Delta Eliminates Award Redemption Fees for Frequent Flyers

PRNewswire-- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) is eliminating award ticket redemption fees for SkyMiles frequent flyer members. Effective immediately, members will no longer pay fees of up to $150 for award tickets redeemed within 20 days of departure.

Before this change, the fee to book an award ticket for travel within three days was $150 per ticket; for travel within four to seven days the fee was $100; and for travel within eight to 20 days the fee was $75. Award tickets booked 21 days or more before departure continue to have no redemption fee.

"We want members to be able to redeem their miles - whether it's for a last-minute trip or a vacation of a lifetime - and eliminating this fee for our loyal travelers makes doing so significantly easier," said Jeff Robertson, Delta's vice president - SkyMiles. "We are actively listening to customers' concerns about the SkyMiles program and are responding."

Last year, frequent flyers redeemed more than 230 billion miles in the SkyMiles program for more than 11 million award redemptions. In 2009, 8.5 percent of revenue miles flown on Delta were for award travel, among the best of U.S. network airlines according to data filed in airlines' 10-K annual reports. Delta offers more ways to redeem frequent flyer miles than any other airline - including airline tickets, mileage upgrades, car rentals, hotel stays, Delta Sky Club memberships, merchandise and more than 30 types of gift cards.

Today's announcement is the latest in a series of changes Delta is making to improve the frequent flyer experience, including:

-- Introducing a Diamond Medallion tier in March and the industry's first
rollover Medallion Qualification Miles for 2010.
-- Launching a "first checked bag free" benefit - up to a $50 savings per
person on a round-trip ticket - for customers with a Consumer or
Business Gold, Platinum, or Reserve Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from
American Express which began June 1.
-- Increasing the allocation of preferred Economy seats to ensure the
most frequent travelers are guaranteed the best seats on all Delta and
Delta Connection flights by August 2010.
-- Allowing Delta's most loyal customers - Diamond, Platinum and Gold
Medallions - flying on domestic award redemptions to be eligible for
complimentary upgrades by September 2010.
-- Re-engineering the online award calendar at delta.com to make it
easier to find and redeem award seats. These changes began in May and
will be completed by November 2010.


Delta also has changed award ticket redeposit and reissue fees to make them consistent with fees for non-award tickets. These fees, which have increased from $100 to $150, will continue to be waived for SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallion members.

More information on redeeming miles for an award ticket is available at delta.com/awardtravel. For a complete list of Delta's upcoming SkyMiles changes, visit delta.com/whatsahead.

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Fee Changes for Rocky Mountain Recreation and Public Fishing Area

Rocky Mountain Recreation and Public Fishing Area, located in northern Floyd County, is worth the drive if you have the time. This beautiful 5,000-acre area boasts two recreational lakes, camping opportunities, swimming areas and plenty of other outdoor activities.

The area is managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division and funded (operational) by the property owner Oglethorpe Power. Beginning June 1, 2010, visitors who frequent the recreation area and campground (tents and recreational vehicles) will see a change in fees.


Rocky Mountain Recreation and PFA has 36 developed recreational vehicle (RV) campsites that include grill, picnic table, 50 amp electrical hookup and a water hookup. There are nine wooded tent sites that include a picnic table, tent pad and grill. Fees are as follows:

·         Daily parking fee: $5/day (previously $3)
·         Annual parking permit: $30/year (no increase)
·         RV Campsites: $25/day (previously $20)
·         Double-site campsites: $50/day (previously $40)
·         Tent campsites: $12/day (previously $10).

A wildlife management area license is not required to fish at Rocky Mountain, but all vehicles parked on the area must have a valid parking permit, which are available at all entrances.

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Luggage Charges Top Consumer Reports' Survey of Travel Gripes

/PRNewswire/ -- Travelers have many reasons to be annoyed, but what bugs them most are luggage charges and add-on airline ticket fees, according to a survey by Consumer Reports.

Travelers were also very annoyed by rude or unhelpful staff, whether at airlines, hotels, or rental-car companies.

In a nationally representative survey conducted in January, Consumer Reports asked 2,000 Americans to score three lists of travel gripes covering rental-cars, airlines, and hotels for a total of 24 items on a 1-to-10 scale, 1 meaning an experience "does not annoy you at all" and 10 meaning it "annoys you tremendously."

