2014 Centurion Benefits

[marki]

So anyone heard anything about the purported new upcoming Centurion benefits? (Read some chatter on FT)

What did FT say suggest

 

[blessed11]

Nothing specific - a few members had mentioned rumour had it Centurion was to release a set of new benefits soon

 

[Diesellife]

I love rumors, they are generally exciting.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

So anyone heard anything about the purported new upcoming Centurion benefits? (Read some chatter on FT)

Where exactly on FT you read this please?

 

[blessed11]

Will try dig up on the weekend

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Will try dig up on the weekend

Please do - I did a quick scan this morn and can see nothing - I have this morn sent off email to RM requesting info on impending added benefits and if none are to be forthcoming then please arrange to cancel my card - I did clear out all MR pts yesterday and transferred funds to clear o/s bal excl 5K fee which appeared on Mar 9 - will be interesting to see response.

 

[Pukka]

Please do - I did a quick scan this morn and can see nothing - I have this morn sent off email to RM requesting info on impending added benefits and if none are to be forthcoming then please arrange to cancel my card - I did clear out all MR pts yesterday and transferred funds to clear o/s bal excl 5K fee which appeared on Mar 9 - will be interesting to see response.

It'll be along the lines of we have a lot of exciting added benefits in the pipeline but as they are not yet confirmed I'm not at liberty to discuss. Please be aware that once you cancel the Centurion card you will never be offered it again!! (Which is a lie by the way because that's what they told me when I ditched it last time)

 

[Cruiser Elite]

It's done - cancelled Cent in Fri without a whimper from AMEX - have held Amex cards continuously for 32 yrs but no more - life goes on huh.

 

[marki]

Ah ok I am surprised they could dump you so unceremoniously without so much as a whimper!

 

[sparoz]

So, nothing new so far? My Wine Companion got some really good prices recently. They are just a little bit slow to send their stuff.

 

[mello128]

Another benefit removal - Amex disbanded the Frequent Flyer team for both Centurion and Platinum members. Did receive update that "no formal communications" would be sent out however if anyone calls up to use the services - they will tell them that the services is no available. All the FF team have been re-deployed and the excuse Amex is using is that the airlines prefer and insisted that they do not like and will not deal with 3rd party FF ticket redemption organisers like Amex.

I did follow up with SIA, Qantas, Emirates and Cathay and they all denied this is the case. All these airlines advised that they were OK and the still receive requests from Amex FF service team from the Asian countries.

Interesting..more cost cutting measures for Amex Aust top premium customers???

 

[sparoz]

I am never comfortable with giving them my logon details and they can spend my points anyway. I am sure AFF is a much better resource for us anyway.

 

[Diesellife]

I am never comfortable with giving them my logon details and they can spend my points anyway. I am sure AFF is a much better resource for us anyway.

I agree. I'm happy to do it myself, it's almost like looking for the hidden treasure!

 

[Pukka]

Has anyone ever used any of those award booking services like www.bookyouraward.com

I've often wondered if I'm making the most out of my points.

I think these work by swapping points between FF programs to make the most out of the points.

I can't say I've ever bothered probably because I've got plenty points but I shouldn't be wasting them!!

 

[sparoz]

I haven't as I think the way they price it is pretty steep and I am not sure if I am going to save any time at all. I remember there is another company offer similar things that is run by an Australian which is subscription based. The biggest problem is if you it is a simple routing, you don't need them. And if it is complex, you need to tell them exactly what you want anyway so there's really not much time saving. So, all I am is armed with Expert Flyer to search for seat availability and book direct. My 2cents.

 

[mello128]

I regularly use the service and besides booking the flights, their expertise and insights into flight routes, most effective redemptions etc.. which the AFF site. I have certainly been able to gain knowledge in maximising my MR points without spending tens of hours sorting out each program effectiveness. Will miss this service like many of my fellow cardholders that I personally know.

 

[maninblack]

The benefits scorecard for 2014 is not looking too healthy! Excitement factor - Zero

Does anyone think that there are people really handing over a $5000 joining fee and the $5000 annual fee for this?

 

[wafliron]

Another benefit removal - Amex disbanded the Frequent Flyer team for both Centurion and Platinum members. Did receive update that "no formal communications" would be sent out however if anyone calls up to use the services - they will tell them that the services is no available. All the FF team have been re-deployed and the excuse Amex is using is that the airlines prefer and insisted that they do not like and will not deal with 3rd party FF ticket redemption organisers like Amex.

I did follow up with SIA, Qantas, Emirates and Cathay and they all denied this is the case. All these airlines advised that they were OK and the still receive requests from Amex FF service team from the Asian countries.

One of my business partners who holds a Cent card also just discovered that the FF team had been disbanded - for whatever reason it was one of the benefits he valued most, and its loss will probably lead to him cancelling the card at next renewal.

It definitely sounds like they're BS'ing about the reasons for disbanding the team, too - they told him they couldn't offer the service anymore due to the recent changes to the Privacy Act (which is utter BS in isolation, but also a different reason to the one you were given).

 

[mello128]

One of my business partners who holds a Cent card also just discovered that the FF team had been disbanded - for whatever reason it was one of the benefits he valued most, and its loss will probably lead to him cancelling the card at next renewal.

It definitely sounds like they're BS'ing about the reasons for disbanding the team, too - they told him they couldn't offer the service anymore due to the recent changes to the Privacy Act (which is utter BS in isolation, but also a different reason to the one you were given).

Seems they could not even get their story aligned! Very disappointing indeed. The service was valuable as the FF team knew all the ins and outs of all airline loyalty programs for flight redemptions and flight routes to maximise your points usage. This service is irreplaceable as I know I have spent hours and hours time researching when previously I would have received the intel and knowledge from the team.

 

[sparoz]

Does anyone know what is the Peninsula Hong Kong deal at the moment? I am going to be there for three nights, and looks like Peninsula themselves is offering 2nd night free if you stay in a Suite.