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Can An Airline Go Green? Dubai's Emirates Makes the Effort

Every environmentally conscious traveler knows boarding a plane (or a cruise ship, for that matter)  doesn’t get you any points in the war against carbon emissions.

But Emirates, the Dubai-based airline that’s working to increase its presence in North America, flew a Boeing 777-200LR and its chairman, Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, to San Francisco to meet the press and explain the steps Emirates is making to become a green airline.  And while it’ll be a while before aircraft become real friends of the environment, Emirates has made some baby steps, according to my colleague, Ana Scofield, who attended the press conference.

Here’s what Emirates, which has one of the youngest fleets flying these days, has accomplished:

--The airline negotiated agreements with Russia, Iceland and Canada to chart an efficient polar route between North America and the Middle East that minimizes flying time.

--When parked in Dubai, Emirates aircrafts are hooked up to electric power to conserve fuel, a fairly standard procedure these days among airlines.

--Dubai air traffic controllers will give priority to large jets landing to minimize fuel-wasting holding patterns.  And San Francisco International Airport promises to grant Emirates a continuous descent when landing for the same reason, though the airport’s notorious fog delays may have something to say about that. 

--Before takeoff, the Emirates Boeing 777 will be “washed” with a silicone-type liquid to reduce drag. 

--On board, Emirates instituted a re-cycling program for cabin waste, something so basic it’s surprising that every airline doesn’t ask its cabin crew—and every airport its ground crews--to segregate metals, glass, and paper for later recycling. 

The San Francisco press conference was a rather subdued affair, perhaps because that morning the San Francisco Examiner posted a story on line about the airline’s hiring practices, which the Wall Street Journal had earlier reported included a restriction against hiring gays; the airline denies it has any such rule.  Outwardly all was well, however, with Al-Maktoum gifting San Francisco with an antique silver scabbard.   And the airline’s Americas chief, Nigel Page, told reporters that 92% of seats on a recent Los Angeles-Dubai flight were sold.  Along with San Francisco and Los Angeles, Emirates also serves the New York City and Houston markets.

American Airlines To Begin Charging Special Fees to Non-Passengers

American Airlines, working hard to return to profitability after years of being buffeted by high fuel costs, has announced a series of special fees on past customers as well as names chosen randomly from phone books, including a $30 surcharge on folks who have decided to stay at home during the upcoming holiday season.

Naw, just kidding.

That's just one part of the best phony news story I've seen in The Onion in a while. 

In a terrific send-up of the onslaught of fees most airlines are charging these days, the satirical newspaper quotes the president of American Airlines, Gerard Arpey as saying, "Unfortunately tough times mean tough measures."

That means charging every non-passenger with a suitcase in their closet $15 and a random charge of $40 of every person in the US whose first name is Greg.  And that's just the beginning. Read it and weep--or laugh out loud--here. 

Why You Should Make Travel Plans to India Right Now

• Because just as the US needed support from the international community following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, so, too, does India.
• India's is a young democracy that deserves our support, and tourism is an important part of its economy.
• It's a huge country, and the crisis in Mumbai is on par with the destruction (by a home-grown terrorist) of the Oklahoma City federal building--a tragedy but a localized one.
• India is a safe country for visitors.  In fact, the Indian mantra is that visitors are to be treated as "gods." 
• India is one of the great destinations of the world, full of color and energy. 
• By visiting India, you send this message to terrorists: You cannot intimidate or frighten those of us who believe in democracy and freedom; your numbers are small and your message of hate only strengthens our resolve to live freely and support inclusive societies.
• The freedom to travel is a hard-won blessing that ought not be denied by those who would kill innocents in order to publicize their cause.

So if you've been thinking about visiting India--or have always wanted to go--don't let the events in Mumbai dissuade you any more than what happened on 9/11 would cause you to avoid New York City or Washington, DC.

If you need more convincing, check out my DVD shot this time last year in India.  There are two, half-hour episodes, "Delhi & Agra" and "Rajasthan."  Both destinations are in the northern part of the country and are often the places first-time visitors choose.  But the country is enormous and gorgeous--the Nov/Dec issue of National Geographic Traveler has an insert on India (called "Incredible India") that will stimulate your imagination and give you ideas about dozens of destinations. (This picture is from the Red Fort in Old Dehli.)

