Intelligence – November, 30 2006

Intelligence – November, 30 2006

Rumor has it that Gold Crown Club International is going to introduce changes in 2007: Increased elite bonus percentages, new card designs to help distinguish gold, diamond and platinum levels and, get this, elimination of point expiration and a partnership with Harley-Davidson …

JetBlue is adding Chicago O’Hare as it’s 50th flight destination with service to begin Jan. 7, 2007. Customers can fly from New York (Kennedy) or Long Beach …

Hertz is a new partner in Sprit Airlines’ Free Spirit. Now through June 30, 2007, members will earn double miles and save $5 per day on qualifying weekend rentals of two or more days, or double miles and save $20 on qualifying weekly rentals; any vehicle class including minivans or SUVs, at participating Hertz locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Normal earning rates are 50 miles per rental day for rentals up to four days and 750 miles on rentals of five or more days …

Northwest is to be the first North American airline to take delivery of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in the third quarter of 2008. The 787s will begin additional long-haul trans-Pacific routes. (That’s if Boeing can manage to trim the weight of the plane. Recent news brought Boeing stock prices down as investors were afraid that the new aircraft will deliver late and way over budget.) …

All Nippon Airways and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced a joint venture called IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan. ANA Hotel Members can now join IHG’s Priority Club Rewards and All Nippon Airways is now an airline partner in Priorty Club Rewards. ANA Mileage Club members can now earn miles when staying at IHG hotels worldwide …

In late 2007, Hilton HHonors members will have a new hotel in China in which to earn or redeem points: The Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Tianjin will open featuring a state of the art business center, all-day dining facilities, fitness center and rooms that are 320 to 950 square feet …

United Airlines has a new nonstop flight from Washington, D.C. to Tokyo. This is the carrier’s first Asia-Pacific route from Washington, D.C. — and don’t forget to check in for your flight with United’s EasyCheck-in to earn 500 miles per flight until Jan. 31, 2007. …

British Airways Executive Club members in the U.S. can now also earn miles when purchasing wine with BA’s new Wine Club. …

Choice Privileges members may now redeem points for free nights at over 150 Preferred Hotels & Resorts properties. Awards must be booked within 30 days of arrival in locations in the U.S. and Canada and within 60 days of arrival for all other locations.