Fatwallet is offering $1 cash per each United.com booking

According to this thread, UA is back with affiliate marketing.

Not much money we are talking about, but something always better than nothing and no extra effort is needed.

Starwood new benefits are coming

I saw Gary mentioned this in his blog, it seems like some changes here.

The biggest advantage of SPG program now is no capacity control on its standard room redemption, but Hilton has matched this benefit earlier this year. Marriott will match this benefit soon. Hyatt is already easy to find an award room. while other competitors are catching up, SPG soon will make its move ahead of others again.

In addition, SPG already has the best elite recognition in the industry, Suite upgrades, 4:00pm checkout, the new benefits should improve the elite program even better.

let's wait and see

Easiest way to prevent miles from expire

Almost all North America Airlines miles have expiration date(normally 18 months), but any activity can extend the expiration date for another 18 months. Online shopping mall is an excellent option, the cheapest merchant is Itune, all you need is 99c to buy a song and extend your miles. Itune is also a partner of Hilton Shopping mall, so you can use to extend your Hilton points for another 12 months as well.

Most Asia programs have fixed expiration date, you can not extend them, either use them or lose them.

My favorite BMI program has no expiration date.

Starwood Buy 2, get 1 free or buy 4, get 2 free nights link

I posted this link in my SPG program introduction, but it is in Chinese.

I now post again just in case anyone needs it.

many times, the rate can save u lots of money, but make sure to compare with normal daily rate.

NWA Mom and Dad promotion bonus miles posted today

About two weeks ago, Northwest posted bonus miles for this Mom and Dad promotion, where you suppose to get 500 bonus miles for every $50 dollar spend, but they posted as "500 miles for each purchase of $50 or more", so my three purchases only got me 1500 bonus miles.
I then send them a email and I knew many other people sent too. NWA realized they screwed and promised to post everything else by today, which they did. Everything is there. Happy to get extra 60K NW miles, enough for 2 business class ticket anywhere within Asia

Earn 8500 Continental miles per rental with budget.

Now, it is Continental's turn after 10000 bonus miles promotion with Delta, but there more restrictions.

Must book on continental.com rental car page(according to T&C), use BCD U072500 and Coupon code MUAZ041.

Offer not valid at Birmingham, AL (BHM); Memphis, TN (MEM); Kansas City, MO (MCI) and Omaha, NE (OMA).

Offer valid from Sep 1st-Sep 30th,2008.

20% off at Kimpton hotels and Restanrants

Also from Banana Republic 30 years celebration brochure, book by Nov 3,2008 for stay btw Sep 1st - March 1st,2009 and get 20%+ 20 food and beverage credit.

go to www.kimptonhotels.com and use code "BAN" or call 1-800-Kimpton and request "Sleep in Style"

BTW, kimptonhotels have their own Frequent Guest Programs too.

20% off on Virgin America

I got this code from Banana Republic 30 years celebration brochure.

Book via Virginamerica.com/BR before Sep 15,and travel by Dec 15,2008, valid on any fare(economy class)

Blackout: Nov 21st-Dec 1st.

I believe the code is for one time use only, so if you want book SFO-LAX flight, DON'T use the code, save for people who need on Transcontinental Flight.

7CLRkNKYnH6tY

My coming Award trip

I just made an award ticket reservation in Business class to China for 10 days later using my AA miles, coming back in November. Business Class Seats are still pretty easy to find on all Japan Airlines US Gateway from JFK, ORD, SFO and LAX.

YYZ-LGA(stopover), JFK-NRT(stopover)-PEK-NRT-JFK(open jaw)

Total cost 90000 AA miles+157 in taxes and fees, not bad.

Plus, I booked 2 nights at Park Hyatt Tokyo using my Hyatt promotional free night award in my account. Great place to spend my awards and use my 72 hours shore pass for Chinese Passport.

I used Qantas Airways website to search award availability for oneworld partners, but they don't show JL and CX flight, so I use British Airways website to search now. Although it doesn't show everying, but it does offer more partners availability than Qantas Website.

I have not found any discrepancies between BA webiste and AA call center yet. After u did ur research and call AA to book, it will be much easier for u and agent.

