(Start of 1st session)
Randy PetersenOk, look who's here tonight.....
Lowfare
I think everyone wonders about the mergers. Do you think that they will be good for FF ?
Randy Petersen
LOWFARE - nice question to start with....here's my thoughts. I'm not big on them. In the case of UA and US Aiways, I don't get the idea that we'll have continued labor unrest on a bigger picture. In a great economic period, I'm trying to figure out why anyone thinks this makes sense, other than the fact that Steve Wolf can't seem to get his act (US Airways) together.....
bassifrank
Which airline program is best out of the STAR alliance airlines?
Randy Petersen
Gee....put me on the spot why don't you. Honestly, it's still regional because it's still not perfect, though I think it is the best at this point. Actually, it's hard to argue against United.....sorry Lufthansa....
PremEx
Randy, I am disturbed by the trend of FF program to change benefits mid year without warning. Since the airline we fly this year effects the benefits we receive the next year is hardly seems fair. In the past airlines gave at least a full calendar year advance notice of any changes, but not any more. Would you be willing to spearhead a "Consumer Committment" from the airlines to return to advance sufficient advance warning of changes?
Randy Petersen
Good question PremEx and real timely. The cover story for the July issue of InsideFlyer is titled "Bill of Flights" with reference to a frequent flyers bill of rights. We're doing real research on the Consumers First iniative and how it really is letting us all down. Apoplogies to the airlines, but we don't need more information, we need action and resolve on these types of issues.... I will lead this up...
Max M
Randy, Is it illegal or a violation of Mileage Plus rules to buy or sell UAL 50% off Hotel Certificates on eBay--- I've seen them there; never have bought or sold one....
Randy Petersen
Max M - WOW, this is a real stunner of a question. Without trying to interpet UA's rules, it probably is a violation in spirit of the rules against "buy, sell or barter" and those certificates could be seen as part of an award. But truthfully, who is stupid enough to purchase them when in the Coupon Conection in FlyerTalk you can get them for free trade.....
travelbug
Is Northwest the only airline that allows you to "mix and match" an award ticket? (For example, flying coach in one direction and 1st class in the other.)
Randy Petersen
travelbug - Of the majors, that's correct. Actually, they are even better than that. If you happen to fly in the middle of a peak and off-peak award, you'll split the difference and only use 22,500 miles....
BostonBoy
In regards to PremEx's message: Another issue is capacity controls. Capacity controls seem to be getting worse and worse when trying to get awards. Most airlines open a few more seats for elite flyers, and some even totally get rid of capacaity controls for elite flyers (TWA Platinum). Southwest doesn't have them at all. But unless you're on one of those airlines, you have to deal with this. It can be hard to get an award if you have access to elite awards, impossible sometimes if you don't. I know the airlines are out to make money, but it can be annoying to not be able to reap the benefits of extensive traveling.
Randy Petersen
BostonBoy - this remains a certain image of the airlines though it doesn't seem to prove out statistically. I've seen enough internal reports at airlines to know that the supply and demand is difficult but most ailines are doing a pretty good job in peak periods. Let's remember that they gave away 13 million free tickets last year. What we do know is that not every program issues the same levels of awards....
AN-Diamond
Randy - what onward effect does the Australian Consumer and Competition Authority have on award ticket redemption, given that they cover all the programs marketed in Australia (that at least covers UA/NZ/BA). They appear to be only looking at australian carriers at the moment, but i would expect (have heard) that their investigations will extend to other programs. Do you think it will become easier/more transperant to get hold of award tickets.
Randy Petersen
I do thinkyou'll see some relief later this year when merchadise and other alternatives of awards take some of the pressure off of the airline only structure....stay tuned, over the next 3 months this business is really going to change....i promise.
Randy Petersen
Good question AN-Diamond. What he is referring to is a moment in Australia to discover if airlines are being fair in the number of awards available. Actually these types of movements have been around, including here in the U.S. and to date, no action has been taken. The truth is that airlines are not in violation of any rules. Let's remember that they all offer anytime awards without restrictions - that really prevents anyone from legal action. I honesly don't see any long term changes in Australia or anywhere else in the world including Sweden where there is additional legel research going on against programs..... sorry....
headinclouds
Randy, on a similiar vein about the trading in FF pgms. What do you think about the proposed web site fairair.com which will allow the transferring of the name on an airline ticket. What's the airlines to gain from this ?
Randy Petersen
headinclouds - another bright question. Fairair.com is an idea that proposes a public internet market where you will be able to trade and buty and sell unused airline tickets, kind of like you did before the photo ID days. They say they have some airlines interested, but honestly, I don't see it happening except by smaller airlines. There's too much pressure on this industry to make that mistake, and you know the saying, the industry is only as smart as the dumbest airline......
jAAck
Randy, on a tip from another FlyerTalker I found the website 1stair.net. They offer F and J tickets at substantial savings. Are you familiar with this type of business? If I buy a ticket from them, are there any risks I'm taking, such as re-routing, cancelled flights, etc.?
