visit our site | subscribe for free contact the editor | forward to a friend     Australian Frequent Flyer Gazette Issue 112:   11 April In this issue: Latest Talk Flight Deals Hotel Deals Car Deals

Partial Float for Qantas Frequent Flyer Program?

Qantas is preparing for a partial float of their frequent flyer business.  According to broker estimates, Qantas’ Frequent Flyer program is worth from 1.5 billion to 2 billion dollars - almost a quarter of the market capitalisation of the airline! However, the half year earning from the frequent flyer program did not demonstrate much

growth when compared with the main airline. The frequent flyer program will therefore need to show stronger growth before it goes into a fully fledged public offer marketing mode. This makes good news for us frequent flyers!  Qantas have taken a two-pronged approach to increase its standing in the market: The first part of the plan will be undertaken in July this year. Qantas will increase the ability to redeem points. Any seat will be able to be booked using frequent flyer points, but at a greater points cost depending on the flights popularity.   The second part of the plan is to enhance loyalty member’s ability to generate points. This will result in bringing in more partners. A whole host of new partners including banks, insurers, car retailers and manufacturers are set to get in on the action. If market conditions are favourable the partial float is set to take place at the end of this year.

Qantas Frequent Flyers Earn an extra...
    ... 1,000 Frequent Flyer points

when you book your hotel stay by the 11 April 2008, for stays until the 23 May 2008, at any one of our hotels in selected destinations across Australia and New Zealand.

That's in addition to the points you normally earn when you book and stay at any partner hotel.

Why not mix business with pleasure and extend your business trip to a short break away?

 Now is the perfect time to treat yourself and with the added bonus of an extra 1000 points!

Book now at qantas.com/hotels

 
Melbourne AFF Members MeetIf you’re a local Melbournian, or in town in August, or just need an excuse to travel, MEET some of your fellow posters!!

Carry On BagsOne member asks: why bother with carry-on bags when it doesn’t take long for bags to be delivered to the carousel? This seemingly innocent observation was met with a BARRAGE OF RESPONSES giving accounts of a very different experience.

V Australia LaunchOur members discuss the OPENING SPECIALS of V Australia; did you manage to snag yourself a bargain?

Uluru AdventureOur members provide some useful advice on THINGS TO DO AND SEE in Uluru when taking advantage of QF’s recent sale.

Looking For LuggageOur members share their tips on getting the BEST CARRY-ON LUGGAGE; they look at cost effectiveness, durability and meeting the airlines specifications.

Aloha AlohaOur members share their memories of travelling ALOHA AIRLINES, which has dissolved after 61 years.

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

Inflight Travel - Stylish and Practical
Just $21.21
Save 15%
Plus $5 Delivery

This compact and stylish matching set includes:

• 50ml atomiser spray bottle
• 50ml lotion pump bottle
• two 50ml storage bottles with smooth cap
• two 15ml acrylic jars.

The set is compliant with International Airline Safety Standards for carry on-board liquids.

Don't forget, you can also store your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, creams, lip balm, lip stick, mascara, the list goes on..... ALL items that are liquid based in the one pouch.

The transparent pouch measures just 18cm x 22cm

Purchase now at frequentflyerstore.com.au