(Start of 1st session)

Anne at Webflyer
Welcome to FlyerTalk Live, please start to fire away questions to Randy

Jon
Randy, thanks for taking the time out of your schedule to answer questions for us!!! :) Do you know of any plans of Sky Team to offer a real promo such as Latin Pass did, or are we going to see only one winner of 1M miles?

Randy Petersen
Good question and one that remains unanswered from Delta. The idea for that program is from Continental and their infamous Privilege Pack which suffered from some similar problems of understanding. I'd hold on to what you have and join hundreds of others who are asking to be made good on the Plus pack. Continue to watch FlyerTalk on an answer for remedy from Delta......you know the drill, marketing doesn't talk to revenue whdoesn't talk to accounting....

Randy Petersen
SkyTeam isn't ready for prime time. As I understand it, they are looking to make a "major" announcement for yet another brand name partner before starting to market that alliance the way that Star did in it's infancy. While we all now hold LatinPass as the ultimate promotion, my bet is that we won't see many like that again. Right now, chance are better for your local state lottery than winning that million miles from SkyTeam....again, too early and they aren't all on the same page yet (remember, this is the time of the year that Air France is famous for going on strike).....

IM4Travel
Do you have any other details on the new relationship between AMRTAK and Continental?? Is this the first type of deal where miles will be given from the rails??

Randy Petersen
Not the first....it's a copy cat with a similar arrangement that three other airlines have had before: United, Midwest Express and also Alaska Mileage Plan. AMTRAK with their new customer service guarantee just might give coach cars with wings a run for their miles......especially since they announced today they were incresing their rail lines by "millions of miles." In other words....welcome Continental, we've been expecting you. Also look for a new enhanced frequent "railer" program soon....

njrob
Do any other frequent stay programs double dip like Hilton?

Randy Petersen
Not any more......the last known survivor of the big chain programs was the Westin Premier and Starwood ended that with the acquisition favoring instead, no blackout dates. In some respects, you can actually 'double dip' if you are using an airline credit card to pay for any hotel charges, though with Hilton that ends up with triple dip...... I don't expect that to be anything anyone will match because it's really expensive and most of the other hotel programs have other benefits that seem to still work for their members....

767300er
What is your opinion so far on the Canadian and Air Canada integration? How do you see One World future in Canada?

Randy Petersen
UGGGGGG! In case you don't understand that word, let me say this about that....

Randy Petersen
I'm really disappointed because it's caused fallout for other programs such as the American Express Membership Rewards program in Canada. Unfortunately it because a political and business decision without the best interests of members of the Canadian Plus program. But, it was that or much owrse. I think at least you'll see some protection of all the miles/points so that's a plus. As for oneworld......Air Canada is a fence airline and if more open skies are prevalent in Canada and the U.S. carriers can emulate some of the new startups there in Canada, we'll either see the return of a duopoly (US style). Long term....I don't see oneworld active in Canada except with an AA buout of another carrier...

fromhughes
Any chance that JetBlue will establish a frequent flyer program or link up with another carrier's program?

Randy Petersen
Well, it's a matter of time since they actually did announce prior to launch they would have a program and they have as a VP marketing there, a former Virgin flying club (actually she was there as Freeway) executive. Yes, they'll have a program in the Fall. The question is....they announced it would be similar to the Southwest program, which would be great if they offered double credit for booking online. However, I see it more looking like the Blue Loot rewards program for the new American Express Blue Card...more flexibility and "hip." Somehow a Southwest style program, though really rewarding, doesn't fit the image on Jet Blue......but the chips are still out if they will engage a partner program like Legend has done with Delta. My guess, they will, especially if the United/US Airways merger passes.....

myriad
Hi Randy, nice to meet you on the Aeropostal leg of the 'million mile march' recently. I am considering sending a fair bit of miles from LP to Hilton HHonors. Do you have an opinion on how available award stays are with HHonors? Coming from Starwood, with no controls at all, it is something I am curious about.

Randy Petersen
I like this question and yes, we were seat mates on the recent LatinPass mileage run, though if my memory serves me correct you took a first class upgrade because i gave the flight attendant a FlyerTalk cap.....now for your answer...

