all have a clean sheet again. Had no problem snapping up another 4,000 points for us here giving us 10,000 so far totally free.

That point chart ozstamps posted says that is two free weekend Hilton nights. I am in Miami late month so I'll phone Hilton and see what the availaibilty is. Thanks guys.

You all might like to download the excellent Gator program which memorises all HHonors numbers and passwords from your new extended family and fills in the form for you.
http://www.gator.com

Can my dog enroll in the HH program?

Only if his paw clicks on either "King Bed" or "2 Queens" http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I changed airline FF # and room by elevators and no extra points appeared on my total.
Anyone else? Am willing to try again!
Thanks for the information.

Remember to sign up anew (1000 points) or happenstance to chance your preferences twice (1000 points each time per person) you MUST each time go into the Hilton site using THIS link and NOT the normal one off Hilton website which YES changes preferences but NO gives you no points!

http://www.hiltonhhonors.com/profile/

FOr the record, NO: animals CANNOT sign up for frequent flyer or hotel programs.

I am certain HIlton will check if you tried.

Is he that straight, or was that "supposed" to be funny?

I did it again using my husband's account and it worked like a charm. Will attempt mine again this afternoon! THANKS! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

UPDATE: I attempted mine again and it worked this time. I don't think it should have mattered, but I had just changed my pin code this week....maybe I got caught in the middle of the updating of the information on my account,

[This message has been edited by fscher (edited 10-06-2000).]

Does anyone else have the problem of their updates not saving? I get the 1,000 point notice, but the next time I go in it is back to my original preferences.

Be aware that Hilton may take some of these points away from you. Initially, I opened new HHonors accounts for my wife and I, and then edited both our profiles to get 3000 pts. each. I then called the 800 number to sign up for the UAL Mileage Plus Nights promotion, and within a few days, I had 12,000+ miles in my account! However, within 2 weeks they were wiped away, and despite re-signing with the promotion, I'm back at 3000 HHonors points.

I noticed that several items checked off were not checked off when I went in to update my profile.

I updated my airline FF numbers and noticed that I had not selected a prefered airline program. Will this automatically appear on my folio when I reserve a room on-line?

Winston. Sorry to hear about your "loss". Squarely blame Catman who went and asked Hilton about just that on a specific Hilton thread he started a month or so back. Hilton were alerted by that and posted there and on the one below. One FT'er lost 50,000 Hitlon points due to that snitching. Sad some people need to spoil a great promo others here gained from. Do a printout of these "new" points. Hilton will honor 'em then, I bet.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum50/HTML/002818.html

Just got another 2,000 points by upgrading my Hilton profile. (I got 2,000 last month for updating.) Hilton must reset each quarter.
Thanks

Originally posted by ozstamps:
........
....Hilton have really caught my attention over this and I will use them in future in preference to Starwood/Sheraton, all other things being equal.

Thank You Hilton. Thank you FlyerTalk! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif


If you are a Starwood Gold or Plantinum,
Hilton will be more than happy to comp you to their GOLD VIP.



------------------

Thanks AndrewM .. never knew they did that stuff. But if airlines do it, why not Hilton I suppose! A humble Gold Starwood (but have been for 20 years!) is that about line ball with Gold VIP Hilton, re benefits and perks does anyone know?



------------------
~ Glen ~

Is anyone having trouble logging into the profile site? I've tried numerous times and get the old "connection can not be made with the server" error.

Hope it clears. Worked fine for the others above! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Doc tipped me off on 500 free NW/KLM points on this site for anyone who wants to partake:

http://www.klm.com.au/

Here it is now 4.45am Saturday, (hardly a peak business hour!) and site comes up as "server too busy". Gimme a break - KLM only fly here once a day if that! Or, lots of you are trying for those 500 freebie points. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif




------------------
~ Glen ~

Is the Catman feline or human? Does he qualify for HHonors points?

My dog sometimes shows human traits and enjoys daytime TV!

ozstamps....

I suggest we start a thread as soon as someone has more info about the Global One calling card. That seems to be the only part of this deal that is not "instant" and I would be interested in hearing how it works out for people. (I noticed a couple FTs had already requested the card).

Excellent work on this deal! You must be tired of typing ! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Originally posted by Bean:
ozstamps....

I suggest we start a thread as soon as someone has more info about the Global One calling card. That seems to be the only part of this deal that is not "instant" and I would be interested in hearing how it works out for people. (I noticed a couple FTs had already requested the card).

Excellent work on this deal! You must be tired of typing ! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I wrote Mexicana about the expired promotion since the website still shows it. I asked them if there was a substitution. This was the response:

Thank you, for writing to Mexicana Airlines. In regards to your e-mail,
I do apologize for the inconvenience regarding the promotion advertised
on the web page. I will notify the corresponding department in Mexico
City to update the web page. We do apreciate your comments, and
suggestions.

If you should have any other questions, please feel free to write back.
Have a great day.

Nobody knows Mexico like Mexicana.