Randy Petersen
jAAck - congrats on being a loyal AAdvantage member. I'm not real familiar with them as there are a number of sites bit savings. BEWARE - some of them are consolidators with restrictions only after you find a problem and others are coupon brokers who resell actual frequent flyer awards. Most of the time you'll have no problems, but when you do....it's a one way ticket home. But again, I'm not familiar with that site, though will look at it for the next FlyerTalk Live!
PremEx
Randy, I think what BostonBoy is refering to are situations where a particular cabin is completely empty and you might even try to book a year in advance, but there are no Saver seats available. The airlines sometimes seem to be holding on to them until just before flight time before releasing them. So yes, you do eventually get them, but many folks need to plan and be confirmed more in advance. Perhaps also some sort of commitment from the airlines that at least 5-10% of seats in each cabin would be made available for Saver awards the minute that flight enters the market?
Randy Petersen
PremEx - I understand it to be the result of far better revenue managment systems these days that have learned that some flights sell much more walk up travel than others and those rules are there to protect that inventory to the safe side of reveneue. I don't like it any more than when that happens with an empty seat out on a flight and you are denied an upgrade. There is a fact that airlines don't always know what they are doing, but we see their mistakes all too clear. Simply put - these programs have become a victim of their own success.
Randy Petersen
Also, I am in great favor to establish regulatory rules stating that each flight has a minimum of 10% of seats availabel at SAVER class, that way at least we will all know we have a "chance" This is why I am very much against the current Customers First solution by the airlines.....
ClubFlyer
What about the rumors that FF programs will begin to pass along a tax imposed on earned mileage? Do you see that happening? It will be like paying for tickets and in essence being penalized for your earnings
Randy Petersen
ClubFlyer - it's a question like this which will allow me to send a very strong warning to any program "lurking" on this chat. I do beleive that a form of tax is currently being passed on to flyers (are you listening to me HERTZ?) but I do think the future will mandate that we are taxed, though not for the reasons you would assume. I favor a flat tax on award redemption for airline only to coverthe continual expense of upgrading our airport authorities. I pay the tax on a revenue ticket for this purpsoe, it won't bother me for a free award. What I hate, is the nickel and diming of various partners of the airlines to pass this on a penny at a time......
billz
Randy - Can you give me an estimate of the dollar value of Marriott Rewards points? Does it make more sense to use those points for certain types of awards than others (international awards vs. domestic ones, for example). Is it more economical to take Marriott Rewards points or Marriott Miles?
Randy Petersen
billlz- I like the Marriott program. Their mile conversion is above average but not the best in the industry, but if you want miles, then miles it is. I personally try and convince people that Marriott Rewards value is better in room nights than as miles. An airline ticket these days can be had for $286, but I'm still pating $165 a night for the five or six nights I'm on vacation. On redemption for rooms, the best value is to earn at full service Marriott's and redeem at the low end properties such as Fairfiled Inn or Courtyard, that's my strategy... International vs. domestic, it's better to redeem in the big blocks (7 nights or five nights) than it is to redeem by the nightly rate of redemption.....
headinclouds
Randy, if the FF programs are victims of their own success, do you envision them disappearing in 5-10years like the old trading stamp programs of the 50's, 60's & 70"s ???
Randy Petersen
headinclouds - you know, when I started in this goofy business 14 years ago people used to tell me on Wall Street that these programs would go away....guess I outlived the critics. Here's the math, 65 million members in the U.S. and still growing by 13% a yer, Last year airlines sold over $2 billion worth of miles to partners and at 2 cents a mile, a 25,000-mile award means a net income of $500 for a free seat. No, they won't go away, so be prepared to pass them along in your will......
doc
Hi Randy. Thanks again for meeting here with everyone. Do you know by chance roughly how many folks have completed the Latin Pass Million Mile Promo so far- and more importantly about how many have seen these actual 1 million miles post!
Randy Petersen
Doc - currently there are projectedto be about 275 people who will earn 1,000,000 miles from the promotion and about 185 who will earn the 500,000 miles. As you may know, I take off on Saturday for my million and I wouldn't be doing so if I thought those miles were in any danger. I'm tempted to offer free AwardGuard insurance for you who are worried. AwardGuard is insurance for your miles should an airline not make it.....
travelbug
Randy, do you know what, if any, plans Starwood has for Las Vegas now that the Desert Inn has been sold?
Randy Petersen
Yes, Starwood has many plans and will soon announce two acquistions there, you'll have to wait to hear the news in rela life because I can't take the chance that Barry Sternlict might be lurking on this chat....Also, the proposed acquition of Starwood by Bass Hotels (Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, etc) will make another difference in that city.....
Flip
To what extent do you think that miles or ponts-based programs will be a valuable marketing tool for b2b companies?