Randy Petersen
I think it's a good move to diversify some of your LatinPass miles into Hilton, and I'll be doing the same. Now, if you are a Diamond member in HHnors, you have the very same privileges as Starwood as there are vitually no blackout or capacity controls (yes, it does pay to be a "best" customer). Now, should you not be at that level, I think you still have a very good chance of having no problems. Let's remember this: with the acquisition of Doubletree and Embassy Suites, you've got a program almost 3 times bigger with the same free room demand. My insiders tell me they have experienced little or NO problem getting rooms they want from the expansion. This remains our little secret for now, but if you move any miles over, you'll be in the same line as me.....thanks for the question.

infokonig
There seems to be movement in the partnerships with long distance companies. A few years ago all the airlines left AT&T and moved mostly to MCI. I saw an ad the other day for a partnership with AT&T (don't remeber which airline). What's the deal? Shouls we expect to see the airlines all leave their partnership with MCI?

Randy Petersen
Yes, AT&T has emerged with airlines again, though they really never left the industry. AT&T is back as the new phone partner of Continental OnePass, though things are different this time...here's my thoughts:

Randy Petersen
I think AT&T left the miles game a few years back because they underestimted the lure of frequent flyer mles. The CEO at the time questioned why AT&T would support paying the airlines for loyalty to their brand and not the AT&T brand. After the times of True Rewards (you do remember True Rewards don't you?) and the recent attenpt at Personal Rewards, AT&T decided they would give it one more time. Was it that MCI wasn't a great partner to Continental? Not probably. More likely it was a BIG (read - REALLY BIG) check made out to Continental's favorite charity (OnePass). I think you won't see more AT&T partnerships over the next 6 months as they try and figure out how to make this work. If you notived, they didn't start a mileage war and most OnePas smembers are scratching their heads......hey, where are the big mileage bonus lures to get me to leave MCI. AT&T will probably try one-to-one marketing so that it doesn't get too expensive with spinners. As for MCI, members will continue to earn miles from OnePass t

suzieboo
I recently got a legal document from American Air regarding frequent flier miles. I heard we should wait before sending that in. Do you have more information?

Randy Petersen
Yes, I recently wrote a column for BizTravel.com (sponsor of tonight's live chat) advising members of the AA programs that there were no clear reasons to send in the paperwork early. You won't get any settlement choices until the final resolution later in the year (September, I think). The reason being is that I still think their might be some challenge to the offer. If you already have sent your answer in, you might not have the chance to change it should their be other choices. My major concern about this is that American is expensing $25 million dollars for this and somehow the options don't add up for me. I'll be at the final resolution trying to get to the bottom of why the offer is staggered. The contention being that past award usage (how the settlement was based) is no inclination of how you might use awards in the future, especially given the changing nature of how we earn miles. In the months ahead, we look to offer you the first one-on-one interview with the guy who filed the first lawsuit......

sharptalk
What is this I read about a merger between Starwood and Bass hotels? How will that affect my Starwood account?

Randy Petersen
Gee.......this comes on the heels of the United/US Airways merger rumors and actions.....let me count up the ways:

Randy Petersen
Bass has rid themselves of the brewery business and has a few BILLION dollars they need to re-invest or face extreme taxation. YThey have enjoyed the returns seen from their ownership of Holiday Inn and associated hotels and with the acquision of Inter-Continental seem to really like the hotel business. Barry, the Chairman of Starwood has seen share price fall and the idea of REIT's chance since he invented hotel ownership as a hobby. It seems that Bass has an offer to purchase Starwood and that the only things that seem to not work, is the size and color of the golden parachutes. If it goes through, I think there will be some problems because Bass has yet to prove to me that they can manage hotels in loyalty programs though various levels - look no further than where they are with the Inter-Continental Hotel chain and Priority Club. Before that they misunderstood merging Crowne Plaza Hotels into Priority Club. I don't know the answer as I happen to be big fans of elements of both programs. Let's see what h

traveler
Do my stays at an Emabssy, Doubletree, Hamilton or the other chains that Hilton as joined count toward my Hilton stays for my silver/gold/diamond status with Hilton?

Randy Petersen
Yes they do and it seems Hilton is well on their way back to super program once they figure out how to manage all these new properties and the millions of new members that come with them. Hilton has learned, from the lessons of other hotel chains like Marriott that you must have a program that one size fits all.....because some days you do feel like a Doubletree and other days you feel like a Garden Inn....