Laura Gutierrez
Mexicana Airlines Web Support http://www.mexicana.com

fscher. Well let me guess .. that employee spent all their working life in a government bureaucracy before working for MEX! What utter non-committal gobbleygook!

As I posted on the other thread you can BET if it is not one card it will be another that lines up with Frecuenta. Mexico has a pop. exceeding 100 million people many now middle and upper end earnings and huge volume of phone traffic is to/from USA. I would not be surprised to see MCI/AT+T offer a branded card and their usual sign up bonuses are the same sorta points.

None of this affects the extra 2,000 points Hilton are handing out, per person, right now either, so go for it. (Unless you are a pet dog, we are warned above as "Hilton are sure to check". http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif)



------------------
~ Glen ~

Originally posted by ozstamps:
Would Mr and Mrs FlyerTalker like about 100,000 FREE Hilton points?

Well Hilton sure know how to gain the attention of all us point hounds out there! I started a thread exactly a month back that seemed to give anyone an instant 1,000 points. It grew and grew, and dozens here added to the data base of knowledge with good suggestions as time went on, especially Mvic and MrLimo.

THe deal got better and better. In the end these 3 threads have experienced a few 100 posts, way more than anything else on FT in the past month, which shows if nothing else that FREE points are still the prime interest of those who use these boards.

I have just found that 2,000 extra points have been added to my HHonors account.

A couple can it seems end up with about 100,000 Free points if you follow through with this. Without one Hotel stay or one flight taken. Those points can be used for as many as EIGHTEEN FREE Hilton Hotel nights, OR transferred on a convertor basis into nearly all major US flier plans as well if you wish.

If you ALREADY are up to speed with this promo you may wish to try for those extra 2,000 points per family member. If you are NEW to this Hilton spaghetti factory of deals, grab a LARGE coffee and sit down and read the background and genesis to it all:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum94/HTML/002427.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/003354-4.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/003377.html


What does 100,000 HHonor points get you?

Check this Hilton redemption chart:

http://www.hilton.com/hhonors/rewards/hotel.html


Scroll right down to the "Point Stretcher" award chart.

33,000 points (Code PO6) will get you SIX nights free at the lowest price properties, or EIGHTEEN free nights if these locations and properties suit.

Conversely 96,000 points (exactly what I figger a couple might end up with from this promo) will get you FIVE free nights at their highest level "Premium" Hotels internationally - code PP5. Booking five such nights could easily run $1,500 so this is a useful free points target to aim at. Hilton have really caught my attention over this and I will use them in future in preference to Starwood/Sheraton, all other things being equal.

Thank You Hilton. Thank you FlyerTalk! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif



Mere genius. What site do you use to get the three thousand points to sign up a couple. Thanks

------------------

Originally posted by goldelite:
Winston. Sorry to hear about your "loss". Squarely blame Catman who went and asked Hilton about just that on a specific Hilton thread he started a month or so back. Hilton were alerted by that and posted there and on the one below. [snip, snip]

If you must blame anyone, "blame" Hilton, who have been active participants on this board since day one. And the benefits of this presence have greatly outweighed any loopholes being shut down.

goldelite: not one to usually enter the "wars", I must take exception with your comments on Catman's snitching and someone losing 50K points.

We can't "lose" 50K points that weren't ours in the first place. Sure we all get caught up in the thrill of finding (and using) legitimate loopholes but sooner or later they get found. What's the big deal. We win a few, they win a few. C'est la vie. This is not survival!

It's the journey not the destination that matters. Enjoy it while you can.

YellowPelican, welcome around. You get 3,000 points EACH by starting off on this site signing each of you up (1000 each) and then going back in and fine tuning your "preferences" another 2000 each. 6000 points in minutes. Worked for us easy. Enjoy. http://www.hiltonhhonors.com/profile/

I agree with you BlondeBomber, if by accident any program drop 100,000 miles/points in my account when I did not earn it, I would not expect to keep it. Whether I would use it immediately that is another legal/ethical/moral question!

It is NOT a question of them not earning it. They earned those free points the same way Catman and Premex etc did - by flying United. It was a free program. I have no argument with Adam being useful on these boards in many ways. I do have an argument with anyone deliberately snitching to Adam on others here and thus having their points removed because of that action.

goldelite speculates but posts as fact: I do have an argument with anyone deliberately snitching to Adam on others here and thus having their points removed because of that action.

I think this is the grossest assumption put forward as fact that I have ever seen on FlyerTalk. How do you know that Adam or anyone else at Hilton didn't already know about this error before Catman ever posted anything? How do you know that these points weren't deducted because of some random or scheduled audit sweep of accounts? How do you know that I or some other FlyerTalker didn't write Adam a personal email about this long before Catman said anything?

All I know for a fact is that unless you have some sort of proof other than the coincidence of the timing of the deduction, you owe Catman a big apology. IMHO.

I get miles and points that I was not entitled to deducted from my accounts all the time because of audits. I don't blame anyone. You win some, you lose some. But you always dress for the game!