On a personal note, I had several friends who work for the luxury Taj Hotels company who were in the Taj Mumbai when the terrorists launched their attack.  I'm gratified that, eventually, all escaped unharmed.  However, the hotel's general manager lost his wife and two children in the fires that broke out in the hotel during the siege, and I grieve for his loss.  My heart goes out to all the families who lost loved ones in this horrific event that harmed so many and helped no one or their cause.   

Move Fast to Capture Biz & First-Class Seats on BA Through March 1st

British Airways just launched a surprisingly inexpensive sale on business and first class seats between the US and London. If you’ve ever wanted to escape coach, this is your chance, with round-trip fares beginning at about $2,000 between New York and London. Good for travel between Dec. 2 and March 29 with no blackouts, the sale requires you purchase your ticket by Dec. 1 and seven days in advance of travel. There’s a Saturday-night-stay requirement, as well. Taxes and fees will add another $275 or so to the price, but this is a steal compared to regular fares twice or three times as high. A first-class seat costs $4400 plus taxes and fees. Fares vary from other British Airways gateway cities in the US.  Check the airline's website and decide quickly.

Deals? You Want Winter & Holiday Deals? Travel Suppliers Have 'Em

With the sliding economy on everyone's mind, hotels, airlines, and resorts are worried that you won't splash out for a big winter vacation.  And they're right--people are downsizing expectations and looking carefully for deals.

There are thousands of deals out there involving straight price cuts or special offers that involve all kinds of extra benefits.  One of the favorite marketing tools of resorts these days is the offering of resort or hotel credits.  For every night you stay, you receive (sometimes) hundreds of dollars to spend on spa treatments, meals or other hotel or resort services.

Wherever you decide to shop for a holiday, remember you have bargaining power.  Ask about extras.  Ask what else a resort or hotel can do for you to earn your business.  Room upgrades? Free parking? Complimentary breakfast?  Everything is up for negotiation.

Here are some current deals to get you thinking:

• Stay at least three nights a participating Marriott resort in Florida until the end of the year and receive a $25 resort credit for use in restaurants, spas, and other hotel venues. Call 800-834-7015 and mention promotion code M11 or go to the hotel's web site.

• Check into the four-star El Dorado Hotel & Spa in Santa Fe and for every night you stay—at about $200 a night--receive a free spa treatment. The two spa options are a 50-minute massage or facial; both are valued at $130. Good through March 31, 2009. Details available at the hotel's web site or call 800-944-4455 and mention "Relieve Stress Package" or refer to booking code PKGNID.

• At the Windjammer Landing Villa Bay Resort in St. Lucia, a “recession offer” means that for every dollar you spend a day for your room, you’ll receive the equivalent of 50% of that amount in resort credits. Book a honeymoon suite for $350 a night for two guests, for example, and receive $175 back each day that you can apply to food, wine, room upgrades, excursions, or spa services. Offer is good every day until April 19, 2009, including Easter and spring break. More information: 800-958-7376

• Claim a third night free at the Beaver Creek Park Hyatt plus a room upgrade and full breakfast for two daily when you book the “Three for Free” package. Valid through Dec. 19, 2008. Pay with an American Express card and receive late check out and a welcome amenity. Ask for code AX3FF when booking on line.

• The tiny, lush island of Nevis is one of the better-kept secrets of the Caribbean. The Nelson Spring Villas & Spa offers a fifth or seventh night free based on a nightly double rate that begins at $455. Choose a one to four-bedroom villa with flat-screen televisions and state-of-the-art kitchens or just hang out on the 3.5 acres of beachfront property at this romantic getaway spot. Details: eliteislands.com or 800-345-0356. Offer of free nights is good through Dec. 20, 2008.

• How about a family Christmas in the Caribbean? The Verandah Resort & Spa on Antigua invites up to two kids to stay and eat free at the resort when staying with their parents. Rates at the all-inclusive resort begin at $635 as night, but, wait there’s more: Families receive a $2,000 airfare credit between Dec. 21^st and Jan. 3, 2009. The kids-stay-and-eat free part stretches from Dec. 21 to Jan. 6, 2009 if you book by the first of December. More information and reservations click here or call 800-345-0356.

• Interested in cold instead of warm?  There's a surplus of deals from ski resorts arond the US, and my fellow travel blogger Everett Potter does a nice job of rounding lots of them up in a recent post.  Check 'em out!

