Point Hacks' purchase of AFF

[kpc]

And Clifford thanks for coming up with AFF and making it what it is. I suspect you have sometimes been less than pleased with things that I have said and done but unfortunately for the new owners at times I will be forthright with my opinions.

Sorry that you don't appear on the list for the Newcastle meeting so i could personally thank you and wish you happiness and good travelling for the future.

I've just booked my flights & accommodation!
Arrive: 21 Oct VA1593
Depart: 23 Oct VA1594
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Newcastle

 

[billmurray]

One thing i don't get with recent Point Hacks articles about CC sign up bonuses, in the title it notes how much the bonus points equate to gift cards. The most recent one i saw is as follows;

150,000 extra ANZ Reward Points (can get $650 in gift card) + $150 back with the ANZ Rewards Black​

Would you agree the credit card churn purists (and the original purpose of Point Hacks) is to maximise bonus points for conversion into their relevant frequent flyer programmes. So this trend to note how much they are in gift cards is pointless and targeting the more casual and those who dont understand the system, would you agree?

 

[NM]

One thing i don't get with recent Point Hacks articles about CC sign up bonuses, in the title it notes how much the bonus points equate to gift cards. The most recent one i saw is as follows;

150,000 extra ANZ Reward Points (can get $650 in gift card) + $150 back with the ANZ Rewards Black​

Would you agree the credit card churn purists (and the original purpose of Point Hacks) is to maximise bonus points for conversion into their relevant frequent flyer programmes. So this trend to note how much they are in gift cards is pointless and targeting the more casual and those who dont understand the system, would you agree?

I expect gift cards example is used as a worst-case example of the "cash value" of the points. So those 150K points are easily convertible to a cash-equivalent of $650. But we all know we can garner far better value from 150K points than redeeming for gift cards.

 

[antoninomubarik]

It will be interesting to see how it evolves. Point Hacks itself has evolved since the change.

snaptube vidmate​

 

[oz_mark]

It will be interesting to see how it evolves. Point Hacks itself has evolved since the change.

snaptube vidmate​

As it was out to me, they took what started out as a hobby and put it on a more commercial footing. AFF itself went through a version of that some years ago.

 

[QF029]

I expect gift cards example is used as a worst-case example of the "cash value" of the points. So those 150K points are easily convertible to a cash-equivalent of $650. But we all know we can garner far better value from 150K points than redeeming for gift cards.

I think they are aiming that at the lowest common denominator. Many people use their points for toasters or to part pay charges on their amex.

Post automatically merged: Oct 20, 2022

The latest newsletter headline was "Taj Mahal on your bucket list? We flew Business Class to India for $212 with points!"

This seems like progress. Perhaps the feedback is getting through.

 

[Mr H]

The solution should be, using the $79 post as an example:

“$79 + 93,500 KF miles which we currently value at $1,683”

That way you include the value of the miles required to make the redemption. Whether they cost $0 or $1,000 to acquire doesn’t really matter, they are still worth $1,683 according to their own website.

This would be circular. The value of the point is defined by the price of a typical redemption, so this essentially says "93,500 KF miles which we currently value at the value of what you are redeeming them on".

If you are going to reference the value of the points, it would need to be in terms of the cost to acquire those points - and some points are acquired expensively when others are basically free.

 

[Freq Flier 2013]

For me if there were reps here from all travel related companies then the value of this forum would increase a lot.
I remember when Qantas and other reps were here and helped members.
Maybe this can be a change / improvement that the new owners can make.

 

[jakeseven7]

For me if there were reps here from all travel related companies then the value of this forum would increase a lot.
I remember when Qantas and other reps were here and helped members.
Maybe this can be a change / improvement that the new owners can make.

Help to get the largest credit card sign ups

 

[BAM1748]

For me if there were reps here from all travel related companies then the value of this forum would increase a lot.
I remember when Qantas and other reps were here and helped members.
Maybe this can be a change / improvement that the new owners can make.

However, the trouble is reps have to take the company line, often the problems raised here are because of the company line and only token help is forthcoming.

I find much more help from 'regular' posters whom have been there and done that.

Company reps on a frequent flyer forum probably aren't frequent flyers themselves and theory doesn't beat real world travel advice on fixing or getting around a problem.

 

[Hvr]

However, the trouble is reps have to take the company line, often the problems raised here are because of the company line and only token help is forthcoming.

Some of the issues I saw when Red Roo posted was that there were people who didn't follow normal processes to get resolution; some wanted intervention for matters that weren't the fault of the airline. Others demanded outcomes that were not reasonable compared to the initial issue.

And way too many people joined up to seek assistance and then disappeared.

Basically, it cost the airline more than it was worth. I understand why they ceased posting.