Randy Petersen
Flip - As you may know, B2B has been around for some time with all the major airlines selling miles for this purpose. It's currently a business of about $325 million (all airlines combined) and I suspect that wil continue to grow. Over ten years ago frug companies were buying miles to award to doctors as rewards for refrring certain types of medicine....times haven't changed as Pella Windows gives away millions of miles to their distributors.....The reality, miles are powerful even among the non frequent flyers because of the great aspiration of the value of travel.....Upgrade anyone?
Anne at Webflyer
Randy,On a recent International trip, I was denied the ability to use my one way upgrade. Later I the flight, I checked Business Class and found two seats open. When I questioned the stewardess she said it was for the pilots so they could sleep. Is this true, do airlines not expect their employees to stay awake their entire shift?
Randy Petersen
Oh, Oh. This will draw a certain rise from all you visitors flying your United logo....but the reality is that on long flights, there are union rules for rest and while I'm all for upgrades.....unless you're Delta and the pilots have problems with those new sleepers, I'll gladly give that upgrade away just to make sure they aren't pilots at the end of their hours and feeling a little beat up. It's more to do with union rules than actually being a requirment for the rest....
Julie
Any chance that miles and points will become an official currency?
Randy Petersen
Julie - I honestly believe you'll see that in a major move over the next 6 months. One year from now you'll have to decide the value of your miles as an airline ticket, a new dishwasher, downpayment for college tuition and a discount at gap.com That my friends is a real currency. I think we'll even scare Alan Greenspan with that message.....
AnnaS
Do you think there would be a negative impact on SPG if Starwood is acquired by Bass?
Randy Petersen
AnnaS - While I hate to speculate in public.....probably. Starwood has been able to really shine in the public's mind while Priority Club is still overshadowed by Holiday Inn in spite of the fact that they also own Inter-Continental Hotels. While I really, really like Priority Club, Starwood Preferred Guest is still the prom queen......
Mel
Is it accurate to assume that airline mergers are good news as far as frequent flyers are concerned? For example, if the rumored Delta, American merger does go through (or US Airways, United), does that mean I can expect to combine my Skymiles and AAdvantage miles? Or will these airlines keep their programs separate even though they operate under the same corporate structure?
Randy Petersen
No, I don't beleive these proposed mergers are good for frequent flyers...let's take a look at UA/US. US Airways has an award at 20,000 miles, United does not....who will win that balle? US Airways gives unlimited upgrades away to their top tier members, Unites does not. Who will win that battle? US Airways has a credit card that gives 1.2 miles for every dollar you spend, United does not and who will win that? US Airways belongs to American Express Membership Rewards, United does not and hasn't since the start of that program. Who will win that? Shall I go on? Oh, I forgot, US Airways members can now go to more of Hawaii on United and actually sit next to all those Delta members redeeming on Unitedfor the very same reason. Middle seat anyone?
JSHAW
Hi, Randy. I'm kind of a novice at this miles game, but I seem to recall having heard that it is difficult to use miles during vacation season (July, August). Is this true? Do you have any advice or tips for us beginners in terms of what tactics to use during the peak summer travel season?
Randy Petersen
JSHAW - actually, they are no more difficult than trying to get a chaep arline ticket if you haven't planned well in advance. Turn Award Redemption into a Plan: Since even your neighbors now belong to frequent flyer programs, you must have a plan when considering using an award to a popular destination. The best plan is to know which days offer the best award travel opportunities - Best Days: Within the U.S. (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday), To Florida (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday), Hawaii (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), Asia (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), (Caribbean (Tuesday, Wednesday), Europe (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), Mexico (Tuesday, Wednesday), South America (Tuesday, Wednesday); Worst Days: Within the U.S. (Friday, Sunday), To Florida (Friday, Sunday), Hawaii (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday), Asia (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), Caribbean (Saturday, Sunday, Monday), Europe (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), Mexico (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), South America (Friday, Saturday, Sunday).
Randy Petersen
Also, remember that many people change their minds, don't always assume that you have to plan well in advance, I now tell people to never plan at all. At 20 days out, airlines usually change their management of seats and let new ones on that they haven't sold, so be flexible. In reality, over 74% of frequent flyers get the exact award they want on the first call.....hope you aren't a 26%er.......
birdyy
Is there any gossip about Click Rewards offering double airlines points again this year?
Randy Petersen
birdyy - That was highly successful last year and I have heard they are working on it since they have a real need to make miles more attractive for their members. The unique thing is that most of the eople on the ClickRewards system aren't frequent flyers, they are just buyers and ClickRewards knows it needsto educate this crowd...double redemption fdoes work, so hold on to your ClickMiles......
(Start of 2nd session)
Randy PetersenReady, I've got more answers than questions right now....let's go and in this session, I will ask some triva questions and give away 1,000 miles at a time.....
Randy Petersen
SO, WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLEAGE MILLIONAIRE?
doc
everyone!
