Air Berlin to Join Oneworld Alliance

The Oneworld Alliance announced Monday that Germany's second largest airline - Air Berlin has accepted an invitation to join the global alliance, and will develop codeshare agreements with group members American Airlines and Finnair by November 1, 2010. More details are expected at a press conference later Tuesday.

Air Berlin recently launched twice-weekly non-stop service between San Francisco (SFO) and Dusseldorf.

Japan Airlines to Partner with Delta, Join SkyTeam

Cash-strapped Japan Airlines announced today they will join in partnership with Delta Airlines and integrate into the SkyTeam alliance. The airline had been negotiating with both American (OneWorld) and Delta (SkyTeam) for a capital partner.

Continental and Mexicana Join New Alliances Soon

Continental Airlines joins Star Alliance (United, U.S Air,et al. ) effective October 27, 2009.

Mexicana Airlines joins OneWorld (American Airlines, et al.) eff November 10, 2009.

If you have flights planned with either of these carriers, be sure you are receiving proper mileage credit in the corresponding airline/alliance program.

Delta 1000 Mile Bonus for Flying Delta and Alaska

From the mailbox this week, Delta Airlines will award 1,000 bonus miles each time you fly Delta and Alaska/Horizon on the same ticket. The promotion highlights the expansion airlines' joint alliance. The offer is valid for travel through February 29, 2009. Click here to register. 

What are 'Round The World' Tickets?

By Mike Grasso

'Round The World' tickets offer internationally travelers tremendous flexibility and often big savings when visiting to several destinations. Of course, it is simple enough to purchase point-to-point tickets, say San Francisco to Tokyo, Tokyo to Delhi, Delhi to Singapore, and so forth, but such one way fares often become costly. And, if you decide you are having a grand ol' time in Delhi and want to stay a few extra days, think the airline will let you escape without paying a hefty change fee? This is where 'Round The World' tickets become your traveling companion.

Each airline alliance is different, but in general, you are permitted to fly in one direction (West or East) and visit between 3 and 15 cities around the globe within a certain window of time - usually 12 months. You have some flexibility of flying to Northward or Southward destinations as well. Total mileage caps start at 26,000 miles - meaning you can fly one direction around the globe as long as your total mileage doesn't exceed 26,000 miles. The cost? Not as bad as you might think. The One World alliance quotes $3,900 for a 3 continent trip. Star Alliance at $4069 for up to 26,000 miles.

For example, using the Star Alliance online calculator, I priced San Francisco to Atlanta to Rome to Vienna to New Delhi and back to San Francisco. The total cost was $4069 in economy. In Business the fare is slightly more - only $7,880.

A key benefit to 'Round The World' tickets though is the flexibility. Other than your initial departure from San Francisco, you often need to provide the airlines little notice, as little as 24 hours, when you are ready for the next destination.

With these tickets, remember to think big and exotic. Easter Island, Africa, Tahiti, go someplace that would otherwise cost a fortune to purchase separately.

And, as if it doesn't get any better, you can earn frequent flier miles for most of your flights. Be sure to check with your alliance for a few exceptions.

Finally, we are currently living in a time where airline fees have reached uncomfortable levels. When you get a quote for a 'Round The World' ticket, be sure all international taxes and applicable airline fuel surcharges are included.

I've provided links below to the three global alliances' 'Round The World' websites.

Star Alliance

One World

SkyTeam

American and British Airways To Team Up

British Airways announced a deal that partners up with American Airlines, allowing both carriers to operate together, fixing routes, schedules and fares throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Spain's Iberia Airlines, recently acquired by British Airways, is included in the partnership.

One hurdle for the airlines will be receiving government approval. They must convince the U.S. that the deal does not negatively impact consumers. European regulators will likely be concerned about the dominance the combined airlines will have at London's Heathrow Airport, where the two carriers control nearly half the take-off and landing slots to the United States.

Virgin Atlantic's Chief Executive Richard Branson is not so excited about the prospects of a combined airline; "Make no mistake, A BA/AA alliance would be bad for passengers, bad for competition and bad for the UK and US aviation industry". Branson has sent letters to Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain urging them to say no to the proposed deal.

On the plus side, if the agreement is approved, travelers would likely see more booking options, including a wider array of destinations, easier hub connections and improved cooperation between the two frequent flier programs.