Intelligence – May, 17 2011

Intelligence – May, 17 2011

Members of Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles can now trade their miles on points.com. …

UsingMiles.com has removed its invite-only status and the site is free to use for all. Travelers can manage their loyalty programs and search for flights and hotel rooms for the lowest cash fares and award availability. …

Virgin Atlantic has entered a partnership with Best Western and Best Western Rewards members who participate in Flying Club will earn 500 miles for stays at Best Western. …

British Airways is starting nonstop service between San Diego and London (LHR) June 1, 2011. …

Avis is now the exclusive car rental agency of Eurostar and through June 30, 2011, Avis is offering Eurostar customers a 10 percent discount on car rentals across Europe and #10 off Avis ancillary products. …

Air New Zealand and Etihad Airways are now codeshare and frequent flyer program partners. Airpoints and Etihad Guest members can earn and spend on the partner airline’s flights. …

Finnair and Worldhotels are now partners. Finnair Plus members will earn a minimum of 500 miles per stay on qualifying rates. …

Hyatt Gold Passport members can now buy up to 40,000 points per year through a new partnership with Points.com. …

American Airlines Admirals Club has ended its partnership with Regus. Admirals Club lounge members no longer receive complimentary businessworld Gold memberships to the Regus network of business centers. …

VOILA Hotel Rewards is expanding into South America with the launch of the new loyalty program, Deville Star Club. VOILA Hotel Rewards members will be able to earn and redeem points for stays at the Deville Hotel Chain, one of Brazil’s largest hotel groups. …

American Airlines has filed an application to the DOT to add 10 additional flights to Brazil from Miami, increasing the frequency of its existing service to Brasilia and Belo Horizonte and introducing new service to Manaus. …

The merger between AirTran Airways and Southwest Airlines was approved by the DOJ and the deal closed last month. AirTran will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest until the two airlines complete the merger sometime in 2012. …

American Airlines will end its nonstop service between San Francisco and Honolulu on Sept. 7, 2011. …

Marriott Rewards and JetBlue TrueBlue are now partners and Marriott Rewards members can earn up to one TrueBlue point per dollar spent at Marriott properties and redeem Marriott Rewards points for TrueBlue points. …

Jet Airways JetPrivilege now partners with three new retail partners: EZone and www.futurebazaar.com (electronics), earning 1 JPMile for ever INR 100 spent, and Pavers England (footwear) earning 10 miles for every INR 100 spent. …

Australian domestic carrier Virgin Blue has been renamed Virgin Australia, not to be confused with the long-haul carrier V Australia. …

When Southwest and AirTran Airways combine, the new airline will serve more than 100 million customers annually from more than 100 different airports in the U.S. and a few international destinations. …

Marriott is partnering with Avianca-TACA and Marriott Rewards members can now earn up to two LifeMiles per dollar spent at Marriott properties and redeem Marriott Rewards points for LifeMiles.