Randy Petersen
The LatinPass promotion is probably the richest and most talked about promotion in the annals of frequent flyer history. Essentially it encourages members of that program to fly a certain number of carriers and use various partners such as car rental and hotels and in the ned, you can earn a 500,000 or 1,000,000 mile bonus. It was originally mentioned in InsideFlyer as a top bonus, caught the attention of those on the FlyerTalk bulletin boards and snowballedinto countless people flying through Lati nand South America. You can earn this bonus by spending as little as $2,000 and having the time to fly.....ask some on this board later on, it's a winner....
Cali
Have you any special advice on dealing with long distance telephone companies - on how to insure they will honor their commitments?
Randy Petersen
Cali, here comesthe answer.....
Randy Petersen
Telephone companies are real difficult to deal with, even I've had my problems having them honor a bonus. The problem starts with many "spinners", those who move from telco to telco for multiple bonuses. I've learned to take the names of who I chat with, make certain I have the correct bonus code and prepare myslef that it will be I who tracks the proper sign up bonus. I'm sorry, but there is no easy advice for this one - just patience. And of course there's always the fall back....call me with the problem. I get more email and calls about help with telco problems than anything, fortunately I know who to complain to......
doc
If I can ask about AS and their current problems, a real turnabout this last year and a surprise to me. Any speculation as to the likely outcome here and advice as to how to protect the AS Mileage Bank?
Randy Petersen
Doc, I'm as dissapointed as anyone because this airline (Alaska Airlines if you don't read codes) had it made with the customers and withthe major surveys...here's my thoughts:
Randy Petersen
I think they will pull out of it despite the saction from the FAA probiting the possible heavy maintenance of their aircraft. They are suspect of a merger and that will wipe away all he news....I don't beleive their miles are in any danger and count them today as one of the better "value" programs in the business. If you can beleive that their safety problems as of late will not linger and you want to fly them....go for the miles, those are real good ones and they have one of the better credit card deals going right now. They will survive....
Mel
are a million miles enough to retire with at 65
Randy Petersen
Mel, as the y say about many things in life, you can never have enough.......BUT:
Randy Petersen
I don't beleive that 1,000,000 miles is enough to retire with. The amazing thing is that miles are more valauble today than in the past, let's rememebr when these programsfirst strted, there were no 20,000 or 25,000 mile awards, everything was 35,000 and 40,000 miles. I think you need a minimum of 1.5 million miles in a combination of two programs and at least 750,000 points in a major hotel program to be ready for retirement........
pg
Randy, I agree with your earlier assessment of the value of hotel points vs. airline miles. I myself use my hotel points for hotel stays instead of converting them. However it seems to me that the hotels are reducing the payout (e.g. Marriott eliminating air/car bonuses), increasing the number of points needed for stays (Holiday Inn, Hilton) and adding additional categories and increasing points needed (Starwood, Hyatt). What trends do you see for hotel programs in the future?
Randy Petersen
Hotels......they will follow the same lines as airlines, you'll find hundreds of new ways to earn miles, thus keeping up with inflation and also hundreds of new ways to use the points. The interesting thing is that "hoteliers" are no longer running hotel companies, invesmtner people are and they think different. While you noted some important changes, let's remember that i can use my full service Marriott at a great value at Courtyard properties, that Hilton I can use at Garden Inn. The trend, points as a currency and the same problems airlines have with upgrades will erupt over upgrades to the better floors and suites.....
ThisFlightNoFuel
Randy, you mentioned in the last session that the acquisition of Starwood by Bass would probably negatively impact SPG. Moreover, you said that airline mergers wouldn't be good for frequent flier programmes, using US/UA as an example. Here's my question...what should we do? Should we all flee and start hoarding our miles and points in a more non-merger prone programme? Or should we just keep earning our miles/points "as is" and hope for the best after the merger dust settles??
Randy Petersen
ThisFlightNoFuel - I think everyone tonight will have a different thought on this. Having watched closely the values of these programs over the years through real tough times and such, I vote for holding what I have. I think anyone who tries to "be a day trader" on his miles and points is opting for less value in the long run. While expiring miles were around since 1988, I'm kind of glad i figured out how to not use them or lose them...I choose programs wisely and urge all you to do the same.....
islandcub
Air Canada has talked about selling off its frequent flyer plan. Since there is no competition anymore on the majority of its routes, do you think it's possible or likely that it could wind down its frequent flyer program altogether?
Randy Petersen
islandclub - be very careful in understanding what they mean by "selling off" their program. Do you know that Hilton and American also "sold off" their programs as did Qualiflyer. They are meaning to get value from a broader loyalty management company like Air Miles so they aren't distracted. It takes resources that airlines don't typically staff up for to make them work. Do you realize that with United's program, more people run it that aren't true United employees than do run it. I think it's probably a great idea for them, but don't beleive they will get rid of it, besides, I think STAR Alliance would gladly purchase it to run for them......watch carefully my comments here......
