Am I a Frequent Flyer???

[bossreggie]

Thanks for correcting my spelling

I'm really hopeful that you were not annoyed!!

I do happen to agree with you. I honestly just can't be bothered looking for "deals".

I also prefer my PA concentrates on things aside from finding the best redemption rates on points.

I'm not trying to be flippant...... It's just that they are NOT my priorities.

Boss

 

[scaredeycat]

When I first joined this forum I truly was a scaredeycat - I'd break into a cold sweat just driving into an airport. Turbulence still rattles me (excuse the pun). I've never wanted to be what I'd call a frequent flyer. People who have to do it. The suits in the Qantas Club, the FIFO mob, those who fly for work. I'll never be in BR's category, but I've reached a point in life where I can not only afford to sit in the nice seats, I can take the entire litter with me. In the process, something strange and wonderful has happened - I actually look forward​ to flying. I've become an AFF fanatic, and this forum has been instrumental in opening my eyes. I don't use my cards for every single purchase, but I'm certainly much more aware than I used to be, and I have certainly ticked a few boxes (JASAs etc) that never would have occurred to me not so long ago.

 

[bossreggie]

When I first joined this forum I truly was a scaredeycat - I'd break into a cold sweat just driving into an airport. Turbulence still rattles me (excuse the pun). I've never wanted to be what I'd call a frequent flyer. People who have to do it. The suits in the Qantas Club, the FIFO mob, those who fly for work. I'll never be in BR's category, but I've reached a point in life where I can not only afford to sit in the nice seats, I can take the entire litter with me. In the process, something strange and wonderful has happened - I actually look forward​ to flying. I've become an AFF fanatic, and this forum has been instrumental in opening my eyes. I don't use my cards for every single purchase, but I'm certainly much more aware than I used to be, and I have certainly ticked a few boxes (JASAs etc) that never would have occurred to me not so long ago.

OMG.......... scaredeycat......... PM me and let's fly together some time!!

If you can help me overcome MY fear.... Let's just say that will make it worth your while.

Boss

 

[oz_mark]

Obviously I am a frequent flyer in the sense that I fly very regularly. I am wondering if I am a frequent flyer by AFF standards?

Over the past 6 months I have attended numerous AFF events and have witnessed behaviour which is a little foreign to me.

I think the common aspect among us is that we enjoy travel, and if we can do it in premium class, then all the better. For some people, they can pay for it, others need to use the Frequent Flyer/Hotels. I think that results in what you see at AFF events.

As for cash, I generally try not to carry much, but that is because of my habit of spending it. I do try to bring enough to AFF events though (although I do get caught out if something enexpected like the man with the 50% discount card doesn't turn up!).

And I help othersearn points sometimes. In Auckland, I was buying rounds at the Hilton, and giving the cash to someone that could bill the drinks to their room (and I suspect launder some free drink vouchers )

I don't have the same number of points as you, but I have used what I have to send my parents on trips before!

I guess it's a reflection that we are all different, and have different circumstances, but want to travel well!

 

[Deleted member]

I think everyone here is a frequent flyer. However frequency is a subjective description. To keep status ( with QF ) you need 4 sectors PA. so on that basis I would suggest QF has set the benchmark. Anything above that ( and we haven't even considered flying with another airline) makes you more frequent. Having said all that, we use the CC to track expenses.
Mrs GPH knows with about 90% accuracy ( i / we spend cash on some things from time to time) where every dollar goes. Very helpful in our business.
I carry cash, not $20k in a hit. But generally enough to get by

It's horses for courses I feel.

 

[dougieboy]

I may not be a frequent flyer - but I believe I fly with purpose and enjoy the journey as well as the destination. I was lucky to obtain NASA causeway tickets to the shuttle Endeavour launch(es)) in April/May 2011, and based on that alone I booked a great trip and showed my mother the broadway shows of New York City, the museums of Washington DC and a killer whale show at a themepark in Orlando Florida. We flew premium economy on Qantas and thought it was a great product, and domestically in the USA first class on both Delta (738 and CR7) and American Airlines (the venerable 757). It was amazing to see all these places and experience so much in cities I have always dreamed of exploring. I will always have these beautiful memories. To board a plane that will take you to a foriegn land and to see the world afresh with new eyes is truly good for the soul. It isn't how often, but how magical those trips are and how much they end up meaning to you.

