MilesBuzz! - Which carrier has come up with the best yearend elite/mileage deal?

Perhaps since my former nemesis NWA has just joined the fray with their latest mileage offering, I wondered which carrier FT'ers think has perhaps come up with the best yearend deal thusfar?

With all the airlines "angling" for our yearend business in these tough times, which has come up with the most enticing offer for earning miles and most importantly elite status?

AA has just given the extension thru next year and CO offers double qualifying miles and so on.

Considering status, miles and price, in that specific order, any thoughts on a clear winner for a late year qualifying run to the upper elite tiers for a flexible flier?

Which begs the question - what is "best". I guess in terms of being the most liberal, there is no clear cut "winner":
1) American has extended the status for a year. So those currently elite dont have to fly anymore this year. But if you are trying to get status or a higher status, they do not offer any incentives.
2) CO and DL are offering double status miles until Nov 15
3) NW is offering 5K status miles via some non-flight partners.

So AA could be the most liberal for those who want to keep their current status. CO/DL could be most liberal for those who are aiming for a higher status level next year and are willing to fly a lot in the next 6 weeks or so.

Interestingly enough - for me NW is the "best" as I travelled a lot early in the year, am not travelling much these days, and the 5K bonus promotion puts me at the Platinum level, up from my current Gold status.

Best is subjective as those who have already obtained the highest status level may not want the status to be diluted by these promotions.

[This message has been edited by PG (edited 10-04-2001).]

I give AA credit for having invented the modern frequent flyer program, but they need some schooling on how to manage one! They've basically said "We know you're not flying much lately, and we're gonna reward you for continuing to NOT fly!" What a mega-disincentive!

The CO/DL approach is very smart - get back in the air, and get rewarded. I'm already trying to figure out a plan to requal a notch higher this year.

Any word from UA yet? So far I've only heard of their crappy double non-status miles promotion - they'll have to do better! I only have 5K completed + 8K planned on them this year, so I'm hoping for a sweetheart deal! Otherwise, I'll put my miles for the rest of the year somewhere else.

[This message has been edited by Paulo (edited 10-04-2001).]

I believe the airlines are thinking that for those that won't/don't make the same elite status for next year will get back to flying next year and presumably continue flying the same airline. Or at least that those that would not qualify for bottom tier elite will continue to patronize their former FF airline of choice and not go else where.

There appear to be several restrictions with the NW double miles, as they may only be for travel in continental US States (excluding Hawaii) and Canada, and only for tickets booked Oct 5 - Nov 15.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PG:
There appear to be several restrictions with the NW double miles, as they may only be for travel in continental US States (excluding Hawaii) and Canada, and only for tickets booked Oct 5 - Nov 15.</font>

Where did you see the tickets booked Oct 5... restriction?

I've only seen:Between now and November 15, 2001, customers will earn double the normal amount of frequent flier miles they would normally receive for all paid Northwest-designated flights. Northwest-designated flights are flights operated by Northwest Airlines, Northwest Airlink or by one of its many airline partners. In the cases where a Northwest partner operates the flight, the ``NW'' airline designator must be listed on the customer's ticket next to the flight number. To receive double miles, customers must register at either http://www.nwa.com/offers/doublemiles or by calling 1-888-955-7878, extension 4467.

The real question is whether or no the double miles will be status miles like CO.

the-ca-goat- please also see:

Ticketing Dates 10/5-11/15
Travel Dates 10/5-11/15
US and Canada residents only

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum35/HTML/002095.html

It seems that NW has removed the booking date restrictions. I and others in NW forum) saw it earlier, but it apparently has been removed http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

PG,

Don't you wonder a little bit if FT had any influence in NW making the change? Hmmm...

T2

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tartetatin2:
PG,

Don't you wonder a little bit if FT had any influence in NW making the change? Hmmm...

T2</font>

T2 - I wouldn't doubt it. Many here in FT are more knowledgeable than some NW reps.

[This message has been edited by PG (edited 10-04-2001).]

