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Australian Frequent Flyer Gazette

Issue 121:   15 August

In this issue:
Latest Talk
Hotel Deals
Car Deals
Freq Flyer Store

Where there's smoke... there's Qantas

And no, this is nothing to do with the latest series of incidents currently plaguing the beleaguered airline!   You may have noticed an additional item on your on-board duty-free selection that has anti-smoking lobbyists fuming. This month Qantas has resumed the controversial sale of tobacco on board after almost ten years since it was stopped.

Legislation prohibits the packs from being advertised in the shopping catalogue but it is

legal to stack them on the duty-free trolley and wheel them through the cabin. A letter recently sent to Qantas staff by management allegedly states: "It's vital that duty free carts are taken out into the economy cabin, with the cigarettes displayed prominently on top''.

Some are seeing it as no coincidence that the move comes as Qantas appoints a recently retired tobacco executive to its board. Paul Rayner, who was finance director of British American Tobacco and previously chief operating officer of British American Tobacco Australasia, joined the Qantas board as a as a non-executive director earlier this month. Qantas are adamantly denying that there is any link.

Qantas claims that they are merely catering for consumer demand, whilst lobby groups see the move as an unacceptable return to the “bad old days”. They claim the move acts to normalise and condone the act of smoking.

Greedy cash grab or good customer service? We’ll leave that decision up to you.

Hotel Deals Latest Talk

New Deals for August are now available
Double or Triple points at selected hotels!

Book a stay for a winter getaway with fantastic bonus offers, discounted rates and exceptional extras.

Don't miss out on the fantastic frequent flyer specials on during August 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. Don't miss out, book now!

Book now at qantas.com/hotels

                                                  Platinum MattersOur members discuss the intricacies of being a platinum card-holder. A FASCINATING READ for those in the know!

Lounge CrasherRead how a  member plans to  ACHIEVE THE IMPOSSIBLE, using a guest-pass in a lounge without actually flying anywhere.

Unexpected UpgradeOne member is bemused and delighted by his unexpected BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADE on a Qantas Sydney to LA flight.

No-refund Revenge?Our members attempt to dissuade someone from unnecessarily INCONVENIENCING QANTAS by cancelling their flight at the last minute.

Phone HomeOur members provide ADVICE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS wanting to make emergency phone-calls and send sms messages whilst overseas, without signing up for a plan.

Toddler Trouble Our members discuss the recent news story regarding Qantas rejecting a 2 year old toddler from a domestic flight to Christchurch, read our members SUPPORT FOR QANTAS decision here.

Car Deals

HURRY:  Promotion ends 31 August...

 click here

Book now at budget.com.au

Frequent Flyer Store

Digital Luggage Scales
Just $33.96

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Plus $5 Delivery

 

Know the weight of your luggage anywhere, anytime.

THE PROBLEM:  Unless you know the weight of your luggage, you could be hit with high excess luggage charges when checking in.  It is not uncommon for some airlines to charge $12.00 - $14.00kg for excess luggage!

THE SOLUTION:   Introducing the Balanzza Ergo BZ200B Digital Luggage Scale - ideal for travellers . Avoid excess luggage charges which vary from airline to airline around the world.

THE FEATURES:

  • 4 Easy steps: Attach, lift, wait for beep and then set-down to read
  • Easy to use -Weight in Lb. (Max 100lbs) or Kg (Max 44kg).
  • Compact size for easy carry and transport.
  • Strong strap to secure the to your luggage any container - no hooks.
  • Big Digital Display for easy reading.
  • Uses 2 x AAA batteries (not included)
  • Weighs only 250g

Can also be used as a general scale by attaching a bag or net, then pushing the left reset button to zero the scales, prior to weighing the object.

Weigh items for postage, items at markets eg fruit and vegetables or prove the weight of your caught fish. Weighs any items up to 44kg.

Purchase now at frequentflyerstore.com.au