Comparison of Delta’s Sky Programs
What is Delta SkyMiles? Delta SkyMiles is Delta Airlines frequent flier program where members earn free flights when they accrue a certain number of mileage points based on actual miles flown.
Basic Way to A Free Flight: When SkyMiles members earn 25,000 miles, they get a free flight (economy class/SkySAAver). For different levels of service, members require higher levels of mileage points.
How Points Are Awarded: Points are awarded for flights on Delta and its airline partners. Also, members earn miles when using Delta business partners. These partners include hotels, rental cars, cellphone companies, restaurants, and others.
How Points Are Redeemed: Points are redeemed for free flights, magazine subscriptions, and select offers.
Delta’s SkyBonus program is designed to provide a special value for US companies that spend less than $500,000 per year on Delta and Delta Connection® flights originating in the United States and for foreign companies which spend less than $100,000 on Delta flights originating outside the United States. Companies that have negotiated discount fare agreements and travel agencies, wholesalers, consolidators, and other sellers of travel are not eligible to participate in this program.
What are some of the differences between Delta SkyMiles and Delta’s SkyBonus?
1. Individuals who are frequent flyers participate in the Delta SkyMiles and Companies participate in Delta’s SkyBonus.
2. If Companies are enrolled in Delta’s SkyBonus, the company’s members do not have to be enrolled in Delta’s SkyMiles.
3. If a Company’s members are enrolled in Delta’s SkyMiles, and participate in Delta’s SkyBonus, the members can participate in the benefits of being in Delta SkyMiles.
Happy Travels!
Gretchen Koehler-Swaney
Prairie Business Partners LLC
www.prairiebusinesspartners.com
Friday, November 23, 2007
Business Travel and Being Civil
Did anyone watch NBC News on November 19, 2007 "Skivvies are the new civic duty." TSA is now telling us how to pack. I've had enough.
I've had a recent discussion with a long time Psychologist about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I believe - and I'm not a psychologist - that when we travel whether for business or not, we are actually exposed to such trauma that we are challenged as human beings to remain civil.
For instance, I was recently in Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport traveling alone with my 3 kids who each had their own bag to carry and put on the conveyor belt, etc. I was, of course, in charge of everything else including all of the car seats, stroller, and toys necessary for a successful trip (not to mention the safety of my 3 kids). As soon as we were approaching the metal detector, we began placing all of our paraphernalia on the belt when a loud rude TSA agent starts yelling “Place all of your items on the belt; place all of your items on the belt; place all of your items on the belt.” Since I was doing just that I ignored her. When her nagging rude voice wouldn’t stop, I looked up and she was looking in my general direction and it appeared she was addressing my 7 year old who was wrestling with his bag, coat, and shoes. While I was helping my daughters disrobe, her caustic rudeness grew louder and louder. I finally said, “Layoff he’s only 7!” She immediately responded “Ma’am I am addressing you.” I replied “Yes, and I am addressing you.” After we finally made it through metal detector Hell and I gave her the dirtiest look I could muster – God forbid any civil bone in her body allow her the decency to help me with all of my stuff. She then decided I needed to have the hand wand. During this adventure in mindless gerbil activity, I proceeded to witness another traveler steal another person’s sweater off of the conveyor and then another passenger drop her coat. I dragged all of my stuff out of the way and had my daughter catch up to the coat dropper and to the sweater stealer I grabbed the arm of the person whose sweater it was and said “She is walking off with your sweater I believe.” Nice security. Boy do I feel safe!\
This in tense lack of civility can only be called trauma and yes, indeed, since I am still talking about it, I must have experienced Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in albeit a much smaller dose than from a war, but still a shock just the same, as that psychologist agreed.
We all go through it. From the airport vendor who doesn’t give you the right change, to the rude Frenchman who cuts in line, to the McDonalds employees giving away the store for $5.00 no matter what your order. Where are these people coming from? We all stand in horror as we watch it happen to other people and wonder how that is possible. We hear about folks stuck on the tarmac for hours while the toilet facilities get over run before the flight even leaves the ground. What an intense feeling of entrapment that must be! How is that okay? The only way that will change is if we make a stand and disallow that sort of rudeness to prevail.