Another reason I am using AA miles for this trip is ability to change without a fee even AFTER my trip starts as long as I keep the the same routing and carrier.

With UA and US or BD award, you can not change anything once ur trip starts unless you are using UA miles and the remaining is on UA only

With CO, NW and DL miles, you can change anytime you want, but every change requires a fee unless you are top elite of respective programs

LON-Major us City deal is gone!

Due over exposure on hot uk deal, the deal has been pulled from expedia.com.au.

You can still buy them at orbitz.com at slightly higher price, but not as cheap as $200 USD

next time PLEASE DON'T post those deals at places like hot uk deal or fat wallet.

Possible Marriott Rewards Program Changes in 2009

I saw this from flytalk,

- No blackout dates for points redemption for standard rooms
- increase of Platinum member elite bonus from 30% to 50%
- 4th night free on a 3 night hotel redemption using points

However, soon after release from flytalk, a Marriott representative posted a comment:

"Earlier today, information about possible changes to the Marriott Rewards program was mistakenly published on Marriott.com.
Based upon your feedback regarding blackout dates and capacity controls, we are evaluating potential program enhancements. We have nothing to announce at this time. We’re sorry for any confusion this might have caused and we'll be sure to provide advanced notice of any future changes.

Regards,

Ira"

I am not a big fun of Marriott programs for many reasons, they provide the worst elite recognitions and award redemption inventory(especially after Hilton removed capacity controls on standard room redemption). If No blackout dates for points redemption for standard rooms can come ture for Marriott, it definitely helps the program, so let wait and see.

WorldPerks Program Merger Update

I got a email today from NWA about worldperks program updates, it mentioned 2 topics

1 Worldperks and Skymiles program will not be merge together until government approves merger. I am expecting by end of 2009 or early 2010, both programs will finish process and become Delta Skymiles, so you sill have some time to burn ur NW miles with NW rate.

2 Worldperks Elite and Skymiles Elite will get upgrade on each other dometic flight in this coming fall.

Some new Orbitz.com hotel discount coupon

I did not try any of them , so don't know which is working. Credit to Dealsea.com

• $35 off 2 Nights Hotel Stay
  Code "35ORBDOT" Exp 12/31

• $50 off 3 Nights Hotel Stay
  Code "50AFFORB" Exp 12/31, Code "OPAHPP50" Exp 9/30

• $75 off 4 Nights Hotel Stay
  Code "4ODWR75"
  Book by 12/31, travel by 2/1/2009

• $100 off 5+ Nights Hotel Stay
  Code "EQUALITY100"
  Book by 8/31, travel by 11/15

Price mistake on LON-Major us City!

from LON-LAX,also valid to other US cities. The price was due to missing YQ surcharge.

Bookable on http://www.expedia.com.au

Price as low as 280 AUD, that's equal to around 240 USD

The price includes everthing. Act quickly!!!!

AS long as you book and get a TICKET number, ur ticket will be valid!!

It seems like 280 AUD fare is not available everyday, You can also use www.Orbitz.com to book.

Update: Deal is valid for travel MON-Thursday, return must be within 30 days from departure. It is better to use both websites I mentioned above, price is cheaper one or the other depends on destination

NOTE: The deal is not working FROM US

Credit to flyertalk.com

Air Asia 1,000,000 free seats sale is back

Air Asia is the biggest low cost carrier in Asia, now they are running 1,000,000 free seats again. All you have to pay is the tax.

go to http://www.airasia.com/ and book from 26 - 31 Aug 2008 for travel btw Apr 1st- July 31st, 2009

Earn Triple Virgin Atlantic miles with Hilton

You need to register , valid for stay from 11 July through 19 October 2008 in United Kingdom and Ireland, Europe, Middle East and Africa plus select hotels in the following U.S. destinations:

- New York
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Washington DC
- Las Vegas
- Boston
- Atlanta
- Miami
- Chicago
- Denver

That means you will get 3000 miles per stay at Hilton, Conrad, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations Club and The Waldorf=AstoriaTM Collection or 600 miles at Hampton Inn & Homewood Suites.