ENOUGH please. Can ALL of those who want to start/continue a flame war about United points/Catman/The Middle East/Al Gore etc go the the United or Hilton threads etc and do it there. Or email each other and do the rest of us a favour. Thank you and good luck with your squabbles.

THIS thread is about earning many 1000s of instant and totally free points from Hilton for a few moments keystrokes and has NOTHING to do with UA. In the several 100 posts these free Hilton point threads have received in the past month only a few (3) were flame/nasty type and oddly they came from long time users, if you care to look.

So PLEEEEEEZ let at least a few threads on FT actually assist people to earn free points and not degenerate into mud throwing fests. There are 100s of other threads to fight and squabble and accuse/defend in.

Thank You again. Hope this little fracas above does not lose the thrust of the thread. Which is totally FREE points for all!


http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif




[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 10-07-2000).]

Oz,

Just went to the HHonors site, updated, and got my 1,000. Points updated to my account instantly.

As you mentioned above, this isn't the place to be flaming each other--let's keep it to flying, travelling, HELPING each other, and keep out of the jetblast...

Thanks.

Jeff

bj-21.

Oz, you say "enough please" but then you go on to say something like: In the several 100 posts these free Hilton point threads have received in the past month only a few (3) were flame/nasty type and oddly they came from long time users, if you care to look.

That's a flame/nasty!!

Frankly Oz, your gross generalizations about long time users, old timers etc etc are really getting old themselves. What are you trying to say? That old timers as a group are evil? If you have something you want to say, why don't you address individuals rather than insult large groups by nothing but association? Why do you insist on pointing out that posts that you say are nasty were created by "long time users?" Can it be that you simply do not like any long time user?

Just say you don't like it and move on. I personally feel insulted by your constant generalizations and insistance on segragating folks into groups. Please, please, learn how to write without insulting whole groups or races!

Someone (not an "old-timer" by the way, if that means anything to you) publicly libeled a fellow FlyerTalker and a friend. Sorry to soil your thread, but I didn't start this and I won't let that kind of thing go by without a comment, as is my every right (and I feel "civic" duty) to do.

It's not just about points and miles here on FlyerTalk. We're a "community." And that's what makes FlyerTalk unique! IMHO.

Thank you Blackjack21. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Thank You ozstamps. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Thanks for all the instant free Hilton points Ozstamps. I feel sure many here have (and will) read the above comments and privately draw their own conclusions on them. Yes I agree entirely with Blackjack, this is NOT the thread to be flaming each other - let's all just TALK TRAVEL and accept all FREE points with enthusiam! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I think the flame wars are funny and entertaining! Inevitably there will be some disagreements on any bulletin board. If those messages bother you skip them!

I rather have people being candid on this board than everyone towing the bland, boring, politically correct line. The diverse personalities we have make a better board, IMNSHO.

So, If anyone feels the need, you may resume flaming! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

------------------
Via con Dios!

[This message has been edited by macbravery (edited 10-07-2000).]

Thanks ozstamps for the 3000 Hilton points. What a board! I've read the above and seems like petty minded bickering to me. Take the high road and simply ignore such people has always been my advice, as they are contributing little if anything to this promotion, or more to the point, to anyone's point "bank".

After 37 posts on this subject, this may be getting lost and not read.....however,

For anyone wanting the 1000 miles on Mexicana Frequenta:

The new GLOBAL ONE number to call is
1-888-217-4953!

It will take 2-3 weeks before card will arrive.

Can't believe Mexicana did not know that information when I emailed them!!
I called Sprint yesterday and they were of no help (that was were I was directed to from the old GLOBAL ONE number).
For the heck of it called back today and was more persistent as to why we were given their (Sprint's) phone number. Associate still knew nothing of it, but I asked for a Global One number.....this was the one she gave me and the first person that answered the phone KNEW WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT - MIRACLE of MIRACLES.

Hope this help someone

P.S. Keep in mind this is 1000 miles.
The 4000 that was mentioned was KILOMETERS. I think I saw someone adding 4000 miles into the total in the other threads. Still enough to top off the Mexicana account to reach the 5000 minimum to convert & transfer to HHonors.

[This message has been edited by fscher (edited 10-07-2000).]

Thanks for sure fscher http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif!

Thanks fscher. The Hilton free points deal has sort of "ballooned" if anyone has read the 3 threads in my initial posting here.

Just to recap. ANYONE here can get in moments 4,250 free Miles in the Mexcian "Frecuenta" FF porgram right here:

http://www.mexicana.com.mx/mx2/english/frecuenta/registro/home.htm

As fscher reminds us there is a further 1,000 mile bonus for signing up for their calling card. There is also a 2,500 point bonus for booking any ticket on their website. (Someone told me they did this, full fare ticket for December, then transferred their Frecuenta miles to Hilton, then "changed their mind" and cancelled the MEX fully refundable reservation)

Frecuenta gives you 20,000 Hilton points when you transfer 6,250 of their miles to Hilton. A Husband and wife, both sign up for Frecuenta, both get the 20,000 points, and transfers to Hilton. If there happens to be 2 children also living at home they do the same.