JonathanR
Randy: Here's my question. I'm MAJORLY attracted to frequent flyer miles, but my job/leisure time doesn't allow for much actual flying...if you were to recommend the top ways for us groundbound folk to reliably and consistently earn miles with as few restrictions, what would you give approval to, and what would you avoid?

Randy Petersen
You my friend fit the description of a "mileage consumer", now for the tips....

Randy Petersen
First, (shameless advertisement) learn to spend time at FlyerTalk on the bulletin boards. Here you will share that passion with thousands of others and it's much easier to learn from peers than to try to "self teach" yourself

Randy Petersen
Second, pick what your goals are. Too many people like yourslef are "into" miles with no defined goals. You must target a few select programs that either have the rewards you want or the partners you feel comfortable doing business with....and,

Randy Petersen
you must learn sooner than later that the term "miles" is no longer exclusive to airline frequent flyer programs. You will find that new programs like WebMiles and others can satisfy your goal for free travel (if that's what you want) in ways other than you thought. Many of the savvy mileage consumers learn to work both sides of the fence, earning miles from an airline for one seat and playing games like "conga lines" with programs like MileSource and others for a mathcing ticket....all at the same time, becayse the one thing about some of these alternative mile programs is that you can choose airlines to fly on that you already have real miles with and that's handy if you would rather travel with someone.....

jellybean
I have heard that it is NOT worth signing up for a credit card that offers air miles, because they have higher interest. Is this true? and fi so, sre there any that are better then their competion,?

Randy Petersen
Jellybean - I don't know who told you that but it doesn't line up with my belief. Yes, you will pay a handsome charge for an affinity card that earns frequent flyer miles, but you shouldn't play that game unless you have spending habbits that warrant the card. Let's say you spend $10,000 a year on a credit card. Considering that a free award from TWA can be had for as little as 15,000 miles, that $55 invesmtent puts you 2/3 of the way toward a free airline ticket. If $55 is 2/3 of the way or even haldf the way, I'm trying to figure out how you could ever buy a real airline ticket for under $400 (when using it right). I think these cards are expensive, but given the power toward free travel, it's still a great deal. More of my reasoning:

Randy Petersen
I have an American Express card that I spend about $250,000 a year on. The card costs me $110. For that $110 I have enough miles for 10 free airline tickets. At an average fare of $418, that's over $4,000 return on an investment of $110. That is a fairly good argument. The real answer comes in with how much you spend annually. If you spend less than $5,000 a year on a credit card, then you may well be resonable in seeking a free or low cost card. At $10,000 (this equals 10,000 miles and Continental, TWA, Northwest and US Airways have free tickets at only 20,000 miles) you have half a free ticket and with a sign up bonus from a telephone company and maybe one flight or two with a nice bonus, you'll have a free airline ticket. My personal choices of cards today? Alaska Mileage Plan and US Airwaqys Platinum Visa cards....good value, extra bonuses and low end rewards......

John at Webflyer
I think we'll switch the chat to unmoderated mode until 8 pm MT

(Start of unmoderated trivia session)

Randy Petersen
FOR 500 BONUS MILES FROM THE CLICKREWARDS PROGRAM - WHICH U.S. BASED FREQUENT FLYER POROGRAM WAS THE FIRST PARTNER FOR BRITISH AIRWAYS?

BostonBoy
USAir

burkey
us

IM4Travel
Us

RRLawrence
US

q174
Easy. DElta

myriad
us air

ted
Delta

Cali
ua

huffstuff
usair

murph411
usari

empressjad
US

MileKing
AA

any007
you guys are quick

WheresRandy
USAIr

Randy Petersen
Noooo

ctuttle
USAir

abercrombie
northwest

burkey
TWA

manny
AA

BostonBoy
USAir Frequent Flyer

jturner
virgin

NEO781
UNITED

RRLawrence
Cont

murph411
northwest

burkey
CO

ted
pan am

hugotravelin'
american airlines

TheDrake
Air lingus

WheresRandy
Piedmont

BostonBoy
American Express

Sassy2u
us

myriad
must be way back.......how about republic

IM4Travel
Eatsern

burkey
Braniff

BostonBoy
Diners

jellybean
us

MileKing
AS

IM4Travel
Eastern

MileKing
CO

BostonBoy
Membership Rewards

Randy Petersen
MileKing wins with AA . They were the original partner of AAdvantage back in 1981...congrats MileKing, we'll settle up off line....