Luggage charges (8.4 overall) and added airline ticket fees (8.1), top the list, but rude or unhelpful staff at rental-car companies (7.9), hotels (7.8) and airlines (7.7) were also among the more annoying things that rub Americans the wrong way while traveling.

The complete report on how Americans ranked all 24 annoyances is available in the June issue of Consumer Reports on sale May 4, and online at www.consumerreportsenespanol.org.

Among the highlights:

Poor communication about airline delays (7.1) annoyed people slightly more than the delays themselves (6.8).

Airline travelers who hog your seat (7.0) and carry-on space (6.7) are less annoying that some other irritants. Many people give crying babies and unruly kids (4.9) on planes a pass and have apparently gotten used to puny or no airline snacks, (5.1) and long lines for security and check-in (5.2).

Women travelers are somewhat more annoyed than men. Among complaints for which the gender gap was sufficient: pricey in-room hotel snacks (6.8 women, 5.2 men); insufficient or chintzy hotel bedding (7.2 women, 6.2 men), and high pressure pitches for extra rental-car coverage or upgrades (7.1 women, 6.0 men).

Some gripes, annoyed respondents under age 50 much more than those 50 and older. Those included rude or unhelpful airline staff (8.6 under 50, 8.0 50 or older), rental-car pitches (6.8 under 50, 6.1 50 or older), and absence of the ordered car (6.5 under 50, 5.4 50 and older), However, older folks are far more ticked off than younger people by those unruly kids on planes (4.5 under 50, 5.3 50 and older).

The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted a telephone survey of a nationally representative probability sample of telephone households. 2,000 interviews were completed among adults aged 18+. Interviewing took place from January 21-25. The margin of error is +/- 2% points at a 95% confidence level.

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US Airways Customers Affected by December Winter Storm May Change Itineraries without Penalty

(BUSINESS WIRE)--US Airways (NYSE:LCC) is relaxing certain fees for customers who may have to change travel plans as a result of the December snow storms. The airline will waive the standard change fee, advance reservation and ticketing requirements for customers traveling to the following markets between Dec. 18 and Dec. 20 on any US Airways, US Airways Express or US Airways codeshare flight:

Philadelphia; New York-LaGuardia; New York-JFK; Hartford, Conn.; Chicago; Indianapolis; Boston; Detroit; Kansas City, Mo.; St. Louis; Newark, N.J.; Albany, N.Y.; Newburgh, N.Y.; Rochester, N.Y.; Syracuse, N.Y.; White Plains, N.Y.; Providence, R.I.; Milwaukee; Toronto and Montreal;

Customers are strongly encouraged to check flight status at usairways.com, by calling 800-428-4322, or by texting their flight number to TEXTUS before arriving at the airport.

If US Airways service continues to operate to the affected destinations, customers can make certain changes without incurring the standard change fee, advance reservation or ticketing requirements:

* Customers can move their entire itinerary up to seven days before or after the scheduled origination date.
* Customers can apply the full value of their wholly unused tickets toward the purchase of a ticket to an alternate destination, although travel must originate within seven days of the scheduled origination date.

Customers traveling on certain tickets, such as some available from third-party ticket discounters, including but not limited to discount travel websites, may not have all elements of the policy available to them. Tickets issued by US Airways for travel on airlines other than US Airways, US Airways Shuttle or US Airways Express will follow the rules of the airline operating the flight(s).

Itinerary changes are subject to availability, and in certain cases, an additional collection fee. Customers will be able to stand by for alternate flights without incurring the standby fee if a satisfactory alternate itinerary cannot be confirmed. Additional information regarding these amended ticketing policies can be found online at www.usairways.com or by calling 800-428-4322. (LCCG)

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United Airlines Discounts Fees to Check First Bag Online and Rescinds Planned Increase to Second Bag Fee

PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United is offering customers a 20 percent discount on the fee to check a first bag when they pay for it on united.com between Nov. 10, 2008 and Jan. 31, 2009. United also has canceled its previously-announced plans to increase the domestic second bag fee from $25 to $50 one way. The fee to check a second bag on a domestic flight will remain $25 one way.