You will also get 1000 Hilton bonus points

Some cheap Business Class ticket

Air Canada has some super cheap business one way fare from KUL-LAX/SAN/SEA/SFO.

bookable on expedia.com, using multi city search.

book under

KUL-SIN,
SIN-HKG,
HKG-SAN/LAX/SEA/SFO,
the trip should under $1300 USD in total and free stopover permitted. I found if stopover in HKG, fare did not increase, if Stopover both SIN and HKG, fare increase by $200.

Another routing possible,

KUL-SIN,
SIN-SYD,
SYD-SAN/LAX/SEA/SFO
You can have stopover in SIN and SYD for total 1600 USD, without stopover, the fare is $200 cheaper. Please note you should select the SYD-SAN/LAX/SEA/SFO leg with connecting in Vancouver rather than AKL, because AC has no traffic right to sell you a ticket Between NZ-US(even it's operate by Air New Zealand) without touching Canada. Ticket can not be on AC 9507.

Update: More routing possible from KUL- US west coast via SIN and PVG, KIX, ICN, NRT with stopover permitted. Aslo it valid to US east coast with few hundred more.

Credit to Flyertalk

Hyatt Faster Free Night is back!

You need to Register, make 2 stays between September 1 and December 30, 2008, Redeem your award between September 15, 2008 and February 28, 2009. In addition, earning free nights, earn 2,000 bonus points after every two eligible Hyatt stays paid with your MasterCard card.

Hyatt, Hyatt Place and Summerfield Suite all qualify for stay requirement.

However, when you redeem ur award,

"A minimum of a three-night award stay is required for Faster Free Nights Award(s) redemption in non-resort hotels during mid-week (i.e., Monday through Thursday). One or two-night stays at non-resort hotels are available on weekends only. A weekend is generally defined as Friday through Sunday, but may vary to conform to local custom and practice in certain countries. Faster Free Nights Award(s) redemption is not valid at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego or Hyatt Regency Paris — Madeleine"

A great Promotion, I think I and my wife will make at least 20 free nights before promotion ends.

AAA Rate can knock down the room rate significantly and earn credits

P.S, If you enroll in Hyatt after I mentioned here, but before today, your will get 2 free nights after 2 stays. It is too late now.

Earn double BMI miles on Hertz Car rental

book via flybmi.com/doublemiles

use PC code 123631 between 20 August and 30 September 200, you will get double BMI miles, even just for one day rental.

For US rental, use AAA CDP 116, which will you discount and not consider as Corp rate.

A great 3400 miles for 1 day rental:)

Note: booking via other website is not eligible for double miles and only BMI own CDP and AAA CDP will not consider as Corp rate.

Credit to Flytalk.com

20% bonus for AMEX Membership reward transfer to Delta

Need to register here

Offer valid from Aug 1st and Aug 31st, 2008

My way of accuring miles

1 Flying miles: I credit all UA and US flight distance greater than 400 miles to UA program, so does LH trans-Atlantic flight because of elite 100% bonus. For distance shorter than 400 miles, and all other star Alliance flights, I credit to BMI Diamond Club. you can find more and reason about BMI program in here.

All oneword flying miles credit to AA program and All Skyteam miles credit to NW(Delta after merge).

2 Rental Car: I credit all Airport rental 2 or more days to Delta program since Avis/Budget offer big bonus for airport locations. For 1 day airport rental 5000 miles for Delta is a good option. For Non Airport rental, 1700 miles BMI diamond club for Hertz or 1000 miles for Virgin Atlantic for Avis . I may also credit to Hertz #1 points depends on price of the rental. In addition, National has a promotion which gives you 1 free rental day after 2 rentals, so I may also rental from them during the promotion period.

3 Shopping: I rarely credit my shopping miles to any airline programs unless there is very special promotion such as Northwest Mom and Dad few months ago. I acutally credit them to Marriott Rewards program because with Marriott Travel package award, the points can be transferred to airline miles on 1:1 basis. The earning for shopping with Marriott points are generally better than Airline miles. Also, Cashback sometimes is a option too, use evreward.com to check which program/cashback give u the best value.

