What's been your experience with this ebook?

[DavBlayn]

I found an ebook online called "Frequent Flyer Master" (I won't link to it) and I'm a little sceptical about it, although I am eyeing it off a little. Has anyone purchased this book? If so, what was your experience? If not, would you say it's suspect?

 

[lovetravellingoz]

I found an ebook online called "Frequent Flyer Master" (I won't link to it) and I'm a little sceptical about it, although I am eyeing it off a little. Has anyone purchased this book? If so, what was your experience? If not, would you say it's suspect?

I am sceptical, or "suspect", of all such posts as yours by first posters which are linked to a product /service.

However if you want FREE, and in the main, unbiased advice just read through all the current, and old threads oon this forum. That is a HUGE resource.

 

[DavBlayn]

Sorry mate, I did search for the name of the ebook through the forum, but I couldn't find any threads about it in particular. Yes, I can imagine that it looks very dubious for me to be asking for advice on a specific product as a new user, but unfortunately that's not something I can really avoid right now.

 

[wooley]

Don't think that reply really helps your cause...

 

[DavBlayn]

Okay, I guess we're done then.

 

[medhead]

Perhaps instead of attacking the OP how about answer the question. Have you heard of the book?

I haven't and I suspect that most of the info can be had for free via AFF.

 

[wooley]

Perhaps instead of attacking the OP how about answer the question. Have you heard of the book?

I haven't and I suspect that most of the info can be had for free via AFF.

I think you're right... All a (very) quick google comes up with is this site: http://frequentflyermaster.com

 

[DavBlayn]

I'll have a look through some of the archives as well as the knowledge base, they might be able to shed some light on some tricks. Still, the more that I think about it, the more plain it seems to be that hacking your way to get FF points, the more time (and potentially money) you end up wasting. US$50 is a lot to drop on what's readily available online in most cases.

 

[DavBlayn]

I think you're right... All a (very) quick google comes up with is this site: (link)

That is the exact website that I was referring to in my original post.

 

[wooley]

That is the exact website that I was referring to in my original post.

well it's American for starters, and like above I'd suggest you can find all the same (if not better) information on this very website.

 

[DavBlayn]

I think I'll do just that. That's $50 in my pocket already

 

[wooley]

I think I'll do just that. That's $50 in my pocket already

Sounds good.

I'm only new too, but welcome to AFF

 

[DavBlayn]

Thank you.

 

[Mattg]

As others have said, you may be able to pick up some useful advice in the book, but (a) it's US$50 and (b) it's from the United States, so potentially of limited use for someone in Australia. I think you'll find a lot of what you're looking for on here for free, without bias and relevant for Australia.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I found an ebook online called "Frequent Flyer Master" (I won't link to it) and I'm a little sceptical about it, although I am eyeing it off a little. Has anyone purchased this book? If so, what was your experience? If not, would you say it's suspect?

I wouldn't say the book is 'suspect' - it is undoubtedly helpful in providing you with a lot of information in the one place.

But there are alternative sources for that - this site (AFF) for example.

The 'get 15K, 20K, 30K' quickly is more than likely to be credit card churning... sign up for a card, spend the minimum in a set period, and get bonus miles. If you are going down that path (and I don't know how it works in Australia in terms of affecting credit scores), a site like onemileatatime is free, and focuses on all that stuff, as well as how to book awards.

In terms of getting cheap flights, quickly, there are few programs that will do that. Alaska Airlines, American Advantage and Avianca Lifemiles. All of those programs allow you to buy the miles required for premium travel quickly and cheaply. I'd start by reading all about those programs here on AFF in the AFF knowledge section (and start your focus on AA).

 

[DavBlayn]

I haven't heard of onemileatatime before, I'll take a look. Also, I'll take a peak at the knowledge base on AAF.

 

[Sprucegoose]

I haven't heard of onemileatatime before, I'll take a look. Also, I'll take a peak at the knowledge base on AAF.

Welcome. Do you have a specific query we can help you with in the meantime ?

 

[DavBlayn]

I do have a general question that I don't think deserves its own thread. Are credit card rewards really worth it? Is the $250 annual fee really a good price to pay for those points and the extra insurances? If you do get a points card, should you go to your bank or Amex?

 

[angusburns]

That depends how much you would spend in a year and if you like to fly. If you don't use the points for flying, then the other redemption options tend to be not worth it so I would not bother.

If you do not spend too much then the Woolworths Qantas Platinum card may be for you.
If costs $99 in the first year then $139 thereafter but comes with 10,000 Qantas points on first use so, if you value points at 1c/point, then the bonus is worth $100, so effectively no annual fee in the first year.
The down side is you only earn the full 1 point per $1 for the first $2,500 spent per month, then 0.5 points per $1, so not the best value if you spend a lot on your credit cards.
https://www.woolworthsmoney.com.au/wowm/wowmoney/credit-cards/qantas-platinum-card.html

If you spend quite a bit on credit cards then something like the ANZ Frequent Flyer or Rewards Black might be the way to go. Costs $425 a year but you get 50,000 points on first use, so that, at 1 cent per point you get $500 worth of points, so they are paying you to apply. Have to earn $75k / year to qualify. etc etc Credit Card Comparison - Compare ANZ Credit Cards | ANZ

Basically, if you need a credit card, get one of them and see how you go, as they are effectively free for the first year. Put as much as you can on that credit card (or the Amex card if begging a Visa/MC+Amex pair). Then see how much you spent in the first year of having the card and work out if it will be worth it for a second year. If not, call them and explain that the card costs too much for the value provided and can they either reduce the fee, or move you to a lower annual fee non or reduced FF earning card - saves the hassle of having to apply for another card and they may give you a break on the annual fee if you are nice about it: "love the card, love the bank, just too expensive for me..."

Also note that different cards transfer to different airlines, eg ANZ FF Black goes to Qantas only, whereas ANZ Rewards Black lets you transfer to Virgin, Cathay, Singapore and Air NZ. This may affect your choice of card.

Please note that sign-on bonuses usually do not apply to existing customers who just change between card types etc so check bonus points conditions before signing us.

Hope this helps.

 

[DavBlayn]

It's a shame that those platinum credit cards don't have any sweeteners like the American ones do. Amex gives you a membership to the Virgin Australia Lounge, but you have to pay $1200 per year.

If you do your everyday banking with one bank, will they match the promotion of another bank's comparable credit card if you ask so they can maintain your business?