Randy Petersen
Good evening all.....I'm sure you are already deep into the topics of miles and points. I'm thinking maybe i'll answer a few questions and then we simply open things up and make a party of it tonight.

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by Mrs. E. Bradley: Can you explain British Airway's policy of not awarding anymore Business Class tickets LAX to London thru 12/31/02?

Randy Petersen
I don't believe it to be true about any Business class seats. They have recently reconfigured their Club World class and i know were sold out of all those seats because of LA to Cannes recently and ongoing for the next few weeks. That is not a permanent policy.

MileKing
Randy, I read in a FlyerTalk post today that DL was eliminating upgrade awards on Korean Airlines and someone else posted that this was also being extended to DL effective June 30. Any truth to this?

Randy Petersen
I'd be surprised if it is implemented as you suggest. With recent news from Star Alliance that they will release new cross-airline awards in July, I'm sure Delta already must know what the repercussions are from their last go around with SWUs. They have a new guy running the program and this can't be a way to get fired this fast. I'll post up a personal call with Delta tomorrow - Urban Legend?

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by whlinder: USAirways... Partnership?

Randy Petersen
They have to get something done. If not for 9/11 they might have already announced something but that event put everyone back to reality and it was cover your own airline first. I do believe no miles are in danger over the next six months and that they will announce a new partnership - domestically within the next 90 days. the current problem of the federal loan has put legal approval in somewhat of a quandary. I've suggested to them to at least join one of the major exchanges such as Hilton HHonors to relieve some of the stress among members. Those that I have talked with feel they have no options....and they are right.

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by PremEx2000: Randy: I'm sick and tired of seeing United (and other airlines') Systemwide Upgrades for sale on eBay. I know that the airlines won't sue eBay. Nor are they really interested in tracking down the highest-tier frequent flyers who are selling these SWU and shutting down their accounts, only to see those major revenue producers defect to another airline. So what do you think about a class action brought by, say, all United 1K flyers against eBay seeking an injunction preventing eBay from allowing the sale of these SWUs on its website?

Randy Petersen
one of the more interesting questions i've ever seen since in all my years, it was just the opposite - members crying out for more freedom to do what they wish with their miles and benefits. First of all, while no a legal scholar (sp) I doubt that any action like this would be successful. It's really not eBay that is the target - it's United. As selective enforcement of their polices, they have the responsibility to make things better for you all. Honestly - this has the makings of a great story with a lot of research. After we open things up later, I'd love to hear what others like PremEx thinks.

Mikel at WebFlyer
Randy, Speaking of Class Actions....Any comments on the NW WorldPerks lawsuit... or anything you may have heard from Russ H or Beth S? Also, when are you heading down DC way?

Randy Petersen
I probably have one of the best relations with that program because I'm one of their biggest fans, however i always do my legal research with them in the back door. This lawsuit you are referring to is similar to one that Delta was involved in years back and I can tell you that Delta won. In fact, i asked the lawyer who handle the last "victory" for frequent flyers - you know, that movement setting case with American AAdvantage (how many of you have ever used the settlement benefits?) and that lawyer said no basis - airline wins. Now for DC. As you know i really enjoy the meeting we have with all the FT crowd when in town. My guess, within the next 45 days because US Airways is there and I will be watching that one close. Besides, I may stop by the House of Representatives and see how that lame legislation is doing to prevent the IRS from "taxing " our miles. Must be an election year....

dhacker
Randy, Did you ever get your million miles from LatinPass?

Randy Petersen
YES. I decided early on that I wasn't going to play their game and waited and waited. I never sent in receipts since i know that each flight and hotel was properly credited. I have that statement with the million-mile deposit framed in my office. That was history. I think it and the PIP in Hawaii are two of my favorite memories of all time.

ldsant
is Randy coming to the ORD do? If not ,why not?

MileKing

Randy Petersen
Well, I was invited and would love nothing better than to attend. But, tomorrow i am leaving for 10 days in Paris and can't fit it in on the back end. I was just there last week meeting with United and Hyatt (tip: they are going to be a real upcoming program). So my regards but there will be other times I'm sure.