Starting on Nov. 10, 2008, customers may do all of the following on united.com from the comfort of their home, office or hotel without waiting in line at the airport:

-- pay fees for checked baggage, which enables them to use special united.com bag drop areas at select airports;

-- purchase seating in Economy Plus, which starts at $14 one way, to enjoy up to five extra inches of legroom; and

-- purchase Award Accelerator, which starts at $9, to earn travel awards faster by multiplying the number of Mileage Plus miles earned on United flights.

"Now our customers may enjoy more convenience and better value when they check-in at united.com before their trip," says Dennis Cary, chief marketing and customer officer. "We are listening to our customers, and these changes are designed to give them more choice and flexibility to customize their travel experience while keeping our prices competitive in a rapidly changing market environment."

United also recently launched its new Door-to-Door Baggage service that enables customers to conveniently ship their suitcases, or other travel items like skis or golf clubs, overnight directly to their destination within the 48 contiguous United States. United's prices are simple and more economical than similar overnight services offered by other luggage shipping services. More information about Door-to-Door Baggage, Economy Plus seating, Award Accelerator and all the Travel Options by United is available at united.com/traveloptions.

The fees to check a first or second bag do not apply to customers who are flying in United First(R) or United Business(R), have Premier or above status with United or Star Alliance, or active duty military personnel traveling on orders.

The $15 first bag and $25 second bag fees apply to customers who purchase a ticket for travel within the U.S. and to/from Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Customers may continue to carry on one bag and one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer that fits under the seat or in an overhead bin. For itineraries that include international flights (except Canada), checking a first and second bag that weighs less than 50 pounds continues to be free.

Details on United's checked bag policy are available at united.com/baggage.

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Delta Aligns Policies and Fees to Offer Consistency for Customers Traveling on Delta- and Northwest-Operated Flights

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today announced the alignment of policies and fees for customers traveling on Delta- and Northwest-operated flights as the airline works to ensure a seamless and consistent customer experience during the integration of the two carriers.

Some of the changes to align Delta and Northwest’s policies and fees include:

Elimination of SkyMiles and WorldPerks award ticket fuel surcharges – Effective immediately, Delta will eliminate the $25-$100 fuel surcharges assessed for SkyMiles and WorldPerks award ticket travel originating from the U.S. and Canada. The surcharges were instituted earlier this year by both airlines in response to unprecedented fuel costs.

Reduction of Reservation Sales Direct Ticketing charges – Delta, effective Nov. 6, will reduce the fee assessed for tickets purchased over the phone from a reservations sales representative from $25 to $20 consistent with Northwest’s policy. Delta will also reduce the fee collected when customers redeem either SkyMiles or WorldPerks award travel over the phone with a reservations sales representative from $25 to $20. As always, there will continue to be no charge for customers who book tickets and redeem award travel online at either delta.com or nwa.com.

Elimination of curbside check-in administrative fees – Delta, effective Dec. 5, will discontinue the $3 curbside check-in administration fee. With this change, customers no longer will incur an administrative fee for checking bags via skycaps for Delta- and Northwest-operated flights at airport locations worldwide, consistent with Northwest’s policy.

Alignment of first and second checked bag fees – Effective immediately, for travel on or after Dec. 5, customers flying within the United States will be charged $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second checked bag when traveling domestically, consistent with Northwest’s existing policies. Customers who purchased Delta tickets on or before Nov. 5, 2008, and who are traveling on or after Dec. 5, 2008, will be charged $50 for a second bag, but will be permitted to check their first bag without charge pursuant to Delta’s previous policy. All customers flying in First or Business Class, including SkyMiles Medallion members and WorldPerks Elite members, will receive up to three checked bags, up to 70 pounds each, for free. SkyMiles Medallion members and WorldPerks Elite members flying in Coach Class will receive up to two checked bags, up to 70 pounds each, for free. All customers traveling in full fare (Y) Coach Class, as well as customers traveling internationally will receive up to two checked bags, up to 50 pounds each, for free. U. S. Military personnel on active duty with travel orders will continue to be able to check up to 10 pieces of luggage on Delta- and Northwest-operated mainline flights or up to four pieces of luggage on Delta Connection flights, up to a maximum of 100 pounds each, free of charge.