The ticked issuing date restriction could have been there the first time I was there, maybe I missed it. Nevertheless, I went back and checked nwa.com:

Double Miles on Domestic Flights

Earn Double Miles for all paid Northwest designated flights flown between now and November 15, 2001 for travel in the contiguous United States and Canada. To take advantage of this offer, you need to register below.

You must be a WorldPerks member. If you are not a member join online first, then register for this promotion.

Complete the form below and click on the "Register me for the promotion" button to submit.

Terms and Conditions:
You must be a WorldPerks member residing in the contiguous United States or Canada to participate in this offer. If you are not a member, enroll online or call 1-800-225-2525 to become a member and receive your nine-digit account number. There is no cost to join.
This offer is not retroactive. Passengers must register for this promotion prior to flight departure.
Travel is permitted only on Northwest designated flights.
Offer applies to paid travel within/between the US48 and Canada only. Travel between Hawaii/Alaska and the US is excluded. Domestic flights on International itinerary are also excluded.
Travel Dates: October 5 - November 15, 2001
Reference Code: GNWP BONUSDOUBLE

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PG:
It seems that NW has removed the booking date restrictions. I and others in NW forum) saw it earlier, but it apparently has been removed http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif</font>

Not just apparently -- it has been removed! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SMessier:
Not just apparently -- it has been removed! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif </font>

Very true! I printed off the original T&C. Think it has any value on eBay? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tartetatin2:
Very true! I printed off the original T&C. Think it has any value on eBay? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif</font>

I will open the bidding at $1.

Delta. Trouble is if you achieve status, you can't do anything with it http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Yeh! That's partly way I'm inclined to say that CO has had the best reaction thusfar! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Amen! IMHO, double status miles is by far the most valuable incentive being offered. And only CO and DL are offering it.

But, even if you achieve status on DL, what good is it? At least on CO, status will get you in the front of the plane!

------------------
"Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys." --P.J. O'Rourke

Delta can take you far more places than Continental.

Hi,

My vote is very much with CO. Having already bought 10 weekend r/t's for $106 each to SFO this fall, it has now become an even better deal for me. I already was going to earn 6100 status miles each trip...now its going to be 12200 (and with the possibility of being in First on each one). Awesome deal...Thanks Continental.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Tango:
Delta can take you far more places than Continental. </font>

Yeah, but in a very tiny seat, unless you pay a very big fare!

And actually not all that many more places. Both CO and DL cover mostly the same routes. Both are strong on the East coast and Western Europe, weak in the West, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and nonexistent service to Australia. But CO has a stronger presence in Latin America, the Carribean, and the South Pacific.

Yes, Delta is a bit bigger, but it sure ain't AA, UA, or BA! And its alliances pale compared with oneworld or *Alliance (as do CO's as well).



------------------
"Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys." --P.J. O'Rourke

US has dropped the qualifying miles for status by 20% for all three tiers.

Additionally, they are offering double miles for all flights thru 11/15. Note the double bonus miles don't count towards status.

Anyone know where the America West double miles/reduced awards/elite status promotions are?

Its disappointing that they aren't joining in.

If upgrades are what your looking for, Continental is the airline for you...they are (as far as I know) the most generous with these and offer space available upgrades to their one pass members (though this may or may not be of value to you depending on your status and how many platinum business travelers checked in ahead of you...)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SemiElite:
But, even if you achieve status on DL, what good is it? At least on CO, status will get you in the front of the plane!
</font>

I can't remember which year I flew any Delta segment in coach -- it might have been 1997.

My upgrade rate on all Delta flights (including international and international codeshares) in the last 10 years is at least 95%.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Tango:
Delta can take you far more places than Continental. </font>

One word - CODESHARE

And, by the way, unlike the others, CO is offering double miles, not only for status, but on codeshare metal as well as their own.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by AzLarry:

Anyone know where the America West double miles/reduced awards/elite status promotions are?

