AFF Knowledge Centre general feedback

[markis10]

If you have any feedback on the resource, please feel free to post here. What can we do to improve it, is there a subject you want some training in etc?

 

[samh004]

Really loving the content, and despite having heard all about buying miles in the past, this is perhaps just the content I needed to read to get me to do something about it. If I win a scholarship to Spain later in the year, I'd be inclined to fly at the pointy end on points, rather than at the back, especially considering the points I'd earn from a Y fare will dramatically reduce by then!

As for the guide, some of the images could do with being a little bigger when you click on them, as they're a little hard to read.

Also, under the US Dividend section, clicking the first picture attempts to lead me to a US Air PDF, but the link doesn't work for me.

 

[dalereardon]

Could you or someone setup an email subscription list, RSS feed or similar to notify us of additions to the knowledge base?

I am a Gold member of the forum and think this should be a paid member benefit rather than free to everyone. It will just save people so much time and is a great resource for us all.

Your call but it is definitely worth it.

Dale.

 

[amaroo]

re: “Frugal Premium Cabin Flying” Discussion

Must be some teething problems. Can't access as I'm not a member....yes, I'm logged in. Maybe it's because I'm a paid gold member?

Will try again later.....

 

[MEL_Traveller]

re: “Frugal Premium Cabin Flying” Discussion

Must be some teething problems. Can't access as I'm not a member....yes, I'm logged in. Maybe it's because I'm a paid gold member?

Will try again later.....

I had the same issue - followed the note to 'log out' and then back in, it worked

 

[admin]

re: “Frugal Premium Cabin Flying” Discussion

No, nothing to do with being a GOLD member. Try log out of AFF and then log in again. Shoot me a PM if you continue to have problems.

Must be some teething problems. Can't access as I'm not a member....yes, I'm logged in. Maybe it's because I'm a paid gold member?

Will try again later.....

 

[amaroo]

Re: “Frugal Premium Cabin Flying” Discussion

Bingo! Just goes to show one should take the time to read instructions. TBH when I saw the no access message - I just switched off

 

[kpc]

Re: “Frugal Premium Cabin Flying” Discussion

It seems that any AFF registered member can access this new site....my concern (as I have stated in person to the moderators previously) is that if one posts all the "tricks" there, and the "industry" can also access them, it won't be long before it gets shuts down...

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Re: “Frugal Premium Cabin Flying” Discussion

It seems that any AFF registered member can access this new site....my concern (as I have stated in person to the moderators previously) is that if one posts all the "tricks" there, and the "industry" can also access them, it won't be long before it gets shuts down...

I wouldn't have thought that was the intention? For example the LM spread-sheet with 'trick-its' shouldn't be posted on a forum such as this.

The information that is there now (for USDM and AA at least) is a great start, but perhaps of little practical use on its own. There are so many rules around each of the programs that anyone buying miles on the basis of the information could be sorely disappointed.

The guides need to be read in conjunction with the extensive existing discussion. (Or upgraded if the purpose is to make them available for sale.)

 

[markis10]

Re: “Frugal Premium Cabin Flying” Discussion

It seems that any AFF registered member can access this new site....my concern (as I have stated in person to the moderators previously) is that if one posts all the "tricks" there, and the "industry" can also access them, it won't be long before it gets shuts down...

The tricks etc are unlikely to feature, as just by their nature they are transitory. Its more about the basics, and taking advantage of programs best features, ie maximizing returns within the programs terms and conditions.

 

[diningdecadence]

Re: “Frugal Premium Cabin Flying” Discussion

i'm prefacing this comment by saying i haven't read the "guide" however,

if i was based ex-AUS and not already into the miles purchasing game i'd be stoked by this as it opens up a new world of opportunity and availability is likely to be great.

as an AUS based member of the forum who has dedicated countless hours reading through hundreds of pages of threads for each of the different programs i am disappointed that this has appeared. I am not a paid member of this site, however (selfishly) i would be happier if this content was only available to those that are willing to pay for a subscription to the forum. whilst the AFF moderators may have done this out of the generosity and co-operation of sharing, it appears to be detrimental to those already part of the game. in short, those reclusive few F seats SYD-LAX are going to be even harder to find now!

