1. FREQUENT FUMING
 

It�s becoming a tired excuse already but the war on Iraq and the persisting crises in America�s airline industry are taking their toll on frequent flyers world-wide. And Australian travellers are not immune. In fact many are fuming � you can see that just by scanning through the latest entries on our discussion board.

As recently reported by US News, a survey of more than 2,000 frequent travellers shows many are finding it more and more difficult to redeem their award flights, and in reasonable time. The Brierley & Partners poll also shows redeeming a free flight to some of the most popular locations was almost impossible.

The bottom line is what many frequent flyers have been screaming about for a long time now � that the value of their points is fast diminishing and in some cases it�s become worthless.

Another complaint was the changes to award programs which made it tougher to collect points and redeem free flights. A third of those polled have, as a result, switched to another frequent flyer program over the past year. But since most of the programs have attracted similar criticism, chances of getting a better deal elsewhere are slim.

Down under, the choices are limited. For most travellers, we�d recommend sticking to the one program, like Qantas, which has links to the international oneworld award scheme. Those who travel frequently to the US could also add an American-based frequent flyer program to the portfolio, or an Asian or European equivalent. If you are planning on joining a 2nd program, we suggest you join a program linked to the Star Alliance � you should therefore get points for flights on most international airlines.

2. PROGRAM NEWS
 

Free Rex

Australia has another domestic frequent flyer program, though it won�t be much use to you unless you frequent east coast regional routes. The recently launched airline Regional Express, which services New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania has released details of its frequent flyer scheme.

The �no-nonsense� plan, as the advertising blurb proclaims, means that regular travellers with the airline will score one free flight after every nine trips. And if you join the program before June 30, you�ll earn your first free flight after just five trips.

In real terms, as one of our discussion board regulars has pointed out, the free flight offer is comparable to about 18,000 Qantas frequent flyer points required for a �free� flight. Here�s the maths: nine return Rex Express flights equals 18 trips at the basic rate of 1000 points each. That�s 18,000 points and your next return flight is free.

New lows

One of our discussion board regulars says the �new stingy lows� Qantas has stooped to in their latest Quick Check promotion is the pits. The free flights giveaway of four return business class seats between two capital cities has a hidden surprise buried in the fine print.

�The winner is responsible for �all applicable airport charges, levies and taxes for the travel�,� our reader revealed.

�For gawdsake (sic) they can spend loads of money stuffying (sic) flyers for the promotion into envelopes to send out with statements, they have banners, press advertising, give away four seats but they can't even cover a couple of hundred dollars worth of taxes for the winner.�

Executive changes

British Airways has announced changes to its Executive Club, due to take effect on July 1.

The most glaring feature we�ve noticed so far is that you�ll only get 0.25 miles for every mile flown on BA�s discount economy rate. Other changes to the Executive Club include lower tier status qualification requirements; silver members get a 25 percent bonus and gold members 50 percent bonus on travel and club world cabin bonus becomes 50 percent; members will also be able to reach their awards faster by �topping up� with cash and; up to seven people from the same household will be able to link into the same account.

Given the close relationship Qantas has with BA, we wonder when our flying kangaroo will make similar changes.

Expert advice

US frequent flyer program analysts say none of the country�s award programs are perfect, but they�ve given their biggest thumbs up to American Airlines for its AAdvantage program. A close second was the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program.

Prize worth bagging

There�s nothing new about Qantas giving away points for those who buy its products, but in this case the products being flogged by the flying kangaroo are bags, not flights.

Qantas is giving away thousands of points in a competition to be drawn among purchases of its cabin bags. There�s one prize of 100,000 points and two prizes of 50,000 points to be won every three months.

Domestic warfare

Qantas is doing its bit to keep domestic air travel alive, redeploying planes from weakened international routes onto the domestic market. The strategy is a smart move and it kills two birds with one stone.

Qantas customers will get more choice and cheaper flights � already the airline has been flogging domestic fly-and-stay deals at bargain rates. But the strategy will also put an extra squeeze on Qantas national competitor Virgin Blue.

As for Qantas Frequent Flyers, hopefully the increase in domestic seat availability will transpire into more award seats being made available for redemption at a much shorter notice. It wouldn�t hurt to offer more discounted award flight deals either.

Express Lane slows down

Since the end of March the Australian government has put a stop to the Express Lane service at international terminals following a decision to regulate passenger processing at Australian airports.

Qantas says all passengers will be required to complete a Passenger Card in-flight before arrival in Australia, replacing the current Express passenger card. Business and first class passengers will still have access to priority lanes when departing Australia from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne international airports, the airline said.

Food for thought

Having recently flown a few short trips between Perth and Kalgoorlie with Qantas, I must say I wasn�t impressed with the food on offer. It wasn�t terrible, but it was nothing flash either � in fact bland is how I�d describe the morning cereal and chicken Cesar salad (I think) for dinner. Browsing through our discussion board I noticed other readers have expressed similar opinions about the in-flight meals on Qantas.

I suggest winging to the airline � if you have the time and can be bothered � or you could add your bit to the �airline meals� website. There you�ll find many other travellers commenting on, and documenting, their onboard dining experiences. Go to www.airlinemeals.net.

Briefly

Skywest, the former WA stablemate of the now defunct Ansett Airlines, has joined the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.

Class distinction has entered Virgin Blue. The budget airline has introduced a new service, offering the more comfy seats for an extra $50 reservation fee. The �Blue Zone� areas include the front row and the over wing exits and are available on the long haul flights.

4. REWARDS AND SPECIALS FOR APRIL
 

Qantas

Frequent Flyer Club members can get the latest on all published Qantas deal with our exclusive Deal Watch. Have a look at our demonstration.

The flying kangaroo is offering discounted award flights to Wellington, Townsville and Cairns. Get 50% off a companion�s award flight to Wellington and 25% off award flights to Townsville and Cairns. You must book the Wellington trip before April 11 and the others April 30.

Stay on the Frequent Flyer rate at the new apartment-style hotels, Pacific International Suites Adelaide or Pacific International Apartments on Exhibition Melbourne, and earn quadruple points. Valid until April 30.

Here�s a deal: 1000 bonus points and two nights for the price of one at the Radisson in Hawaii. Available when you book on the winter buy one get one free rate at the Radisson Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel or the Radisson Kauai Beach Resort. Offer ends June 30.

More Kiwi points

Air New Zealand has extended its bonus Air Points offer for booking online. You�ll get up to 1000 bonus Air Points for internet bookings until the end of May. Economy bookings get 500 points, business and first score 1000 bonus Air Points. Membership of the Air Points program is free.

AAdvantage

Until June 30, AAdvantage members can earn a 1-time bonus of 500 miles for checking in and printing a boarding pass online. The offer is only valid on US flights.

United deals

Join or renew in United Red Carpet Club online with a major credit card and receive 500 Mileage Plus�miles. The offer runs until July 1.

KrisFlyer

Singapore Airlines� frequent flyer program, KrisFlyer, is offering fly-and-stay deals in Bali. For 80,000 miles you can redeem two return economy flights between Singapore and Bali plus and two nights� accommodation at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. The offer is valid until May 15. Some conditions apply.

KrisFlyer is also offering similar deal on the Singapore-Jakarta route. For 50,000 miles you can redeem two economy return tickets, plus two nights' accommodation at the centrally located Inter Continental Mid Plaza Jakarta Hotel. That includes 10% discount on food and drinks at the hotel plus a super late checkout of 4pm. Offer ends May 15.