Addition of “Coach Choice Seats” on Delta flights – Last week, Delta began offering customers the opportunity to purchase “Coach Choice Seats” on select Delta and Delta Connection flights when they use self-service check-in within 24 hours of their scheduled departure time. A service currently offered at Northwest, the program offers “Coach Choice Seats” for $5-$25 based on distance traveled and seat location. Additionally, SkyMiles Medallion members, WorldPerks Elite members, SkyTeam Elite members and passengers confirmed in Y or B class may select a “Coach Choice” seat at no additional charge when checking in online or at a kiosk within 24 hours of departure. Coach Choice Seats represent less than 10 percent of all seat assignments available on Delta-operated flights. SkyMiles Medallion and WorldPerks Elite members will continue to enjoy access to preferred seating (i.e. select bulkhead, exit row and forward cabin-seating) without a charge at the time of booking.

Most other Northwest baggage policies and fees will be aligned to Delta’s structure, effective Dec. 5. Travel on Delta and Northwest tickets purchased prior to the announcement of these changes will continue to be governed by the prior Delta and Northwest policies. Additional details about Delta’s newly aligned policies and fees can be found at delta.com.

“The increase in bags being carried on board Delta aircraft this year tells us that customers are not differentiating Delta as the only major airline not charging for a first checked bag,” said Steve Gorman, Delta’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “As we align customer policies and fees to simplify the travel experience for our customers throughout the merger, Delta is adopting proven practices from both Delta and Northwest that have been broadly accepted in the marketplace.”

Although Delta and Northwest policies and fees are being aligned over the next 30 days, customers are reminded to continue checking in for flights and doing business directly with the airline operating their flights just as they did before the merger. Delta will continue operation of the airlines’ separate Web sites, www.delta.com and www.nwa.com, as well as the two airlines’ reservations systems and loyalty programs. The companies will be integrated through a thoughtful process with customer benefits continuing to roll out over the next 12-24 months.

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United Airlines' New Door-to-Door Baggage Service Takes the 'Lug' Out of Luggage

T2F Note: What an interesting concept. The question is whether travelers will pay $149 one way for their favorite clothes to show up. For golf clubs and extremely large items, the convenience factor could make sense. Time will tell.

PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Airlines today becomes the first U.S. airline to offer overnight baggage shipping service via an overnight courier that will provide customers with a more convenient and easy way to travel -- without their luggage.

United's new service, Door-to-Door Baggage, enables customers in the continental U.S. to conveniently ship their suitcases, or other travel items like skis or golf clubs, overnight from a home or office directly to their destination within the 48 contiguous United States. At $149 one way for flights less than 1,000 miles, or $179 for longer flights, United's prices are simple and more economical than similar overnight services offered by other luggage shipping services. Door-to-Door Baggage may be purchased on united.com and shipments can be easily tracked online.

"Door-to-Door Baggage is another new service from United's Travel Options portfolio that puts more choices into the hands of our customers and provides them with the flexibility to customize their own travel experiences," said Dennis Cary, senior vice president and Chief Marketing and Customer Officer. "While offering customers a new benefit, it also provides United with a new revenue stream that, when combined with our other ancillary revenue and fee initiatives, is expected to generate more than one billion dollars in 2009."

United's Door-to-Door Baggage service is easy. Up to 10 days prior to travel, customers may visit united.com/doortodoor where they select their appropriate trip and then schedule and pay for their shipment. Next, customers print their shipping documents that will be attached to the bags by the courier service. On the scheduled pickup day, the bags are picked up at a home or office -- generally between noon and 6 p.m. -- or dropped off at any of the courier's authorized shipping centers. By 4:30 p.m. the next day, the bags are delivered to the customer's final destination.

In addition to the new Door-to-Door Baggage service, customers may further enhance their travel experiences with other services from United's Travel Options portfolio. For example, starting at $14 one way, customers may sit in United's Economy Plus seating section that has up to five more inches of legroom (for elite customers, access to Economy Plus is complimentary). Also, with United's Award Accelerator offering, starting at $9, customers may earn travel awards faster by multiplying the amount of miles they receive when they fly.

More information about United's new Door-to-Door Baggage service and other Travel Options by United(SM) offerings is available at united.com/traveloptions.

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AirTran Airways Honors Legendary Georgia Radio Announcer Larry Munson for 43 Great Seasons with New Sale Fares

PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , today honored legendary Georgia sports announcer Larry Munson by launching a sale for travel between Atlanta and 43 of the airline's other destinations. In recognition of Munson's upcoming birthday at age 86 and after having announced his retirement earlier this week after 43 seasons of calling football at Georgia, AirTran Airways offers fares to 43 cities for only $86* one-way. Travelers may purchase these sale fares at http://www.airtran.com/ or via AirTran Airways' reservations system at 1-800-AIR-TRAN. For Spanish, call 1-877-581-9842.