Amex Platinum Cardholders, Listen Up: 2-for-1 Domestic Tix Ends

One of the perks of carrying the American Express Platinum Card is the ability to buy two tickets for (roughly) the price of one for domestic flights on major US carriers. Cardholders can purchase up to eight ticket pairs a year under the "Domestic Companion Airfare Program" as long as they fly round trip together with a companion on the same itinerary.   

I think the program should be called the "Companion Domestic Airfare Program," since the "domestic" refers to the kind of airline ticket and is not a descriptor of the word "companion"; two people related or not, living together or not, can take advantage of the 2-for-1 offer.

Be that as it may, here's the important news: Amex is quietly discontinuing that program as of Nov. 15, 2008, though you may purchase future reservations beyond that date as long as you reserve by mid-November.

I will tell you that although I've carried a platinum Amex card for years, I didn't even know about the twofer program until a few months ago when a friend mentioned it to me.  I pay the pricey $300+ annual fee for the silver card because I value the access it provides to Northwest, Continental, American, and Delta airport lounges when I fly those airlines.  To join each of those airlines' lounge programs separately would cost more than $1,200 a year.

After learning about the twofer program, I tried three times to take advantage of it; I succeeded once. The downside: You must book weeks in advance, and there's no guarantee there will be seats available under the program.  I tried to buy two tickets for travel between Minneapolis-St. Paul and Boston more than six weeks ahead of time and was told no tickets by any routing were available.  And Amex also extracts a fee for booking each ticket pair.

However, I recently succeeded in buying two tickets between Minneapolis-St. Paul and Chicago through Amex.  The tickets cost me about $100 more than if I'd purchased them individually through the usual channels, but even so, I saved a couple of hundred dollars. 

My guess is that the program was a terrible hassle for Amex.  I'm sure I wasn't the only one who got cranky with telephone agents when I first called and learned I had to book weeks ahead and, even then, I couldn't be sure I could be accommodated.  The airlines only made a certain number of tickets available to Amex for this program, and I'm betting inventory was a constant headache.

Bottom line: If you're an Amex "member" with a platinum card and you know two of you want to travel together within the US in the coming months, make your move now to try to secure tickets before Nov. 15th when this particular card benefit evaporates. 

Dateline Cape Town, South Africa: The Floating Fruits of Co-Founding Microsoft; Paul Allen's Yacht Almost Upstages Hotel

When my television crew and I checked into South Africa's Cape Grace hotel on the Cape Town waterfront recently, the exterior of the hotel was dominated by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen's mega-yacht moored just outside.  You could almost exit the front door of the hotel and run right into the hull of the Tatoosh, a 303-foot-long behemoth that ranks as the 24th-largest yacht in world.  It was parked parallel to the hotel, almost another wing of the luxury hostelry.  And it was so huge, that even from the hotel's rooftop, my wide angle lens could barely capture the entire craft.

Allen himself wasn't in attendance; local gossip has it that he rarely sails aboard but will often fly to meet the German-built yacht at ports of call around the world.  Prior to arriving in Cape Town for a spell, the Tatoosh was moored off the Kenyan city of Mobassa (September), St. Jean Cap Ferrat on the French Riviera (August), and Athens, Greece (July). 

If you're curious as to how I know the various locations of Allen's yacht, it's not because the billionaire has ever invited me aboard.  I know the yacht's whereabouts thanks to a website that offers a nautical verson of of the sport of trainspotting.  Fans of big yachts all over the world prowl their local harbors and post sightings of yachts on Yachtspotter.com.  I'm told it drives owners of big boats who prefer privacy nuts; they're not thrilled that anyone in the world can find their yachts with simply a couple of clicks of the mouse.

The Tatoosh may not be in the top ten of the world's largest floating palaces, but you wouldn't know it to look at it.  On the rear deck are two small helicopters--yup, there are two helipads up top.  Two tenders cling to the side of the yacht: a 42-foot motorboat and a 32-foot sailboat.  (There was another powerboat on an upper deck in Cape Town, as you can see in the above photo; that's not standard equipment.)  There's a swimming pool on the second of the four decks, and the yacht also boasts a dive decompression chamber, an infirmary, gym, and movie theater. And of course a sauna and Jacuzzi. 

The yacht was built in 2000 and generally winters in the Caribbean and then spends the rest of the year roaming European and African spots favored by the wealthy.  If you'd like to hitch a ride aboard the Tatoosh, I'm told that when Allen is in Cape Town, he's known to hang at the Cape Grace's whiskey bar called Bascule that features more than 460 different whiskies from around the world. Buy him a rare pour and maybe he'll invite you aboard.

