Cranky Flier

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• Cranky on the Web (November 14 – 20)

  First Space Hotel Set to Open in 2012 – Asylum.com I was asked about travel to space. Fun topic, but I don’t see it anytime soon. Milwaukee sparks air wars – BusinessRockford.com A thorough piece on what the low cost carrier expansion... Posted Nov 21 2009, 03:12 PM by The Cranky Flier Filed under: United, Frequent Flier Programs, Delta, ExpressJet, BNET, Atlantic Southeast

• United and Continental Now Have Reciprocal Upgrades But That Doesn’t Mean They’re Merging

  I suppose it’s inevitable. Any time two airlines move closer together, the speculation that it means they’ll merge picks up. Right now, the noise surrounding a United-Continental merger is deafening thanks to the announcement that elite members... Posted Nov 19 2009, 04:00 PM by The Cranky Flier Filed under: United, Frequent Flier Programs, Continental

• Cranky on the Web (Nov 9 – 13)

  American and British Airways Still Waiting for Feds Antitrust Immunity Decision – BNET The waiting game continues as the DOT has gone past its own deadline for ruling on the BA/American deal. This is getting tiresome. Capacity Restraint Leads to... Posted Nov 14 2009, 03:00 PM by The Cranky Flier Filed under: US Airways, Frequent Flier Programs, Government Regulation, Oneworld, British Airways, American, BNET, Alliances, Cranky Concierge

• What I Told the Airline People at the Frequent Flier Conference

  Thank you to everyone who commented, emailed, and tweeted about what you wanted to see from the airlines regarding loyalty programs. I joined with Nicholas Kralev from the Washington Times on Friday morning up on the stage to tell the crowd what you said... Posted Oct 26 2009, 02:46 PM by The Cranky Flier Filed under: Frequent Flier Programs

• United Introduces Elite Status for Anyone Who Wants to Buy It

  United fliers will now be able to purchase elite status on a flight-by-flight basis. Is this a smart move? While I can see the merits of both sides, I find myself scratching my head here. This seems like a gamble that could backfire. There are now two... Posted Sep 16 2009, 03:25 PM by The Cranky Flier Filed under: United, Frequent Flier Programs

• Redemption, Elite Status, and Partners in JetBlue’s New TrueBlue (Part 2)

  Yesterday I talked about earning points in JetBlue’s new TrueBlue program, and today it’s time to talk about redemption, elite status, and partners. Fortunately, I was able to have a call with Dave Canty, JetBlue’s Director of Loyalty... Posted Aug 04 2009, 04:16 PM by The Cranky Flier Filed under: Frequent Flier Programs, JetBlue

• Earning Points in JetBlue’s Complicated New TrueBlue Program (Part 1)

  While Southwest’s acquisition attempt of Frontier was getting all the press last week, JetBlue quietly started emailing their TrueBlue members about a relaunch of the program on September 27. When I spoke with CEO Dave Barger in March, he assured... Posted Aug 03 2009, 04:00 PM by The Cranky Flier Filed under: Frequent Flier Programs, JetBlue

• Delta Introduces Rollover Miles

  I’ve decided to put a very early Tuesday post out this week. In fact, it’s still Monday here on the west coast. But since Delta took the time to brief me about their 2010 SkyMiles changes, I figured I’d put my post out the second they... Posted Jul 28 2009, 05:01 AM by The Cranky Flier Filed under: Frequent Flier Programs, Delta

• United Gets a Gold Star for Removing Last Minute Mileage Plus Fees

  This week is looking like a good week for frequent fliers. I’ve got some big news from another program tomorrow, but today, United shocked the world by actually removing a fee. Now last minute booking fees from Mileage Plus awards are gone, and... Posted Jul 27 2009, 03:22 PM by The Cranky Flier Filed under: United, Frequent Flier Programs, Gold Star

• This Week on BNET (May 18 - 22)

  The New Delta Sees More Complaints in March March complaints are out, and Delta and its partners saw increases while most others did not. Uh oh. JetBlue and Others See Higher Complaints in March I said above that “most” other airlines didn’t... Posted May 23 2009, 03:11 PM by The Cranky Flier Filed under: Frequent Flier Programs, JetBlue, Continental, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Northwest, ExpressJet, Alaska Airlines, BNET, AirTran, MKE - Milwaukee, 737

• The Future of Airline Loyalty Programs

  I’ve got a special guest post for you today from Jason Steele from AskMrCreditCard.com fame on the future of airline loyalty. Hit the comments below and let me know what you think. As a frequent traveler, and the reward cards blogger over at AskMrCreditCard... Posted Dec 10 2008, 03:04 PM by The Cranky Flier Filed under: Frequent Flier Programs, Guest Posts

• United Furthers Trend to Offer Elite Benefits to Everyone Else

  Ah the life of an elite member on United. No fees, special lines, and free upgrades to Economy Plus. It may seem like a fair reward for devoting your business to United, but the airline continues to devalue elite benefits. Now, the difference between... Posted Dec 09 2008, 03:34 PM by The Cranky Flier Filed under: United, Airport Experience, Frequent Flier Programs

• This Week on BNET (Nov 22-28)

  Video Presentations from PhoCusWright I know I said I was done with PhoCusWright posts, but I guess I lied. This is just a quick one to point you to actual videos of the Travel Innovation Summit presentations. Premium Travel Falls Off a Cliff Bad news... Posted Nov 29 2008, 03:00 PM by Anonymous Filed under: US Airways, Virgin America, Frequent Flier Programs, Operations, Delta, Allegiant, BNET, BBG - Branson

• Virgin America Announces EleVAte Redemption Levels and More

  It has been a very busy start to the month of October for Virgin America. So far, they’ve rolled out point redemption in the EleVAte frequent flier program, launched Main Cabin Select, added refundable fares, introduced a credit card, and started... Posted Oct 13 2008, 03:44 PM by The Cranky Flier Filed under: Virgin America, Frequent Flier Programs, Fares

• Virgin America Delays Main Cabin Select

  Hey, remember Virgin America’s Main Cabin Select? This was the plan to offer First Class amenities in the coach bulkhead and exit row seats for a little extra cash. Well, it appears that it’s been delayed due to technical difficulties. The... Posted Sep 26 2008, 03:39 PM by The Cranky Flier Filed under: Technology, Virgin America, Frequent Flier Programs