Help, My Frequent Flyer Miles Expired!

Sarah's 60,000 United miles suddenly disappeared, victim of
the airline's expiration policy. Can they be recovered? Tim Winship
explains the options, and the fees.

How Can Miles Be Transferred Between Spouses?

Our reader's husband is no longer able to travel. Can he
transfer his United miles to his wife's account? Tim Winship
suggests a better way.

The Best Non-Airline Credit Card for Travel Rewards?

A reader asks about switching from an airline-specific credit
card to American Express. Tim Winship replies.

Help, Fuel Surcharges Are Making My 'Free' Ticket Unaffordable!

Not all airlines impose phony "extra" surcharges, writes Tim
Winship. Here's how to make sure your free ticket stays
free.

Why Does a British Airways Award Ticket Cost $500?

Ingrid was quoted more than $500 in fees to use her British
Airways miles for an award trip. Tim Winship explains the how, the
why, and the options.

The flips must go on

The FHA has declared that the flips must go on. The mortgage
insurer recently announced that it would extend a reprieve of its
anti-flipping law through 2012. The exception to their
anti-flipping law was originally enacted in 2010 and set to expire
this month. The rule states that the FHA will not insure loans that
are

2011: The year of record-low mortgage rates

Amidst other notable items crashing markets and tremendous
natural disasters among them 2011 might also become known as the
year of record-low mortgage rates. Not since the early 1950s
perhaps beyond have mortgage rates plumbed these depths. We begin
2012 with fixed interest rates almost a full percentage point below
where we began 2011, at levels which not only promote

No. 1: 5 cities poised for a housing pop

HSH.coms most popular article of 2011 is, 5 cities poised for
a housing pop. Publish date: June 14, 2011 Written by: Robert
McGarvey Excerpt: Read the big, heavily publicized housing market
reports and the only conclusion is that doom and gloom are the dual
engines driving U.S. real estate. Double-digit dips are the norm in
the recent Zillow Home

2012 begins with low mortgage rates

Despite a slight increase from the week prior, mortgage rates
kicked off the new year near historic lows. According to HSH.coms
latest Weekly Mortgage Rate Radar report, rates and points offered
by lenders for the two most popular types of mortgages the
conforming 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and the conforming 5/1
adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) both rose slightly during

The MI tax deduction is on the chopping block

Unless Congress changes the tax rules this year, mortgage
insurance could become both more expensive and less desirable,
something that would hurt the housing market nationwide. Under
current tax rules, the cost for mortgage insurance whether it is
through the FHA or through the private sector is deductible to
homeowners. For instance, if you pay $1,500 in mortgage

How Can Miles Be Transferred Between Spouses?

Our reader's husband is no longer able to travel. Can he
transfer his United miles to his wife's account? Tim Winship
suggests a better way.

American's Flex Awards: Good, Bad, or Ugly?

Our reader thinks American's Flex Awards are a scam
masquerading as frequent flyer salvation. Is he right? Tim Winship
thinks not, and explains why.

The Left's Rights Scam

The left invariably frames its policy pronouncements under
the mantle of so-called "rights" that only the government can
guarantee.

How Can Miles Be Transferred Between Spouses?

Our reader's husband is no longer able to travel. Can he
transfer his United miles to his wife's account? Tim Winship
suggests a better way.

Libertarians and Political Insanity

The two are all but mutually exclusive.

Help, Fuel Surcharges Are Making My 'Free' Ticket Unaffordable!

Not all airlines impose phony "extra" surcharges, writes Tim
Winship. Here's how to make sure your free ticket stays
free.

The Best Non-Airline Credit Card for Travel Rewards?

A reader asks about switching from an airline-specific credit
card to American Express. Tim Winship replies.

Will Obama Go to War?

As we enter 2012, the question of whether our president is
planning to go to war might seem far-fetched, but some troubling
news developments indicate otherwise.

Do Rental Car Companies Charge Extra for Frequent Flyer Miles?

Tim Winship explains that it's standard practice for rental
car companies to charge for frequent flyer miles, and advises it
may not be worth the expense.

Which Credit Card Will Maximize My Miles?

Our reader is poised to buy big-ticket items, and wants to
maximize her miles in the process. Tim Winship outlines her
options.

Bonyads: Iran's Greatest Strength against Sanctions

Iran can subvert sanctions via a very secretive economic
program that few Westerners understand -- the Bonyads.

Why Does a British Airways Award Ticket Cost $500?

Ingrid was quoted more than $500 in fees to use her British
Airways miles for an award trip. Tim Winship explains the how, the
why, and the options.

Airline or Hotel Programs ... Which Are Better?

A reader wonders whether he was right to ignore hotel
programs in favor of airline schemes for 25 years. Tim Winship
suggests he may have missed out on some worthwhile perks.