Randy Petersen
Actually, airlines aren't real smart. You know it and I suspect they know it when they aren't in front of shareholders...here's my thoughts on the perfect airline:
elcyd
Randy, do you think that airlines could solve many of their service problems by simplifying what they offer but do it well. Maybe 1 class cabins with enough seat pitch like UA's econ plus of AA's more room in coach ? Simple but easy to serve 'food', simplier fare rules. I know that AA tried a simple fare structure in the early 90's, but that flopped. Maybe something like Midwest Express...
Randy Petersen
I'd like to see a Southwest Airlines on steroids (Steroids meaning with first class). They do one thing and do it well. How can an airline with the lowest prices consistently be the most profitable? They are all things to their passengers and do it well. Yes, we need more than peanuts, but what was United thinking when they hired a fancy Hawaiian chef to "redo" their meals. TV dinners were invented years ago. Midwest Express is a great example, they are sort of a Southwest on steroids. Some of the new airlines like JetBlue have great models, let's hope the children teach the parents something.......
wb
Suppose Bass does end up buying Starwood and their frequent stay programs merge. What's the best way for us to let Bass know which SPG benefits we want to remain in the resulting program.
Randy Petersen
wb - that's a real good question. I'm all for consumerism and think that if we start to hear that it will be going down, that activism on FlyerTalk which they moniter, will be important. If it happens, I don't know that it will be a successful integration. There is a real spread of property mizes right now with Priority Club and it hurts them in a way. Honestly, I needto think about this one, it's a complicated picture. I'm saying, it was a really, really good question......
pg
Randy what is the impact of services like Priceline on point redemption. e.g. recently I got a Westin for $45/night, why waste Starwood points. Also I think that Priceline/Expedia give a better baseline for one to measure the value of their points/miles.
Randy Petersen
pg - I don't think many people understand that the internet as a distribution model is helping and hurting programs. Priceline as a program is hurting award redemption. I know airlines will say I don't know what I'm talking about as they explain this bucketof seats from that bucket, but I've seen and heard in real time where an airline decided to turn down a priceline concept for mileage seats because they needed the seats for priceline inventory. Less seats......yes. As for the value, it makes comparative vlaues more difficult, Anyone that really believes a mile is worth 2 cents better look around. A mile is worth whatever you think you want to spend it on. Really, Priceline is the worst thing that ever happned to frequent flyer programs because now there's priceline2 and priceline3 from other similar Web sites, all wanting to pay the airlines money which we only want to pay them miles for......
ThisFlightNoFuel
Is Bass/Starwood a *likely* merger?
Randy Petersen
It is a likely merger.....but don't assume Starwood is the only target. There is also some thought that Hyatt is another target for Bass if they can't get the managment details for Starwood done. For those of you who don't know, Bass has decided to sell off the brewery business and reinvest that money in the hospitality business. Trust me, they feel much better about bragging about Inter-Continental hotles than they do their pub business.....done deal? NOT!
Cali
Randy, any updates/insights/opinios/comments on the US Airways-United relationship and the posibbilities of NWA and ????? other airline mergers.relationships?
Randy Petersen
First of all, while I know what Steve Wolf and the folks at United have said, I personally don't think it will get done the way it is. I am opposed to it, citing an unreasonable solution in a strong economy. If Steve Wolf had done a better job at US Airways.....
Randy Petersen
ten we wouldn't see this happening. When he created the rift by shutting down the airline just months ago rather than pacify the unions, he created a situation he could never fix, so the only option was to resign and admit defeat, that even he wasn't the airline fixit GOD that he was trumped up to be or to salvage a sale and raise his arms to the sky in reverance......A Wolf in sheeps clothing......
Rorry
Randy, do you get frequent flyer miles when you use Priceline.com?
Randy Petersen
Rorry - no, but actually you can because if you are staying at a hotel on the other end, you can use that boarding card or flight to "double dip" for the miles the airline didn't give you......
burkey
Will programs such as AOL/AAdvantage have a positive impact for award availability since some folk may choose to use miles for "other items"?
Randy Petersen
burkey - remains to be seen. As you know, I have talked at great length of the day of the "merchandise mile" but there are some interesting statistics from other programs such as international programs which have a much higher award selection than US programs and from hotel programs such as Bass Priority Club and even Diners Club with merchandise offers. There's really only a percentage of people that will go for the merchandise, reality says most of us will still go for the miles and the free travel......the only hope for more seats? A bad economy when no one can afford to fly, which means those revenue seats will be available for the miles enhanced....
Empress
Randy: Any suggestion on where on the website to get the lowest hotel room rates?
Randy Petersen
Empress - lowest hotel deals. Well, since I'm my own travel manager, I can say without a plug that I've had great luck with Travelscape. While Bill Gates may have trouble with the governement, he made a great decision in purchasing this company for Expedia. Also, HRN, Hotel Reservation Network is pretty good but i've always found the lowest at Travelscape......