4 Credit Card: I do not use any Airline Credit Cards, but I have them because of signup bonus and cancel them before annual fee due. However, American Airline Mastercard/Business is worth to keep because quarterly discounted award redemption pays the annual fee. All my Credit card purchase points go to Citi Thankyounetwork Program, but that is a different story. I have Citi Amex Platinum with Thankyou network, Premier Pass Elite with Thankyou Network and Citi Professional with Thankyounetwork. I also have SPG and Hilton Amex cards as a backup, but rarely use them other than staying at those hotels and postal office for Hilton card
5 Hotel Stays: I credit my hotel stays to hotel program except with Hilton Double dipping, the airlines miles part credit to BMI diamond Club.

Most my miles come from above five catergories, all other catogories are not primary sources and only getting them on promotional basis.

Whose Miles are the Most Valuable?

View from the wings and frugaltravelguy mention how they value their miles, I would like to share my thought on this topic. Personally, I think miles should only be spent under these three ways.

1 Business/ First class ticket

2 Last minutes travel, still should looking for premium cabin first because most airlines will release more Business/First seats as getting closer to departure date.

3 hard to reach/non popular destinations, those places normally have higher fares due to no competition, still should look for business/first class cabin first.

Then how much do I value them in each programs, the highest value should go to British Diamond Club, there is no single program can really compete on BMI redemption value, I have a summary on BMI redemption in here.

Like any other programs, BMI has its disadvantage too. The miles requirement to Asia area/from Asia area is generally very high (except from Asia to certain Europe countries) compare to United. So I value United miles in second because their advantage to Asia area.

Then third place goes to American Airline because all miles credit count toward lifetime status, which 1Million will get u lifetime Gold and 2 million get you lifetime Platinum. Also, from Asia to South Pacific, AA program will be a winner.

Then next is Delta/NWA, I still give them relatively high value due to its Intra Asia business award, especially with Delta, you can have one stopover and one open jaw.

I do not give US airways miles too much value because they are hard to earn from flying after eliminating Elite bonus miles. Also, those India call center people are horrible; they have no idea of anything. It is a hard work when you try to redeem US airways miles. However, US airways do have good redemption value to some locations, but still not worth the hassle.

Continental Airlines is the only program I have no account with because I can not find any advantage on their program. However, once CO joins the Star alliance, things will be different.

If you travel frequently on Short haul flight (like LAX-SJC) and served by Southwest Airlines, their Rapid Rewards program is an option for you.

I have wrote a topic on best redemption value for each airlines, you can read them here

WOW! Significant cutback on UA onboard and meal service is coming

Saw this on One mile at a Time, UA will cutback their onboard and meal service significantly effect Oct 1,2008.

buy Onboard price increase

• Shelf-stable items increase from $5 to $6.

• Fresh items increase from $7 to $9.

For domestic flight with three cabin, business class will get free Buy onboard meal instead of regular meal.

Staffing will be adjusted to FAA minimums.

Buy onboard service for IAD depature to Europe in Economy Class(Except Kuwait), so eat before getting on the plane.

Want 2 free nights at Hyatt properties, enroll now!

Hyatt is offering a promotion for new member, if you enroll and make 2 stays within 90 days, you will get a free night valid worldwide.

However, Hyatt Diamond member desk also confirmed that the famous "Faster Free night" promotion is coming back on Sept 1st, 2008-Dec 31st 2008. You will also get a free night after 2 stays by paying with MasterCard.

Currently, Hyatt.com has not release the ""Faster Free night" promotion yet,so enroll now will get u the first free night promotion, then when hyatt release "Faster Free night", you will enroll 2 promotions at the same time.

