Ausbt rebranded to executive traveler

[Robert K]

seems Ausbt has rebranded to executive traveller.

Just FYI incase you’re like me and don’t want to give them your page views.

 

[zenyattamondatta]

seems Ausbt has rebranded to executive traveller.

Just FYI incase you’re like me and don’t want to give them your page views.

Where’s the “irredeemably stupid” button when you need one?

 

[docjames]

Any chance of fleshing out these comments further?

- why avoid giving them page views?

- is the rebrand irredeemably stupid? Or avoiding the clicks?

Noting the change happened some weeks ago....

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Well... I went to the new site last week. Granted, it usually takes a while to get used to new layouts... but it feels clunky and looks like a way to cover up the lack of new content. I can't remember the new site name, so once the redirect from ausbt goes I probably won't visit.

 

[yohy?!]

Agreed it's quite stale these days in terms of content and the forums are quite combative and unmoderated.

saw the rebrand and thought it was silly them killing the old brand off rather than just creating a new one for a wider audience,

seems like a site to regurgitate press releases these days (vis QF 787 launch and PE seat etc) rather than some of the good content they used to create themselves, guess it's been sold off?

 

[Robert K]

They recommended something cough. I called them out in the comments. And they got all snarky. I haven’t been back since.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Agreed it's quite stale these days in terms of content and the forums are quite combative and unmoderated.

saw the rebrand and thought it was silly them killing the old brand off rather than just creating a new one for a wider audience,

seems like a site to regurgitate press releases these days (vis QF 787 launch and PE seat etc) rather than some of the good content they used to create themselves, guess it's been sold off?

business traveller (the UK edition and its variants around Asia etc) is actually a good read. They have flight reviews, hotel reviews, seat maps, special promos, letters to the editor and I've seen 'ask business traveller' (or whatever its called) where they have some good reader questions with industry-based resolutions. The flight and hotel reviews on business traveller seem to be independent in a lot of cases. It's always a nice read for 30 mins on a flight.

I don't think ausbt has the same opportunity to give flight reviews given its such a small market both in terms of airlines flying here and, I'm guessing, the size of the aviation community in Oz.

There is a real opportunity to get involved in the consumer element, perhaps through adding a legal expert - even part time - to their staff.

 

[jetset]

I can echo the general sentiment in this thread. Ausbt used to be a good source of australian-centric lounge and airline reviews with a fairly systematic approach and willing to note criticism. Now it just seems to regurgitate positive press releases about the latest 'revolutionary' business product. Barely any real criticism on there.

I've stopped reading.

 

[Alyopsis]

I like Ausbt but they are increasingly turning into a watch gallery and flashy booze appreciation website. They maybe need to cut the irrelevant filler content and focus on what they were good at

 

[pauly7]

I like Ausbt but they are increasingly turning into a watch gallery and flashy booze appreciation website. They maybe need to cut the irrelevant filler content and focus on what they were good at

Watches booze and cars is where there are a lot of $.....

 

[Daver6]

I also echo most of the comments here. I guess part of the problem is what has really changed with the offerings by Australian airlines? When there are new lounges, seat, aircraft etc there is actually something to write about. Once it has all been covered and nothing new, they are a bit limited in material.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I also echo most of the comments here. I guess part of the problem is what has really changed with the offerings by Australian airlines? When there are new lounges, seat, aircraft etc there is actually something to write about. Once it has all been covered and nothing new, they are a bit limited in material.

But that's where they could branch out with reader letters, or an advice column, like Business Traveller (Magazine). But the advice column could work against them given there's really only a handful of airlines that provide their bread and butter.

 

[glasszon]

I also echo most of the comments here. I guess part of the problem is what has really changed with the offerings by Australian airlines? When there are new lounges, seat, aircraft etc there is actually something to write about. Once it has all been covered and nothing new, they are a bit limited in material.

True, but they are not limited to Airlines, they can talk about any new hotels that are being opened in Australia, hotel reviews or even just good offers that happens from time to time. No doubt it is harder than a site with a global focus, but it is certainly possible to keep the website full with content.

 

[Danger]

The Business Traveller magazine is great. I wish I could justify the high cost of subscription. But Australian Business Traveller is not my cup of tea. I subscribe to their newsletters but I don't click on the links - it simply gives me a preview of what I can expect to read on AFF where I'll find a more engaging discussion.

 

[Alyopsis]

I respectfully disagree about a lack of relevant content. Executive Traveller are very focused on the good seats. They could expand their local horizons - look at commuter airlines, LCCs, airport facilities beyond lounges, accommodation that isn’t 5 star. When’s the last time they reviewed a Best Western? Granted, I like business class and the Hilton as much as the next person, but like most people I have to mix it up to stretch dollars and points further.

 

[stm1sydney]

I can echo the general sentiment in this thread. ... Now it just seems to regurgitate positive press releases about the latest 'revolutionary' business product. Barely any real criticism on there.
I've stopped reading.

A fair summary.

 

[TomJones]

I've always questioned how they only really review 5 star hotels and business class flights. Granted that may be where the clicks are, but not all of us road warriors are blessed with corporate travel policies that generous, or sufficient seniority.

Travel policies only allowing travel in Y (Y+ if over 12 hours) with coughty cheap hotels aren't unheard of, and no one reviews them from the perspective of a business traveller, besides the odd youtuber in some rare cases.

Just my 2c.

 

[Spongbob]

Review of most airline Y flights: OK for the price; or avoid if possible.

Review of most 3 star hotels: small rooms but value for money; or stay elsewhere.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Review of most airline Y flights: OK for the price; or avoid if possible.

Review of most 3 star hotels: small rooms but value for money; or stay elsewhere.

Business Traveller (the magazine) used to put out annual first, business and economy comparisons... listing the seat pitch, width, recline, WC-to-pax ratio and cabin crew-to-pax ratio. (The really old versions used to include whether in-seat screens were available!)

There’s still a market for something like that today, which could be extended to include whether or not an airline has paid exit seats, overhead air vents, and whether their 777s are 3-3-3 or 3-4-3. And perhaps whether meals are fully catered or buy on board (like Etihad). BT used to send out a request to airlines and compile the results.

For hotels there can be some good deals out there like... a couple of years ago there was some deal to get a bonus 2000 avios per stay at hiltons. Or with accor you got double then triple accor points for one, two or more stays. Those can sometimes get missed.

There could be reviews on the Hub Premier Inn hotels, and MotelOne (both which take the easyhotel concept, but make the rooms deluxe). These can represent significant savings over premium properties, or be of much better standard than easyhotel.

There’s lots and lots of real information, that can save businesses money, and make for a better journey. But this really needs people who have the real-life experience and knowledge to bring these stories.

 

[Melburnian1]

The Business Traveller magazine is great. I wish I could justify the high cost of subscription. But Australian Business Traveller is not my cup of tea. I subscribe to their newsletters but I don't click on the links - it simply gives me a preview of what I can expect to read on AFF where I'll find a more engaging discussion.

'Business Traveller' (in multiple editions worldwide, but Asia/Pacific is our local) is great value if one subscribes for three years as this brings down the cost per issue.

It is printed in Hong Kong and reliably delivered by Australia Post. Only once in the last six years has an issue gone astray. They mailed a replacement.

It's a good magazine, with its readers' letters bringing up some problems that may not often be discussed elsewhere. Responses from airlines range from nothing to extremely good, with some commenting on the substance of complaint(s). Other airline responses can be a fail when they read like an advertisement.