What can we do? We must attack this problem on two fronts: 1. Standing up for ourselves at the ticket counters, the lunch counters and the security lines. We cannot fight rudeness with rudeness however. When every fiber of our being seeks to scream, dump our baby formula on the floor and go into hysterics (so we can be cuffed, led to a room and left to die) and the like, we have to draw on our reserves and be the better people but demand civility: civility in ourselves, civility when dealing with each other and with those TSA agents who could give a crap - they are being paid no matter what they say anyway. 2. Writing the airlines, TSA, our Representatives and anyone else who has an address as well as participate in our ultimate power: voting. Isn’t it interesting that the civil liberties being taken away are actually causing us to be less civil? We need to take them back by being more civil. Folks, we have been tortured long enough!
Travel safe!
Gretchen Koehler-Swaney
Prairie Business Partners LLC
www.prairiebusinesspartners.com
I've had a recent discussion with a long time Psychologist about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I believe - and I'm not a psychologist - that when we travel whether for business or not, we are actually exposed to such trauma that we are challenged as human beings to remain civil.
For instance, I was recently in Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport traveling alone with my 3 kids who each had their own bag to carry and put on the conveyor belt, etc. I was, of course, in charge of everything else including all of the car seats, stroller, and toys necessary for a successful trip (not to mention the safety of my 3 kids). As soon as we were approaching the metal detector, we began placing all of our paraphernalia on the belt when a loud rude TSA agent starts yelling “Place all of your items on the belt; place all of your items on the belt; place all of your items on the belt.” Since I was doing just that I ignored her. When her nagging rude voice wouldn’t stop, I looked up and she was looking in my general direction and it appeared she was addressing my 7 year old who was wrestling with his bag, coat, and shoes. While I was helping my daughters disrobe, her caustic rudeness grew louder and louder. I finally said, “Layoff he’s only 7!” She immediately responded “Ma’am I am addressing you.” I replied “Yes, and I am addressing you.” After we finally made it through metal detector Hell and I gave her the dirtiest look I could muster – God forbid any civil bone in her body allow her the decency to help me with all of my stuff. She then decided I needed to have the hand wand. During this adventure in mindless gerbil activity, I proceeded to witness another traveler steal another person’s sweater off of the conveyor and then another passenger drop her coat. I dragged all of my stuff out of the way and had my daughter catch up to the coat dropper and to the sweater stealer I grabbed the arm of the person whose sweater it was and said “She is walking off with your sweater I believe.” Nice security. Boy do I feel safe!\
This in tense lack of civility can only be called trauma and yes, indeed, since I am still talking about it, I must have experienced Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in albeit a much smaller dose than from a war, but still a shock just the same, as that psychologist agreed.
We all go through it. From the airport vendor who doesn’t give you the right change, to the rude Frenchman who cuts in line, to the McDonalds employees giving away the store for $5.00 no matter what your order. Where are these people coming from? We all stand in horror as we watch it happen to other people and wonder how that is possible. We hear about folks stuck on the tarmac for hours while the toilet facilities get over run before the flight even leaves the ground. What an intense feeling of entrapment that must be! How is that okay? The only way that will change is if we make a stand and disallow that sort of rudeness to prevail.
What can we do? We must attack this problem on two fronts: 1. Standing up for ourselves at the ticket counters, the lunch counters and the security lines. We cannot fight rudeness with rudeness however. When every fiber of our being seeks to scream, dump our baby formula on the floor and go into hysterics (so we can be cuffed, led to a room and left to die) and the like, we have to draw on our reserves and be the better people but demand civility: civility in ourselves, civility when dealing with each other and with those TSA agents who could give a crap - they are being paid no matter what they say anyway. 2. Writing the airlines, TSA, our Representatives and anyone else who has an address as well as participate in our ultimate power: voting. Isn’t it interesting that the civil liberties being taken away are actually causing us to be less civil? We need to take them back by being more civil. Folks, we have been tortured long enough!
Travel safe!
