Are websites like alphaflightguru.com any value or just a con-job?

Status
Not open for further replies.

Favfern

Junior Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2011
Posts
40
Sadly, I no longer fly anywhere near as much as most of the contributors to this site, and have become an "old grey beard" who still remembers Lockheed Electras, DC4's and the venerable B707!

I am looking for some advice about websites that "offer" big discounts off Business Class and First Class fares. My wife and I flew to Europe in 2008 for the initial Anzac Day Dawn Service on the Somme and flew Business Class on Etihad --- approximate cost at the time was $6000+ per person. This was simply booked through Military History Tours (advertised through The Australian newspaper) who were doing our ground arrangements in Picardy. Two years ago, we visited our daughter in London for 5 weeks and flew Premium Economy with BA (BNE/SYD/LHR/SIN/SYD/BNE) at an air cost of some $3,200 each.

In May 2015, we are planning to leave on probably our last great trip to Europe (let us face it, if I flew on Electras I am getting on a bit) and intend to stay for at least 10 weeks or a bit more.

At the moment, between us, my wife and I have about 140,000 QF FF points, so they are negligible in the great scheme of things. I am also a paid up member of Qantas Club (through the AFF corporate scheme) so if we fly to Europe including stopovers, Qantas Club is a consideration. Of course, if we fly Business on another carrier who maintains lounges, we should be able to utilise those rather than Qantas Club.

My question is this. I get deluged with on-line advertisements for sites such as www.alphaflightguru.com; www.firstclass.com.au/‎; www.[B]flybusiness[/B]forless.com/‎. Are these sites bull**** or not? I am old enough to believe that if it sounds too good to be true --- it probably IS too good to be true!

Having been a respectable airline employee, and a respectable travel agency manager many years ago, I am tempted to stick to what I know. On the other hand, we live in a world that is very different to my travel world of the Sixties and Seventies --- and thus I seek your input. I certainly apologise if this question has been asked before. If it has, and there is a relevant thread, please direct me to it! Regards Mike Butler (favfern)

Appreciate any advice you may have.
 
You are correct. They are bull****

However there's plenty of very good information on how to make the most of your travel here if you look in the right places.
 
The Frequent Flyer Concierge team takes the hard work out of finding reward seat availability. Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, they'll help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

You are correct. They are bull****

However there's plenty of very good information on how to make the most of your travel here if you look in the right places.

This is not 100% correct. I think what Tom is trying to say is that the service they offer you could do yourself using the information off this site for even less. I.e business class return to Europe for a tad over $3k. It is entirely possible. These sites just charge a premium for doing it all for you.
 
Check out Royal Brunei.

Home - Royal Brunei Airlines Australia
Great prices for a very good product. Just no alcohol! Though you can BYO.


Prices are per Adult passenger and include Taxes. Total prices including service fees will be displayed at the next steps.

Outbound:
Melbourne - London
Return: London - Melbourne
Sat
Jun 13
Sun
Jun 14
Mon
Jun 15
Tue
Jun 16
Wed
Jun 17
Thu
Jun 18
Fri
Jun 19
Fri
May 08
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
Sat
May 09
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
Sun
May 10
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
Mon
May 11
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
Tue
May 12
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
Wed
May 13
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
Thu
May 14
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62
from
$5,919.62



 
Select your fare: Price differences within a fare type may be due to flight connections or availability. Prices are per Adult passenger and include Taxes. Total prices including service fees will be displayed at the next steps.

Fare TypeFare DescriptionLowest price
Sky ExecutiveBusiness Class; 40KG baggage allowance, Royal Skies miles accrual at 150%, priority check-in and lounge access. more details $5,919.62


Select your flights: Flight options may become available once a higher price or another fare type is selected.
plane2.gif
Outbound: Melbourne - London
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
13:15Melbourne (MEL)
06:40London (LHR)+1 day(s)
Royal Brunei (BI54)
Royal Brunei (BI97)

  • 28:25
  • 2 stop(s)

  • flight details
plane3.gif
Return: London - Melbourne
Monday, June 08, 2015
16:50London (LHR)
05:50Melbourne (MEL)+2 day(s)
Royal Brunei (BI98)
Royal Brunei (BI53)

  • 26:00
  • 2 stop(s)

  • flight details

Price per traveller including tax $5,919.62


 
I was sceptical about Alpha as they had some fairly nasty reviews online but the others like Firstclass or flybusinessforless seem fine.

I know many that have used way2jet and can confidently say that they have delivered as promised to many of my friends (ex AFG) in Melbourne, young and old, for prices similar to what you'd find yourself. One left today on Etihad F.

I guess it comes down to the response you get from the staff running the site and as always, price dictates a lot.

If you have the time to look through the AFF pages, you will find ample information to save you money, some people just don't have the time for it.
 
Have used AFG and Flew 1st to Europe using Thai and Lufthansa
Had no real big issues.

I did not have the time to do the booking myself.

Paying a bit more and upgraded to 1st Europe and back all up just under 7K.


Sent from my iPhone using AustFreqFly
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Enhance your AFF viewing experience!!

From just $6 we'll remove all advertisements so that you can enjoy a cleaner and uninterupted viewing experience.

And you'll be supporting us so that we can continue to provide this valuable resource :)


Sample AFF with no advertisements? More..

Recent Posts

Back
Top