I dislike the ability for someone to get it all put on a platter for them. there are many members here who are very gracious in answering specific questions poised quickly, but that at least requires some to-and-fro on the board and inevitably engenders discussion, whereas i'm not sure that this endeavour currently promotes that.

/rant. perhaps i will re-visit my comment once i have made the effort to review the information provided.

 

[samh004]

Re: “Frugal Premium Cabin Flying” Discussion

i'm prefacing this comment by saying i haven't read the "guide" however,

if i was based ex-AUS and not already into the miles purchasing game i'd be stoked by this as it opens up a new world of opportunity and availability is likely to be great.

as an AUS based member of the forum who has dedicated countless hours reading through hundreds of pages of threads for each of the different programs i am disappointed that this has appeared. I am not a paid member of this site, however (selfishly) i would be happier if this content was only available to those that are willing to pay for a subscription to the forum. whilst the AFF moderators may have done this out of the generosity and co-operation of sharing, it appears to be detrimental to those already part of the game. in short, those reclusive few F seats SYD-LAX are going to be even harder to find now!

I dislike the ability for someone to get it all put on a platter for them. there are many members here who are very gracious in answering specific questions poised quickly, but that at least requires some to-and-fro on the board and inevitably engenders discussion, whereas i'm not sure that this endeavour currently promotes that.

/rant. perhaps i will re-visit my comment once i have made the effort to review the information provided.

I think the idea here is the information in the first section is freely available all over, but collated nicely to show off what the Knowledge Centre can do. In the future, there will be paid content, though seemingly not linked to being a paid SILVER or GOLD member of the site, but a different offering entirely. The information that can be paid for will perhaps be a little more exclusive. In any case, coming along to an event is where you'll learn the most, and perhaps that'll be the direction future paid knowledge will take, with some sort of seminar that gives you the info without it being freely available to all. The possibilities are endless, but this first step is just a taste I think you'll find.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Re: “Frugal Premium Cabin Flying” Discussion

i'm prefacing this comment by saying i haven't read the "guide" however,

if i was based ex-AUS and not already into the miles purchasing game i'd be stoked by this as it opens up a new world of opportunity and availability is likely to be great.

as an AUS based member of the forum who has dedicated countless hours reading through hundreds of pages of threads for each of the different programs i am disappointed that this has appeared. I am not a paid member of this site, however (selfishly) i would be happier if this content was only available to those that are willing to pay for a subscription to the forum. whilst the AFF moderators may have done this out of the generosity and co-operation of sharing, it appears to be detrimental to those already part of the game. in short, those reclusive few F seats SYD-LAX are going to be even harder to find now!

I dislike the ability for someone to get it all put on a platter for them. there are many members here who are very gracious in answering specific questions poised quickly, but that at least requires some to-and-fro on the board and inevitably engenders discussion, whereas i'm not sure that this endeavour currently promotes that.

/rant. perhaps i will re-visit my comment once i have made the effort to review the information provided.

I think if AFF can generate revenue that could be a good thing.

Why should a blogging site profit by providing the same information (on a platter) but AFF miss the boat?

The only caveat I have is the intricacies associated with the risks of buying miles: program devaluations, award availability, problems when flights are cancelled or rescheduled, getting help (in English) when things go wrong.

I think AFF needs to protect itself from any negativity which might come as a result of any of the above after someone has purchased miles thinking it 'is all so easy'.

I think that can be easily fixed with appropriate disclaimers (pointing out some of the pitfalls).

 

[Bazzi]

Re: “Frugal Premium Cabin Flying” Discussion

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I have spent the past couple of weekends researching various US FF programs, reading pages and pages of forum postings on each program, trying to determine the best program to invest $ in and making many notes, all in preparation for a trip to Europe next year. This morning I was thinking that it would be great to have all this information in one place for quick reference and that I would happily pay for such content, or even better, an AFF seminar on the programs. How delighted was I to see the AFF Gazette in my inbox with the link to the Knowledge Centre. How surprised was I that I didn't have to be a paid up member of AFF to access the information.