What American Television Shows Do You See When You Travel?

One fun aspect of traveling is seeing what American television shows are hits in other countries.  After all, many foreigners form their opinions about the United States partly based on portrayals of life in the US in movies and on television.

This past summer, for example, there were two American television shows that were among the top ten most-watched shows in France: "House" and "CSI Miami." (The movie "Lethal Weapon 3" also was in the top ten.) 

In Germany and Italy, no American-produced television series made the hit parade, but in Spain, "CSI" and "The Simpsons" are among that country's top ten shows.  Movies "The Scorpion King," "The Mummy Returns," and the 2005 release "Cursed" were big hits, as well. 

Footnote: The Beijing-based Olympics did skew summer viewing somewhat, supplanting shows that might have otherwise made the top ten.

Gianni Versace's South Beach Mansion Takes Visitors 'til Sept. 30

Normally you have to peer through an iron gate to see where the late fashion designer Gianni Versace used to party in South Beach.  His mansion with its frescoes and lavish interior design right on Ocean Drive in the heart of the Art Deco neighborhood has never been open to the public.

Until now.

Through Sept. 30, you can tour the inside of the mansion courtesy of its owner, Peter Loftin.  (Versace, of course, was shot to death at the front gate of the home he called Casa Casuarina in 1997.)  Admission is $50 and tours are daily.  Details: 305-672-6604.

Even With Gustav, It's All About Sarah Palin For Political Media

Until Gustav began heading toward the Gulf Coast, there was one topic of conversation among the media who have arrived here in St. Paul for the start of the Republican National Convention:  Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

John McCain’s choice for his running mate so startled the national press corps (not to mention one of his closest advisers, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who was strongly promoting his pal Sen. Joe Lieberman for the post), that Palin was not just the top subject of conversation, she was the ONLY subject.

On Saturday night, I attend a “salon dinner” hosted by Microsoft and The Atlantic that featured media insiders and politicos at the Minneapolis Club in downtown Minneapolis.

The carefully crafted guest list of about 30 included both Minnesota senators (Democrat Amy Klobuchar and Republican Norm Coleman) as well as Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), NBC’s Andrea Mitchell, NBC News correspondent-at-large Luke Russert (left with public television’s Judy Woodruff), Woodruff's husband Al Hunt of Bloomberg, political newsletter editor Charlie Cook, New York Times columnist David Brooks, journalist Ron Brownstein, McCain’s chief of staff Mark Buse, RNC chair Mike Duncan, “Meet the Press” executive director Betsy Fisher, “All Things Considered” host Michele Norris,  and NBC political director Chuck Todd, among others.

Private conversations were banned at the dinner. Instead, James Bennet, editor of The Atlantic, moderated a one-speaker-at-a-time conversation, no small task given the guest list of folks accustomed to making their views known just about wherever and whenever they wish.

Bennett succeeded, and while a second ground rule was that the evening was to be off the record, I can tell you that one-hour and 50-minutes of the two hours concerned Palin. And suffice it to say that the sense of the table among media types might be described as “bewildered,” while McCain confidant Graham did yeoman service defending the selection of the neophyte governor.

I’ll leave it to the political bloggers and columnists to weigh in on Palin’s prospects and credentials. But I can tell you skepticism reigns among the Washington chattering class. At a one o’clock brunch hosted by General Motors at the hip, Minneapolis art-hotel, Chambers, I drifted past clumps of journalists and politicos sipping Bloody Marys. Without fail, almost all the snippets of conversation were about Palin, even as convention organizers were meeting to turn the direction of the Republican convention around from a celebration to a hurricane watch.

You can bet that when the Republicans and the media fly home from the Twin Cities at the end of this week, and when the news of Gustav begins to subside, Sarah Palin is going to come in for a very close inspection.

What a Difference A Day Makes As Gustav Upstages the Twin Cities

Even before the Republican convention began here where I live in St. Paul, MN, it lost its position as the country’s lead story thanks to Hurricane Gustav.

Wolf Blitzer relinquished his CNN catbird seat at the Excel Energy Center Sunday as the hurricane rapidly became the main story of the day. And it turns out Anderson Cooper was in the right place—waiting once again in New Orleans for the weather. Sunday night’s network news found Brian Williams in New Orleans, and NBC promised Katie Couric would be there Monday morning, as well.

