Continental now uses Dining A La Card as well. I received my directory from them about a month ago. I dined 3 weeks ago, I'll let you know when the miles show up!

It seems like Dining a la Card is running all the programs now! Since this has happened you can't use the same credit card for more than one FF program. At least with old programs there was more variety in the restaurant choices, although Dining a la Card is certainly quite good. I guess the only remaining independent program is Transmedia. Anyone know of any others?

Can anyone confirm whether or not CUC International in Trumball CT ran the "old" Delta Skymiles dining program? I have points that are owed to me(from Dec. 98 in here in Manhattan).THEY WILL SOON HIT THE 8 WEEK LIMIT I rather deal with these issues over the phone. Than faxing a letter at this point.. Apparently the 1800 for the program is no longer working. Thanks in advance for any information.

Mike

Mike: CUC International DID INDEED administrator this program but just to warn you I have had my greviences with them last year when several restaurants I ate at did not post Delta SKymiles. I request Delta Skymiles. It was A LONG PROCESS (and the funny thing is that the Restaurant stays showed up on MY AA DINING PROGRAM!!!)

If you need the address of this place or the SkyMiles DIning guide and letter, e-mail me and I'll get it out to you. As I said, I've given up with dining programs. They give me INDIGESTION!!!! :{

DID YOU SAVE ALL YOUR RECEIPTS?? (One of the rules in the 1998 Delta SkyMiles Dining Guide says the program will honor credit with copies of receipts.) I'm sure you did but had to ask.

A couple of things to try:

*DId you call 1-800-821-3463? I guess that's the number that's not working.
*Call Delta SkyMiles and ask to speak to customer service. If there are changing they should have told the SkyMiles Dining members. Explain your situation and while you're at it request BONUS MILES FOR YOUR FRUATRATION!!!

Another reason why people may LOVE THE WAY DELTA FLIES... BUT NOT HOW IT MANAGES IT"S PROGRAMS!!!

AN OMMI QUESTION: with Dining-A-LA-Cart managing MOST of the Airline dining programs, doesn't that create a monopoly? And aren't Monopolies illegal??? (I'm diving into law...These are NO BIG DEAL questions but that's how I see it.)


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:) CATMAN :)

I signed up for Mileage Plus Dining toward the end of last year and so far (knock wood), I haven't had any problems. The miles aren't very timely, but the do show up (and it's approx. 100 - 200 miles, so getting them immediately isn't my highest priority). Sorry to hear that others have had a problem, I will definitely keep a close eye on mine.

Regards,
- Anna

I've been in United's Mileage Plus Dining program since October and haven't had any problems with miles being credited. As Anna said, they are a bit slow.

From talking to them on the phone it seems they send the mileage info to UA once a month. Given UA's "timeliness" in updating the miles on the website, that can make for some long delays in seeing some items on your statement.

My main difficulty is that there aren't enough places where I like to eat in the program. In fact, a few I do like have dropped out since I started. Still, as long as it's free and there are some places I like, why not http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

-QL

Catman - I realize your question on monopolies was probably rhetorical, but here's an answer anyway:

It isn't illegal per se to be the only company doing something - but it may become illegal if you try to use market position to force out other businesses that want to do the same thing. If Dining a la Card is doing a bad job (I would tend to agree), sounds like an opportunity for a competitor. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif (Of course, there are those nasty start-up costs. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif )

A company that does something so well that it has no effective competition is often called a "niche" company instead of a monopoly.

Counsellor... THanks for your fine explaination. It's nice to have at least two lawyers among our little family (I'm including the great Jerzee attorney DJLAWMAN!)

My question was part rhetorical and part curiousity like my cats. I was wondering if running most of the airline mile/dining programs was a monopoly. Now I understand better.

Though they could do a better job crediting my miles!!!


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:) CATMAN :)

Here is some scoop on Transmedia and DALC.
You pay with the Transmedia card then your credit card gets billed. So, I get ten miles from Transmedia then net a free one mile on AMEX. So I can end up with 11 miles per dollar.
Same system on DALC, but you pay with the credit card. Don't try to register the same card for multiple programs on DALC. The last FFP is where the miles will be credited. And if you try to register the card again the computer will find it on another program.
Also you can buy other stuff with either program catalogs, a few hotels, etc.
But, I think there is not a 6000 mile per meal limit on the Transmedia card like the DALC program. (Yes, that is enforced.)

The Transmedia points accrue like the AMEX so you can choose which airline you want. DALC's are automatically credited on your FFP statement.

I use both, they are very handy when you are responsible for entertaining recruits on your company's tab.

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more scoop:

dalc gives you miles on food, beverage, tax & tip; transmedia only on food&beverage -- but not on alcohol in NC or SC.

dalc miles apply ONLY on first visit of the month to restaurants, transmedia applies to all visits.

As part of Diners Club credit card you get(strangely enough) a 20% discount as part of the free LeCard program. No miles per se, but it does save you some cash.