Earthlink is the latest Southwest Rapid Rewards partner, and Rapid Rewards’ members can receive four credits when they sign up for the Earthlink service. Perhaps in an effort to harmonize all of its telecommunications partners — Earthlink, MCI and Nextel — Rapid Rewards is offering 10 credits to members who sign up for all three …
After Swissair was reincarnated and merged with Crossair, a new airline called Swiss emerged. Swiss is now in the market for an alliance. The Star Alliance, oneworld and SkyTeam are all on the table, but Swiss has narrowed its decision down to two undisclosed choices and an announcement on the chosen alliance is expected April 1 — the same day the airline takes to the skies. We suspect oneworld will be selected, if only because two member airlines of both Star and SkyTeam share borders with Switzerland. Since the ruling by U.S. regulators that led to American Airlines and British Airways withdrawing their application for anti-trust immunity across the Atlantic, oneworld has returned to the drawing board with renewed vigor — promising more benefits and a deeper working relationship. At the most recent oneworld meeting in Santiago, chief executives revealed that talks are progressing with a number of airlines that have requested membership in the alliance — could that “number of airlines” be the Qualiflyer consortium? …
Over to Italy, where Alitalia will no longer partner with US Airways Dividend Miles as of Jan. 1, 2003. Members can earn Dividend Miles on Alitalia flights through Dec. 31 and can also redeem flights through Dec. 31 …
Alaska Mileage Plan has added Delta Hotels to its list of partners and double miles are in the offing for a limited time. Speaking of double miles, Mileage Plan members travelling on Alaska’s newest partner, Hawaiian Airlines, can also earn double miles through June 15. See Bonus Bulletin for more details …
Hilton HHonors has opened its doors to Air China Companion. Companion members can earn 800 kilometers in addition to HHonors points for every qualifying stay …
Delta is now codesharing on a new El Al flight between New York and Tel Aviv. The partnership just celebrated its first anniversary …
Boasting the fastest connection times between Toronto and Montreal to Bangkok, Air Canada and Thai Airways extended their network on March 1. Further expansion of services across the Pacific is expected in the near future …
How do you say “manana” in Japanese? Japan Airlines and Japan Air System are expected to complete their merger by the ripe old year of 2005. Frequent flyers won’t feel any effects for several years …
China Southern Airlines has announced that KLM is now officially a partner. The partnership is fully reciprocal — perhaps a deal with Northwest is around the corner.
