Business Travel Notes : Executive Travel

Earning Points for Charity: The Jewish National Fund’s Frequent Funder award plan, which it says is the first major not-for-profit program of its kind, has signed 2,500 members since it was established earlier this year. Contributors earn a point for each dollar given; points can be redeemed for gift certificates or converted into miles in several major airline and hotel award programs, among them El Al, American Airlines, United Airlines, Hyatt Hotels and Budget Rent-a-Car. Other discounts and benefits are available, and the awards are transferable. Contributions to the fund, which sponsors land and environmental projects in Israel, have increased 300% since the incentives began, the organization said. More information is available by calling (800) 762-9273.

*

Midnight Mileage Checks: Frequent fliers can now check their United Airlines mileage accounts any hour of the day or night, on-line. The carrier and CompuServe are including the information in a new service called United Connection, which also allows users to book flights and obtain departure and arrival information. A spokesman said United hopes the service can be upgraded to allow program members to file for awards on-line.