 

[bossreggie]

I may not be a frequent flyer - but I believe I fly with purpose and enjoy the journey as well as the destination. I was lucky to obtain NASA causeway tickets to the shuttle Endeavour launch(es)) in April/May 2011, and based on that alone I booked a great trip and showed my mother the broadway shows of New York City, the museums of Washington DC and a killer whale show at a themepark in Orlando Florida. We flew premium economy on Qantas and thought it was a great product, and domestically in the USA first class on both Delta (738 and CR7) and American Airlines (the venerable 757). It was amazing to see all these places and experience so much in cities I have always dreamed of exploring. I will always have these beautiful memories. To board a plane that will take you to a foriegn land and to see the world afresh with new eyes is truly good for the soul. It isn't how often, but how magical those trips are and how much they end up meaning to you.

Hey dougieboy...... NEVER forget this...... AND..... ALWAYS look after your mum.

To me........ YOU are a total champ!!

Boss

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Well I am more of an 'optimiser"....

So if the best deal is cash, and it can be, then I use cash. If it however is paying by CC an gaining FF points as part of the deal then I will do that instead.

Knowledge on how to use the FF system on both earn and burn, allows me simply a broader range of opportunities.

For example for my upcoming trip to France and Turkey I am using points to get us there and back in J. But I am buying some cheap non-FF earning flights to travel within Europe, for that delivers better value than either buying FF earning flights, or using FF points to redeem for similar flights. I will instead use the points for future long-haul J trips.

I collect more FF points per average dollar spent than most people as I am alert to opportunities, seize the day when they arise, and know how to work the system. But a bargain is a bargain, and so I will not obsess on just earning points.

The overall objective is "more for less". And there are many ways to achieve this.

My skill and application in this regard allows me to fly my family, myself and some others in J and F for in the main just the price of taxes on an international long-haul holiday or two each year. I have been burning well over a million points a year for a number of years now, and hopefully long may it continue.

Once a very frequent work flyer, I now only fly a handful of work trips domestically per year, and am much happier now with my life's balance. Travel for leisure is my passion.

I fly to travel, rather than travel to fly. But hey, it is certainly a lot more enjoyable in J than Y, and I get less jet-lagged as a result!!

 

[Rick93]

I've only just read all the responses here ( while I'm doing my night shift ) ...
Interesting, the need people have to 'declare' themselves. I do it. Wouldn't have thought too hard about it ... then I read this thread ... I am guilty of many 'sins' ...

However, I have never gone out of my way to declare " I never get out of bed for less than $10,000. a day ..."

I would therefore say, that to be an AFF / AFFF is to be on the lower side of the socio-economic scale, where one MUST get out of bed for much less than $10,000. a day !!

GORDO

 

[benmay]

OMG How funny. I was just starting my reply, talking about how I don't carry cash EVER. I always use cards, just for the convenience and that I hate carrying currency of any kind. Nothing annoys me like loose change.

Anywho, as I was writing this- nice little old lady walked into my office wanting to raise money for something, and being way too empathetic for nice old ladies, I would have made a donation vs turning her away like a door-to-door salesman, except I don't have any cash on me!!! Now I feel terrible for not being able to help her.

But back on topic, yeh I always use my plastic. Not for the points (though they are an added bonus) but yeh, I just don't like bringing currency with me.

Additionally, I often partake in sale fares / hotels or what not. I don't do hotel loyalty programs, because if I want a really nice room for a special occasion, I'll gladly pay it. Further more, if I'm overnight-ing in Sydney, I'm happy to pay $80 and stay at the Formula.

Hmm. I don't know if I've really contributed anything in this post, more like I've just rambled for 5 minutes

 

[sutho58]

well Boss,, you certainly started something here didn't you?
I wouldn't call myself a frequent flyer, as I only fly when I have to, don't rule my life chasing ff points and the only loyalty card that I have, other than my qff is a hertz card, not for any points or anything, but because it means that I don't have to stand in line whilst someone inputs my info into a computer. When I travel somewhere, I allways look at where i'm going and the most enjoyable way of getting there, after all,, sometimes it's the journey rather than the destination.

 

[beardoc]

I wrote a longer post yesterday which unfortunately was lost, but the general gist of it was "aren't we all different, with different aspirations, different obligations and different capacities to achieve it?"