BostonBoy
Club Rewards

ascjstep
DL

fromhughes
United

rdrunner
What the most effective way to find out about promotions (e.g. grocery products, aol service) that are not directly listed in specific airline frequent flyer news letters ?

MileKing
Yes

malgrp
continental!!!

BostonBoy
rdrunner: subscribe to insideflyer!!

jersey
Do you see United and American joining Membership Miles

Randy Petersen
OK, GET YOUR KEYBOARDS READY, THE NEXT TRIVIA QUESTION FOR ANOTHER 500 BONUS MILES

ted
Randy, you need a headset and a voice recognition software package - you talk, it types - for you

RRLawrence
ready

IM4Travel
hehe

dolsenwi
ready

BostonBoy
Please stop screaming, Randy

Richard Green
lol

radioboy
signing back on--cq cq cq

LULUMC
us air

asa
Randy, I've got one for you....which was the first airline to offer the

asa
ability to book on-line and offer points ?

RRLawrence
AA

radioboy
Has anyone found any Kelloggs cereal with the American mileage coupon? All I can find here is Complete Bran Flakes--and I don't want to sit on the toilet THAT long for miles. ; }

IM4Travel
heheheh

MileKing
AS

Randy Petersen
WHO HAD THE FIRST AFFINITY CREDIT CARD THAT OFFERED FREQUENT FLYER MILES AS A REDEMPTION OPPORTUNITY (EXTRA 250 BONUS MILES FOR NAMING THE YEAR) [NOT THE AIRLINE, THE NAME OF THE CARD]

Cali
AA

song&dance
AA

hugotravelin'
aa

Cali
1981

TheDrake
Delta

mel
Citibanb

jturner
citibank

ctuttle
American

IM4Travel
Chase]

RRLawrence
US

radioboy
Citibank

hugotravelin'
ual

jellybean
aa

nychojin
diners club

Explor527
diners club

myriad
first card

freakflyer
Citibank Aadvantage Visa

heavenlyham
mc

BostonBoy
LOL Radioboy!! (everyone who was at ToiletTalk last night thanks you!)

cruiser
ua

malgrp
continental 96

travlgrl
citibank

fromhughes
Citibank AAdvantage

murph411
citibank

ted
amex

Randy Petersen
KEEP GUESSING......

WheresRandy
First USA

RRLawrence
1986

shar
Eastern

huffstuff
amex

Jenna
Mastercard

John
Continental

empressjad
Cutubank Aadvantage

TheDrake
MBNA

shirley909
amex

Kurt
American Express

radioboy
Citibank 1987

burkey
American Express/Delta

dhacker
diners

hugotravelin'
amex

bumps
Randy, can you answer my TWA question?

IM4Travel
MBNA

hugotravelin'
diners

stephlac
aa

MileKing
Diners 1987

Richard Green
citibank

BostonBoy
ValuJet

moria
nwa

Cali
aa 1986

jersey
Randy, who cares about trivia, we prefer question and answer

myriad
bank americard :) that precedes ff i think

WriterPaul
Carte Blanche

jturner
amex

kikou
canadian plus

hugotravelin'
valujet? boston boy you are so funny

rdrunner
I found the kellogg promotion on boxes on regular corn flakes

heavenlyham
diner 1986

murph411
Any idea what the United/UsAir merger will do for our FF accounts?

cruiser
first usa

BostonBoy
ValuJet Visa...The More You Buy, The More Miles You Have To Burn (sorry for the poor humor)

malgrp
American Express 96

bluejay
Both Publix and Winn Dixie have a variety of Kelloggs cereals with the mileage offers. I sent 5 in yesterday

Florite
Donate the ceral and take a tax deduction

Randy Petersen
We have a winner: mychojin with Diners Club, anyone know the year?

Richard Green
85

jturner
1982

IM4Travel
95

burkey
1979

BostonBoy
1986

RRLawrence
1985

moria
87

malgrp
92

TheDrake
1981

kikou
1984

WheresRandy
1980

cruiser
Diners Club

shirley909
1972

IM4Travel
1995

hugotravelin'
89

darrendotcom
1985

Cali
1983

jersey
Kellogg cereal offerings are on cereals no one eats

John
1988

burkey
1982

radioboy
Do we get Clickrewards for the final answer?