This afternoon the Republicans announced that Monday’s convention kick off would be canceled, that there’d only be a business gathering of delegates for two hours tomorrow. Their prime-time debut relinquished, the convention folks took a wait-and-see approach, hoping against hope that the hurricane might somehow deal only a glancing blow and allow the party to begin in the Twin Cities.

And make no mistake, Republicans came to party. Outside my window, I see a 125-yacht, the Mimi from Stilllwater, MN, tied up on the Mississippi River, a lovely, white craft that sleeps 18 plus a crew of 12. And on the train tracks also outside the window of my loft, rows of private train cars house delegates who are shuttled between the trains and the nearby convention center in luxury buses.

“For four days, the eyes of the entire world are going to be focused on the Twin Cities,” said Jeff Larson, CEO of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Host Committee for the convention.

That was BG, Before Gustav. Twin Cities hotels are bursting with 45,000 visitors. The media has spent millions setting up elaborate sets—Chris Matthews’ high-tech, outdoor set has a prime position in Rice Park, the lovely center of old St. Paul. Restaurants and clubs are hoping for a surge in business; everyone wants a piece of the $150 million its estimated Republicans and the media horde might splash all over St. Paul and Minneapolis.

And just last week I watched armies of city workers hurrying to re-paint curbs, plant mums in hundreds of planters, and pick up litter wherever it could be found. Both St. Paul and Minneapolis were ready for their close ups, ready to show the country that they are more than just flyover cities.

“This is the biggest single opportunity we’ll get to tell our story, short of the Olympics,” Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak said long before anyone thought of hurricanes on the Gulf Coast.   

I ran into St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, an affable Democrat, on the street this morning as word began to spread that maybe the Republicans might alter their convention plans. Rumors swirled that the convention might even be cut in half, with only two days of action. Coleman said he was sure the convention would go on, but that was this morning, when he had no idea how much a back seat the convention would take in the news cycle.

The president and vice president cancelled plans to come to Minnesota. Louisiana and Mississippi delegates charted an aircraft to go back home lest they be accused of fiddling while their hometowns drowned.  Even candidate McCain said he might deliver his acceptance speech not from St. Paul but from the Gulf Coast.

I have a long list of parties—some private, some public—scheduled for the upcoming week. Who knows how many will actually occur?

I report none of this to whine. I understand that a hurricane—especially with the memory of Katrina still so vivid--outranks a political convention, especially since everyone already knows the ending of the convention will simply be a McCain-Palin ticket.  I just can’t remember in my 30 years as a journalist when something so predictable, well-planned and major as a political convention was so quickly upstaged.

News is a funny business, and I know there are lots of television talking heads here in the Twin Cities lamenting the loss of their precious airtime. Pull up a chair. Tomorrow Anderson Cooper brings you the landfall of Gustav.

Join Me On a Show Shoot By Winning Northwest's Photo Contest!

Here's the deal: World Traveler, the monthly magazine of Northwest Airlines, one of the major corporate underwriters of my public television series, "Rudy Maxa's World," is giving away two World Business Class tickets to the winner of photo contest.  There will be two winners--one in the amateur category, aonther in the professional category.

And the winners will be invited to accompany me on a shoot for one of my 2009 shows, with hotel expenses covered.  The winners will also be invited to take photos of the destination, and those photos will be featured on the inside front cover of that episode's DVDs, with photo credit, of course.

You may enter photos in these four categories: "Landmark/attractions/objects," landscapes/seascapes/cityscapes," "wildlife/nature," "and "people."

The deadline for entries is October 1st.  Just click here for more detals and instructions on how to enter. 

United To Test Cutting Meals in Coach on Some Transatlantic Flights

Beginning in the fourth quarter of this year on transatlantic flights out of Washington's Dulles airport, United Airlines will begin charging for meals in coach class.  It's a test to see whether passengers rise up and bang spoons on plates or quietly accept the new reality of no more free miles aloft as they have on many domestic coach flights. 

If you own stock in airline catering companies, I'd suggest selling.  Because I can already tell you the result of the test: United will save lots of money and begin extending the no-food-for-free rule across its international route network.  Maybe some long, trans-Pacific flights will be exempt, but even that isn't guaranteed.   

Not that this is shockingly new--several years ago I was surprised while aboard a Northwest, nine-hour, non-stop flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul to Honolulu that there was a charge for meals.  And that was when they were giving jet fuel away, comparatively speaking. 