Cali
What is the best experience you have ever had while travelling?
Randy Petersen
Cali - I must be real easy to please, because it was 7 years ago on an American flight to somewhere in the Midwest. I was in coach, but the cabin staff treated everyone as if we were in first class. It was like they were too new to be sterile, too good to be true. When they thanked me and the rest of the passengers for flying them, I beleived them and to thsi day, it's my favorite. No upgrade, just great customer service....
Andrew83184
Randy: I am only 15 years old and I bought a Prestige Pack with Continental in my name....I was wondering that since I am under 21 that I will not be able to use my complimentary pass for the President's Clubs.
Randy Petersen
Andrew83184 - congrats on getting off to a great start. Your decision on the Prestige Pack means you have figured the value stuff out already. My take on that, they sold it to you, they should honor it. I don't think you'll have a problem....but it's the liquor license of the club that's the problem....at 15, you're more likely flying with someone, make yourself their guest if they are older......
crews1
Have you flown Legend Airlines yet? What are their chances for survival? Today's Dallas Morning News said they averaged 24 pax per flight versus AA's 27 pax on their competing all first-class flights at Love Field.
Randy Petersen
I have not flown them. While I'm a little overwhelmed at their plans, I caution people to remember that Texas is famous for overblown startups. I'd like to think I will be wrong, but I don't see them in the sky after the first big economic turndown. Anyone can compete when the economy is great and capital is easy but it takes more than that to celebrate your 25th anniversary in the air. Don't get me wrong, I personally know some of the people there....but again.....challenging both AA and Southwest isn't exactly what I would have done......
Randy Petersen
Air Time - man, you could really put in the the hot seat with that one. Basically you have in this space the Expedia;s and Travelocity's and the Trip.com and of course Biztravel.com as well as the various airline direct Web sites. Maybe I can answerthat by pointing out my decision lately to write my first real column on the Internet on the Biztravel.com Web site. I have a relationship with Trip.com and the others, but when Biztravel came out with that auto upgrade technology, I was blown away. I thin kthey have the best technology for frequent flyers and have my business beore I even met the new folks there. While you might think I mention them because they are sponsoring tonights chat, let's remember that a few moments ago i sent people to Travelscape for best hotel deals when in fact Biztravel does sell hotel rooms. So, am I clear here? Biztravel works for me and they never asked me when I did the column if I'd do business with them, i like that because I'm my own flyer.......
burkey
A final question, will we all meet in COS sometime in the future?
Randy Petersen
burkey - I've been here for 14 years waiting for all you frequent flyers to show up. The truth is as soon as I think the House of Miles is presentable, we will host a MountainPIP and I'll convince airlines to void capacity controls on award usage here for the party and also try and influence a preferred airline price deal....It's coming, so save your miles.....
John at Webflyer
Randy, Cali has reminded me about the trivia questions you promised earlier is it time to play...
Randy Petersen
My apologies, I will give 1,000 miles to anyone who can tell me the name of the "currency" othe Sheraton program before it became the Starwood Preferred Guest program with their "starpoints" First two answers win....GO........
Randy Petersen
type faster you all......
burkey
Preferred Points
islandcub
Sheraton Club Miles
TampaTom
ITT Points
Randy Petersen
Nope...
Randy Petersen
islandclub...1st winner....
Randy Petersen
Hello, you want another hint?
JayBrian
sheraton club miles
John at Webflyer
Jay Brian is second!
Randy Petersen
OK, though really the offical name was ClubMiles, not Club Miles......details, details...next trivia
Randy Petersen
What was the original name of the Continental OnePass program before it was called OnePass?
TampaTom
Eastern OnePass ??
kidpachinko
HalfPass :)
Randy Petersen
Nope....
islandcub
InContinent :-)
JayBrian
one pass
TampaTom
Eastern/Continental something
Randy Petersen
Awww...come on guys....
greg99
Frequent Flyer Program?
Randy Petersen
Nope...
The Mile Dog
Before us young folks time
TampaTom
EastPass
Richard-----DesMoines
continental miles
ThisFlightNoFuel
....TwoPass, RedPass, BluePass?
Julie
Eastern Airlines
Randy Petersen
OK, here's a tip, but now I'm only going to give you 500 miles: It had "bank" in the name......
The Mile Dog
mileagebank
burkey
Miles Bank
islandcub
MileBank
Randy Petersen
Nope....
doc
I shouldnt have thrown out all those old statements!
kidpachinko
Easter Airbank.
elcyd
milebank
JayBrian
lol
John at Webflyer
Whoa you're all too fast
Randy Petersen
keep trying....
burkey
Mileage Bank
flyme2
airbank
Rorry
continental bank
The Mile Dog
flight bank
Randy Petersen
And you guys call yourself frequent flyer experts????
burkey
FAQ Bank
John at Webflyer
OK no more moderation
doc
Flyers NOT memorizers! Youre the EXPERT!
elcyd
rewards bank
Steffo
Bankrupt?