Catman
With a number of airlines continuing to lose money do you forsee any of the major carriers filing for chapter 11? and What repercussions would this mean for Frequent flyers like us?

Randy Petersen
Timely question and yes, we'll see a Chapter 11 along the way but warn members to not get too excited. At this time, my advice is to trust me and don't get into burning your miles, transferring your travel assets and all. I have as much if not more than most of you and I have never lost any yet. I'll tell you about Midway (the original) sometime else. It's going to get a lot worse before getting better but i ask that you trust me on this one. It's a good reason to belong to FT in case i need to get an instant message out to all of you but i am working the system really well and don't plan to get burned - nor have you get burned. Yes, there will be other "experts" out there pontificating what you need to do should the sky fall in and the media may gravitate to them because of the doomsday theory, but right after 9/11, everyone else said that airlines would get rid of programs so cash in your miles now. I said wait a minute or more and i think i was proven right. Enjoy your miles though i have to say - award seats are pretty tough right now.

MileKing
Any word on when (if ever) CO will appear on FlyerTalk live?

Randy Petersen
They committed in the early Fall and I have no reason to believe they won't keep that word. They are probably feeling a little beat up from the results of the Freddies, but you and many other members sent a very powerful message. I'll get them on but you'll have to remember, I don't control the dialog nor the answers. They all speak for themselves - some better than others.

personalcarechemist
Randy, then why do we need AwardGuard?

Randy Petersen
You don't. You can check transcripts from interviews from right after 9/11 to now and 90% of the time i've suggested you don't need to invest in that product right now as i think everyone has some risk but that miles are safe right now. I know that for many people, it saved their expiring miles with American and United a few years back but other than Ansett and Legend, etc. the history of miles is fairly predictable. I guess it's the same as to why would anyone 20-40 years old need life insurance. Peace of mind. But honestly, save your money right now, we've got plenty of time to analyse options.

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by whlinder: When will jetBlue's frequent flier program be unveiled and what can we expect?

Randy Petersen
Actually, I've seen it and had to sign something. It will be everything you might not expect from a typical frequent flyer program and you might find that they will expand the concept of loyalty. What's more important? 100% of a customers travel or just that they fly a lot on you? Barring any additional last minute problems, by the end of June.

Randy Petersen
Well, there's a small enough group tonight that we'll open things up and chat among ourselves. I'll stay around and chime in on anything you'd like. Thanks and continue thanks for your support of FlyerTalk......

FewMiles
When do we get moderators? ;-)

Randy Petersen
Moderators. My first priority after returning from this next trip. We've been helping launch the new USATODAY.com Web site and my time with the Freddies has been stretched. Very soon and life will be great.

Randy Petersen
Did you know that in the next month or so, FlyerTalk will pass one million posts? We're thinking of awarding one million miles to someone and looking for ideas on how it make it work

MileKing
Completely at random

Randy Petersen
Random for one million miles? Hell, you know you're not that lucky....HA!

ldsant
what's the deal with coupon connection? how come it's turned so nasty? I like the spirit of how it is supposed to work. Is this where a moderator will have to come into play?

Randy Petersen
Moderator in Coupon Connection. Probably the first to come up but very difficult to moderate. I may put in a request to post there and try and understand what happens there before taking any action. I hate for FT to be a knee jerk reaction place.

hfly
Randy, coming to London as well?

Randy Petersen
Yes, I'm in London on the 25-27th of this month. I'll be at the Conrad Hilton for sat/sun nights.

Randy Petersen
There are many do's but i still think that PremEx, Catman, NJ David and Rudi had the best of them all...the PIP in Hawaii.

chex
Randy can the 'Airlines, Hotels, Car Rentals' forum on FTTravel be nuked. It seems redundant

Randy Petersen
chex- yes, as soon as i get a moment i'll blend that into the TravelBuzz!. With the site having a heavy load lately it has made those type of changes pretty tough to do. But consolidation in Travel is coming....