A sudden change in plans, and I’ll be heading to Atlanta Monday afternoon for work, returning Thursday.  It’s going to be a busy week getting ready for a presentation the following week, preparing a big report, and delivering annual performance reviews to my Atlanta based coworkers (the kind of thing that I insist be done in person and not on the phone).

From a travel perspective, I’ll be flying Delta Air Lines, and staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown.  This will be my first stay at that hotel, and I will post a review of my experience on the blog.  Looking forward to getting out of the office again!

You read the title correctly, I’m considering a mileage run.  I know some people don’t think about them at all, they actually take mileage runs all the time.  But I’ve never been a real pro at it.  Mileage running has its own cottage industry, so there must be something to the practice.

Long-story short, I am currently AAdvantage Platinum, and I would like to stay that way.  There are some fantastic fares out there right now that are proving quite tempting.  My biggest dilemma is whether to pad my miles balance on American, or do some runs on Delta to re-earn Medallion status with them which I sorely miss.  My flights on Delta are typically short (DCA-ATL), so I can tolerate the lack of elite upgrades.  Therefore, I’m strongly leaning towards running on American.

I’ve held two itineraries, both DCA-LAX-DCA with connections in DFW each way.  The fare is under $200 dollars all-in.  With my Platinum status on AA, I receive a 100 percent mileage bonus, and both of these itineraries are eligible for the double elite qualifying mile promotion AA is offering.  In short, just under 20,000 redeemable AND elite qualifying miles for a $400 dollar investment.  There are cheaper ways to get redeemable miles, but EQMs?  I don’t think so.

Do any of you experienced mileage runners have advice for novices?

Hilton HHonors has joined the Rewards Network program.  Register online and earn additional Hilton HHonors points for dining out at participating restaurants.  Complete details are available at the HHonors Dining website.  Maximum earnings are 8 points per dollar spent for “Elite” members of the program (11 dines required).  It’s set up similarly to other airline programs.  Not the most generous, but certainly an easy way to pick up some extra HHonors points.  I’ve registered my HHonors Surpass Card from American Express with the program, so I’ll pick up even more points.

Don’t forget, you’ll now find me on Twitter.  Follow me.

Delta Air Lines is reviving the 500 mile bonus for booking flights on delta.com.  No registration required.  Visit delta.com for details.

It will be interesting to see if other airlines match this offer.  Could it be that Delta was seeing some erosion in it’s delta.com business since the big three online agencies have dropped their booking fees through May?

I’m a day late on this one.  Southwest Airlines is offering 50 percent off Wanna Get Away Fares to a different city each day for 4 days.  Yesterday was Philadelphia, and today is Nashville.  Visit Southwest.com to book.

American has announced an early summer fare sale.  Fares are as low as $36 dollars each way based on a roundtrip purchase.  Purchase by May 3rd and Travel by June 24, 2009.

AA.com

Time for another random post.  Today, I’m blogging from the TGI Fridays at DCA.  I’ll bet many of you have been here.  I’m not flying today.  Instead, I’m waiting to pick up Mrs. MJ on Travel who is arriving from OKC via DFW on American.  I got here early, brought my laptop, and decided to make use of the time here.

As you’ll note in my previous post, I had a fabulous time last night co-hosting the online chat for the 21st annual FREDDIE Awards with Steven Frischling from Flying with Fish.  I was honored to host alongside such an accomplished traveler and blogger as Steven, and thanks again to Randy Peterson for the opportunity.  Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Marriott Rewards really cleaned up last night.  Steven has posted a fantastic summary on his blog.  It was a great evening, and I hope you were able to be there in person or join us on the chat.

My trip to Atlanta next week has been postponed until next month.  I won’t be able to accomplish my primary reason for being there until then due to circumstances outside my control, so I’m rebooked for May 12th.  These many weeks off the road are starting to get on my nerves but that’s the cost of doing business I guess.  Travel runs in cycles for me, and right now, I am in a down cycle.  I don’t have anything else booked until May 22nd, and that’s to Miami to catch our cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas.  Have I mentioned that I’m looking forward to that?!?!  And totally by chance, Dan from Things in the Sky will be on the same cruise.  I’m sure we’ll visit to talk about planes at some point during the cruise.

For what it’s worth, DCA, while not running over with people, is quite busy tonight.  Security is jumping and there’s even a handful of people waiting to use the Clear (R) kiosks at the center pier.  Friday at the airport…gotta love it!  I’ll post more this weekend.

I hope you were able to catch the FREDDIE Awards tonight either online, or live in Fort Lauderdale.  Had a great time co-hosting the online chat with Steven Frischman of Flying with Fish.

Congratulations to Alaska Mileage Plan and Marriott Rewards for winning Program of the Year in North America.

Tomorrow night, April 23rd, I’ll join Steven Frischling of Flying With Fish to provide live commentary on the 21st annual FREDDIE Awards as the ceremony unfolds in Fort Lauderdale.  There will be plenty of insightful conversation on this years award results beginning at 7PM EST.  Join us by clicking here.

I’m extremely honored that Randy Peterson, founder of FlyerTalk, InsideFlyer and Boardingarea.com has offered the opportunity to participate alongside such an accomplished traveler as Steven.  I’m looking  forward to seeing you online tomorrow night and expect a great night of honoring our favorite frequent traveler programs.

You can “pile on the rewards” with Delta SkyMiles.  Earn up to 25,000 SkyMiles by doing business with SkyMiles partners.  You must register in advance at delta.com.  Click here to register and view promotion terms and conditions.