acampbel
Member
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2005
- Posts
- 351
A couple of points to add into the mix :-
1. The best "value" for points may very well be had in international upgrades, but what is the opportunity cost? The only time I have booked business awards was back in the days when they were dirt cheap (e.g. the round Oz award), or I had upgrade credits. Nowadays I try to accumulate points for 2 economy awards to the UK every 2 years. Yes - these could be valued at 2-3 cents per point, but if I instead purchased the flights and then tried for an upgrade it would cost me around $4K to double or triple the points "value". Is this worth it????? As a contented cattle-class traveller I would say definitely not. Another issue in my case is that when travelling in a family group it is not feasible to have only some people up the pointy end.
2. Although there is some financial benefit out of the interest free period, I avoid CC surcharges whenever possible. I don't like to pay them out of principle as compliance means acceptance, and then the banks have won that battle and will move on to screw us in other ways.
In summary, I do not want to pay more to supposedly enhance what should be a free benefit gained from my loyal patronage.
Cheers,
Andrew
1. The best "value" for points may very well be had in international upgrades, but what is the opportunity cost? The only time I have booked business awards was back in the days when they were dirt cheap (e.g. the round Oz award), or I had upgrade credits. Nowadays I try to accumulate points for 2 economy awards to the UK every 2 years. Yes - these could be valued at 2-3 cents per point, but if I instead purchased the flights and then tried for an upgrade it would cost me around $4K to double or triple the points "value". Is this worth it????? As a contented cattle-class traveller I would say definitely not. Another issue in my case is that when travelling in a family group it is not feasible to have only some people up the pointy end.
2. Although there is some financial benefit out of the interest free period, I avoid CC surcharges whenever possible. I don't like to pay them out of principle as compliance means acceptance, and then the banks have won that battle and will move on to screw us in other ways.
In summary, I do not want to pay more to supposedly enhance what should be a free benefit gained from my loyal patronage.
Cheers,
Andrew