Ron Paul and the Dictatorship of the Libertariat

Ron Paul has done a serious disservice to the libertarian
movement.

Best Credit Cards for Earning Free Travel

Ready, set, charge your way to a free trip! Tim Winship
reviews the "best" cards around, and explains how to make them work
for you.

No United Miles for My Singapore Airlines Flights?

Singapore is a member of United's loyalty program, but Nancy
was denied United miles for her Singapore flights. It's not a new
problem, according to Tim Winship.

Iowa Should Not Matter

The eight-month spectacle that is the Iowa caucuses every
four years is almost political porn.

Should I Get a JetBlue Credit Card?

Do 10,000 bonus TrueBlue points make the JetBlue credit card
a good buy? Maybe. But there might be better deals to be had,
according to Tim Winship.

The Best Non-Airline Credit Card for Travel Rewards?

A reader asks about switching from an airline-specific credit
card to American Express. Tim Winship replies.

Obama: America's Greatest Asset

The future of America depends on electing a new president in
2012, and the best asset for any potential challenger is Barack
Obama.

Credit Card Benefits -- Denied!

Kat's husband has a SkyMiles credit card, but Delta and
American Express are denying him a standard cardholder benefit. Tim
Winship reads the fine print.

Whitewashing History for California's Kids

California's efforts to be inclusive in the classroom could
spell disaster for education.

Can I Get to Hawaii Using Frequent Flyer Miles?

Is a free first-class ticket to Hawaii a realistic
expectation? Tim Winship shares tips and tricks for successfully
booking award trips.

Should I Just Scrap My Airline Credit Card?

Airline and hotel credit cards are being challenged by
independent rewards cards with easier redemption. Is it time to
switch? Maybe, according to Tim Winship.

Help, My Frequent Flyer Miles Expired!

Sarah's 60,000 United miles suddenly disappeared, victim of
the airline's expiration policy. Can they be recovered? Tim Winship
explains the options, and the fees.

Americans Elect: Obama's Third-Party Tar Pit

The real action that may well decide our next president is
quietly going on in the state offices that qualify candidates and
parties for the November 2012 presidential ballot.

Unlimited Free Upgrades on United? Really?

Erica wonders whether United's promise of unlimited upgrades
is heaven or hype. Tim Winship puts the new policy into
perspective.

Why Does a British Airways Award Ticket Cost $500?

Ingrid was quoted more than $500 in fees to use her British
Airways miles for an award trip. Tim Winship explains the how, the
why, and the options.

Why Did Hilton Award Brian a Free Night?

Brian earned a free night from Hilton, even though he didn't
satisfy all the promotion's conditions. Tim Winship explains how,
and why there's a lesson here for everyone.

The Insult of Leftist Lies

Every time liberals bemoan the reduction of social welfare
programs, they insult the American people.

What Happened to My Bonus Miles?

Our reader complied with the terms of a 10,000-mile bonus
offer, but Delta is withholding her miles. Tim Winship investigates
and suggests a fair-minded solution.

Can I Transfer My Iberia Frequent Flyer Miles to American?

Since American and Iberia are frequent flyer partners, I
should be able to transfer miles from one program to the other,
right? Wrong, according to Tim Winship.

Can I Upgrade My Round-the-World Honeymoon Trip?

Marko is using frequent flyer miles for his honeymoon trip
and wants to upgrade himself and his bride. Tim Winship suggests
his best bet might be to play the "just married" card.

Green Blue Laws

The retro-puritanical environmental movement has resorted to
the equivalent of blue laws -- a state-imposed ban on otherwise
harmless behavior to satisfy the moral urgings of a powerful
political bloc.

Can I Get My Elite Miles Back? Please!

When Delta changed our reader's schedule, he realized he
would earn fewer elite-qualifying miles. Should Delta award him the
original miles, or is he out of luck?

By His Fruits Ye Shall Know Him: Obama's Subversive Appointments

When Obama made his initial cabinet appointments upon
assuming the presidency, it looked as if he had been a moderate
Democrat. Now we know better.

Crime Without Punishment

Out of thin air, a right has been officially and
surreptitiously created exclusively for select previously convicted
murderers: the right to commit, cost-free, further violence, and
even further murders.

Daydreaming about a President Perry

I know, I know. Gov. Rick Perry came in fifth place in that
dumb Iowa caucus. But I'm a daydreamer, and I want to see that
handsome coyote-killer go all the way.

Incomprehensibly Stupid Army Regulation Killing Americans in Afghanistan

Why does the U.S. Army continue to adhere to rules of
engagement that unnecessarily kill our soldiers?

Can I Just Pay a Travel Agent to Book My Award Trip?

Finding frequent flyer award seats is a hassle. It'll cost
you, but the fee charged by a travel agent might be worth
it.

Does American Discriminate Against Families?