The reason I ask you to enroll hyatt program now is because once the ""Faster Free night" releases, the first free night promotion will be gone.

up to 20% off on American Airline selected destinations

Save 10% on travel for 2 people together - DF2PSGR
Save 15% on travel for 3 - DF3PSGR
Save 20% on travel for 4 - DF4PSGR


To qualify, book your reservations on AA.com by 11:59 p.m. (CT) Tuesday, August 19, 2008, and travel between September 3 and October 31, 2008*. Discount code DF2PSGR is 10% off travel for 2 passengers on the same itinerary. Discount code DF3PSGR is 15% off travel for 3 passengers on the same itinerary. Discount code DF4PSGR is 20% off travel for 4 passengers on the same itinerary. All discounts are applied to the base fare and do not apply to taxes and fees. Promotion codes are not combinable. Travel is valid on one-way or round-trip coach class non-stop travel between New York City (JFK, LGA) and Boston (BOS), Washington D.C. (DCA), Chicago (ORD), Jacksonville (JAX), Orlando (MCO), West Palm Beach (PBI), Tampa (TPA), Ft. Myers (RSW), Ft. Lauderdale (FLL), Miami (MIA), Key West (EYW), Los Angeles (LAX, SNA, BUR, ONT), Monterey (MRY), San Luis Obispo (SBP), Santa Barbara (SBA), Palm Springs (PSP), San Diego (SAN), San Jose (SJC), San Francisco (SFO) and Sacramento (SMF). Just enter the DealFinder promotion code and save!

*Valid travel days do not include October 9-14, 2008.

New Priority Club pointbreaks award locations are out!!

Priority Club pointbreaks awards cost only 5000 points per night at participant properties, new list good until Nov 30th is out, lots of Shanghai Crown plaza and Intercontinental hotels are on the list.

Pointbreak award is the best place to spend you holidayinn points. If you see the hotel you want is on the list, make the reservation now because participant properties can change any time. you can always cancel later.

Earn 500 SPG bonus points per night in September

This offer is giving to Flyertalk member, but anyone can register, the bonus is per night, not per stay. Register by Sep 15th and stay btw Sep 1st-30th.

Hilton HHonors VIP benefits change effective 8/15/2008

Effective 8/15/2008, all VIP myway preference option will apply worldwide. Before, some options only apply to North America Properties.

IF you are Gold or Diamond member, you have option to select

Hilton and Doubletree and Conrad: room upgrade, free internet or 1000 points

Embassy Suite: some snacks or 1000 bonus points(500 for Gold)

Homestead Suite:250 bonus points or Two bottles of water per stay and Pepperidge Farm cookies

Hilton Garden Inn:Complimentary Full American Breakfast for you and one guest (guest must be registered in the hotel) throughout your stay and upgraded room accommodations (subject to availability upon check-in) or 750 bonus points.

The Waldorf=Astoria Collection:One category room upgrade (excludes suites and the Napua Tower at Grand Wailea). If room upgrade is not available, you will receive both of the remaining options and 1,000 Hilton HHonors bonus points or Discount at select resort facilities (may include spa, golf, restaurant, etc.)

Hampton Inn: One bottle of water and one snack item or 250 HHonors bonus points

If you have not change your preference yet, go to HiltonHHonors.com/myway to change. For the past few years, you still receive upgrade benefit even if you select points option in North America, so just select points for all chains.

This is another good move after eliminating blackout date for award redemption.

Lots of Orbitz hotel discount code

Found from Gary's Blog, but credit to slickdeals.net

"$50 off 3 nights: 50AFFORB [Exp. 12/31]
$60 off 3 nights: VISAVIP [Exp. 8/15]
$75 off 4 nights: 4ODWR75 [book by 12/31, travel by 2/15/09]
$100 off 5 nights: EQUALITY100 [book by 08/31, travel by 11/15]
$200 off 5 Night stay in Hawaii: ORBHI200 [Exp 8/7]
Tips on combining codes: These codes are not “stackable”. But if you wanted to do a longer trip such as a 7 day trip, do two separate transactions. For days 1-3 use code VISAVIP for $60 off 3 nights. Then for days 4-7 use code 4ODWR75 for $75 off 4 nights.
VISAVIP+4ODWR75 = $135 off 7 nights "

Hilton Program will discountine rolling VIP tier as of Jan 1, 2009

Hilton program has a rolling VIP tier qualification period, you just need to qualify next elite level in a rolling 12 months period, your new elite status will valid for the following 12 months. However, it is too confusing and lots of people call the VIP desk for clarification, so in order to keep it simple, the chain will discount this rolling VIP tier and switch back to normal calender year qualification period.