JayBrian
My 1987 statement calls it OnePass back then
Richard-----DesMoines
Milebank
kris
frequent flyer bank
greg99
First National Bank of EWR
Randy Petersen
OK, let me give you the answer and I'll have a more modern question.....
TampaTom
JayBrian: All my old statements (whick I still have) say Continental/Eastern OnePass
Randy Petersen
It was called Continental TravelBank......
The Mile Dog
The young FT'ers here thank you!
doc
Yes of course
ThisFlightNoFuel
doh
Anne at Webflyer
travelbank
kidpachinko
....on the tip of my fingers...
TampaTom
BTW, why did CO and Eastern have the same program? Anyone know?
doc
This is fun but I dont feel too bright
John at Webflyer
I think we should give Scruffy that one he was close
flyme2
Who flew CO back then, anyway!
greg99
Weren't they already owned by Texas Air by then?
doc
Because they were partners!
Randy Petersen
OK, now for more miles: Which hotel program is most famous for the "DoubleDip"?
JayBrian
frank lorenzo ran both airlines
TampaTom
Hilton
Mel
hilton
greg99
Along with the flying apple of New York Air?
burkey
Hilton
doc
Hilton
The Mile Dog
hilton HHonors
elcyd
hilton
ThisFlightNoFuel
westin
Rorry
united
Rorry
hilton
shirl
hilton
kris
hilton
flyme2
Hilton
Empress
Hilton
islandcub
HHiltoN Hhonors
doc
WOW
Randy Petersen
Tampa Tom, you win.....
Milehunter
Randy, why does it take so long for miles to be posted from a Partner flight? Will this ever change?
Rorry
HHonors
TampaTom
Thank you, thank you. Actually, thank the cable modem and fast typing skills
JayBrian
lol
islandcub
Waaa1 I want a cable modem!
Randy Petersen
Now for more miles: Besides Hilton, which is the last other hotel program to also offer the "Double Dip"? (earning miles and points at the same time)
TampaTom
Hyatt
ThisFlightNoFuel
Westin Premier
setilite909
Randy, or anyone who has used the service: When buying a new car through UAL's Odometer Miles car buying porgram, do you pay inflated prices on new cars?
greg99
Marriott
flyme2
Westin
The Mile Dog
priority club
Rorry
Marriot
doc
Gee Id rather see 10 questions for 100 each than just one for 1000! This is FUN
JayBrian
ramada
Randy Petersen
ThisFlightNoFuel wins, it was Westin.....
shirl
marriot
ThisFlightNoFuel
Whoohoo!
kris
Sheraton
TampaTom
Here's one that some may get: What was the name of the elite level of DL's old FFP?
Randy Petersen
Now for more miles: Name two current airline programs with flight awards at 15,000 miles...
TampaTom
TWA, Midwest Express
Milehunter
TWA
burkey
midway, NW
doc
CO HI
Richard-----DesMoines
twa, southwest
Randy Petersen
Nope
Empress
CP, AC
setilite909
TWA and Midwest Express
islandcub
Air Canada's Aeroplan, Canadian Airlines Canadian Plus
flyme2
AC
burkey
aa, nw
setilite909
TWA, HA
JayBrian
Joe's airways
kris
america west , national
Milehunter
TWA, US
Rorry
twa and aa
shirl
AA, AS
ThisFlightNoFuel
US Airways
Randy Petersen
keep going, you have to name two...
TampaTom
Alaska, TWA
burkey
aa, us
flyme2
AC, CP
TampaTom
Alaska, MidEx
burkey
aa, as
ThisFlightNoFuel
and southwest
Milehunter
TWA, CO
scruffy
BA (short trip), CP (short trip)
doc
HI Aloha
Richard-----DesMoines
twa aa
Empress
CP, UA
kris
US Airways, AA
burkey
aa, ba
Randy Petersen
Tampa Tom wins again with TWA and Alaska......
TampaTom
Kuwait Airways, Air Malta
doc
UA NWA
Empress
CP and AC has it too
Empress
I believe
burkey
hey, aa and as do too
flyme2
Yeah!
ThisFlightNoFuel
US, 15K for Shuttle R/T
TampaTom
Hmm...Randy?
flyme2
AC, CP: short haul flights
burkey
TT -- domupg15
Empress
yes flyme...!
TampaTom
Here's one that NO ONE will get!! What airline operates out of gate F86 at Tampa?
doc
Gee I should have studied up for this!
islandcub
riot! Riot!
Rorry
twa
Randy Petersen
OK, If I spend flyme2, you are also a winner but i can't give you AC miles, sorry...
burkey
bahamas air
AN-Diamond
well technically AN and QF at 17,000 kilometers is under 15,000 points
greg99
Uh, I was told there would be no math at this chat. . .