A reader found himself stymied when trying to book a free
trip for himself and his wife, and wonders if American has it in
for families. Tim Winship offers his take.

Can I Move Frequent Flyer Miles Among Programs?

For consumers, the ability to exchange miles and points
between their various airline and hotel loyalty accounts is an
obvious plus. Airlines and hotels see the matter very
differently.

How Can I Donate My Frequent Flyer Miles to a Worthy Cause?

Our reader has more than 300,000 frequent flyer miles and
wants to donate them to a worthy cause. Can he? How? Tim Winship
has answers and suggestions.

Help, My Frequent Flyer Miles Expired!

Sarah's 60,000 United miles suddenly disappeared, victim of
the airline's expiration policy. Can they be recovered? Tim Winship
explains the options, and the fees.

Help, Fuel Surcharges Are Making My 'Free' Ticket Unaffordable!

Not all airlines impose phony "extra" surcharges, writes Tim
Winship. Here's how to make sure your free ticket stays
free.

By: Mike

This nitwit should be ashamed and SNL will make a big deal of
it in HIS favor!!! ALEC and SNL should be ashamed!!!! Hope he gets
kicked out of all flights!!!! He thinks he can walk on water!!!
Think again fool (spelled ALEC FOOL BALDWIN!!!! Got no use for
idiots like this !!! Hope he loses everthing befor he
dies!!!

By: Ed

Idiot Alec!! Typical Hollywood elitist--rules are fine for
the common folks but not for them!! Amazed he'd fly on a plane that
uses "fossil" fuel. Guess it's ok for the Hollywood elite when it
suits their travel plans!!!! Guess it's ok to slander Catholics too
if you're a liberal--just imagine if a conservative did it--would
be top news for weeks!!!

The Best Non-Airline Credit Card for Travel Rewards?

A reader asks about switching from an airline-specific credit
card to American Express. Tim Winship replies.

By: mattie

I see so many folks when I fly that do not turn off their
cell phones. And, I am annoyed by it that someone decides to take
my safety into their hands. Why does Alex think that he did not
have to follow the rules? And to then create this huge whirlwind of
twitter messages? You made a mistake in a moment and are now adding
to it. Unfotunately, flying today is stressful enough without
adding more inconvenience to other passengers with undue delays
etc.

By: terry

I don't think any air traveler likes nor understands the
arbitrary, bizarre and clearly outdated FAA rules regarding
electronic devices. Nevertheless, like it or not, the rules are the
rules and we agree to them whenever we step on an airline....read
the terms of your ticket, it's all on there. Here's what I have to
say about Baldwin: He's a hot head and regardless of what an
obnoxious flight attendant may or may not have said to him, it does
not justify his concomitant abuse of her, nor does it justify
delaying the flight and subjecting other passengers to his tirades.
Finally, his publicist is an idiot: tweeting "how come ok..." (sic)
I mean really? That's not even a sentence. Finally, his publicist
misuses the word hypocrisy. Baldwin needs to work on his temper and
get a new publicist. Someone who is fluent in English, articulate
and has a dictionary. Terry

By: Marissa

Alec Baldwin displays the classic example of narcissistic
jerk! For him to think that he is in the right, and blasting
American Airlines for following Federal Safety guidelines is
absurd. The job of a flight attendant is to ensure that ALL
passengers adhere to these guidelines. If he has a problem with
this rule, he should direct his frustrations to the FAA, not the
poor flight attendant that is essentially "the messenger." Also, to
know that other celebrities and news outlets are taking his side is
so frustrating!

How Can Miles Be Transferred Between Spouses?

Our reader's husband is no longer able to travel. Can he
transfer his United miles to his wife's account? Tim Winship
suggests a better way.

Help, Fuel Surcharges Are Making My 'Free' Ticket Unaffordable!

Not all airlines impose phony "extra" surcharges, writes Tim
Winship. Here's how to make sure your free ticket stays
free.

By: georgia

Alec is being discriminated against because of his celebrity
status. I'm with Alec! Flew AA three weeks ago. DFW to LAX a woman
couldn't turn her phone off and NOT ONE flight attendant seemed
concerned, walking past her several times, even when I asked
someone to help her turn it off. Either it matters or it doesn't.
And the rudest attendants...when I asked for a blanket which one of
the elderly former parochial schoolgirls was holding in her hands I
was told "there's a very sick person in the back and if I give you
one I'll have to give one to everybody... WTF? Return flight DFW to
KC a guy was playing his game while we were held up about 40
minutes after the announcement to turn devices off...all the way
till the plane lifted off and he turned it off for maybe 20 seconds
and back on again. Row 7 aisle, so not like he was hiding. Alec has
this one right. AA attendants suck

By: jane mcdaid

just follow the rules.Do you think you are special?Do you
think by berating the help it makes you a man.HAHA

By: James Brown

Is this the same nitwit that promised to leave the U.S. if G.
Bush was elected? Why in the hell is still here?