If you have been following these threads, both Mr and Mrs Flyertalker and 2 kiddies already have 5,000 Free HHilton points each by now. Add 20,000 more each from Frucuenta. (And remember Hilton legally allow partners to combine into one account if you wish) so there is 100,000 Hilton HHonors points right there for the John Doe household.

It is a good promo, and only very slightly complicated. The efforts of some here to try and derail this thread with flames are not appreciated but DO look into it, as there despite them, are a LOT of free points sitting there for all of us. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif



------------------
~ Glen ~

The "kids" must be 18 years or older. You must check this box and it won't go through if you don't. Most hotel programs seem to have this stipulation. My kids only have frequent flyer accounts - not hotel award programs. Good thought, Glenn! Nice try!
I am on your side - Remember that.

Good point fscher. A few here might need rebuke their poodles for checking that box with their paws?! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Along those lines, my next door neighbour was east coast USA based on secondment here for 3 years. Company paid for he and wife and 2 VERY young kids to all fly home 1st class twice a year as part of his contract. They booked a seat each, do you mind, and not nursed the babies! The youngest one was only a few months old when they made first trip. Anyway, UA let the child have a MP # and Tom used to delight in showing people her car and hotel rental coupons, MCI/AT&T calling cards, drink coupons, upgrade certs, etc, etc, all in the tiny child's name! SYD-JFK is about 20,000 miles r/t so the 2 kids were always MP Elite members from age of one!

[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 10-07-2000).]

My children have HHonors accounts that I obtained for them a couple of years ago when my husband and I were signed up. They were not 18 at the time either.

Has any one got their enrollment package from
Mexicana ??

Let me start by saying that I don’t think anyone on this board wants to keep anyone else from getting all of the miles and points to which he or she is legally entitled, and if there are loopholes that can legitimately be exploited, so be it. As an attorney, I find loopholes delightful (unless, of course, they’re being used against me). http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

But there is a major difference between legitimately exploiting a loophole and outright fraud. Now I’m not saying that anyone is committing fraud – that is a legal conclusion that is drawn by a judge or a jury. It depends on the intent of the person and the law in the particular jurisdiction. The law is not the same everywhere; what may be fraud under the laws of one jurisdiction may in some cases be perfectly permissible in another. And then there is the application of Federal wire fraud statutes which cross state jurisdictions.

The downside of fraud is not just that it is against the law. There are cases that have been reported in the media where frequent flyer/frequent patron programs have closed accounts tainted by fraud, and have reportedly even imposed lifetime disqualification in some cases on the individuals involved.

And don’t think that they don’t know about what goes on on these boards unless someone here tells them. This place is not exactly a secret, you know. We have known for some time that United and Hilton (and other airlines and hotel chains) monitor these fora and that they do periodic audits of accounts looking for erroneous or improper credits. I don’t know that they will do anything in this case, but I am virtually certain that they are aware of what is happening.

Please understand: I am not accusing anyone here of fraud or of counseling fraud. I will only say that I personally am very uncomfortable with some of the suggestions made on the threads related to this issue. But then again, maybe I’m just unduly conservative. I keep thinking of my mother’s advice when I was very young, “If what you want to do doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.”

Now, this is not “legal advice” as that term is used in law; it’s simply my personal musings and observations. If anyone wants legal advice, he or she should consult qualified counsel who is familiar with the pertinent law in their own jurisdiction (if they think it’s necessary or desirable). I’ve posted this only because I think that anyone in our community considering some of these things should be aware that there is a possible problem, and should make his or her decision in light of that.

thank you Counsellor.

I often share loopholes with my preferred carriers and afterwards I feel very 'secure' going on profiting:
I do the back-to-back ticketing at the same time at/with a ticket office of the actual carrier (LH-ZRH, UA-FRA).
I tell them (or I even have been given the tip to do so by the ticketing-agent of that airline) to book a 2-segment trip as a 3-coupon 'visit-the-USA' ticket and throw the last segment away (UA. ORD-SJU-ORD-... in may-1999, accompanying kokonutz on one segment)
LH Senators can profit from a program loophole when using a Senator upgrade-voucher for a previously confirmed upgrade and at check-in change the ff-program (from LH miles&more to UA's Mileage Plus). This loophole, when discussing it with LH-ZRH is well known by LH and one of the reasons why LH makes changements of the procedure per jan-1-2001 (this loophole 'avoided' having miles deducted for any upgrade for years now ...).

months ago, when I shared my loophole knowledge with LH-ZRH, they just smiled and asked me, is that the only loophole you know? They offered me, for any systematic loophole that I would tell them and that they themselves wouldn't know before, they would offer me a free first-class transatlantic on LH.

Oh well, for my family that one 'spared' us several 100'000 of miles (I am still searching now for others ...).