What's new about this, of course, is that United foreign competitors have shown no sign of charging for meals.  But maybe it's just in business and first-class cabins where the US airlines feel the need to pile on more perks in order to keep up with foreign competition. 

So remember to BYO meal soon on even flights that last more than six or seven hours.  At least on United, at least out of Dulles, come October.

Mileage Inflation Grows Worse; Act by Oct. 1 To Avoid Increases

Two weeks ago I wrote a blog warning of "mileage inflation" when it comes to frequent flyer miles.  Today I write with even more urgency, as new thresholds and new fees get tacked on many award tickets beginning Oct. 1. 

In short, in the last couple of weeks, things have gotten even worse for folks hoarding their miles for a dream vacation.

• American Airlines has tacked on a $5 processing fee for anyone requesting an award ticket except for members at the “platinum” level of its  flyer program.
• US Airways' award ticket booking fees now range between $25 and $50.
• Want to use your miles on American to upgrade to flights between North America and Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, or Venezuela on a discounted coach ticket?  That'll cost you $150 as of Oct. 1.
• Also on American, an upgrade using miles and a discounted coach ticket will require a $35 fee EACH WAY on flights between North America and Europe, India, Japan, China, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Uruguay as of Oct. 1.
• Further mileage inflation means on American, you'll have to redeem 50,000 miles for a "free" business-class ticket or, more likely, 100,000 miles to secure an "Aanytime" business-class ticket domestically.  A one-way upgrade on a domestic discounted ticket that used to cost 15,000 miles is now 15,000 miles plus $50 or more as of Oct. 1.

Continue reading "Mileage Inflation Grows Worse; Act by Oct. 1 To Avoid Increases"

Urgent: Mileage Inflation Means It's Time to Cash In Now!

Let me put the bottom line right up top: Your airline miles are being devalued with the passage of time.  Never mind that airlines promised you a free domestic flight for 25,000 miles.  It’s getting more and more difficult to find a flight for 25,000 miles.  And we’re moving toward the day when it’ll take 40,000 or more miles for a freebie.  And even then there may be a fuel or booking charge. 

That’s why it’s time for you to start cashing in your unused airline miles. 

The cost of flying has gone up steadily since the price of oil began moving skyward, and several major airlines are rapidly raising the bar you have to jump over in order to snare a freebie.

To wit:

--A couple of years ago, many major airlines introduced a 50,000-mile award level that allowed you to cash in for a domestic round-trip ticket even if there were no more designated award seats available. 

--This past week, Delta introduced a third tier for award tickets, joining Alaska which did the same three weeks ago.  Beginning in September, Delta frequent flyers might be able to claim a free, domestic, mainland, coach ticket for 25,000 miles.  They stand a better chance if they’re willing to give up 40,000 miles.  But for 60,000 miles, a passenger is guaranteed an award seat as long as there’s a seat available on a flight—the so-called “last seat” option.  Mileage inflation isn’t just hitting domestic award tickes.  Want the last first-class seat available on a flight from North America to Asia?  You’ll have to pony up a whopping 370,000 miles.

--Oh, and those free tickets may not be entirely free.  Beginning Aug. 15^th, you’ll pay a $25 fuel surcharge for your Delta domestic award ticket; international award tickets require $50, and that includes flights to the Caribbean.  US Airways is charging an award “booking fee” of $25 for domestic tickets, $35 for flights to Mexico, and $50 for flights to Hawaii and international destinations. 

--On American Airlines, you’ll pay $50 to book an award ticket within 21 days of your desired date of travel.  If you’re looking for an award ticket within seven days of travel, be ready to fork out $100.  Want to change your routing after an award ticket has been issued?  That’s another $150.

--This week Continental also announced a twist that doesn’t do any favors to many passengers who are saving up miles for a Continental award ticket.  Right now you can surrender 50,000 miles to capture a domestic ticket if there’s a “last seat” available; as of Sept. 3, even that award tier, called EasyPass, will be capacity controlled unless you’re a member of Continental’s “elite” level of frequent flier program.

So the lesson couldn’t be clearer: Start using your miles now.  And while 25,000 miles might still get you a domestic freebie, those days may not be with us much longer.  Remember, you can book an award ticket months out.  If you have firm travel plans months away, book now before additional fees and higher mileage requirements devalue your mileage saving account further.