By: Melsie Monroe

This stunt is by far the most sexiest thing any celebrity has
ever done this year! Bravo Alec: Sexiest of 2011 ;) LOL!

By: Dana

Dear Alec Baldwin: Was that game REALLY that important? If
your escape to the bathroom and slamming the door is actually true
- this strongly resembles a temper tantrum from a 2-year-old. The
next time you are about to take flight and are reluctant to turn
off your device, call to mind John F Kennedy Jr, his wife, Carolyn
and her sister, Lauren Bessette. A phone call was made from
Carolyn's mobile phone right before their plane went down. This may
have contributed to the instruments in the plane giving false
readings and allowing incorrect radio frequencies. We may never
know for sure, butwas that game REALLY that important?

Help, My Frequent Flyer Miles Expired!

Sarah's 60,000 United miles suddenly disappeared, victim of
the airline's expiration policy. Can they be recovered? Tim Winship
explains the options, and the fees.

Why Does a British Airways Award Ticket Cost $500?

Ingrid was quoted more than $500 in fees to use her British
Airways miles for an award trip. Tim Winship explains the how, the
why, and the options.

AVOIDING WARRANTY DENIAL

One category of California Lemon Law cases that our
California Lemon Law law firm handlesis warranty denial
cases.Warranty denialis when a
manufacturerrefuses to repair a vehicle under warranty even
though the warranty is still in effect. The main reasons for
warranty denial are lack of vehicle maintenance;
modificationsto the vehicle; adding after-market accessories
to

YOU DONT NEED TO HAVE POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE TO QUALIFY FOR CALIFORNIA LEMON LAW REMEDIES

On March, 2, 2011, the Forth Appellate District of the
California Court of Appeal ruled in Martinez v. Kia Motors America,
Inc.that the Califonia Lemon Law (Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty
Act) does not require California consumers to have possession of a
lemon vehicle in order to qualify for California Lemon Law
remedies. In Martinez, the consumer

UPDATE YOU DONT NEED TO HAVE POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE TO QUALIFY FOR CALIFORNIA LEMON LAW REMEDIES

In a previous post, it was noted that a California appeals
court held inMartinez v. Kia Motors America, Inc. that
the California Lemon Law does not requirea California
consumer to have possession of the vehicle to qualify forthe
California Lemon Law restitution (repurchase) remedy. The
case was appealed to the California Supreme Court by
Kia.

Ford Motor Companys 6.0 Liter Diesel Engine

As a California lemon law attorneys, we see many problems
with many different types of vehicles. Every once in a while
though, a particular manufacturer has a problem with a vehicle
component that we see quite often. Ford Motor Companys 6.0 liter
diesel engine found in Ford F-Series trucks (Ford F-250; Ford
F-350; Ford F-450;

So Mr. Lemon Law Attorney, What Make of Car Should I Get?

Several times a year I am asked by my clients what make of
vehicle I recommend. I really do not have a particular
recommendation for these clients. However, as a California Lemon
Lawattorney, I do have a record of the particular makes and model
vehicles my firm has mostly dealt with. All manufacturers make
lemons.

Toyota Recall: Is My Car A Lemon?

Ever since news of theToyota recalls received extensive
media attention, we havebeen getting calls from concerned
Toyota owners.Most of theowners want to know
ifthe California Lemon Law covers their vehicle because of
the recall. Generally, to have a Lemon Law claim in California the
buyer of a vehicle must experience a problem covered by the
warranty

EXTENDED WARRANTY or SERVICE CONTRACT? To Buy or Not to Buy?

In these tough economic times most consumers are relying on
their vehicles to last longer. The days of the 24 month lease or
consumers changing cars every three years is going by the wayside.
As a result, consumers are often asking us whether they should buy
an Extended Warranty in conjunction with their new vehicle

NO PROBLEM FOUND: NOW WHAT?

California (CA) Lemon Law News and Info We have all heard the
saying that taking your car to the dealer for repair is like going
to the doctor. Once you get there, the problem seems to go away. Or
does it? Just as we have seen an exponential development of
computer technology in the past ten years,

BMW High Pressure Fuel Pump

One of the worst problemsour California Lemon Law law
firm has seen in recent years is the defective BMW high pressure
fuel pump found in the BMW 335i and BMW 535i models equipped with
the N54 engine. The defective high pressure fuel pump can
cause extremelydangerous situations for drivers and
passengers of these vehicles. For

Honda Civic Hybrid, The Class Action That Couldnt

Honda has major problems with its Civic Hybrids. In fact, in
2009 Honda attempted to enter into a class action lawsuit
settlement concerning its 2003 to 2008 Civic Hybrids. However, the
judge would not approve the settlement. The main problem with these
Civic Hybrids is they get nowhere near the estimated fuel mileage.
The estimates