I have no moral problems whatever with snagging these bonus points for my wife and I. I am in fact emailing this thread to my 3 children who all travel quite a bit and suggest they follow my lead. Hilton WANTS people to have a HHonors card and think Hitlon for the future. A few 1000 points to "buy" that potential business is peanuts to them, and is how ALL hotel and airline companies do business.

I just find it amazing that everyone feels rightous and back-slappin'-happy about posting about participating loopholes in such a decidedly PUBLIC forum, then get bent out of shape when the loopholes close and/or questionably-obtained miles/points are revoked!!!!

And I'm talkin' to you "I just got x points, thanks for the tip" posters.

Lord knows if I was going to somewhat-honestly but not TOTALLY to the letter of the law overreport say the value of a tax deduction on my tax form, I CERTAINLY would not talk about doing so in a public forum. To do so would, IMHO, be inviting an audit!!!

The 1,000 for changing my profile? Sure, chat away!!! But, for example, receiving a retroactive bonus that is not in compliance with the letter of the bonus. I think generically the info should be shared. But as for me myself personally, I'd take my points and keep my mouth shut about doing so in a public forum such as this. Thanking the poster and in doing so indicating my participation is less important than my points, if you see what I mean. Besides, those kinds of thanks are what e-mail is for!

My two cents, FWIW...

[This message has been edited by kokonutz (edited 10-08-2000).]

I am an attorney and see nothing wrong with signing up in HHonors, getting my 1000, and fine tuning my personal details. If that gives me 3,000 points total, thank you Hilton. I did it recently. And now I am signing up my wife. There is absolutely nothing illegal or unethical about either action. Hilton get two new fans, and we get 6,000 points. A fair trade.

Yada yada yada........

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I cannot see how one person can be blamed for "snitching", when anyone who has followed this Board knows that Hilton regularly checks in on these Forums, as do managers of almost every FF program. At the same time, however, I have become quite uncomfortable reading the past two pages, and some of the previous topics on this and similar subjects. Which I guess is why I so seldom even bother with "The Buzz".

Call me "Old School", but the attitude of too many posters here disturbs me. I have seen little evidence herein of an ethical concern about all this. It reminds me of the days when newspapers used to be sold in open boxes, on the honour system (pardon the unintentional pun, since we are dealing with HHonors). But since too many people took the attitude that because the boxes were open and papers just picked up from them, anybody could just take a paper without paying for it. Or getting more points without ever paying for a hotel room than I often get staying and paying for one. Any wonder why we now have locked newspaper boxes?

A small thing, but it talks to me about a general decline in values and an ethical centre I see about me all too often. It is this same ethical lapse, I guess, that makes Napster auch a "successful" website. And its owners and developers just don't understand what is wrong.

Yes, we all like to get a few thousand miles or points without having to actually fly or stay in a hotel room. Fair game. But a line of propriety must be drawn somewhere, or am I just old fashioned? Catman did not "blow the whistle" on this loophole. It is those who boasted so openly in a public forum who brought any action on themselves. Maybe a few dozen people taking advantage of these things will not break Hilton or any other program, but don't blame any of us "old guys" for spoiling the fun.

Nobody is challenging your right to post whatever you want. Just remember there may be consequences, however.

For the record, I earned by 1,000 HHonors points bonus for changing my profile the old fashioned way: I moved 1,600 miles and input my new address and phone number.

Well, nobody can say it won't be an interesting get-to-gether in Dusseldorf what with Rudi and BB and me and Ozstamps and...

Shareholder..

Welcome to the world we live in...

First of all, it's Hilton's choice to offer us these miles. They may stop at any time, but until then, you'd be a fool not to grab 'em.

Second, as for Napster, don't even get me started about that! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
It costs record companies about $.03 - $.05 to make a cd, yet they charge us consumers $15. Can you say "corporate greed"?

I, personally, have no sympathy for greedy members of the recording industry who bit*h and moan about not getting the money they deserve from songs downloaded on Napster.

The best comment I have heard about the whole Napster issue was from Bono of U2. He was asked how he felt about not getting paid for U2 songs that were being downloaded on Napster. His response: "Hell, I'm overpaid anyway". Well said Bono.. and long live Napster.

What those who talk about being ripped off by the record industry don't note when you say it costs a few cents to make a CD is that for every 10 groups a label invests in it makes money from only one or two. That there are huge costs related to manufacturing, warehousing and distributing CDs to retail outlets. That there are hundreds of thousands of jobs supported by the mark-ups each step down the line. That's a fact of life too, but if you want to condone the destruction of an industry, go ahead because it looks to you like a few hundred people -- artists and senior management -- are vastly overpaid. That's a fact of life, too. I suppose anarchy is a legitimate way to lead ones life. And maybe afterall, you are just preaching a modern, greed-oriented form of Marxism: to each his own based on what he can steal, coerce or otherwise invegal. Sounds like the wild west out there, and there are often far more losers than winners. However, you will have only yourselves to blame when there are fewer and fewer bonuses.