 

[Mr H]

Some of the issues I saw when Red Roo posted was that there were people who didn't follow normal processes to get resolution; some wanted intervention for matters that weren't the fault of the airline. Others demanded outcomes that were not reasonable compared to the initial issue.

And way too many people joined up to seek assistance and then disappeared.

Basically, it cost the airline more than it was worth. I understand why they ceased posting.

I think this goes back to the fundamental question asked upthread about what is the main purpose of this forum/site? Is it:

a) for frequent flyers (usually on revenue fares) to share tips and experiences from their life on the road​

b) for points collectors to share tips on how to accumulate a lot of points, regardless of what they are redeemed for​

c) how to maximise the benefit of points when redeeming for flights​

Maybe 15 years ago these were not such discrete categories since the way to accumulate lots of points was generally through making lots of revenue flights. That is no longer the case, and flying is one of the slowest ways to accumulate points.

Of these three categories, airline reps would presumably see value in (a) because this helps loyal revenue pax to stay loyal. They would probably see value also in (b) because ultimately, airlines sell points to financial services institutions for profit. It is category (c) that would be problematic, as the airlines have already taken their money and it is then in their interests for customers to redeem as cheaply as possible. No idea what that would be, but I am guessing that 14 sector, 35,000 mile business class redemptions on partner airlines is not it.

Like many members on here, I have flown frequently for work in the past but never expect to do so again. I have migrated from (a) to (b) and (c). I am guessing that modern tech and Covid will mean that category (a) is a diminishing pool, so it makes sense that this site focuses increasingly on points hacks.

 

[RooFlyer]

I think this goes back to the fundamental question asked upthread about what is the main purpose of this forum/site? Is it:

a) for frequent flyers (usually on revenue fares) to share tips and experiences from their life on the road
b) for points collectors to share tips on how to accumulate a lot of points, regardless of what they are redeemed for
c) how to maximise the benefit of points when redeeming for flights

Surely the 'main purpose' has been, and can be, all these and more?

People can put in, and take out, what they wish and think useful.

Personally - I learn things in flight/in life; I share. I forget things, I lack knowledge; I ask. I get travel ideas from Trip Reports. I share travel news I think worth sharing; I read news posted by others.
______

As a lesson on how sites can really go downhill, took to Trip Advisor. Used to be a good resource for looking for best/better places and experiences. Then it turned into a booking site, taking commission and pushing certain places/experiences. Not evolution but commercialisation - and good luck to them. I abandoned it after abt 300 reviews.

 

[jakeseven7]

Some of the issues I saw when Red Roo posted was that there were people who didn't follow normal processes to get resolution; some wanted intervention for matters that weren't the fault of the airline. Others demanded outcomes that were not reasonable compared to the initial issue.

And way too many people joined up to seek assistance and then disappeared.

Basically, it cost the airline more than it was worth. I understand why they ceased posting.

Add to that how rude some members were to all the company reps.

 

[Mr H]

Surely the 'main purpose' has been, and can be, all these and more?

People can put in, and take out, what they wish and think useful.

Personally - I learn things in flight/in life; I share. I forget things, I lack knowledge; I ask. I get travel ideas from Trip Reports. I share travel news I think worth sharing; I read news posted by others.

That is very interesting but not particularly relevant to whether airlines are going to find it cost effective to appoint reps to participate.

 

[RooFlyer]

That is very interesting but not particularly relevant to whether airlines are going to find it cost effective to appoint reps to participate.

Agreed, but I was addressing the portion of the post I quoted, not the issue you mention here.

 

[Mr H]

Agreed, but I was addressing the portion of the post I quoted, not the issue you mention here.

You were quoting my post out of context to score a point that was not being contested. That's a bit naughty.

 

[RooFlyer]

You were quoting my post out of context to score a point that was not being contested. That's a bit naughty.

Sorry you feel that way; no 'naughty-ness' intended. You made several points, the first (and half your post) on what you thought the main purpose of the forum is & how it’s changed, then moving on what the old airline reps made of it. I was simply providing an alternative to the first. Perfectly in context to that part of your post. I make no comment on the old airline reps, leaving that to others.

 

[Mr H]

Sorry you feel that way; no 'naughty-ness' intended.

You are one of the most interesting contributors and I enjoy reading your trip reports. I have no wish to fall out with you. I simply don't get where you're coming from on this. Perhaps Covid is fogging my brain right now

 

[TheRealTMA]

You are one of the most interesting contributors and I enjoy reading your trip reports. I have no wish to fall out with you. I simply don't get where you're coming from on this. Perhaps Covid is fogging my brain right now

It’s all right, he’s from Tasmania!