Intelligence – October, 22 2009

Intelligence – October, 22 2009

Rumor has it that Hilton HHonors is revising its award chart effective January 2010 …

Etihad Airways now serves Chicago as well as New York for the airline’s second U.S. destination …

American Airlines recently raised $1 billion from the advance sale of frequent flyer miles to credit card partner Citigroup Inc …

BoardingArea.com reports that Southwest Airlines does not see the airline’s seating policy or boarding process changing anytime soon, but there will be a Rapid Rewards relaunch as well as a next generation southwest.com coming next year …

Iberia Plus members can now earn points for making purchases in Cortefiel shops in Spain, for staying at Fiesta Hotel Group locations and for dining in Rubaiyat restaurants …

From the Calgary Herald, “Air Canada could offer direct flights to Asia from Calgary as soon as 2010, if the business community shows the airline the level of support it needs to make such a service viable.” …

The average daily rate for U.S. hotels in August fell more than 10 percent year over year, according to Smith Travel Research …

US Helicopter has suspended service. The company that provided eight-minute helicopter rides between JFK and Newark airports has ceased operations due to insufficient funds, but says that they will be back by late November. US Helicopter has partnered with several travel programs including Continental, Delta and Hilton …

Virgin America and South African Airways have entered into an interline agreement offering seamless travel across their U.S. and transatlantic routes. There’s no news of a frequent flyer program partnership between the two carriers …

Seattle’s Elephant Car Wash customers can now earn miles whenever they purchase a car wash from six airlines including Alaska Airlines, through the Thanks Again network …

Thai Airways and The Leading Hotels of the World are now partners. Royal Orchid Plus (ROP) members can earn miles with qualifying stays when booked online at www.lhw.com/royalorchidplus. Through Dec. 31, 2009, ROP members will get 2,500 miles for qualifying stays …

Red Lion R&R Club members can now earn points when purchasing at 1-800-flowers.com. Until Dec. 30, 2009, R&R Club members can earn 10 points for every dollar spent plus 1,500 bonus points for each purchase …

Members of TAM Fidelidade program can now earn and burn points for Austrian Airlines and bmi flights as TAM moves closer to joining the Star Alliance. Members of Miles & More already have the ability to earn and redeem on TAM flights, and as of Nov. 1, 2009, members of bmi will be able to earn and redeem points on TAM flights …

Etihad Guest members can now earn and redeem miles with Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces …

Guests of Kayumanis Villas in Bali and China can now earn points in the new Kayumanis Privilege Programme and spend their points at nearly 200 properties worldwide for free hotel stays or room upgrades through the VOILA Rewards program …

GOL and AeroMexico have signed a codeshare agreement and the companies are evaluating the possibility of linking their frequent flyer programs.