AN-Diamond
miles even
flyme2
Just show up at the FAQ!
doc
How boout the ionterisland HI flghts?
burkey
doc, they're 5k with nw
islandcub
oo, yeah, Aloha!
doc
UA NWA 5k and 10k
TampaTom
What is the official name of ATL?
PremEx
Thank you Randy! This went much better IMHO than the chaotic system at that other chat site you used to participate in!
doc
And US too I took a 10k First last year!
JayBrian
Hartsfield intl
The Mile Dog
Atlanta hartsfield regional airport?
islandcub
Hmm, AC and CP also have one-way awards for 15k or less
TampaTom
Incorrect so far
setilite909
Hartsfield International Airport
Cali
Atlanta
burkey
Agree with PremEx, this works out much better, and no tech problems to deal with as it was with the "other" place
Rorry
i forgot what the question was
The Mile Dog
Atlanta Hartsfield International
TampaTom
William B. Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport (please DO NOT ask how I know!)
Randy Petersen
Here's the last question for bonus miles: If I purchase an airline ticket with my Diners Club card for $1,000 and fly the same airline for 1,000 miles and convert the Diners Clun points into miles with that same airline, how many miles will i have earned all together. It was 1,000 miles one way on a roundtrip ticket.... Answer please....
burkey
Tampa tom -- the city is putting it up for sale
PremEx
Gate 86 at Tampa is United!
doc
2000k
flyme2
2000
shirl
1500
burkey
3000
TampaTom
2000
Rorry
200
JayBrian
1750
Rorry
3000
The Mile Dog
3000
burkey
1500
Randy Petersen
burkey,,,you win, it's 3,000
AN-Diamond
2500 with AN
Rorry
750
TampaTom
explain
islandcub
here's that math thing again!
ThisFlightNoFuel
4000
doc
Doent it depend on your Elite Status?
JayBrian
way to go burkey, the philly boys had a good showing tonight
The Mile Dog
Darn, and I paid a lot of $ for a BA in math..lol
flyme2
Not with the Canadian version of Diners! (We Canadians are a motley bunch)
TampaTom
If Bob is four years older than Randy, and Randy is six years younger than PremEx, how old is Ken?
AN-Diamond
a BA in Math????????????
flyme2
He isn't born yet!
islandcub
Blame Citibank, flyme2!
Cali
Randy it depends on the airline? BA?
JayBrian
if an eastbound train,,,,,no nevermind
Milehunter
85
Randy Petersen
Thanks all for your attendance tonight. It was kind of a shakedown and i think it will get much better as we get used to the moderated event. Congrats to the winners and see you all online at FlyerTalk and back here next month....but go study up on your frequent flyer history.....
Rorry
i know what a BA is, does that count?
Randy Petersen
Good night all.....
islandcub
this was fun, thanks, Randy
flyme2
G'night
JayBrian
Thanks Randy
AN-Diamond
i have a real ba
Cali
Bye!
greg99
Thanks Randy!
doc
TYhnaks again Randy This was fun and infomatibe!
Milehunter
adios
The Mile Dog
night thanks randy
setilite909
Thanks Randy, bye
burkey
thanks again Randy
TampaTom
thanks
Randy Petersen
Cali, not really because distance among ailrines is equal
PremEx
When I went to school, there was no history.
burkey
only sheep
setilite909
Anyone here use UAL Odometer Miles New Car buying program?
PremEx
Thanks again!
Cali
then i would say 3,000
The Mile Dog
btw in ref to the BA in math it was actually a second major with Econ so my diploma reads BA
flyme2
Now that Randy's left, when do we get to see the dancing girls?
burkey
fm -- come on, you know that's in sin...
JayBrian
I thought refreshments would be served
Cali
Ya mean you don't see them now?
JayBrian
not even peanuts
Milehunter
pretzels?
AN-Diamond
mile dog - mine is BA(Public Policy) Hons which is really BA(Economics/Political Science)
islandcub
Never mind the dancing girls, how about the guys with well-turned hairy legs in shorts in the seat next to you?
flyme2
burkey: And you'll be staying in your room in CUN?
burkey
not just any any pretzels, MUSTARD pretzels
flyme2
islandcub: That was my WIFE!
burkey
fm -- someone has to watch over Catman :)
flyme2
burkey: You're a saint!
JayBrian
burkey, I had one at work today, they served mustard pretzals at a meeting
burkey
i try my best
The Mile Dog
mustard pretzels are great, but at a meeting, yellow papers????
burkey
JB -- yeah, the gov't must have gotten them on special
flyme2
burkey: I just want to let you know I appreciate you doing God's work.
doc
Goodnight everyone. Im starving! Enjoy a great rest of the evening !
islandcub
I should move along, too
flyme2
g'night doc!
John at Webflyer
OK gang I'm shutting this room down, but feel free to use the Buzz all night long if you want!