Cali
1984

WheresRandy
1977

ascjstep
76

heavenlyham
1978

moria
79

burkey
1983

Cali
1985

LULUMC
1991

malgrp
73

cruiser
1963

IM4Travel
1983

ascjstep
74

BostonBoy
1921

Cali
1986

Jenna
1884

murph411
74

BostonBoy
1814

darrendotcom
1975

gaelo
1965

BostonBoy
1

BostonBoy
2

fromhughes
81

BostonBoy
3

BostonBoy
4

BostonBoy
5

malgrp
76

myriad
lots of different kellogs now have miles in seattle.......all about 4 bucks a box though except the cornflakes

ctuttle
CITibank 1981

radioboy
I miss Kellogg's Oatbake!

murph411
1974 that is.

MileKing
1985

kikou
1961

Randy Petersen
RR Lawrence with 1985. Yes, we have been earning miles from credit cards for 15 years.....Winners, please settle off line...Thanks

Randy Petersen
I'll let you all chat for a few minutes and I'll be back. I thank you all for your patience and next month we'll be much faster because we now have the ability for you to send in questions in advance whci I'll answer ahead of time and post much faster....

(Start of 2nd session)

calypso
Any great deals going on right now 4 miles?

Randy Petersen
Actually with the news that planes are 80% full or more, there aren't many actual frequent flyer deals out there...jsut partner deals like the new Triple Miles with Thrifty and US Airways and the new deal with E-Trade and Northwest.....I say look to mid-August when AOL/AAdvantage launch their new program, then the miles will really hit.....

burkey
Hi Randy, thanks again... About AA/AOL, can we expect any substantial sign-on bonuses?

Randy Petersen
Probably not right away because this program is more about building miles from existing advertisers at AOL than anything else. Remember, AOL and AAdvantage aren't necessarily looking for new members as they are in synergizing all their partners that 'miles' is the official internet currency.....

calypso
AA has the million mile trivia contest going on right now, wonder what the chances of winning are?

Randy Petersen
Like any contest, it depends on the number of entrants. Probably from all the FlyerTalkers there will be tens of thousands. I know I entered and suspect they will end up with about 80,000 candidates for the million. But as you might know, there are a few dozen million mile promos going on right now, so head to skyteam.com and the Vigin flying club Web site for more offers to become the next mileage millione.....

Randy Petersen
Sorry to Richard Branson - that's Virgin, not Vigin.....

BostonBoy
Randy, I have a problem. I'm addicted to FlyerTalk. It started as reading just once a day. Then a few times a day. Then once an hour. Now I'm up to 10hrs/day. When I sleep, I dream about FlyerTalk. Can you offer any suggestions? I just reviewed the policy when you signed up, and it didn't say anything about liability for addiction. My questions: (1)Can I sue you for my addiction? This addiction has caused problems, and I feel that I should be paid handsomly for this. (2)Do you offer anything to help me? Such as patches, gum, and the like. Thank you!

Randy Petersen
I might have to think on this one....let me be witty with my answer - here it is:

Randy Petersen
BostonBoy, you have become a real valuable asset of FlyerTalk and it's actually becoming a real situation for many people. Part of it is the value of the information up there (I actually use it more than I care to admot to) and the other is the blooming friendship that many have enjoyed. Can you sue me? Probably, but remember, all I have a re miles to give away. Can I help? Yes, here's 2,000 ClickRewards miles, take them and call me in the morning......

Richard Green
Randy - what are the general chances of being comped status of one level or another on a competitor's program - ie a CO GM asking for something with DL?

Randy Petersen
Fairly common and almost a problem for the industry. With all these alliances, it's a wonder that no domestic program has thought beyond the box - which I think they will. Generally speaking, all major programs have capture programs to allow you to enjoy competitive benefits if you can prove your competitive status. Some like America require you to earn it and others like Continental simply require you to prove it. As with many answers, posting your query about others experience in getting this honored on FlyerTalk will almost guarantee you the answer, though I don't mind directing you personally with advice via email.....

jellybean
With so mnay mile sites out there, are thre any that are more user freindly, easrier to rack up points, better at actually posting them, and on the flip side, any to stay away frm?

Randy Petersen
Right now it's still a crap shoot. I've had the best of service from all and the worst of service from all. I really can't think of a site, whether it ClickRewards, MyPoints, MileSource or any others that I haven't heard both sides from. As with any program.....flyer beware. I've come to expect that I have to prove my business. If you adopt that as an attitude, hopefully you'll be pleased more times than not, but at least you'll be prepared.

