Delta, Southwest Let Passengers Donate Miles to Soldiers on R&R; Other Airlines Consider Idea

AP ^

[TheOtherOne]

Delta, Southwest Let Passengers Donate Miles to Soldiers on R&R; Other Airlines Consider Idea
By Wiley Hall Associated Press Writer
Published: Oct 22, 2003

BALTIMORE (AP) - Travelers will have an opportunity to donate some of their frequent-flier rewards to help troops on leave from Iraq reach their hometowns.

A congressman whose district includes Baltimore-Washington International Airport started "Operation Hero Miles" and asked airlines to help set up the pool of frequent-flier miles.

Delta Air Lines said Wednesday it would participate. Southwest Airlines, the No. 1 carrier at BWI, will let passengers donate tickets earned through the airline's reward system, said Christine Turneabe-Connelly, a Southwest spokeswoman.

Other airlines said they were considering the plan.

Last month, the Pentagon started giving soldiers two-week leaves in the largest R&R program since the Vietnam War. Some flew to Germany and others to BWI for free. The soldiers are responsible for flights the rest of the way to their destination, although major airlines have offered discounts.

Rep. C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger, a first-term Democrat, initiated the idea after the House left airfare out of the $87 billion package of aid for Iraq and Afghanistan. His congressional staff donated 67,000 of their frequent-flier miles, a spokeswoman said.

"So many people have come up with some very creative ways to support the troops. It's very gratifying," said Army Maj. Mike Escudie of U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Fla.

Delta donated 10 million miles to get its program started, spokeswoman Peggy Estes said. Any active service member in Iraq will be eligible for round-trip "Sky Miles" starting Nov. 1, she said.

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On the Net:

Rep. C.A. Ruppersberger: http://dutch.house.gov

Delta Air Lines: http://www.delta.com

AP-ES-10-22-03 2201EDT

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

Thank you for the information.

[LNewman]

If United signs on, I'm on. I donated my United miles after 9/11. I have no problem with doing it again. Let THEM roll!

Bookmarking.

[Jen]

Hooray and a bump for Delta (my hubby's employer) and all our wonderful troops!!!

[Iowa Granny]

Thanks for this info. I have a pile of United miles and some American ones, too. If I can find a way to donate these, I'd be happy to do it.

[Southflanknorthpawsis]

WOW. Thanks for the ping. I think I have about 17,000 Delta miles right now. I will look into this.

[deport]

A FYI and Pass It Along Ping!!!

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Okay.... a bump. I'm wore out from all the Terri threads tonight.... Sorry don't have any miles to donate.

[Howlin]

I bet the other airlines start jumping on board! This will be great PR for the airlines that do!

[TexKat]

I wish this would have happened prior to my son trying to get back over there after his baby was born. He paid over $2000.00 to get back over there.

[zencat]

Can we donate miles to buy liberals a one-way ticket to France?

[malia]

Shows how ignorant I am! I thought we - military - flew our men and women home.

Does this include the spouses using the ticket to join their spouse - ie Honolulu is an R&R spot and they could meet here?

[TexKat]

Shows how ignorant I am! I thought we - military - flew our men and women home.

My son tried to get on a military flight going back to Kuwait 3 different times. He arrived at the airport early in the a.m., had to take a number, sat there all day on each occasion to find that all seats were taken by other military and their families since it was the vacation season. He finally decided to go ahead and pay for a regular passenger flight in order to keep from getting in trouble.

[malia]

Seems to me something could be done about this. The Red Cross used to be a help. Does your Senator know?

[getgoing]

Ping for good news.

Delta & Southwest THANK YOU!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

MAJOR PRO MILITARY PING!

TheOtherOne : Great find!

I'm adding these promotions for the military on this ping also.

