visit our site | subscribe for free contact the editor | forward to a friend     Australian Frequent Flyer Gazette Issue 111:   28 March In this issue: Latest Talk Flight Deals Hotel Deals Car Deals

The Ultimate Promise... at a price

Qantas have made the ultimate promise to frequent flyers... an ability to redeem their points on ANY seat on ANY flight. Seem too good to be true? That’s because it probably is. This added benefit will only be

available to those members willing to pay a points premium. The details of this premium are sketchy and management are reluctant to reveal more until the new scheme is launched. The new ‘enhanced’ frequent flyer scheme is set to be introduced by mid-year. The new scheme may provide some members who do not fly regularly with some enticing benefits. The new scheme is set to allow members to exchange points for merchandise or shopping vouchers. Qantas has been looking at a two-tier system in which people willing to compete for allocated seats would be able to redeem them as they do now.

Fly to Europe or the UK with Cathay Pacific and save!

Cathay Pacific flies from six Australian cities to Hong Kong, with connections to 120 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.

And right now, you can fly from Sydney to Rome from just $2,087*, London from $2,186*, Paris from $2,121*, Frankfurt from $2,110* or Amsterdam from $2,106*. You can also depart from Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide or Cairns. And members can earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points or Asia Miles along the way too.

To take advantage of these special fares, you’ll need to book, pay and travel between 4 October - 11 November 2008 and 17 January - 24 February 2009*.

Cathay Pacific also offers a range of smart e-services to speed up your travel, such as online check-in and NotiFly flight messaging which keeps you up to date with flight arrival and departure times. And their Fly Greener scheme lets you use cash or frequent flyer miles to purchase carbon emission offsets to reduce your carbon footprint when you fly. So whether you're travelling for business or leisure, why not choose Cathay Pacific for your next international flight?

* Includes taxes and surcharges correct at 7 March 2008. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.cathaypacific.com.au for more details and to book.

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

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

 Deals this hot won't last.

Book now at qantas.com/hotels

 
Advice for Useless PointsOur members provide some useful advice to a member seeking to trade, use or TRANSFER  VIRGIN ATLANTIC points

Duel Citizenship ConundrumAdvice is provided to a confused member who has duel citizenship and two passports. WHICH PASSPORT should be used where?

Upgrade AdviceOne member is 2,000 points shy of being able to upgrade... give them your advice on how to TOP UP THEIR POINTS.

Duty-Free AlcoholOur members discuss whether the ban on carrying liquids greater than 100mls into Australia includes alcohol... find the CONSENSUS HERE.

Famous FacesOur members compare notes on the famous faces they have SHARED AIRSPACE with.

Airplane Model NumbersEver wanted to know the meaning and origin of airplane model numbers? Explain the significance of the 737-400 with ease and confidence after READING THIS.

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.

GPS units are available from:

Sydney airport, Sydney city, Alexandria, Newcastle airport, Newcastle city, Canberra city, Canberra airport, Brisbane airport, Coolangatta airport, Cairns airport, Melbourne City, Melbourne airport, Adelaide airport, Hobart airport, Hobart city, Launceston airport and Launceston city. Book now and start saving valuable time!

Book now at budget.com.au

EarChoice - Air Pressure Relief
$12.71 per pair (or just $25.46 for 3 pairs!)
Save 15%
Plus $5 Delivery

These innovative pressure and noise reducing ear plugs improve your comfort when flying.

EarChoice reduces or eliminate the painful effects of rapid pressure changes on your eardrums. This works by controlling the rate at which changing pressure is applied to the eardrum, giving your ears time to adjust naturally.

While EarChoice do reduce the amount of sound you will hear, you can still hear the important things like: Voices Announcements, Movie soundtracks, and Stereo headphones.

Purchase now at frequentflyerstore.com.au