Update on your Northwest and Delta miles

by Grant Martin on

As we barrel forward into 2009 and the processing merger between Delta and Northwest Airlines, small facets of the company are slowly being integrated. Just a few weeks ago, the first NW 747 was repainted in DL colors, and ever so gently the NW routes are starting to disappear.

Throughout the year, mileage accounts between the two airlines will also be integrated, with the joint rules pulling from both carriers current programs. Here are the basics:

  • Miles from each program are safe.
  • Partway through this year you’ll be able to transfer miles between each account at no cost. You won’t be able to transfer elite miles, but before year’s end they should be integrated. So miles on each airline will count towards 2010 status on the new, merged airline.
  • New award fees for non-platinum members will be instituted. Booking award tickets:
    • Outside of 21 days of travel = free
    • Between 8 and 20 days = $75
    • Between 4 and 7 = $100
    • Inside of 3 days = $150
  • A new award tier asking for more miles with “better availability” will be offered. You can check that out here, but effectively if you want better flexibility with your tickets you’ll now need to cough up 30-40% more miles.
  • All passengers will now be able to earn elite status with segments.

Are these changes for the best? Most passengers I’ve listened in on are unhappy with the new fees and award tiers, but I think they’re being a bit gloomy.

I concede that in 2009 it will be harder to spend your Skyteam miles, however, so if you’re thinking about booking a ticket this year, it’s never too early to start looking.

Got a question about your miles? Shoot us a note at editorATgadlingDOTcom and we’ll try to help out.

The Flat Tire rule: can you still fly if you show up late?

by Grant Martin on

Back in the good ‘ol days when airlines used to give a damn about passengers, it used to be that there was a fair amount of wiggle room in your itinerary. If a disaster (say, a flat tire) occurred on the way to the airport, you could show up late, reason with the ticket agent and if there was room, they would just stick you on another flight.

These days, many airlines are so overregulated that ticket agents either can’t or don’t want to rebook you without a significant fiscal or time investment. “The Flat Tire rule” that formally outlined this ability, however, is still sort of around.

Our friend George Hobica over at AirfareWatchdog just took a good look at the rule with respect to airline. They offer some good advice for when you get into a bind, but their prevailing theme is pretty simple: you’re largely at the mercy of the ticket agent. Irrespective of whether the airline has a rule in place or not, many employees don’t know about it (or will deny they know about it,) so you have to be patient, polite, flexible and reasonable to help find a solution. After all, they have no legal obligation to rebook you.

You can read more about each airlines’ rules on rebooking over at the AirfareWatchBlog.

Fare Alert! Another secret sale to Buenos Aires

by Grant Martin on

United just posted a secret sale to Buenos Aires, Argentina last night that has lasted well into today, slurpee day (7/11), from several corners from the country.

From departure points such as Los Angeles, Washington DC (Dulles), and New York City you can get to Buenos Aires LATER THIS MONTH for only about 600$ total. For high tourist season in the United States, that’s a downright steal. So if you haven’t got plans for the kids’ summer vacation, now is the time to strike.

Check your local airport to see if there are similar deals or cheap connections to a target city.

And don’t forget — it’s winter down in Argentina right now, so you might want to consider a trip over to the Andes for some skiing or maybe some time down in Patagonia watching some glaciers fight. You also might want to pick up a couple kilos of some of that delicious Mendozan wine and that Argentine steak while you’re down there.

If you’re worried about visas, American’s don’t need any pre-departure paperwork for immigration.

To book the ticket, use a flex search on Kayak over the next few weeks to find availability. You shouldn’t have a problem finding seats for flights later this month.

Happy Trails!