Miles for Golf
 

Press release from today:

America West and Troon Golf Produce First-Ever Industry Partnership Benefiting Frequent Flyers

PHOENIX, May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- America West (NYSE: AWA) frequent flyers can now tee off at premier golf facilities around the world and earn FlightFund(R) miles. Troon Golf, a recognized leader in the premium golf course market, has joined the Airline's frequent flyer program forming the first industry partnership of its kind. Beginning July 1, 1999, FlightFund members can earn three FlightFund miles for every dollar spent on golf green fees, up to 500 miles per round, at more than 30 Troon Golf courses worldwide.

"Troon Golf has an excellent reputation among golf enthusiasts and we are proud to partner with them," said Mike Smith, America West senior vice president, marketing and sales. "FlightFund members will truly enjoy the quality of their facilities and beauty of their courses."

"The partnership is a natural for our two dynamic Arizona-based companies," said Troon Golf Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dana Garmany. "This remarkable incentive plan allows both companies to reward our valued customers who fly on America West Airlines and play golf at Troon Golf facilities."

The participating Troon Golf courses are located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas, Australia and Scotland. FlightFund miles will only be awarded when booking reservations through Troon Golf at 1-888-TROON-US in the United States, by calling individual Troon Golf courses or through contacting America West Vacations(R) at 1-800-365-6611.

FlightFund, America West's frequent flyer program, offers travelers a unique and flexible program featuring First Class upgrades and worldwide award travel. Customers who are not currently FlightFund members can contact the FlightFund Service Center at 1-800-247-5691 to enroll or sign up on the America West Internet site at www.americawest.com.

Based in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon Golf oversees golf development and operations at more than 40 golf courses in ten American states and four countries. The list of prestigious facilities include Turnberry Hotel Golf Courses and Spa, Ayrshire, Scotland; Troon North Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Eagle Ridge Inn and Resort, Galena, Ill.; The Ridge Course @ Castle Pines North, Castle Rock, Colo.; and The Westin Innisbrook Resort, Tarpon Springs, Fla.

America West Airlines, the nation's ninth largest carrier, serves more than 90 destinations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For the second consecutive year, America West ranked number one in baggage handling as recorded in the Air Travel Consumer Report published by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

America West Airlines is a wholly owned subsidiary of America West Holdings Corporation, an aviation and travel services company with 1998 sales of $2.0 billion.

This press release, as well as releases issued in the past year by America West Holdings and its affiliates, can be accessed on the America West Internet site at www.americawest.com.

Just a quick FYI...

American already offers a program with "Leading Golf Courses of America." See AA.Com for more information (in other words, I dont have all the details, but know the program exists).

I wonder if American will follow TWA's lead and send out its own press release stating it was first....

--Jim

I golf, I fly, I sleep, I eat, I rent cars,I buy things on credit. When will the miles accrual stop? I hope never! However, it is getting harder to use those miles,especially for first. Maybe there should be an elite program within an elite program for those who earn their miles by ACTUALLY flying.