2003 U.S. MILITARY PROMOTIONS

THEME PARKS:

COMPANY: ANHEUSER BUSCH - Seaworld/Busch Garden Theme Parks
PROMOTION: “Heroes Salute”
OFFER TIME: May 23-November 11, 2003
DETAILS: FREE 1 day Admission to all Anheuser-Busch theme parks including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Sesame Place parks to active duty military, active reservists, U.S.Coast Guard, National Guardsmen and as many as four of their direct dependents. Must obtain form from ITT. For details, go to www.seaworld.com

COMPANY: UNIVERSAL - Orlando
PROMOTION: “Military Appreciation Program - Bonus Pass”
OFFER TIME: May 13-December 19, 2003
DETAILS: Free 5-Day Bonus Pass for active duty military, Reservists, and National Guard. The Bonus Pass is valid for Universal Studios® and Islands of Adventure® for a 5-day period from the first day of visit. This pass also includes the CityWalk Party Pass. Military ID must be presented to the front gate admissions to obtain this special pass. Additional Family and Friends: Up to 5 people can purchase the Bonus Pass at a 50% discount of $49.95 plus tax. Dependent spouses with a military ID may purchase this pass if the active member is still overseas. For more information, call 407-363-800 or visit www.universalorlando.com

COMPANY: DISNEY - Disneyland/California Adventure
PROMOTION: “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute”
OFFER TIME: May 12-December 19, 2003
DETAILS: FREE 3-Day Ticket good for admission to both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure™ parks. active U.S. military personnel may make a one-time purchase of 3-day Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion Tickets during the offer period for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends for $39 each. For complete details, go to www.disneyland.com/military.

COMPANY: DISNEY - Disney World, Florida
PROMOTION: “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute”
OFFER TIME: May 12-December 19, 2003
DETAILS: FREE 5-Day Ticket good for admission into the Walt Disney World theme parks, two Disney water parks, Pleasure Island and more. Each active member of the U.S. military may obtain one complimentary 5-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket during the offer period. During the offer period, active military personnel may also make a one-time purchase of this same ticket for $49.95, plus tax, for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends. For complete details, go to www.disneyland.com/military.

DISNEY ARMED FORCES SALUTE DETAILS:
· "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute" theme park tickets can be obtained only at Main Entrance ticket windows.
· Active military personnel (or, if they are not present, their spouses) must present proper military identification.
· To purchase the tickets for family members or friends, the service member must show the complimentary ticket issued to them.
· Activated members of the National Guard or Reservists (or, if they are not present, their spouses) must also show active duty orders.
· Tickets for family members or friends may be purchased only by the active service member or spouse, not both.
· Last day of use on “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” theme park tickets is no later than December 19, 2003.
· A valid ID may be required for admission.
· This offer may not be combined with any other offer.
· Walt Disney Parks and Resorts ticket information is available at military base ticket offices.


HOTELS:

COMPANY: DISNEY - Disneyland Resort Hotels, California
PROMOTION: “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute”
OFFER TIME: May 12-December 19, 2003
DETAILS: Disneyland Resort Hotels are offering room rates for active military personnel at a 40 percent savings per night, based on the non-discounted price of the same room. This offer is available most nights during the offer period, and the number of rooms available at this savings is limited. For complete details, go to www.disneyland.com/military. For reservations call 714- 956-6424

COMPANY: DISNEY - Disneyland Resort Hotels, Florida
PROMOTION: “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute”
OFFER TIME: May 12-December 19, 2003
DETAILS: Disneyland Resort Hotels are offering room rates for active military personnel at a 40 percent savings per night, based on the non-discounted price of the same room. This offer is available most nights during the offer period, and the number of rooms available at this savings is limited. For complete details, go to www.disneyland.com/military. For reservations call 714-956-6424

COMPANY: UNIVERSAL - Portofino Bay Hotel, Orlando, Florida
PROMOTION: “Military Appreciation Program”
OFFER TIME: May 13-December 19, 2003
DETAILS: Universal On-Site Hotel, Portofino Bay Hotel offers a 40% discount with military ID from 5/13/03 - 12/19/03.
For reservations call 800-292-7827.

