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Australian Frequent Flyer Gazette

Issue 103:   7 December

In this issue:
Latest Talk
Flight Deals
Hotel Deals
Car Deals

Lost In Transit (Part 2 - following on from HERE)

So you’re standing at the turnstile, the last bag has been collected, the flight number flickers and disappears from the screen indicating all bags from your flight have been unloaded. You’re standing there alone and luggage-less… your bags are officially MIA. After the initial shock has worn off, you have a brilliant revelation and all is not lost… you have travel insurance!
But alas after consulting the policy, exclusions, conditions and exemptions means the cost of the postage stamp to lodge your claim will costs more than the claim itself! The following tips provide some practical advice on how to avoid dodgy insurance travel and protect yourself and your valuables:

TIP 1: In a case of stating the obvious, it is crucial that you take the time to read your travel insurance policy carefully before you buy it and ensure that before you travel you:
• Understand the conditions, exclusions and limitations that may apply to your luggage and personal effects cover as they may vary from policy to policy
• Are aware of the steps you need to take to make a claim in the event something goes wrong
• Understand what you can expect from your travel insurer and what they expect of you.

Tip 2: Check the value of the excess applicable to your policy.
• An excess is a minimum amount you must pay toward your claim before your travel insurer covers the rest
• You may be able to remove standard excesses for an additional premium.

Tip 3: Ensure you are aware of the cover for your luggage and personal effects. It is important to:
• Check the per-item limit, as well as the total baggage cover provided
• Understand that cover for items such as jewellery, cameras, laptop computers, designer clothing, and other expensive items may be limited
• You may be able to increase the level of cover for your luggage and personal effects by paying an additional premium.

TIP 4: Ensure that you understand the circumstances in which cover is NOT provided as conditions vary from policy to policy
• One of the things that your policy will require you to do is to take reasonable precautions to safeguard your luggage and personal effects.  This means taking care of your luggage and personal effects at all times.

TIP 5: Lastly, to help ensure that at least some of your personal effects are covered, take the following precautions before you travel:
• Make a list of the items you are taking with you, especially new or expensive items
• Gather up original receipts and credit card statements
• Obtain current valuations for valuable items where possible
• If you can’t find receipts, take photos of these items

Hotel Deals Latest Talk
Fantastic Bonus Offers - Hurry while they last!

New deals for December are now in. Book a stay for a summer getaway with fantastic bonus offers, discounted rates and exceptional extras.

Don't miss out on the fantastic frequent flyer specials on during December 2007 and January 2008 where Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn double or triple points when they book online at many of our hotels.

Book now at qantas.com/hotels

 
Business BargainsCheck out the Christmas bargains some of our members have found… BUSINESS CLASS CHEAPER THAN ECONOMY… no it’s not a misprint!

Security StruggleOur members discuss the weird and wonderful rules of security.  SCREWDRIVER SECURITY! and vegemite bans are among the topics of concern.

Alcohol in the AirAlcohol and air travel can be a lethal combination… so what happens to a PASSENGER DEEMED TOO INTOXICATED to board the plane?

Amex AdviceNew to Amex? Find out what our members suggest is a GOOD STARTER CARD to maximise your points tally.

The Cost of CoffeeHungry, tired and captive travelers together with the high price of rent at airports seems to make for exorbitant prices for coffee and snacks. See our member’s PERSONAL GRIPES.

Election Wrap-UpOur members discuss their views on the recent FEDERAL ELECTION OUTCOME and how it may (or may not) affect the airline industry.

Car Deals
Where2 Portable GPS units now available!Budget's NEW Portable GPS units are now available from participating locations.

When travel takes you some place new, it can be difficult to navigate yourself around. So rent a Budget car with a new Where2 portable GPS unit and save time. Budget's great hands free Where2 portable GPS units provides turn-by-turn audio instructions and on-screen maps that tell you how to get from point A to point B, using the best route possible.

Book now at budget.com.au

Frequent Flyer Store
Luggage Tags - Smiley FacesJust $2.98 each
Save 15%
Plus $5 Delivery

Put on a happy face as you travel… and put one on your luggage too! Smiley Luggage Tags are large 3-inch round neon luggage identification tags. On the front of each tag is a smiley face, and on the back of each tag is a blank space to write contact details.

Purchase now at frequentflyerstore.com.au
Flight Deals

 
Return Economy to Jakarta

 
Return Economy to Krabi