With this attitude, the nuclear bomb would have been used every time some little country decided to challenge the Soviet Union or USA, the rationale being: the technology exists, we're only using it. Don't blame us, the scientists did it...

Oh well, we old guys will soon be put down and this brave new world devoid of ethics and morality will emerge in full bloom. Civic values and communalism will be a thing of the past and the ethos of "greed is good" will rule the day once more. Enjoy your free nights at Hilton. Any chain that can be so cavalier about the way they make it easy to be ripped off does not deserve my custom.

I for one would like to know how many points each of you who so proudly boast about this "rip off" have actually earned by staying at a Hilton property this year or last? Adam and company, your generosity may be misdirected, for a loyalty program HHonors may no longer be. A sitting duck target for fickle ripsters it has become. RIP HHonors.

Pardon an old man from the old school his dillusions over coffee and toast...

Thanks Shareholder for the refreshing wake up call!

It seems to me sometimes the end goal becomes so all consuming that people forget who they are trampling along the way. Earning frequent traveller points should be fun -- not an all out war.

However, I would not go so far as to fault those who are getting legitimate points that HHonors allows one to earn in the "cavalier way". We presume that Hilton monitors boards such as these and makes adjustments that will be in their (and our) long-term best interests.

..."Oh well, we old guys will soon be put down and this brave new world devoid of ethics and morality will emerge in full bloom. Civic values and communalism will be a thing of the past and the ethos of "greed is good" will rule the day once more."...

Wow! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif

While I surely feel that I understand and share most of the view you've espoused here, David, let's please not go overboard! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Hopefully, this is a bit of an exaggeration! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

We ALL need to look inside ourselves and think about matters rather than simply react. We'll do what we know is right for those around us, as well as ourselves! Surely most of us do this! I hope! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I think Hilton and airlines run these free/bonus points deal to attract future patronage. They have got mine - can't speak for others. Even calling card sign ups will yeild you several 1000 flyer points (more use than several 1000 Hilton points) and that has been the case for 10-15 years. If it did not work, they would not do it. They are "buying" our future patronage.

Wake up, people! This has nothing to do with being a "rip-off." Is is simply a marketing tool, a loss leader. No different than your local supermarket running weekly sales in hopes of getting you into the store to make additional purchases.

Thanks for the timely reminder, OZ. However, besides all the fun of getting points for my entire family, I would also like to have the profile actually remember what I want! Silly me...

Originally posted by cactuspete:
Wake up, people! This has nothing to do with being a "rip-off." Is is simply a marketing tool, a loss leader. No different than your local supermarket running weekly sales in hopes of getting you into the store to make additional purchases.

Hmmm, no different from a weekly sale, a loss leader. Maybe, but maybe not. In the case of a weekly sale, they tell you what they want from you (a "price") in exchange for what they are offering, and you provide them the "price" they are asking for or you shouldn't be taking the product.

In this case, Hilton is asking for valid information, and is offering some points to those whose information is no longer current if that member will provide the accurate information. That is the "price" or "value" they are asking in exchange for the points.

So let's say your local supermarket runs a offer saying that those who have just moved into the neighborhood will get a free gift when they register their new address with the store. And let's say someone makes up "new" addresses, or slightly changes their actual address to make it appear as a new address, and accepts the free gift over and over.

Do you think that would be all right? Apparently many here do.

Thanks for the tip. Worked like a charm.

------------------

THANK YOU COUNSELLOR for the great legal analysis! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Originally posted by ozstamps:
As fscher reminds us there is a further 1,000 mile bonus for signing up for their calling card. There is also a 2,500 point bonus for booking any ticket on their website. (Someone told me they did this, full fare ticket for December, then transferred their Frecuenta miles to Hilton, then "changed their mind" and cancelled the MEX fully refundable reservation)


This seems like the way to get the Frecuenta -> Hilton HHonors transition. Ozstamps, can you confirm this particular maneuver - or is it "manouver" to you? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Has anyone else tried this?

On behalf of the English Commonwealth that should be "manoeuvre". http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

English ????????????????

50% of the English vocabulary comes from old French, and as far as modern words are concerned, "manoeuvre" looks right to me...but it's just an humble suugestion from a non native English speaker... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

LordLuck
French Commonwealth

Shareholder, glad to see that you completed the move. I hope all went well. I forgot to tell you that I presented Bombardier to my investment club and we bought in. The company keeps getting stronger and I will be buying some shares personally within the next couple of weeks.

One question. Since the company is traded on TSE and not in the US on an ADR I guess I will have to mess with foreign taxes?

Tulane .. no I am still waiting (after starting these threads over a month back!) to get my Frecuenta # in the mail! I have flown Mexicana since then actually to Los Cabos but on UA code share. Had I known of this, I'd have left it as a pure MEX flight!

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~ Glen ~

Or should that be FLITE? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I too am still waiting for my Frecuenta #, has anyone received one yet?