Gretchen Koehler-Swaney
Prairie Business Partners LLC
www.prairiebusinesspartners.com
Business Travel - Pack Like a Pro
Traveling for business is a pain and with the additional requirements of the TSA, here are some tips for packing well.
1. Wear your business suit on the plane and then take it off once you get to the hotel.
2. Bring wrinkle resistant shirts and pants. Folding shirts: button shirts every other button; hold up by the shoulders and fold back the arms; fold back the shoulders then fold back the shirt tail and then once more and set aside. Pants: Hold up pants by the cuffs (this makes the pants straighten out with the weight of the heavier part of the pants). Meet seams including inseams and outer seams. Fold over pants in half. Fold pants in half again.
3. Packing your suitcase: Shoes go on the bottom. In between the shoes, put in socks and underwear to make a flat surface; layer pants or sweaters or jeans (heaviest on the bottom); then layer shirts or lighter items on top; lingerie on top (slips, nylons, light nightgowns and the like).
4. Shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and other liquids downsize and put into small bottles put them in a plastic zip top bag. Put this in the inside zipper section of your suitcase, it will be protected from leaking on your clothes by the zip top bag, and the zipper section.
5. Necessities while traveling: Downy Wrinkle Release, and your own Personal Assistant for those emergency times.
Today, it is easier to get through Security without a carry-on. Check whatever you can. The probability of the airline losing your luggage is pretty low. If the airline does lose your luggage, at least you have your suit (remember you are wearing it). Underwear and deodorant are easier and cheaper to replace than your suit.
Happy Traveling!
Gretchen Koehler-Swaney
Personal Assistant to Business Travelers
Prairie Business Partners LLC
http://www.prairiebusinesspartners.com/
847-476-2183
1. Wear your business suit on the plane and then take it off once you get to the hotel.
2. Bring wrinkle resistant shirts and pants. Folding shirts: button shirts every other button; hold up by the shoulders and fold back the arms; fold back the shoulders then fold back the shirt tail and then once more and set aside. Pants: Hold up pants by the cuffs (this makes the pants straighten out with the weight of the heavier part of the pants). Meet seams including inseams and outer seams. Fold over pants in half. Fold pants in half again.
3. Packing your suitcase: Shoes go on the bottom. In between the shoes, put in socks and underwear to make a flat surface; layer pants or sweaters or jeans (heaviest on the bottom); then layer shirts or lighter items on top; lingerie on top (slips, nylons, light nightgowns and the like).
4. Shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and other liquids downsize and put into small bottles put them in a plastic zip top bag. Put this in the inside zipper section of your suitcase, it will be protected from leaking on your clothes by the zip top bag, and the zipper section.
5. Necessities while traveling: Downy Wrinkle Release, and your own Personal Assistant for those emergency times.
Today, it is easier to get through Security without a carry-on. Check whatever you can. The probability of the airline losing your luggage is pretty low. If the airline does lose your luggage, at least you have your suit (remember you are wearing it). Underwear and deodorant are easier and cheaper to replace than your suit.
Happy Traveling!
Gretchen Koehler-Swaney
Personal Assistant to Business Travelers
Prairie Business Partners LLC
http://www.prairiebusinesspartners.com/
847-476-2183
Friday, November 16, 2007
Business Travel 24/7 Emergency Help
How long does it take you to setup ground transportation from one hotel to another in your business travels? 4 hours? 2 hours? How much do you want to spend? Have you been tracking how much it should be costing you?
A virtual assistant can be doing all of that for you. At Prairie Business Partners LLC we are gathering that information all the time in our service for our clients. We are gaining more and more of the latest industry knowledge every day that makes us the best when it comes to knowing how much you should be charged, the type of service you can expect and we'll get you there with your proposals and PowerPoint presentations completed.
What about that newsletter you've been needing to start? Prairie Business Partners LLC can help with that as well. Virtual Assistants can help you with those items taking up too much of your time already.
Contact Prairie Business Partners LLC today at http://www.prairiebusinesspartners.com/ .
We're there for you 24/7!
Safe travels!