I agree with others that to benefit requires effort and while I enjoy free basic membership of AFF, I would happily pay for this content as either a purchase per 'class', a donation (akin to Wikipedia) or as part of another membership level. I am now researching Award Nexus and Expert Flyer so a Gold membership application may be on the cards for me anyway.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Re: “Frugal Premium Cabin Flying” Discussion

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I have spent the past couple of weekends researching various US FF programs, reading pages and pages of forum postings on each program, trying to determine the best program to invest $ in and making many notes, all in preparation for a trip to Europe next year. This morning I was thinking that it would be great to have all this information in one place for quick reference and that I would happily pay for such content, or even better, an AFF seminar on the programs. How delighted was I to see the AFF Gazette in my inbox with the link to the Knowledge Centre. How surprised was I that I didn't have to be a paid up member of AFF to access the information.

I agree with others that to benefit requires effort and while I enjoy free basic membership of AFF, I would happily pay for this content as either a purchase per 'class', a donation (akin to Wikipedia) or as part of another membership level. I am now researching Award Nexus and Expert Flyer so a Gold membership application may be on the cards for me anyway.

I think the key preparation (and this should perhaps be incorporated into the guides somewhere) is this:

Join all the relevant FF programs now - many have 'new member' restrictions either delaying or preventing the purchase of miles if you either weren't signed up, or have not been a member long enough.

Relevant programs are Alaska, Lifemiles, US Airways, AA.

Secondly, be prepared to act quickly. If a miles deal comes up, find availability and be prepared to book. Hoarding miles can have significant risk, especially through program devaluations.

 

[Bazzi]

Re: “Frugal Premium Cabin Flying” Discussion

I think the key preparation (and this should perhaps be incorporated into the guides somewhere) is this:


Join all the relevant FF programs now - many have 'new member' restrictions either delaying or preventing the purchase of miles if you either weren't signed up, or have not been a member long enough.


Relevant programs are Alaska, Lifemiles, US Airways, AA.


Secondly, be prepared to act quickly. If a miles deal comes up, find availability and be prepared to book. Hoarding miles can have significant risk, especially through program devaluations.

Thanks MEL_Traveller for the tip. Our travel is not until Aug/Sept2015 and the earliest booking opportunity will be Sept/Oct 2014 so I want to be ready to get in early, which poses the question, do I buy points now or wait for a better offer?

One of the biggest frustrations is the inability to see availability of awards or book on line in some of the programs. I like to see my options on the screen rather than going over them in a phone conversation and running the risk of missing out if I can't make a decision at that time.

Is the Avianca LM site really as clunky as I am experiencing? Having to start from scratch if you want to modify the search in any way - cabin class/date etc?

 

[samh004]

Re: “Frugal Premium Cabin Flying” Discussion

Along the top bar of AFF I see a link to Discussions, Gazette, Flight Tracker etc... could the Knowledge Centre also be added for easier access?

 

[admin]

Re: “Frugal Premium Cabin Flying” Discussion

Done! Great suggestion - thanks.

Along the top bar of AFF I see a link to Discussions, Gazette, Flight Tracker etc... could the Knowledge Centre also be added for easier access?

 

[JessicaTam]

Re: “Frugal Premium Cabin Flying” Discussion

<snip>

Is the Avianca LM site really as clunky as I am experiencing? Having to start from scratch if you want to modify the search in any way - cabin class/date etc?

Yes it is.

 

[travelislife]

Re: “Frugal Premium Cabin Flying” Discussion

I think this is a great resource and idea, although I 100% think it should only be accessible to paid up gold members of AFF (I am currently not but probably would for this resource).

I guess I think there should be some payment required for access as it spells out so clearly what many people spend hours trying to figure out themselves.