And over the last 24 hours, I've thought very much on this thread and what we're doing here on AFF. It's primarily a place where we can share information about flying, hotel and credit card programs to achieve some of those things, but it's also a place where we can discuss everything about aviation. People are here for all sorts of different reasons.

But I think that underlying the great majority of people here is that we're interested in experiences. We all want to be able to enjoy what we can given our means, and this is a forum where we discuss it.

For me, there were experiences that I've been able to obtain with information from this forum. The DONE4 and booking it has been one of the single greatest things highlighted by this forum that has allowed me to see amazing places, have experiences like flying in J around the world when I would never think I could afford it, seeing incredible sights. My partner told me when we got back from a recent DONE4 that they never thought that they would ever see Lisbon, Moscow and Petra - all places that I was able to get to with a DONE4. Add to that being able to maintain WP status with a DONE4 and you can add to that the visits to First Class Lounges, etc.

Achieving Hilton Diamond has allowed me to stay relatively cheaply around the world and get free full breakfasts, upgrades to suites, and free reward nights. Overall, it has made the cost of staying in Hiltons incredibly reasonable. My partner is amazed that we have been able to do this for a fraction of what it would have cost otherwise. So this forum has allowed me to consider experiences and places that I never would have though possible a few years ago.

Through this forum I picked up on the Everyday Rewards promotion with Amex a few years ago and did very well with it - another thing that I wouldn't have found out about without this forum.

For me it's partially a game - it's about understanding how these systems work, and then using them to best effect. The engineer in me sees this as being able to optimise them is a sign that you understand them well. And that's the fun for me. It does take work to do this, and the average person may consider this too hard, but for me it's actually sort of fun. What I find fun might be difficult for another, or just plain boring. That's okay.

But I love that there's an open sharing of knowledge here, and collegial attitude. If someone finds a new way of looking at a frequent flyer program, generally it's shared for the benefit of all (mostly). This sort of thing doesn't always happen on other FF boards.

 

[JessicaTam]

I really enjoy flying. There is something missing if I don't have at least one trip booked to look forward to. From the time I get in the car/taxi/bus/train to go to the airport I get just a little bit excited as I am going somewhere, even if it is just MEL-MQL. When the "forward door has now closed" the pulse quickens slightly; the journey has begun!

Am I a frequent flyer? My work mates would think so; they have stopped asking me what I did on my days off, and now ask where I went. Friends ask advice about airports and how I travel for weeks with only one carry-on bag. Mind you, they also wonder why I take three flights, when one will do. Perhaps my BIS time does not equate with being a frequent flier the likes of others, but I enjoy it all the same.

I have only ever had one work-related trip (MEL-SYD last week) so I need to fund my travels myself. Bossreggie, you are fortunate indeed to be able to afford flying without the help of points, however I look for the point rewards where I can, because it helps me fly. My points earn has certainly increased thanks to many informative members of AFF, and for that I am grateful. One of my bucket list items is be able to walk into Tulla, passport in hand, and ask at the sales desk for a J/F ticket on the next international flight, where-ever it is going, and just go.

An interesting question, and one that has produced some interesting responses.

 

[QF WP]

Well you are a frequent flyer - you are just not a frequent flyer fan(atic)... [FFF]

I am not as bad as some here but I now try to maximise my points - I would never consider paying cash when I can use my CC. Not just the points but in your case above I would not feel safe carrying $20K in cash. Last week I had close to $1,000 in my wallet which I immediately used to pay a CC bill to avoid having that much cash in my pocket.

Not meaning any disrespect but to a certain extent you don't need to be a FFF - you can afford to fly in premium cabins whenever you want - for us who are not in the same financial position we have to leverage where we can - it is not just about the addiction to point collection but it is about needing to be focussed on the points/status accumulation to provide ourselves with a level of comfort that we could otherwise not afford.

Also I fall into the camp of not being fussed about being on a aircraft - never stressed or worried - in fact the only time I get nervous is when we hit turbulence and I have a glass of red wine in my hand - that gets me worried.

+1. I couldn't have said it any better, so thank you simongr. I would be more nervous having the said $1K in my wallet and worried about being mugged than flying on an airplane. I wouldn't carry 20K in cash ever ... I'd feel everybody on the street knew I'd just been to the ATM/Bank.

 

[drewbles]

I've always flown a lot. I guess it's to do with where i'm from and where I live now.