Gretchen Koehler-Swaney
Prairie Business Partners LLC
www.prairiebusinesspartners.com
A virtual assistant can be doing all of that for you. At Prairie Business Partners LLC we are gathering that information all the time in our service for our clients. We are gaining more and more of the latest industry knowledge every day that makes us the best when it comes to knowing how much you should be charged, the type of service you can expect and we'll get you there with your proposals and PowerPoint presentations completed.
What about that newsletter you've been needing to start? Prairie Business Partners LLC can help with that as well. Virtual Assistants can help you with those items taking up too much of your time already.
Contact Prairie Business Partners LLC today at http://www.prairiebusinesspartners.com/ .
We're there for you 24/7!
Safe travels!
Gretchen Koehler-Swaney
Prairie Business Partners LLC
www.prairiebusinesspartners.com
Virtual Assistant Emergency: Emergency 24/7 Services
Dear Client,
In this post, I'll share with you some ideas to give your Virtual Assistant.
1. Corporate Holiday Greeting Cards. Have you finished yours yet? Have you asked your VA if your VA has done his/her own yet? You may be surprised to hear the answer. Did you even think that your VA might be doing Corporate Holiday Cards? Yes, Virtual Assistants are running their own businesses and as such have to foster relationships like all other Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. Your VA will probably have great ideas on where to find inexpensive well-made Holiday Greeting Cards.
2. Corporate Gifts. Where are the best places to purchase Corporate Gifts? What are the newest trends in Corporate Gifts? Your VA knows! Ask!
3. Personal Shopping. Just tell your VA what you need and she'll get it delivered to you! She could probably even do your Christmas shopping for you.
4. Emergencies. Yes, even corporate executives have emergencies. Your rental car isn't available and you need a ride from one hotel to another. Call your VA and she'll find you an inexpensive limo service to take you point-to-point. While you wait.
Missed a deadline? Did you know that there are On-Call Virtual Assistants who run on adrenaline alone and love deadlines? Prairie Business Partners LLC is one (shameless self promotion). There are so many others that only you in the situation you find yourself can think of. How can you be more efficient? How can things be more efficient for you? Don't think of the technology; that is what the VA is there for.
Your job is to get your tasks done and achieve your goal: Success!
May you have an extremely productive day!
Take care,
Gretchen Koehler-Swaney
Virtual Assistant, Project Manager and Business Analyst
On-Call Virtual Assistance; We're Ready When You Are 24/7!
Call and see! 847-476-2183
Prairie Business Partners LLC
http://www.prairiebusinesspartners.com/
In this post, I'll share with you some ideas to give your Virtual Assistant.
1. Corporate Holiday Greeting Cards. Have you finished yours yet? Have you asked your VA if your VA has done his/her own yet? You may be surprised to hear the answer. Did you even think that your VA might be doing Corporate Holiday Cards? Yes, Virtual Assistants are running their own businesses and as such have to foster relationships like all other Entrepreneurs and Business Owners. Your VA will probably have great ideas on where to find inexpensive well-made Holiday Greeting Cards.
2. Corporate Gifts. Where are the best places to purchase Corporate Gifts? What are the newest trends in Corporate Gifts? Your VA knows! Ask!
3. Personal Shopping. Just tell your VA what you need and she'll get it delivered to you! She could probably even do your Christmas shopping for you.
4. Emergencies. Yes, even corporate executives have emergencies. Your rental car isn't available and you need a ride from one hotel to another. Call your VA and she'll find you an inexpensive limo service to take you point-to-point. While you wait.
Missed a deadline? Did you know that there are On-Call Virtual Assistants who run on adrenaline alone and love deadlines? Prairie Business Partners LLC is one (shameless self promotion). There are so many others that only you in the situation you find yourself can think of. How can you be more efficient? How can things be more efficient for you? Don't think of the technology; that is what the VA is there for.
Your job is to get your tasks done and achieve your goal: Success!
May you have an extremely productive day!
Take care,
Gretchen Koehler-Swaney
Virtual Assistant, Project Manager and Business Analyst
On-Call Virtual Assistance; We're Ready When You Are 24/7!
Call and see! 847-476-2183
Prairie Business Partners LLC
http://www.prairiebusinesspartners.com/
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