Karen2
To follow up on Richard Green's question: If you have been comped for UAL Prem Exec before will they ever do it again?

Randy Petersen
Touchy ground there. I understand the public and often answer to be NO. However I do know in the right circumstances that it can happen again. But never for a third time unless you fall into the "critically important" list...meaning influential or else.

Tango
I have heard Latin Pass may offer another mileage bonus like the one that just ended. They would make it much harder this time to get the million miles. Have you heard anything to verify this?

Randy Petersen
Tango - it is true they are working on something and actually in their news in their newsletter mention something for July. But I think there is some internal "discussions" on what it might be and to roll thdice or not since the words "LatinPass" are very hot right now. At this point, I think you'll see something, though I would be surprised it's anywhere near as generous. But having said that - I'd make sure I'm a member anyway. Chances are it will be dependent on prior activity with the program, which makes sense.....(hint!)

empressjad
Now Randy, if Boston Boy gets prescription miles, shouldn't we all? After all, this IS a group therapy program for ALL of us...We ALL need those 'meds' you're handing out so freely......

Randy Petersen
I should have guessed that I have become the friendly "doctor". What can I do to make this right? I will "double mile" any miles you earn online tonight for this chat. If you signed up to earn miles for being here, I will double that. If you win Trivia, I will double that. Fair?

travler
Randy, I am new to FlyerTalk Live, so you may have answered this before. Can you "will" miles that might be left in an account to a beneficiary.

Randy Petersen
Willing miles. You can permit miles to be addressed in an estate if they are substatial enough to have value and you are worried who might get them. Others usually don't address the issue and the executor of the will is left to know you had miles and who might want them. All major programs actually transfer them to the estate if the estate presents a valid legal document claiming authority of them for estate purposes. My advice, if you have over 250,000 miles, do address them in your will, less than that let the executor make the decisions......

gab
Randy, what is going to happen with the USAir/United merger? Will we lose any miles from one program or the other, or will they merge them? Any word yet?

Randy Petersen
As you know, Steve Wolf and Company are getting beat up in Congress and United is getting beat up in the media. Seems most people think United should stick to trying to make the lives of their current passengers better before making any differecne to US Airways. If it happens (and I'm not convinced it will), Dividend Miles members will be the losers since they have several key benefits better than Mileage Plus. Yes they will merge should it happen and the result won't be 'Dividend Mileage Plus' Want to see what happens with todays mergers? Ask someone in Canada who belongs to the Canadian program.

maniwar
Does not seem to be much "chatting" going on. Is it worth joing "frequent flyer programs" if you only fly once or twice a year?

Randy Petersen
Bottom line - too early to tell....

Randy Petersen
This is a moderated chat, so you don't see free chat like in the break. As far as joining programs for a few flights a year? Absolutely since miles will really be the currency online and offline over the next year. Today's member of a "frequent flyer program" is more likely a "frequent buyer" who only flies a few times a year. Join now and enjoy the ride...but most definitely join. Last year over 57% of miles in the American AAdvantage program came from non-flying activities.....there is proof.

flyjim
On FlyerTalk I've seen periodic postings about the number of FF's making "the run" for LatinPass, but I've never seen a posting from anyone who actually RECEIVED a certificate verifying earning a million. What do you hear?

Randy Petersen
I know personally over 50 people who have had the 1,000,000 miles posted to their accounts and even 6 or 7 who have even used their awards so far. The problem is that with so many partneres required to make the promotion work, it takes much longer to post.....these aren't all electronic partners, most are manual, but they are getting posted and yours truly is watching for his......

BradC
Randy: We've got a bet here. What is your opinion of those of us who "work the system," meaning we look for every program and promotion loophole available. Are we exceptionally bright and creative people, or are we ruining it for everyone else.

Randy Petersen
Oh....man, you want me to answer that in front of all these people? OK, let me type a few words.....

Randy Petersen
There is some philosophical distinctions to make here. These programs were originally for the airline loyalists and that was a different set of rules than today. By todays rules, I hereby declare you "exceptionally bright and creative". With most of the revenue being pumped into these programs by partners and not the airlines, it is the airlines who are responsible for why the above statement is true. Afterall, if they didn't incite some behaviour change, then what good would they be. The real answer to that is more dependent on the impact of the Internet than anythng. Much of tonight and of course FlyerTalk wouldn't be possible except for the Internet. It is actually the response rate of the bright people that cause more promos to be run. Do you not think that the Healthy Choice deal and "Pudding Guy" didn't boost mileage sales and attention for Healthy Choice?....Yes, the world is different out there today.....but reading this I hope doesn't make you believe I think it's all good.....or is it?

calypso
Can you get Brad C to pass on what he knows to the rest of us?