Ozstamps- maybe you can keep us posted as to when you receive yours; I'm assuming I applied for mine shortly thereafter (I've been following this post since the beginning, I may forget what to do when I DO receive my # http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif)

Attention HHonors members:

Make sure that you make Mexicana your airline for your Double Dip. I did for a recent stay, and they gave me 1000 instead of the ususal 500 bonus miles you usually get on the double dip!

Also because of some Mexicana promotion, I also got 250, 394, and 432 bonus points on 3 different stays because I used Mexicana as my Double Dip airline.

I gotta tell you, I still like Starwood, but with all these bonuses and promotions that Hilton is doing, I can almost see my HHonors account growing DAILY! They're making it hard for me to stay anywhere else!

And once again, thanks OZstamps, MRlimo, etc. I WASN'T EVEN IN HHONORS 2 months ago, and now I have cleared over 100,000 points, and that is BEFORE the Mexicana thing kicks in!!!!!!


Mac

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Via con Dios!

Now that we know that this promo "works," I would like to revive a thought from earlier in this thread. How can I convert the miles in each of my children's Mexicana accounts into Hilton Hhonors points? There was an earlier indication that there was some way to open a Hilton account for kids (?).

Great news! Thanks OZSTAMPS for the heads up.

Can't deny this is a good FF program thread.

Macbravery said:

Make sure that you make Mexicana your airline for your Double Dip. I did for a recent stay, and they gave me 1000 instead of the ususal 500 bonus miles you usually get
on the double dip!

Darn .. I just added my UA # into a Hilton stay, and the LAST thing I need right now is extra UA miles! Did not know MEX posted double? Mac's post does illustrate one thing I said earlier in this thread ... that Hilton by "blooding" frequent travellers into their program via these up front points deals will steal away a lot of business from Starwood, Marriott regulars, etc.

------------------
~ Glen ~

oops, duplicate post.


[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 11-26-2000).]

I seem to recall there was a double points * bonus on MEX?

I have a correction to make guys. The Double Dip I received from the Hilton stay into my Mexicana account was 1000 kilometers, not 1000 miles.

But this is still 625 miles, so it is still 125 more than I would have gotten from any other airline.

It seems that Mexicana has the tendency to sometimes quote miles, then sometimes kilometers, and they are pretty relaxed about the whole thing.

For instance, I finally got a Mexicana Frecuenta miles statement (never did get the actual Frecuenta card) and so did my wife. Her's is in miles and mine is in kilometers even though I signed us up at the exact same time, and confirmed it with the exact same person. But as long as I get my bonuses, I really don't care if they measure it in furlongs!

Plus I still did get those Mexicana bonus Hilton HHonors points like I said before.

The Mexicana web site has been down for the whole Thanksgiving week, and it is killing me. I want to know the most up to date info NOW!!!!!!!!

BTW, the 3 Hilton stays yielding 625 each combined with the 4625 sign-on bonus make a grand total of 6500. And that, my friends, is all it takes. I now have my 20,000 HHonors points.

I also just got a HHonors AMEX, so, that was another 7500 bonus points!

I am confirmed convert to Hilton now. My Starwood point balance is growing so slowly and my HHonors balance is growing so fast!

By the way, my new Gold Status in Hilton paid dividends immediately. I got free breakfast at a Doubletree and an upgrade to a corner mini-suite with mountain view! I also had a nice amenity delivered to my room! Fruits, chocolates, nuts and bottled water, YUM!

So, Starwood, what are ya' gonna do to step up to the challenge?!?!?!


Mac

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Via con Dios!

I never heard about this. These boards are great! Are non USA based residents allowed to get involved with this deal?

This may or may not be news to those of you who were able to read each and every word on this thread (I personally found it difficult), but the Mexicana Global One Calling Card offer seems to have expired. At least that was the information provided at the 800 number.



[This message has been edited by rpmkwpw (edited 11-28-2000).]

macbravery. You have done well. I just went to the MEX website, as they FINALLY have sent me the membership numbers.

Finally found the right section to check account blaance, after a bit of searching.

Type in #. Type in Pin #. Hit "Check account"

Wait a full minute, and get this message:

We are sorry, our service hours are from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm Mexico Central time.


On a website???????????????????????????



------------------
~ Glen ~

More ways to earn points. The Mexicana Global calling card I just signed up for tonight. They did not care that I was located in Australia btw.

http://www.globalcalling.com/mexicana.htm

That is 4000 miles the moment I phone my answer machine. (and everyone please note, they call all point figures "Frecuenta Miles" - whether they are Kms or Miles is not relevant, the FIGURE is what counts for Hilton transfer) They even give me a $10 credit for first calls! So, I get to have an $11 conversation with the answer phone! They get an AUTHORISATION for $US100 on your credit card, do NOT process it, and it expires of course in 30 days. No big deal.

