Free Amex flight now with Virgin Blue [ONLY] effective Oct 1

[serfty]

...serfty, as a matter of interest - would your tune change if the proposed JV between DJ and NZ goes ahead and you ended up with elite bennies on DJ due to your NZ status?

I'd imagine it'd be a more positive spin. After all, that's a mini-version (a microcosm, if you will) of DJ joining an alliance.

Certainly, depending upon how the JV pans out.

I get lounge access in any case and the QF flights are not supposed to earn points/SC's anyway.

My issue is with losing status/premium perks like preferred seating, additional baggage etc. - minor I know, but for me it'd be a change for the worse.

 

[Homer]

Currently Amex membership rewards credits everything else apart from QF.

Not necessarily. It depends which rewards program your card is in. The Centurion card and the Platinum charge card are both enrolled in Ascent Premium and membership rewards points earned under this program can be transferred to QF. There are also a number of other American Express cards which directly earn QF points.

 

[kamchatsky]

Not necessarily. It depends which rewards program your card is in. The Centurion card and the Platinum charge card are both enrolled in Ascent Premium and membership rewards points earned under this program can be transferred to QF. There are also a number of other American Express cards which directly earn QF points.

I would assume that QF Ultimate Amex would still have QF flights, rather than DJ.

 

[Homer]

I would assume that QF Ultimate Amex would still have QF flights, rather than DJ.

I'm sure you're right as it's a QF co-branded card.

 

[kpc]

I'm reasonably happy with this change, and looking forward to seeing the improved choice of destinations from Perth.

According to my letter, they are: Darwin, Broome, Port Headland, Karratha, Newman, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane

 

[kamchatsky]

According to my letter, they are: Darwin, Broome, Port Headland, Karratha, Newman, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane

Great for people going to OzFest next year (@ Darwin)!

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/comm...ia-memorial-day-weekend-may-27-29-2011-a.html

 

[StevePER]

According to my letter, they are: Darwin, Broome, Port Headland, Karratha, Newman, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane

That's a pretty good selection!

 

[mitchy123]

Id actually be pretty happy with the additional choices. Only drawback is people with QF status will not get benefits. Can buy lounge passes for Virgin if need be (as I understand it?).

I like the fact that a lot of regional centers are included, as I am originally from the country, I can fly home to visit family. These flights are relatively more expensive than city flights (taking distance into account) due to lower volume, so this is better value for me. Others may disagree however......

I am not an AMEX Plat CC holder, though this definitely makes it more attractive to me. Now, I just have to negotiate that annual fee down......!

 

[edman]

Got my letter today and I have no problem with the changes, it gives me a lot more options than before and I had resorted to using the hotel stays anyway.

With the card costing me nothing this year its not like I can complain anyway

Hopefully they will still allow me to book 2 at a time around my anniversary date.

 

[auriga]

I quite like the change!

 

[serfty]

... Can buy lounge passes for Virgin if need be (as I understand it?). ...

This WP gets (QP) lounge access anyway.

 

[oz_mark]

This WP gets (QP) lounge access anyway.

This Priority Pass holder gets into The Lounge

 

[straitman]

This Priority Pass holder gets into The Lounge

That is only into selected lounges, is it not :?:
My understanding is that the MEL DJ domestic lounge is not included. I would be pleased to be proven wrong with this.

 

[oz_mark]

That is only into selected lounges, is it not :?:
My understanding is that the MEL DJ domestic lounge is not included. I would be pleased to be proven wrong with this.

I've been in said lounge using my Priority Pass.

 

[nlagalle]

That is only into selected lounges, is it not :?:
My understanding is that the MEL DJ domestic lounge is not included. I would be pleased to be proven wrong with this.

MEL is definitely on the list:

Airport: melbourne - International (MEL), Terminal 3 (Domestic)

Lounge: THE LOUNGE

Location: Landside - proceed down escalators then turn left before Security.
Opening Hours: Lounge opens 45 minutes prior to first Virgin Blue flight departure and closes after last Virgin Blue departure.
Conditions: Domestic (T3) flights only - Limited to one guest per member - Complimentary alcoholic drinks are limited to beer, wine and champagne - Children under 2 years are admitted free - Smart casual dress at all times (no shorts allowed) - Non-smoking.
Additional Information: Conference facilities are subject to payment.


Priority Club Rewards Hotel Reservations


Also access in SYD, BNE, CBR PER, ADL

 

[anat0l]

...

Priority Club Rewards Hotel Reservations

...

You must mean prioritypass.com:?:

If my Priority Club Platinum could get me into airline lounges, oh my ........... *cue delirious bliss*

 

[nlagalle]

You must mean prioritypass.com:?:

Oops yes!!

Airport Lounge Access Worldwide | Priority Pass

my mistake!

 

[pksw]

Will the available destinations from Melbourne be the same as those for Sydney? On one hand it'll be nice to be able to get to Perth like the old system of this card, on the other I have no DJ status.

 

[Foreigner]

I have been AMEX platinum charge and credit card holder for 2 years but too busy and lazy to seek free flights. Would they give 2 flights if I can explain or decline and point somewhere in T&C ?

 

[serfty]

...serfty, as a matter of interest - would your tune change if the proposed JV between DJ and NZ goes ahead and you ended up with elite bennies on DJ due to your NZ status?

I'd imagine it'd be a more positive spin. After all, that's a mini-version (a microcosm, if you will) of DJ joining an alliance.

Certainly, depending upon how the JV pans out. ...

There's some hints of this on the FT AirNZ Forum:

Originally Posted by NZ_Flyer

"...and we'll soon be announcing some new ways to help you build your Airpoints Dollars(TM) balance so you can redeem more flights"

That's it for a hint apart from the following:

"In addition, the recent changes we've announced around flying to Australia and the Pacific Islands have been well received by both leisure and business travellers. Being able to choose from four options, from seat only through to Works Deluxe across the Tasman and to the Pacific Islands, means we can offer customers flexibility and value. Our seat only product will be priced from $50 below our current fares and again feedback on this has been incredibly positive. For frequent flyers there will be a reserved zone at the front of the aircraft which will offer increased seat pitch"

And:

"Our proposed alliance with Virgin Blue (subject to regulatory approval) will open up greater frequency and more Australian destinations for customers. It will also see access to more lounges in Australia and the ability to earn Airpoints(TM) on connecting domestic flights in Australia."