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Low-cost air carriers offer promotional deals
12:00 AM CDT on Sunday, May 10, 2009
In March, we told you about elite-status promotions offered by the legacy airlines. Now, low-cost carriers have launched promotions.
Air Tran is offering A+ Elite status if you fly 10 one-ways within 90 days, or if you fly 25 one-ways within a year. Among benefits of A+ Elite status are free upgrades to business class at the gate 40 minutes before departure, higher priority stand-by status, free seat assignments at booking, up to two free checked bags and elite-status benefits when traveling on Frontier. Register in advance at www.aplusrewards.com /elite.aspx.
If you book and fly five round trips or 10 one-way flights on Southwest by June 15, you can qualify for the Rapid Rewards A-List membership, which is valid through Dec. 31. Southwest will automatically reserve a boarding pass for A-List members 36 hours before confirmed flights, so members probably will be in the first boarding. Members must print their own boarding passes for this offer. A-List members will also have access to priority security lanes where offered. Register at www.south west.com/alistfast.
Hotels are tempting travelers with free nights and other promotions.
The Intercontinental Hotels group is offering a free night after two paid nights at participating properties worldwide with the Biggest Free Nights promotion. The offer is valid for stays at Intercontinental, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites or Candlewood Suites through July 3. The two qualifying nights don't have to be consecutive or at the same brand of hotel. Travelers can earn up to four free nights, and the free nights may be used for travel July 3 through Dec. 26. Guests must be members of the free Priority Club Rewards program; register before travel at www.getafreenight.com.
Starwood brand hotels is offering one free weekend night after every two paid stays through July 31. The offer is valid for stays at Sheraton, Westin, W Hotels, Four Points, the Luxury Collection, Aloft, Le Meridien, Element and St. Regis. There's no limit to the number of free nights that may be earned, and the awards may be used for consecutive night stays. Awards are valid at participating properties for Friday, Saturday or Sunday stays through September. Register for the SPG Free Weekends promotion before travel. Contact: 1-877-782-7966; www.spg.com/freeweekends.
Best Western is offering a $50 gift card to be used toward a future stay when you stay two times at a qualifying rate through June 14. Guests must register before travel. The gift card is valid through July 31, 2010. Guests can earn up to 500 bonus points each time they book their qualifying stay online at www.best western.com. To register, visit www.bestwestern.com/jump.
Marriott is offering double credits to Marriott Rewards members for paid stays May 11 through June 26 at participating properties worldwide. Register before travel at www.marriott .com/rewards.
Tom Parsons is publisher of BestFares.com.
FIND FLIGHT BARGAINS every day. dallasnews .com/travel
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