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Australian Frequent Flyer Gazette

Issue 109:   29 February

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

Is it time to ditch your Frequent Flyer Credit Card?

Earlier this month, financial research firm Cannex released their biannual report on the state of Australia’s credit card reward programs.

In the two main categories of rewards, namely shopping vouchers and Frequent Flyer points, Cannex says the value to consumers has increased by 20 per cent and 7 per cent respectively in the past year.

 
Someone who spends $12,000 annually on a card can now expect to receive an average reward of 74 cents per $100 spend. This is up from 61 cents last year.  When it comes to Frequent Flyer rewards, Cannex says consumers are also getting more mileage, particularly with domestic flights. "Currently, a Sydney-Melbourne flight requires an average $18,630 spend, down from an average of $20,000 in January 2007.''

However there are significant costs in holding a Frequent Flyer reward credit card.  So, unless your annual spend is relatively high and you pay the card in full each month, we believe that despite this modest improvement in value, it's simply not worth using them.

 “On average, spending around $13,500 will return $100 worth of rewards”, Cannex observe.   This barely covers the cost of the annual fee!

You can download a free copy of the report HERE.

Hotel Deals Latest Talk
Book your Easter Accommodation now
Great choice of hotel stays throughout Australia and NZ

The Easter Holidays and school holidays are fast approaching and with it family fun and tradition, chocolate eggs and Easter bunnies.

Don't miss the opportunity to book your Easter break away. Qantas.com/hotels have a fantastic range of hotels all around Australia and New Zealand.

Book today for your Easter holiday!

Book now at qantas.com/hotels

 
Bargain 1st Class AirfareA 1st class Round The World Airfare for just $8,500.  Yes!  Should these LOOPHOLES be discussed in public or kept as closely guarded secrets for the privileged few?  (You do need to get to Fiji first.)

Stolen or Lost Property?Read how one of our members witnessed the ATTEMPTED THEFT  of someon'e luggage from the overhead locker.  Is this behaviour becoming more common? 

Qantas punctuality questionedSome of our members have experienced an increase in DELAYED QANTAS DEPARTURES  lately - one member noted that 5 of his 6 flights that week were delayed!  Is this a temporary QF problem, or a broader airline industry issue? 

Remember Compass?And who said how members are not a sentimental bunch!  Read their FOND MEMORIES  - including a roast lamb dinner - from Compass all those years ago.

Qantas Platinum ChallengeOur readers will be well aware of the AA Platinum Challenge, but how about a QF Platinum Challenge?  A member requests help to get 1,400 STATUS CREDITS by 30 September. Read what our experts suggest.

It's all in the Timing!Follow the adventures of one of our senior members when contacting the American Airlines Service Centre.  It seems as though the LEVEL OF SERVICE depends on the time of day you call!

Car Deals
Big Savings At Budget!4th day free of time and kilometre charges

click here

Rent a Compact Car (Group B, e.g. Hyundai Getz 5 door auto) through to a Full Size Car (Group E, e.g. Mitsubishi 380) for 3 consecutive days between 5 January and 15 March, 2008 and get the fourth day free* of time and kilometre charges.

Book now at budget.com.au

Frequent Flyer Store

Flight Recovery - Jetlag Resistance
Just $8.46

Save 15%
Plus $5 Delivery

  • Rehydrates the body
  • All natural - nothing artificial
  • Essential minerals
  • Refreshing taste

THE PROBLEM:  When you fly, the pressurised cabin and in-flight air circulation systems create an unnaturally dry environment. This leads to the loss of vital fluids and essential minerals, resulting in dehydration – the major cause of travel fatigue and jet lag.

THE SOLUTION: Flight Recovery™ contains the optimum balance of essential minerals and slow release carbohydrates to prevent dehydration. It has been clinically tested to rehydrate 2.5 times more effectively than water.

CONTAINS NO ARTIFICIAL COLOURS OR FLAVOURS - DOES NOT AFFECT SLEEP PATTERNS – GLUTEN FREE

Purchase now at frequentflyerstore.com.au

Flight Deals

 
Return Economy to Tahiti

 
Return Economy to Kuala Lumpur