Its disappointing that they aren't joining in.</font>

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Good point! I thought that they had! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

HP Mileage Promotions

5,000 Elite Qualifying Bonus Miles
With new AWA Club membership
Triple Mile Columbus Offer
For tickets purchased and flown by Dec 31
3000 Bonus Miles for Online Reservations
For tickets purchased and flown by Dec 31
Award Travel Reduced to 20,000 Miles
Redeem for your summer vacation plans
Earn Up to 15,000 Miles
As easy as 1-2-3 - over halfway to free travel

http://www.americawest.com/flightfund/ff_home.htm

So it's just a free double miles promo through 11/15, on AA, Delta, Continental, Northwest, TWA, United, and US Airways thusfar. Again, as noted, only those on CO and DL will also count as elite qualifying status miles.

From frequentflier.com:

Here's a summary, airline by airline, of the current offers:

&gt; Air Canada
Double Miles: Yes (through Dec. 15.)
Registration: N/A
Bonus Miles Qualify for Elite: No
Award Sale: No
Other: N/A

&gt; Alaska
Double Miles: Yes
Registration:
http://www2.alaskaair.com/Promo/Registration/PromoEntry.asp?pid=AS0104
Bonus Miles Qualify for Elite: No
Award Sale: No
Other: Current year elite status extended through Dec. 2002

&gt; American
Double Miles: Yes
Registration: http://www.aa.com/offers or 1-800-882-8880; code
DBLAA
Bonus Miles Qualify for Elite: No
Award Sale: Yes
Other: Current year elite status extended through Feb. 2003

&gt; America West
Double Miles: No
Registration: N/A
Bonus Miles Qualify for Elite: N/A
Award Sale: N/A
Other: N/A

&gt; Continental
Double Miles: Yes
Registration: http://onepass.continental.com or call
1-800-346-6090; code 50095
Bonus Miles Qualify for Elite: Yes
Award Sale: No
Other: N/A

&gt; Delta
Double Miles: Yes
Registration: 1-888-558-3358; code 2014
Bonus Miles Qualify for Elite: Yes
Award Sale: Yes
Other: N/A

&gt; Midwest Express
Double Miles: No
Registration: N/A
Bonus Miles Qualify for Elite: N/A
Award Sale: No
Other: N/A

&gt; Northwest
Double Miles: Yes
Registration: http://www.nwa.com/offers/doublemiles or
1-888-955-7878, ext. 4467
Bonus Miles Qualify for Elite: No
Award Sale: Yes
Other: N/A

&gt; Southwest
Double Miles: No
Registration: N/A
Bonus Miles Qualify for Elite: N/A
Award Sale: No
Other: N/A

&gt; United
Double Miles: Yes
Registration: http://offers.mileageplus.com/MNPN51 or
1-800-447-6772; code 168
Bonus Miles Qualify for Elite: No
Award Sale: Yes
Other: N/A

&gt; US Airways
Double Miles: Yes (through Dec. 31, 2001, for Shuttle flights)
Registration: http://www.usairways.com/dividendmiles/7437.htm or
1-800-872-4738; code 7437
Bonus Miles Qualify for Elite: No
Award Sale: Yes
Other: Membership threshold lowered for qualifying elites (see
below)

According to the America West website Elite status has been extended through February 2003

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Ord26:
According to the America West website Elite status has been extended through February 2003</font>

I've been watching for this for days! Where is this announcement?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Ord26:

According to the America West website Elite status has been extended through February 2003</font>


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Regarding HP, is this so? Anyone?

Yeah - it's true. Go to www.americawest.com (http://www.americawest.com) and click the 'Frequent Flier' tab to see the announcement. Too bad I've already got 80k miles this year. Here's the text:

"In appreciation of our most frequent flyers, we are extending Elite-status membership for all Platinum, Gold and Silver members through February 2003."

WorldPerks members can earn double miles for any Northwest flight flown before
November 15, 2001.

To register for this offer, visit www.nwa.com (http://www.nwa.com)
or contact Northwest/KLM Reservations at 1-800-225-2525 for more information.

From what I've seen, America West is probably the most generous with miles. Last year they were giving an additional 3000 Elite-qualifying miles for any travel to the west coast. In addition, they were offering 1000 miles for online bookings. I made Platinum in 19 trips to San Diego and Oakland.

This year they're giving 3000 bonus miles for every trip booked online. From what I've seen, the big airlines aren't as generous.

