It's all too hard: do you have a frequent-flyer degree?

[Warks]

November 02, 2009


Don't have a qualification in mathematics? I'm sorry, it's just not possible for you to fly domestically or internationally these days. Wherever you turn and whoever you fly with, whether work is paying or it's coming out of your own pocket, it's not just a matter of clicking "buy" any more: you have to have an actuary's understanding of exactly what you're signing up for.


It might sound like a simple transaction - pay the going rate for a full fare or a discount - but you also need to know whether you qualify for status credits and upgrades, whether your credit card charges 10 or 15 or 20 per cent, if your local tyre retailer or computer shop allows you to earn frequent-flyer points.


If the financial landscape isn't complicated enough already, yet another de facto frequent-flyer program entered the market last week, with Macquarie Bank and Jetstar making a pitch for the budget end of the market.

The rest at:
It's all too hard: do you have a frequent-flyer degree? - Travellers' Check - Travel - Sydney Morning Herald Blogs

And the usual well-informed comments.

 

[sampson]

The hardest part is remembering getting onto Qantas in advance for 'classic' seats for the school holidays.

But than to the AFF Ph.D, I know now to log on precisely 353 days 2 hours and 5.111 seconds in advance whilst standing on my head. Or I ring Velocity and its easy peesy.

 

[samh004]

I wish there was a degree in frequent-flying, as I'd be pretty close to achieving it and then I'd have myself a degree.

 

[albatross710]

I wish there was a degree in frequent-flying, as I'd be pretty close to achieving it and then I'd have myself a degree.

Something like a test of your body of knowledge. Maybe more of admission to an Australian Institute of FF Points. You might find that your +1,100 must count for something!

 

[coco50]

I wish there was a degree in frequent-flying, as I'd be pretty close to achieving it and then I'd have myself a degree.

Iused to be an expert in curriculum development once and I once was at the top status levels in Ansett's Global rewards and QFF but I don't think I could even write the curriculum for the frequent flyer degree. However, I would be happy to confer an honorary doctorate in frequent flying to you and many others who contribute to this forum

 

[Natt]

I think more you know the better you fare when it comes to buying travel products

Mind you I don't know anywhere near enough

Take for example RTW flights, even if I fly to the same city, but leave from a different airport its going to cost me a sector/segment

well as far as I understand it

seems obvious :?:

And I used to think that all business class was created equal, or roughly anyhow.

Now I have to compare lounge access, look up flatbeds, pop onto to see pictures of the inflight food, check which one gets me the most points and the like.

Lets just say i'm still an apprentice and leave it at that :shock:

 

[2muchplastic]

I used to be a complete novice - I'd pay for flights/hotels/holidays without factoring in that I could earn something or improve my status with the airline/hotel chain to get freebies.

No longer! Now the points/rebates/status pay for free weekends away/ presents/bigger cars/better rooms.

I know I'm still a complete novice when it comes to credit card earning - I know that the numbers of points that some on here earn are absolutely staggering, compared to my pitiful 30-40k p.a.

It may take some time to collect anywhere near enough to be meaningful, but in my view it's worth studying and comparing.

 

[drron]

Well I am glad to see the comments of those who think that loyalty programs are too hard.means I will probably do well for a few more years yet.Have worked out we have had ~ $20000 of free travel this year,2006 though was the best with ~ $40000 of free travel-and yes we would have paid for business class and those hotels anyway.This does not take into account the upgrades,free breakfasts,lounge benefits etc.
Yes you do have to do your homework and be a little flexible but you really dont need a degree just a little commonsense.

 

[coco50]

Well I am glad to see the comments of those who think that loyalty programs are too hard.means I will probably do well for a few more years yet.Have worked out we have had ~ $20000 of free travel this year,2006 though was the best with ~ $40000 of free travel-and yes we would have paid for business class and those hotels anyway.This does not take into account the upgrades,free breakfasts,lounge benefits etc.
Yes you do have to do your homework and be a little flexible but you really dont need a degree just a little commonsense.

Yes - there are many lurks and perks. I was talking to my youngest daughter last night who lives and works in NYC. She is coming to Australia around the time of US Thanksgiving. Because of her job she does a lot of travel and is QF Platinum. She mentioned that she is flying from LAX to SYD on an A380. I said thatshe ought to register for a J upgrade but she said that she didn't have enough points. I said that I could transfer what she needs (about 34 000) and she can pay me back later - she'll nearly earn enough on this trip to pay me back.

 

[auriga]

Yes you do have to do your homework and be a little flexible but you really dont need a degree just a little commonsense.

I disagree... it needs a lot more than "just a little common sense"!:mrgreen:

 

[swissbignose]

I disagree... it needs a lot more than "just a little common sense"!:mrgreen:

Only if you want to exploit it to the n-th degree.

The common sense part is about devoting all your travel to one alliance of airlines to maximise your earning potential. You could get more sophisticated than that, but you don't need to be to get some privileges.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

...The common sense part is about devoting all your travel to one alliance

Well, there is only 1 Alliance in Australia to choose from.

 

[dajop]

The common sense part is about devoting all your travel to one alliance of airlines to maximise your earning potential. You could get more sophisticated than that, but you don't need to be to get some privileges.

Actually, devoting travel to one alliance does not always make that much sense, so I'd disagree that it's not just common sense.

For those that do a moderate amount of flying or lots of domestic, it probably is the wise course of action. For those who fly infrequently (such that they will never accrue status), it may be a wiser course of action to take a lower fare than stick to the same alliance all the time. At the other end those who fly extremely frequently (especially internationally), may be better off hedging their bets and trying to get status and points on multiple alliances, to maximise their chance of being able to use points and to mix and match flights to suit their needs when it comes to redemptions (higher chance of getting preferred dates if in multiple alliances).

Then there's the whole CC spend thing ... direct sweep vs cc programs. Far from simple!