Randy Petersen
I think you'll find Brad C rather active on the FlyerTalk boards.....lurking or not.

hugotravelin'
randy, you never did answer where i can learn more about Sprint's internl reward program. Can you help a brother out?

Randy Petersen
I'm sorry, I didn't see the question, my apologies.....OK, the Sprint program:

flyjim
Randy: I have a 15-year-old daughter about to make an unaccompanied RT from San Francisco to Anchorage on Alaska Airlines. She doesn't fly often. Do you know of any way I could "capture" her miles and transfer them into some partner airline's FF program? Certainly wouldn't want to waste a single FF mile, would we?!

Randy Petersen
Unfortunately Alaska doesn't have a family plan like BA. What I would recommend because of the miles is to sign her up, also make her account the recipient account for any telephone partner you have with Alaska and try to make her account the bonus account for any online promotions such as ClickRewards. You migth also make her the alternative registered account for a credit card account, like American Express, etc. Try to earn enough miles to "top" hers off then transfer the award to you when you reach the proper award level you are trying to get....It's almost the same as having it your way......This is a common problem and tried and true advice.....I once did it with an old girlfriend's account......

normchaney
Randy, it's been a long time since the last Priority Club meeting. Any chance there will be another. Haven't seen you in ages. Norm Chaney & Elsie Tate

Randy Petersen
WOW - Norm is one of the original mileage mavens. Actually Priority Club still has meetings for members, though on a local basis not national. I recently attended one they had in San Francisco a few months back and prior to that they had another one in New Orleans for local members.....for reasons of expense, I think we can only fondly remember what was one of the truly best events in the industry. For those not knowing what this was about, Holiday Inn had major conferecnes for members at key places around the US and they were blowout parties with great speaers, member events and lots of new friendships........

kehaulina
is there anyway on delta to get a round trip ticket to hawaii with just 2 weeks notice,, no availability on there "reward" seats and only 30000 miles?

Randy Petersen
Two ways....check twice a day for new seats to open up and they often do, though I don't know how lucky you are and then you might try (close your ears everyone) the old switcheroo. Quickly find a frequent flyer friend with plenty of United miles and ask for a donation of his award seat to Hawaii (United has much more lift there than Delta) and "wink - wink" you may have to do him a foavor when he/she wants to go or needs an award when United doesn't have any seats available.

Randy Petersen
OK - open up your ears and eyes again.......

flyjim
How can I save the text of tonight's chat or print it out?

John at Webflyer
We'll have a log on flyertalk within a few days.

Randy Petersen
Next week we will have available on the FlyerTalk Live! chat area, transcripts on both live sessions from tonight and also last month......

Randy Petersen
HERE SOMES THE TRIVIA.......WARM YOUR KEYBOARDS UP.......

Randy Petersen
WHAT DOES THE 1K STAND FOR IN THE MEMBERSHIP LEVEL OF " PREMIER EXECUTIVE 1K" FROM UNITED MILEAGE PLUS

aner
thanks pshuanq. so I understand the answer is that I can't redeem it in British?

SJC AA
100,000

BradC
100000 miles

BostonBoy
100L

PremEx
100K

kidpachinko
10000

BostonBoy
100,000

birdyy
1,000,000

WheresRandy
100,000

Hammertoad
100000

BLADE
100,000 miles

sharptalk
100k

Karen2
10000

aner
1000

empressjad
100,000

spenser
100,000

sjffg
100k

normchaney
100000

jtung1
100000

kidpachinko
12?

sharptalk
100,000

TravelDave
100,000 miles/year

radioboy
100,000 actual miles flown per year!

ascjstep
1million

Randy Petersen
SJC AA YOU ARE THE WINNER....MUST HAVE BEEN EASY.....

Randy Petersen
HERE'S THE NEXT TRIVIA....

Randy Petersen
MARRIOTT REWARDS (HONORED GUEST AWARDS) WAS THE FIRST FREQUENT GUEST PROGRAM - TRUE OR FALSE?

