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A Good Resolution - Use Your Frequent Flyer Miles
Back in November, the Washington Post highlighted a statistic that is downright sad: 92 percent of airline frequent flyer miles are never redeemed.Now I don't know how one comes up with all the data that would lead to this conclusion, but let's give them the benefit of the doubt and assume it's true. This means that only eight percent of all mileage actually gets turned into something useful. The rest is just numbers on statement, worth something in theory, but not really ever cashed. If you're looking for something to achieve in 2007, here's an easy target. Turn those virtual rewards into real ones!
I'm not saying it's easy. You may have to book a ticket 330 days before you actually want to travel. You may have to spend more than the minimum level to get the seat when you can really use it. You may need to buy a ticket and then use the miles to upgrade to business class (which actually makes the miles worth more anyway in most cases.) You may need to fly once or buy some things in an airline's virtual mall to get up to the right level, or you may need to top off the balance with miles from a Diner's or Amex card if you have one. In the end though, these actions will turn a paper reward into something tangible.
Of course a good portion of that 92 percent is probably "orphan miles." You sign up for a frequent flyer program on the first flight you take with that airline and then never do again. Or you have miles or points on an airline that lets them expire after a set amount of time, so you're back to zero eventually if you don't fly it enough. When that's the case, you're out of luck and they just vanish into the jet fuel exhaust. Keep an eye on your programs to see if you can keep that from happening. On Southwest it's pretty tough to do without flying, but on others you can sometimes just make a purchase online to start the clock again. If you really want to be sure you're getting your fair share and are gaming the system instead of it gaming you, check out the book Mileage Pro.
Source: http://travel.booklocker.com/
Open skies, budget travel: Asian airlines soar
Malaysian Mirror - Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:02:55 GMT
SINGAPORE -The boom in low-cost travel and a growing web of open-skies agreements are expected to power long-term growth for Asian airlines after the global recession, industry bosses and analysts said. Read more...
Open skies, budget travel: Asian airlines soar
Malaysian Mirror - Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:02:57 GMT
SINGAPORE -The boom in low-cost travel and a growing web of open-skies agreements are expected to power long-term growth for Asian airlines after the global recession, industry bosses and analysts said.
Airshow brilliance belies shaky year for travel
ABC Radio Australia - Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:33:30 GMT
Participants in the Singapore Airshow have expressed optimism that the region, particularly China, will lead the rest of the world to recovery after one of the worst years on record for global travel.
Travel alert issued for most of region
The Fargo Forum - Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:03:22 GMT
Fargo is included in a travel alert that the North Dakota Department of Transportation issued this afternoon for portions of the southeastern part of the state. Portions of Minnesota are also under a winter storm warning.
PAC smells rat in mounting travel expenses of govt ministers
Nepalnews. com - Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:48:41 GMT
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the legislature-parliament on Monday instructed the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers including concerned government ministries to provide all the details regarding the travel expenses of the Prime Minister and government ministers during their visits inside the country and abroad.
Web Buzz: Mapping out new travel deals with DIY
The Montana Standard - Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:35:10 GMT
Travelocity answers its customers' call for more do-it-yourself deal searching and adds a travel deals tool kit loaded with interactivity and customization.
Travel and adventure film series continues
Osseo-Maple Grove Press - Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:42:24 GMT
Now in its 34th year, the travel and adventure film series sponsored by Osseo School District Community Education continues in 2009 with a lineup of several films.
Travel firm appoints expansion experts
prestontoday.net - Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:49:36 GMT
Travel firm Cruise118.com has appointed accountants Cowgill Holloway to advise it on its expansion plans. (08/02/2010 08:44:38)
Wiley brothers have big days in Hopewell Travel Hoops
Hopewell Valley News - Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:32:11 GMT
Robby Wiley’s eight points helped the Hopewell Valley 4th-grade travel basketball team defeat Pennsbury, 24-16, for the second time this season in West Windsor-Plainsboro League play. Also scoring were Cole Hare and Domenic Zangrilli (5 points each) and Patrick Higgins, Alex Mummert and Max Brass (2 points each). Defensively, HoVal held Pennsbury to just five second-half points behind JJ ...
CSNews Exclusive: Love's Travel Stops Sees Benefits With New Home Office System
Convenience Store News - Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:30:45 GMT
February 07, 2010 - OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- Faced with an outdated home office system packed with performance issues, Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores , based in Oklahoma City, Okla., operating more than 200 locations in more than 30 states, began looking for a new solution to interface with the systems already in place at the company.