U.S Airways Reinstates Bonus Miles For Elites

In a press release today, U.S Airways announced the return of bonus miles for most flight activity and the 500-mile minimum perk, for all Dividend Miles elite members. 

Beginning November 20th, Dividend Miles elite members will receive bonus miles commensurate with their status level. For example, Gold members will receive 50% bonus miles for all eligible flights. The airline says it will retroactively credit members accounts back to August 6th, 2008, when the bonus miles perk was taken away. 

Further, Elite members will again appreciate the return of the 500-mile minimum accrual rule. Since May, the airline was awarding frequent flier miles based on the actual mileage flown - even on very short flights of say 300 miles. Now passengers who fly these short-haul flights will be given a minimum 500 miles. Again, the airline says it will retroactively credit passengers back to May. 

Dividend Miles members should expect all retroactive credits to appear on their December 2008 Dividend Miles account statements.  Full press release. 

Southwest begins San Francisco to Phoenix operations this week

Bay Area travelers now have another option when flying to Phoenix, Arizona. Southwest Airlines begins flying non-stop SFO-Phoenix March 8th. This marks the fifth destination Southwest flies, non-stop from SFO airport. The airline will be joining United (TED) and U.S Airways who have previously dominated this market.

U.S Airways to charge for 2nd checked bag

If you think this sounds familiar, you're right!

In a press release Tuesday, U.S Airways announced the introduction of a $25 fee for most passengers checking-in more than one bag. The change takes effect May 5th and is expected to generate $75 million in cost savings (fuel, manual labor) and new revenue to the airline. The fee will not apply to passengers with the highest elite status in the U.S Air Dividend miles program.

Earlier this month United Airlines announced it would begin charging $25 for additional bags as well.

SAN FRANCISCO - LAS VEGAS $98 ROUNDTRIP, TAXES INCLUDED.   U.S AIR

Fare is $78+tax and available mostly in February, a few days in March.  Most other airlines charging at least $10-$20 more for this route currently.  Visit www.usairways.com and choose the "low fare finder" bubble.