The special fares are available for purchase through September 27, 2008, and are good for travel through November 19, 2008. Fares are valid for travel on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Like all AirTran Airways fares, prices included in this sale are available for one-way travel and do not require a roundtrip purchase or an overnight stay.

Following is a sample of the one-way sale fares. All fares require a 10-day advance purchase and are valid in either direction:

Sample Fares:

Atlanta - Akron/Canton $86
Atlanta - Baltimore/Washington (BWI) $86
Atlanta - Boston $86
Atlanta - Buffalo/Niagara $86
Atlanta - Charleston $86
Atlanta - Charlotte $86
Atlanta - Chicago (Midway) $86
Atlanta - Dallas/Ft. Worth $86
Atlanta - Dayton $86
Atlanta - Ft. Lauderdale $86
Atlanta - Ft. Myers $86
Atlanta - Houston (Hobby) $86
Atlanta - Jacksonville $86
Atlanta - Kansas City $86
Atlanta - Memphis $86
Atlanta - Miami $86
Atlanta - Milwaukee $86
Atlanta - Minneapolis/St. Paul $86
Atlanta - Newport News $86
Atlanta - New Orleans $86
Atlanta - New York (LaGuardia) $86
Atlanta - Orlando $86
Atlanta - Philadelphia $86
Atlanta - Raleigh/Durham $86
Atlanta - San Antonio $86
Atlanta - St. Louis $86
Atlanta - Tampa $86
Atlanta - Washington DC
(Dulles or Reagan National) $86
Atlanta - West Palm Beach $86
Atlanta - White Plains (Westchester) $86

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , a Fortune 1000 company, is ranked number one in the 2008 Airline Quality Rating study. The airline offers coast-to-coast flights, North America's newest all-Boeing fleet, friendly service and Business Class and complimentary XM Satellite Radio on every flight. To book a flight, visit http://www.airtran.com/.

*All fares are one-way. All fares are non-refundable and a $75 fee per person applies to any change made after purchase, plus any applicable increase in airfare. One bag per person may be checked free of charge, and a 2nd bag may be checked for a fee of up to $25 per person. Reservations may be obtained or changed through an AirTran Airways Telephone Reservations Center for an additional $15 per person. Ten-day advance purchase required. Sale fares are valid for travel on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. Tickets must be purchased by September 27, 2008. Sale fares are valid for travel through November 19, 2008. Service to/from Savannah/Hilton Head ends October 27, 2008. Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Fares do not include per-segment tax of $3.50. A segment is defined as one takeoff and one landing. The September 11th security fee of up to $10 is not included. Airport Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18 are not included. Fares to/from Puerto Rico do not include additional government taxes of up to $30.80.

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Avoid Baggage Fees: What Not to Pack

(SPM Wire) With many airlines now charging fliers for a single checked bag, travelers are striving to pack more efficiently and only travel with carry-ons or as little luggage as possible.

According to the experts at IndependentTraveler.com there are several ways to achieve this goal:

* Rethink Wardrobe: Stick to essentials. Choose clothes in neutral colors that can be mixed and matched, and pack a travel-size packet of laundry detergent to wash clothes while traveling. Bring no more than two pairs of shoes: one to be packed and one to be worn on the plane.

* Simplify Beauty Regimens: Don't lug an army of beauty products. Instead, use hotel toiletries or pack products with multiple uses, such as a moisturizer with SPF or a combination shampoo/conditioner. To meet security requirements, pack products in containers of three ounces or less in a quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.

* Pick One Favorite Guidebook: Don't weigh down a suitcase with books. Pack one comprehensive guidebook and use Internet cafes as necessary to look up additional information on the road.

* Leave the Crown Jewels at Home: Leave all valuables at home. Fancy watches and jewelry are targets for thieves.

* Forget the Gizmos: Pack only indispensable electronic gadgets.

To help travelers pack more efficiently, IndependentTraveler.com offers an interactive packing list at IndependentTraveler.com/packing, featuring more than 100 commonly packed items.

The site also features other packing tips and the latest carry-on rules for air travelers.