I made the switch to QF forcibly the day AN went under. I was Diamond Global Rewards with AN, based on MEL-PER-SYD flights, and spent a few days at week at an airport somewhere.

Before I found AFF, I was always QP PS. I was averaging around 500-550 SC's a year, and never quite making it to SG. I never really thought it necessary to 'go for gold' so to speak as I had my corporate QP through work and was largely happy without knowing what the lofty heights of WP offered (back then).

Up until around 2007, I was averaging around 30-40 segments a year. This is when I found AFF and learned what YUPP's were. It was also spurred by my housemate suddenly earning SG from apparently very little flying. I also changed jobs around this time and was fortunate enough to get at least one annual trip to the USA for work purposes allowing me to tack on a 'holiday'.

These days, my flight numbers are a lot lot higher, no thanks in small part to AFF and other sites such as Milepoint. This year i've at 50 segments already and it's not even end of May. I have another 8 booked before the end of June, and probably will take July and August mainly off (although I have to find some time to sneak in the double SC offer from QF to re-qual my WP; i'm still 700 SC's short although i'm only 3 months into my year).

I'm now a combined frequent flyer/spender. I optimise my points wherever I can. Bonus fuel offers on Amex with BP? Sure i'll use that. Sign-on bonus for Virgin CC? you betchya. Paying with cash? Here, let me put that on my card for you.

I now easily re-qualify for both VA WP and QF WP thanks to AFF. The points I earn from my cards and promos are a very decent boost (although around 75% of my points come from BIS Miles). My re-quals for 2012/2013/2014 will all come with absolutely zero mileage runs as well.

And FWIW, i'm at around 125,000 BIS Miles... for the first 5 months of this year I think i'm a frequent flyer by the most strict definitions

 

[Drav]

What a great thread!

As for me, by no definition am I a frequent flyer. I did a lot of flying as a small kid, then because of uni and starting out in the workforce my flying days were over.

Now that I'm a little more established i've returned to flying and I do love it, especially as I've had my first taste of J and lounges.

A big struggle for me was trying to work out what I wanted from flying. Did I want to reach the highest status? Did i have a number of miles? When I finally realized that I probably wouldn't reach those goals because in reality I'm looking at one o/s trip a year and a couple of domestic flights (read red e-deals) I basically decided that really, the old Qantas Club and a few handy tips from here would be enough for any flying around Australia, and once I leave Australia well to check here first .

I like the journey. I'm a bit different in that I never saw flying as sexy or glamorous but rather the sign that you're taking a break from your life. I loved the solitude of a night flight in J with nobody next to me, cabin lights off and just staring out over the oceans and looking at the stars. I don't care what wine i was served. I didnt care what movie was on. I didn't want an FA in my face trying to anticipate my needs. I liked the quiet and the privacy in the air, the lounges on the ground and the fast track boarding. That was more than enough for me.

So in short not a frequent flyer, not a points manic but just a guy that loves being up in the air.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Good point Beardoc , like you I very much like the game of optimizing...and yes FF points is but only one part of it.

More with less.... But it is an enjoyable game in itself.

As with any game.... It can become quite obsessive and mores if you become good at it.

 

[Brisbane Flyer]

i've always had jobs that required some flying...I done two long commutes HKG to DTW (Detroit Metro) selling to Ford Motor and BNE to YUL, both 20-30 times.
Best part of it is providing J or F travel to my family...In Nov my mother, god bless her, 82yo and still acting like the CEO she was in her 50's, flying J from LAX to BNE for my son's high school graduation. My wife and kids in J to USA in June whilst I suffer in whY....Its the gift I love giving.

 

[beardoc]

Good point Beardoc , like you I very much like the game of optimizing...and yes FF points is but only one part of it.

More with less.... But it is an enjoyable game in itself.

As with any game.... It can become quite obsessive and mores if you become good at it.

I was thinking of you and myself when I was writing that post as the ones that treat this most as a game. It's an engineering-like understanding of the game, then the use of that game, that makes it fun. I suspect you and I are very similar when it comes to that.

 

[nlagalle]

I'm now a combined frequent flyer/spender. I optimise my points wherever I can. Bonus fuel offers on Amex with BP? Sure i'll use that. Sign-on bonus for Virgin CC? you betchya. Paying with cash? Here, let me put that on my card for you.

Drewbles I am surprised you and I don't fight more over food bills when we go out for dinner!!!