I easily clear 250k miles per year with AWA. To do that on UA,AA, or Delta would cost me a fortune.

------------------
God Bless America West and Continental

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

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America West is extending elite status for Platinum, Gold and Silver members through Feb. 2003.

http://americawest.com/flightfund/aboutprogram/ff_ffeliteprogram.htm

On the hotel side, I think Marriott has the best promo.

They are offering double points, double nights for all stays (Visa payment required) after a first qualifing stay. This runs from 10/15/01 to 3/31/02. Note that the double nights count towards status. Also, stays from 1/1/02 to 3/31/02 counts toward status for BOTH 2002 and 2003. A double, double dip!!

[This message has been edited by BillMorrow (edited 10-19-2001).]

Maybe so, Bill! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

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An Extension of DL SkyMiles Double Miles Promotion

Delta is offering SkyMiles members double miles on all systemwide Delta-coded flights flown between October 2 and December 15, 2001. As an added bonus, these miles will count toward 2002 Medallion elite-level status. SkyMiles members will receive double the actual miles flown or double the 500-mile minimum, whichever is greater, after each qualifying flight.

Register online now, or members residing in the U.S., Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and other Caribbean islands may call 888-558-3358 and enter code 2014 to become eligible.1

http://www.delta.com/travel/sp_offers/sm_doublemiles/index.jsp

I was just informed in a personal email from American Airlines that they too are extending their promo until 12/15

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum71/HTML/006197.html

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See also:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum21/HTML/004172.html

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by opus17:
I can't remember which year I flew any Delta segment in coach -- it might have been 1997.

My upgrade rate on all Delta flights (including international and international codeshares) in the last 10 years is at least 95%.</font>

Just curious what are the international routes that you are so successful in obtaining upgrades for? Domestic upgrades for a PM are easy to understand, however international, especially in the last 3 years are extremely difficult as everyone on the DL board will attest to.

Flying out of JFK (as I do) to virtually anywhere in Europe during the Summer travel season and getting upgraded can be next to impossible.

And NWA has now also matched the current double miles promo, which was to end November 15, has been extended to December 15.

http://www.nwa.com/offers/doublemiles/

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Rssrsvp:
Just curious what are the international routes that you are so successful in obtaining upgrades for? Domestic upgrades for a PM are easy to understand, however international, especially in the last 3 years are extremely difficult as everyone on the DL board will attest to.
</font>
I did JFK-ARN & return this summer, also ATL-STR - both upgraded both directions.

Up until this year, I flew 5 trips/year to Europe & 2 to Japan. Most European trips were to ZRH. Quite a few times, I used the SR SFO-ZRH codeshare, until it ended. I also used the other SR codeshares (LAX,JFK,BOS). I flew quite a few times (more than 10) on the late, lamented CVG-ZRH route . I've been using the SFO-CDG AF codeshare a lot-- a few years back, when Finnair was a partner, I flew HEL-SFO 3 times. I've flown to/from MUC frequently, often to/from JFK.

Other Europen destinations were LGW (from CVG and ATL), MAN (from JFK), CPH (JFK), AMS(JFK/ATL).

To Japan, it was mostly PDX-NRT and PDX-Nagoya, although I did use LAX-NRT, too.

Most of the above routes/codeshares are now discontinued.

Anyway, in 90% of the upgrades cases, I was able to reserve the upgrade in both directions at the time of the reservation. I sometimes had to be a bit flexable about routing, but nothing outrageous (doing SFO-JFK-ZRH instead of SFO-ZRH nonstop -- that kind of thing).

This travel was year-round, not too heavy in the summer (but at least 1 or 2 summer trips every year).

My wife, as SM, always gets upgraded, too.

[This message has been edited by opus17 (edited 10-25-2001).]

Just curious why NONE of the airlines could come up with the following:

Fly us between xxx and yyyy, 2001, and we will give you double miles AND allow you to direct those miles to 2002 elite qualification or 2003 elite qualification.

I already have my Plat status for CO for 2002 (100,000+ miles flown). The bonues out there don't get me excited. Now, if I could get double credit toward 2003 status, I would definitely be in the air.
It kind of makes you wonder if the airlines ever get suggestions from thier customers before launching these programs. If they would only ask, I'm sure any of us could give them better suggesttions than they tend to cdome up with.

