Delta changes some international flights

By Joe Brancatelli

ROUTE MAP

Delta Will Draw Down Some International Service: From the moment it declared bankruptcy in 2005, Delta Air Lines began shifting massive amounts of capacity to international routes. It has launched dozens of logical routes and almost as many insane ones. Most recent entry in the insane ledger: three weekly flights between its Atlanta hub and Brasilia, Brazil, scheduled to begin on December 11. With its recent merger partner, Northwest Airlines, Delta's operations are now 40 percent overseas. But the worsening economy is finally catching up with Delta's international plans. Starting in September, Delta will drop 10 percent of its overseas service. Although it has yet to offer details, watch for the airline to eliminate marginal routes, thin out frequencies on some of its most heavily serviced routes and switch to seasonal service on routes that can't support year-round service. Meanwhile, however, Delta continues its open up new international increase in New York City. Effective May 22, it will add daily New York/LaGuardia-Bermuda service. A month later, it will add flights between Kennedy and Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

MILES & POINTS

Earn Frequent Flier Program EliteStatus Twice as Fast: The Big Six airlines offer double frequent flier program miles so frequently that the promotions often elicit bored shrugs from smart business travelers. But double elite miles, those golden (or platinum) points that contribute to your elite status? That is still notable and still worth considering as you make flight plans. And five of the Big Six are doing the double. American Airlines started the battle in mid-March, offering double AAdvantage elite-qualifying miles on flights through June 15. United and Continental matched a few days later. Then Delta and Northwest, now merged but still running separate programs, brought its own unique twist to the competition. They are offering triple elite-status miles for full-fare coach, business- or first-class travel until June 15. Discount fliers receive double elite miles. But if you're buying a deep-discount fare, you won't get a bonus from Delta or Northwest. All the promotions require you to register in advance at the airlines' respective Web sites. … Hilton HHonors members take note: Three well-known Puerto Rico hotels are adopting the Waldorf Astoria Collection. Now available for award stays are the El Conquistador, the El San Juan and the Condado Plaza. … Best Western hotels has joined the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program.

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