Intelligence – February, 25 2004

Intelligence – February, 25 2004

American Airlines and Alaska Airlines have expanded their codeshare agreement, providing customers with more destination options. Of course, members of each airline’s loyalty program can still earn miles on the other airline. And American’s agreement with British Airways has expanded as well: The “AA” code will now appear on British Airways flights to 48 codeshare destinations beyond London, including 38 points in Europe; six in the Middle East; four in Africa; and on the New York-Manchester, England, trans-Atlantic route. In all, 59 British Airways routes will have American Airlines codeshare service. British Airways, for its part, has added 26 additional U.S. destinations to its network by placing its “BA” code on more of American’s flights within the United States and Latin America … Aeroflot Bonus has closed its office at the Aerostar Hotel at 37/9 Leningradsky prospect … China Southern Airlines has added the new Zhongshan Shangri-La Hotel, in Guangdong Province, to its growing stable of hotel partners … Finnair Plus and Hilton HHonors have teamed up, allowing Finnair Plus members the ability to earn 500 points per night … Hilton has also partnered with Alamo, allowing HHonors members the opportunity to earn 250 points with car rentals associated with qualifying hotel stays. Members need to present their car keys or rental agreement at check-in … Lufthansa Miles & More has been busy on the partnership front, adding Styrian Spirit Airlines and Leading Hotels of the World to its already sizeable partner list. Miles & More members can earn both status miles and award miles on Styrian flights between Germany and Austria. And through March 31, members can earn double miles at participating Leading Hotels locations worldwide … As of March 31, Maersk Air will no longer participate in the SAS EuroBonus program … Middle East Airlines and Lebanon’s Banque Audi have launched a new mileage-earning credit card. The Banque Audi Cedar Miles Silver card earns one mile per $1.50 spent, and the Gold card, one mile per dollar. New cardholders receive a welcome bonus of 3,000 miles, an extended grace period, travel insurance, life insurance and insurance against lost luggage when the card is used for ticket purchases, as well as purchase protection … United, Starwood, Cunard Line, Conde Nast Traveler and IMG will soon be introducing a new luxury travel club called “Ameniti.” Benefits of Ameniti membership will include unlimited two-for-one tickets on United with the purchase of a full-fare ticket in any class for domestic travel, or in first or business for international travel, as well as complimentary room upgrades when available, complimentary continental breakfasts each day of their stay, a welcome gift upon arrival and late check out at participating Starwood sites … United Mileage Plus has partnered with Fidelity Investments. Members can earn 5,000 miles for deposits of $2,500-$9,999, 15,000 miles for deposits of $10,000-$49,999, and 25,000 miles for deposits of $50,000 or more.