visit our site | subscribe for free contact the editor | forward to a friend     Australian Frequent Flyer Gazette Issue 104:   21 December In this issue: Latest Talk Flight Deals Hotel Deals Car Deals

Champagne Tastes on a Beer Budget

The dodgy food, the malfunctioning onboard entertainment and the screaming children would all seem bearable in economy class, if only there was a fraction more leg room. Now you can have your dodgy pre-packaged food and eat it to, by flying premium class, at a cost that will suit both your legs and your wallet.

Premium economy class is a new-fangled invention designed to fit between business and economy classes -- in cost, amenities and frequent-flyer points earned and often occupies that halfway position on board. Fly premium economy and you can expect a seat that will be wider and recline more than a standard economy-class model. Details vary with airlines but compared with standard economy, premium economy generally offers about 13cm to 20cm more leg room and 5cm to 15cm extra seat recline. And Premium economy class can offer even more than just extra leg room. Bonuses can include larger personal video screens, adjustable headrests, more generous luggage allowances, dedicated check-in areas at airports and armrest laptop power ports. Passengers can expect a better standard of food and wine than in economy class, more attentive in-flight service and possibly a self-service area for snacks and drinks. Qantas expects the new class (which will include a self-service bar) to attract leisure and business flyers. It is priced to fit neatly in between business and economy fares. More leg room will ensure fewer headaches on your next long-haul flight.

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

 
The Value of Fly-BuysFor some Fly buys is seen as a hard program to generate value from, have your say HERE.

A Taxing TimeOur members discuss the methods by which airlines calculate air-taxes; different rules apply for different countries. Find out your DESTINATION RULES here.

Boeing Delivery DelayedThe new Boeing 787’s will be delayed for at least six months; our members discuss the IMPACT OF THE DELAY on Qantas.

Frequent Airline UsersWhich airline do you use the most? Amongst our members, Qantas seems to be the AIRLINE OF CHOICE.

Sydney Airport Runway Shut for a YearOur members discuss the recent plan to SHUT THE SYDNEY AIRPORT RUNWAY for a year for a safety upgrade. Whilst the delays, increased noise and possibility of diversions sound troublesome… most members concur that it is all worth it in the name of safety!

Travel Insurance CoverageOne member asks whether there is an insurance policy which covers CANCELLATIONS OR DELAYS due to mechanical faults with the plane.

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

These locks are approved by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for use in or through US and British airspace.

Purchase now at frequentflyerstore.com.au