COMPANY: UNIVERSAL - Hard Rock Hotel, Orlando, Florida
PROMOTION: “Military Appreciation Program”
OFFER TIME: August 17-December 19, 2003
DETAILS: Universal On-Site Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort offer a 40% discount. For reservations call 800-292-7827.

COMPANY: UNIVERSAL - Royal Pacific Resort, Orlando, Florida
PROMOTION: “Military Appreciation Program”
OFFER TIME: August 17-December 19, 2003
DETAILS: Universal On-Site Hotel, Royal Pacific Resort offer a 40% discount from 8/17/03 - 12/19/03.
For reservations call 800-292-7827.

COMPANY: DAYS INN/TAMPA NORTH - Busch Gardens/Adventure Island
PROMOTION: “Military Appreciation Package”
OFFER TIME: August 17-December 19, 2003
DETAILS: 40% Off Regular Prices At Our Newly Renovated Hotel. Ask For SRP Code LPMA - $29.95 (1-2 Adults/rm.)+tax. Includes free, hot breakfast, Free Busch Gardens Tickets. Under 12 stay free
Call Toll Free 866-895-6584 or www.the.daysinn.com\tampa05280

COMPANY: RAMADA - Orlando
PROMOTION: “Military Rate”
DETAILS: military rate of $45 (+ tax and based on availability). Visit www.ramadaorlando.com or call 800-327-1363.

COMPANY: HOLIDAY INN - Orlando
PROMOTION: “Military Summer Getaway Special”
OFFER TIME: April 28-August 30, 2003
DETAILS: $55 plus 12% tax per night for 2 Adults. Ask for the MIL 55 rate. To make reservations call 1-800-366-5437.

OTHER TRAVEL:

COMPANY: DISNEY - Disney Cruises
PROMOTION: “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute”
OFFER TIME: June 19-December 18, 2003
DETAILS: Disney Cruise Line is extending special rates to active military personnel. Disney Cruise Line offers 7-night cruise vacations to the eastern and western Caribbean, and 3- and 4-night cruises to the Bahamas. On select sailings from June 19-Aug. 24, rates start at $379 for a three-night cruise, $429 for a four-night cruise and $799 for a seven-night cruise. On select sailings from Aug. 28-Dec. 18, rates start at $349 for a three-night cruise, $399 for a four-night cruise and $599 for a seven-night cruise. All rates are valid for standard inside staterooms. The number of staterooms available at these special rates is limited. For more information or to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation, military personnel can call Disney Cruise Line at (888) 325-2500.

COMPANY: US AIRWAYS
PROMOTION: “Salute Savings”
OFFER TIME: April 21-December 31, 2003 (travel completed by Feb. 12, 2004)
DETAILS: Special fares for U.S. military personnel as low as $79 each way, based on roundtrip purchase. Under the "Salute Savings" program, fares must be purchased roundtrip and are available for travel originating in the U.S. to destinations across the US Airways system, including Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. For information on these fares, military personnel or their military I.D.-carrying family members should contact their commercial travel office. Tickets are nonrefundable and must be purchased at least three days in advance of departure. One Saturday night stay is required, and a maximum 30-day stay is allowed. Seats are limited, and other restrictions apply. Fares are available to the immediate families of members of the Armed Forces when the member is part of the traveling party. An immediate family member is defined as a parent/guardian, spouse/partner, or child.

[PoorMuttly]

Nice.

[Amelia]

A "good idea!" bump.

[mystery-ak]

I just forwarded this to my husband in Iraq....his furlough is sometime in Nov...

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the heads up!

[TexKat]

Does your Senator know?

No I think that my son considers it just as if he was taking a leave under normal conditions. However it would have been nice for him to have taken a military flight back to Kuwait.

[TADSLOS]

Greta idea. I have some SWA points that are going to turn into pumpkins. Might as well get some good use out of them and save a young servicember a few bucks.