Hammertoad
f

BradC
False

WheresRandy
true

kidpachinko
False

MileKing
True

sharptalk
yes

normchaney
true

spenser
false

Empress
FALSE

burkey
false

ascjstep
false

sjffg
false

kehaulina
false

TravelDave
true

Shareholder
false

empressjad
true

henwood
false

traveler
t

jtung1
false

dano
false

waunda
false

leroy11
:)

BLADE
false. it was AAdvantage.

Razorback
false

kendoll70
false it was AA

Shareholder
AAdvantage was.

SJC AA
is it one entry per person? :)

dix
True

flyjim
False

Randy Petersen
HAMMERTAOD IS FIRST, THE ANSWER IS FALSE BECAUSE HOLIDAY INN PRIORITY CLUB WAS FISRT......

Randy Petersen
NEXT, A LITTLE HARDER TRIVIA...

Hammertoad
Ooooh YA

Empress
Agreed BB!

rick469
false

Randy Petersen
IN WHAT YEAR DID CITIBANK INTRODUCE THE CITIBANK AADVANTAGE VISA CARD TO MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN AADVANTAGE PROGRAM?

TravelWeary
1996

MileKing
1983

kidpachinko
1995

leroy11
1997

pshuang
Hey, I'll be in Boston next weekend!

PremEx
1988

Empress
1994

burkey
1992

ascjstep
1994

WheresRandy
1983

Hammertoad
1994

normchaney
1989

jtung1
1985

Dave
1986

birdyy
1993

kendoll70
1981

spenser
1988

BradC
1991

henwood
1997

Razorback
1987

empressjad
1994

rocketgirl
That's probably my only option. Thanks

TravelDave
1986

dhacker
1989

dano
1990

WheresRandy
1985

flyjim
1984

hugotravelin'
1987

rdrunner
1994

birdyy
1993

ascjstep
1989

kjlouden
1986

janicekay
1989

pshuang
:)

MileKing
1987

sharptalk
1990

MileKing
1988

Karen2
1982

dix
1990

manny
1974

ascjstep
1991

rick469
1987

BostonBoy
year 1

kehaulina
1992

BostonBoy
year 2

BostonBoy
year 3

pshuang
How many messages will it take to cover every single one of the last 25 years?

BostonBoy
year 4

Randy Petersen
RAZORBACK IS THE WINNER - THE YEAR, 1987

Randy Petersen
NEXT TRIVIA......

Randy Petersen
WHAT WAS THE NAME OF THE AWARD WINNING EVENT THAT MEMBERS OF THE FLYERTALK COMMUNITY HELD IN HAWAII LAST YEAR....THIS IS THE LAST QUESTION FOR TRIVIA...SORRY, I HAVE A TRIP TO MAKE TONIGHT.....

BostonBoy
PIP

kidpachinko
PIUO

TravelWeary
pip

Hammertoad
pip

burkey
pip

pshuang
PIP

henwood
pip

kidpachinko
PIP

janicekay
I understand you can get free mileage by using a free Visa First USA and a ticket for 15000 miles any comments on this?

ambassador
pip

kehaulina
pip

leroy11
party in paradise

Empress
PIP

sharptalk
pip

SMessier
me too: PIP

ascjstep
Pip

PremEx
Party in Paradise

hugotravelin'
PiP

Shareholder
PIp

TravelDave
party in paradise

empressjad
party in paradise

charby
party in paradise

Karen2
pip

kidpachinko
dang Japanese keyboard! : )

birdyy
1st annual PIP

burkey
hold it PiP

Shareholder
What was the name of Western Airline's frequent flyer program?

Randy Petersen
BOSTONBOY.....YOU REALLY ARE IN NEED OF SOME HELP, HOPE WINNING THE LAST TRIVIA TONIGHT HELPS......

Randy Petersen
GOODNIGHT ALL, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING. NEXT MONTH WILL BE VERY SMOOTH AS WE'LL HAVE A MUCH FASTER WAY FOR ME TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS......AGAIN, THANKS AND ENJOY ALL THOSE MILES YOU MADE ME GIVE AWAY TONIGHT.

Randy Petersen
PS - FOR ALL THOSE INTERESTED.......I WILL BE IN MONTREAL FOR THE FLYERTALK FAQ ON THE 22ND - I AM FLYING IN FROM LONDON JUST FOR IT....SEE YOU ALL THERE.