Then I just noticed there is a very generous deal of 1,250 points for signing up in Starwood and staying one night anywhere. I am a Starwood Gold, but the crummy amount of points an airport Hotel will bring me for one night is no comparison to 1,250 points, so I'd sign up for a new (free) Starwood account just to snag there.

www.mexicana.com.mx/mx2/english/frecuenta/boletin/21bol_novdec2000/starwood.asp (http://www.mexicana.com.mx/mx2/english/frecuenta/boletin/21bol_novdec2000/starwood.asp)

Finally they say on website there is a new deal that they send upgrade Certs for every flier that has 10,000 Mex points in account, swept on a 2 monthly basis. Who knows with these guys .. it MAY even apply to bonus points?

4,625 sign up + 4,000 Global card + 1,250 Starwood = 9,875. I have a couple MEX flights to be hopefully credited, so that is way over 10,000 for me. Only need 12,500 to get 40,000 Hilton transfer, per person.

www.mexicana.com.mx/mx2/english/Frecuenta/beneficios/benehilton.asp (http://www.mexicana.com.mx/mx2/english/Frecuenta/beneficios/benehilton.asp)


I'll post this in the other thread as well, as this info is all over the place!

------------------
~ Glen ~

I found this on the Frequenta page about transfer to Hilton.
"NOTAS : Only miles earned for Mexicana flights are elegible for transfers Minimum transfer=3125 miles"

Does this mean that the sign up bonus is not valid for transfer to Hilton? Same with the calling card?

Originally posted by kempis:
I found this on the Frequenta page about transfer to Hilton.
"NOTAS : Only miles earned for Mexicana flights are elegible for transfers Minimum transfer=3125 miles"

Does this mean that the sign up bonus is not valid for transfer to Hilton? Same with the calling card?
No.
See post here by Russ21Atl: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/003547-2.html

Further clarification for you Kempis:

It does mean that if you call them, but not if you send an e-mail. Go figure....

I am having trouble signing up for the Global One calling card. The 800 number says it has been discontinued. I keep clicking and getting nowhere on the web site. Any suggestions?

OZ:

I have gotten that same message at the Mexicana website. It seems that they actually shut down the web site after 11:30pm Mexicao Central Time.

But lately, I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET MILEAGE INFO AT ALL!

I get the message: "We are sorry, this service not available at this moment."

I called the phone #, and the lady sounded like she was tired of answering this question. She said they're still "working on it." For 2 weeks?!?!!?!?


Mac

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Via con Dios!

yesletsski, try www.globalcalling.com/apply.html (http://www.globalcalling.com/apply.html)

see also the bottom of this thread: www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/003547.html (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/003547.html)

macbravery .. I have NEVER been able to get onto the MEX site when it is working!

------------------
~ Glen ~

If I read all this right, wouldn't the subject title more accurately be "Would Mr. and Mrs. FlyerTalker like about 50,000 FREE Hilton points?"

Because isn't it just roughly 26,000 points a person? I've re-read these threads a few times to make sure I wasn't missing anything, because I'm about ready to give it a shot.

Is my interpretation right?

motnot - Each person moving 40,000 HH out of MEX is not too hard - just about to do that. (See my Nov 29 post above.) Had someone joined HH (1,000) when these threads started and both updated twice in 2nd and 3rd Q twice each time (4,000) with 2,000 more to come Jan 1st (2,000 more) there is 47,000 a person. HH lets husband and wife combine accounts so 47,000 + 47,000 = 94,000 in one account. Thats if you do not update until after March 1, and voila - 98,000 a couple and so on. June 1 and you are OVER 100,000.

Oh, and if you have 2 children .... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

------------------
~ Glen ~

[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 12-02-2000).]

I was able to access my Frecuenta account today on Mexicana's web site for the first time since I enrolled in October. The mileage total shows 4000 miles (or km) for enrollment. The deal was for 4000 + 625 miles.

I sent an email to Mexican explaining the situation and asked for the additional miles to be credited to my account. I am waiting for (and will post) their response.

Mexicana credited my frecuenta account with the additional 625 miles within one day. It looks like if you don't ask, the miles won't appear in your account (unless they plan to sweep all accounts and add the miles later).

creature --

Both my wife and I received 4,625 miles without additional work.

1. Updating my HHonors profile on 01/01/01 using Ozstamps's link (to take into account the change in my credit card number), I got the message 'For updating your member profile, our records show that you have already received your profile bonus points. Only one profile update bonus is awarded per member'.

The system was up to date (Current year stays: 0; current year nights: 0, on the first day of the year), so it looks like the bonus will not be repeated.

2. I enrolled in Frecuenta around four months ago, and have received nothing yet. I did get UA miles for qualifying flights in November, but that's not the point. Anybody else still waiting for news from MX?

"The Mexicana thing" started out pretty great but now it seems very confusing whether one can actually transfer the bonuspoints to Hilton or not...

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/confused.gif

------------------
Goldlust

Mexicana just emailed me saying that I can only transfer miles earned on MX metal.

The gig is up!