US has seemingly extended their promo!

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum51/HTML/001725.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum51/HTML/001723.html

[This message has been edited by doc (edited 10-26-2001).]

After Delta had extended their double-mile offer an extra month, through Dec. 15. It only took American a few hours to match. And by the end of the week, Alaska, Continental, Northwest, United and US Airways had followed suit.

In each case, if you registered for the original offer, you remain registered for the extension.

Summary of the updated offers:


http://frequentflier.com/offers.htm

I read somewhere on FT that CO had extended their
double miles to Dec 15th. Is this so? And do you
have to be registered for it?

------------------
bluenoser

Oops! Didn't read far enough. Sorry for the redundancy.

On the same topic, I just called the InfoPass
number, and was told that the double qualifying
miles have not been extended to dec. 15.

anyone got any comments on this?

Seemingly Frequentflier.com has made an error - unless they are breaking the story early! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Indeed, it seems so:

"Just got off the phone with Onepass phone center. Was told that "double miles that count toward elite" would be ending Nov 15, but "Double Miles All Routes" will be published soon for time frame 11/15 thru 12/15. Miles will not count toward elite - but HEY, it's as good as the other guys promos AND it's on CO! Reaffirming my belief that the CO folks really know what they're doing."

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum20/HTML/003579.html

From October 25, 2001 through November 16, 2001, receive a 20% mileage bonus for all AMEX Membership Rewards ® points that are transferred into Dividend Miles accounts.

http://www.usairways.com/dividendmiles/5363.htm

CO will give double miles Nov 16 thru December 15, but just to make it difficult, everyone will have to register again with promo code 50099.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum20/HTML/003623.html

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Vulcan:
Just curious why NONE of the airlines could come up with the following:

Fly us between xxx and yyyy, 2001, and we will give you double miles AND allow you to direct those miles to 2002 elite qualification or 2003 elite qualification.

I already have my Plat status for CO for 2002 (100,000+ miles flown). The bonues out there don't get me excited. Now, if I could get double credit toward 2003 status, I would definitely be in the air.
It kind of makes you wonder if the airlines ever get suggestions from thier customers before launching these programs. If they would only ask, I'm sure any of us could give them better suggesttions than they tend to cdome up with.</font>

Excellent point, Vulcan! As a leisure flyer who pays for his own tickets (like yourself), my travel budget is limited. So, now that I've reached Platinum, I'm deferring any further travel until after January 1, when my flights will count toward 2003 requalification.

Furthermore, by January European fares should be even cheaper, as the weather gets worse. And, with CO's 20% flight reductions, I've found myself increasingly in the back of the plane, even as a Platinum. Perhaps by then CO will have restored service, thus increasing upgrade chances.

And, based on current rumors, perhaps CO may finally see the light and eliminate HoKeY fares for elites, thus once again giving leisure flyers an opportunity to fly BF.

The only real reason to fly now is for the double non-status miles. But then, that might be extended again into the new year. Even if it isn't, I'd rather spend my limited funds on requalification miles in January.

Starwood and Hilton have assigned employees to listen and respond to their best customers on this board. Too bad the airlines don't do likewise. They just might learn something.

KLM has right now a very intresting promo. They will match your status and your miles/points on your airline of your choice if you fly them 20 segments within 6 months. This offer is valid for all KLM partners, which means you can easily fly 20 segments domestic US on NW for a pretty cheap price.

More info on http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum28/HTML/000250.html

This offer is not valid for people living in North America. I am thinking of doing this myself and I am right now digging for the best prices within Europe.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kempis:

KLM has right now a very intresting promo. They will match your status and your miles/points on your airline of your choice if you fly them 20 segments within 6 months. This offer is valid for all KLM partners, which means you can easily fly 20 segments domestic US on NW for a pretty cheap price.

More info on http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum28/HTML/000250.html

This offer is not valid for people living in North America. I am thinking of doing this myself and I am right now digging for the best prices within Europe.</font>

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This offer is not valid for people living in North America. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif