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Rudd Tightens the Purse Strings
| Kevin Rudd may have lost some friends in Parliament, but has certainly gained some taxpayer approval with his bid to ensure politicians use their frequent flyer points more often. The move could save tax payers potentially hundred of thousands of dollars, but may lose MPs the ability to choose when they travel or force them to compete for allocated frequent flyer seats. |
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New Special Minister of State, John Faulkner wrote to all 226 MPs and senators, urging them to use frequent-flyer points not only for their regular trips to Canberra, but for flights within their electorates and overseas as well.
The Faulkner direction comes also in the wake of the latest figures from the Department of Finance showing that only two MPs cashed in any frequent-flyer points at all between January 1 and June 30 last year. It is understood that a number of MPs and senators have accrued more than two million frequent- flyer points, enough to cover more than 15 return economy-class trips from Sydney to London, according to the Qantas website. Whilst the move is designed to help curb pressure on the economy, one must wonder about the enforceability of the direction. Watch this space... |
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Fly to Europe or the UK with Cathay Pacific and save!
| Cathay Pacific flies from six Australian cities to Hong Kong, with connections to 111 destinations worldwide including the UK and Europe. You'll enjoy world-class inflight service, the best of Western and Asian cuisine and over 20 entertainment channels on your personal television. |
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And right now, you can fly from Sydney to Rome from just $1,931*, London from $2,049*, Paris from $1,976*, Frankfurt from $1,966* or Amsterdam from $1,962*. You can also depart from Melbourne, Perth or Adelaide. And members can earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points or Asia Miles too.
To take advantage of these special fares, you’ll need to book, pay and travel by March 24, 2008*.
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* Includes taxes and surcharges. Terms and conditions apply. Visit
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Book your Easter Accommodation nowGreat 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.
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J Class AvailabilityOur members discuss the limited availability of J class flights using frequent flyer points. Some
HANDY HINTS include contacting the airline directly instead of relying on websites.
Business or PleasureOne member states that retirement means that he never wants to see the inside of a plane again! So is your flying for business or pleasure, tell us YOUR OPINION here.
Allergy AdviceOur members provide some useful advice on when to inform airlines regarding FOOD ALLERGIES and the procedures for getting an epi-pen through security.
Starclass VerdictOur members tactfully seek to avoid any Jetstar Bashing and give their OBJECTIVE OPINIONS on Jetstars Starclass.
New Zealand Expansion for Oz Jet Oz Jet has recently expanded operations to include a route to Palmerston North in New Zealand... our members QUESTION THE VIABILITY of this move, given the 80,000 person population in Palmerston North.
Pint Sized Passengers Test PatienceMost frequent flyers will shudder at one members story of the pint-sized recorder playing passenger. It begs the question; what role should airline staff have in ensuring CHILDREN ARE CONTROLLED on flights?
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.
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GlobalBagTag offers protection for your baggage worldwide wherever you travel. The stylish stainless steel luggage tags fix securely to your baggage. Full descriptions of your luggage, travel itinerary and contact details can be stored on our secure database and can be updated at any time online.
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