Super 8 rooms for $8.88

Today is the first day of super 8 rooms for $8.88 promotion. From 8.8.2008 to 8.15.2008, Super 8 Motel chain will have 800 rooms per night for first 800 guests at $8.88. Stay must btw 8/8/2008 to 12/30/2008. Those $8 room rate also earn you Wyndham Rewards(trip rewards) Points.

Detail is here

One day only 80% off restaurant.com

FrugalTravelguy posted this deal on his blog, go to restaurant.com, use promotion code FIRST at checkout. a $25 dollar certificate costs only $2, the deal is for 8/8/2008 only.


Too bad, there is no a single good restaurant around my area, so I just pass this promotion

National Rental Car Rent 2, get 1 free promotion is back

If you are not member of Emerald Club, enroll here, you will be enrolled in this promotion. The promotion is valid from Aug 11-Dec 12, 2008. You rent a Midsize or larger vehicle twice, for two or more consecutive days each, you will get a Free day email to you. The free day can be used btw January 1 and June 25, 2009


I can refer you to join Emerald Club, so I can get 1 free rental day. Send me a email if you want a referal.

Earn up to 25000 Delta bonus miles for purchasing a ticket with Amex

you need to register here, then purchase your ticket on Delta.com with ANY AMEX credit card before Dec 31st,2008, you will get 1000 bonus miles for each ticket up to 25000.

United Airline introduces Award Accelerator Program

According to the email I got, the program is giving u extra bonus miles when u fly by paying extra. For a trip from LAX to SYD, triple miles require a payment of $449, and you will get extra 14976 miles, so that's 0.029 miles per dollar, not a very good value, but much cheaper than just paying miles. Good option if you need miles to top off your account.

Hainan airlines super cheap ticket sale is back

This is a great deal for intra-China travel, sample price from PEK-WNZ RMB 290, PEK-Hangzhou, RMB 230.


use qunar.com to search the date you want to travel, then link from there to hainan air website for booking. International credit card accepted.

No Frequent flyer miles will be given.

Jet blue starts to charge $7 for blanket and pillow, US air will follow

Jetblue has started to charge $7 dollar for blanket and pillow, then, according to this article, Us airway will follow before end of the year.

Us air has been creative for all kinds of fee and program changes, checked bag, soda, coffoe, water, , drop min 500 miles credit, drop elite bonus miles, and soon pillow, they are not to far away from charging for using restroom.

Cross country fare sale!

many airlines are offering cross country fare sale now, from LAX-NYC on NW, DL,AA,CO for $198+ tax.

Act fast, use travelocity flexible date to search and go to airline website to book.

Double Northwest Miles for Illinois residents

Register and purchase ticket before Aug 31st and travel before Sep 30, earn double miles.

You have to register the promotion prior to purchasing ticket to get double miles.

various new dining promotions with IDINE are coming

Go to here and select the program you have account with, then register for your targeted promotion.

I got all bonus miles for Delta rental deal posted today

For total less than $250, I and my wife got 60294 miles, this is one of the best promotion so far this year.

half BA miles redemption on Open Skies Air

Open Skies Airline, a British airways owned premier airline flying btw JFK and ORY with all business and Premium economy seats is offering discounted award redemption using BA miles. For 50K miles, you can fly btw JFK-ORY in business class or 37.5K miles Premium economy class. Offer valid for booking before Aug 22 and travel by Oct 15.

Redeem on BA.com and valid for US address BA member only, select ORY not CDG as destination airport.

Credit to flyertalk.com

Earn 100% bonus for first time Delta miles buyer

Delta is just making miles so easy to earn, now they are giving 100% bonus btw Aug1-30 for first time miles buyer.

Here is the link, the price is 0.0275 per mile + 7.5% tax with min 2,000 miles. you can buy max 50000 per year, 100,000 miles will cost you only 1478.00, not a bad deal if you use miles for business class travel.

Earn 888 bonus points for each weekend stay at SPG hotels

Must register by 8/8/2008, earn 888 bonus points for each weekend stay at paticipating properties until 9/28/2008.