The Frequent Flyer Concept Celebrates 25 years
The concept of the frequent flyer mile has just celebrated its 25th Birthday. AAdvantage
was the world�s first mileage based programme and was launched in January 1981.
Today, over 130 airlines have followed suit and issue miles and points of some
description. These programs have over 163 million loyal followers who
regularly reap the benefits of earning points through airlines and their
partners.
The biggest shift in the nature of frequent flyer points in the last 25 years is
that now over half of all miles and points are earned on the ground, usually
with linked credit cards.
Two Million points for a Galactic Adventure
Virgin Atlantic is offering its frequent flyer members a chance of a lifetime -
members willing to part with two million points will be able to take a trip into
space!
How do you earn 2 million points? Members on the highest frequent flyer
membership tier will need to complete 42 return Sydney to London flights or 96
Sydney to Hong Kong return flights. Those on lower tiers and travelling on
discount economy fares will need to fly from Sydney to Hong Kong and back 218
times, or take 95 Sydney to London return trips!
Virgin Galactic hopes to start space tourism in late 2008.
Bogus Pilot's Lucrative Scam
A con artist pretending to be a pilot has been preying on unsuspecting
Queenslanders. The man promises heavily discounted duty-free items and
disappears with his victim's money. The man approaches strangers at
shopping centres dressed in a full pilot�s uniform and convinces them to part
with hundreds of dollars in exchange for duty free items. However, are
never delivered.
It's believed the man perpetrated the same scam in NSW and Victoria over a
decade ago.
Sneak Preview of Commonwealth Games for Qantas Frequent
Flyers
As sponsors for the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Qantas has been given complimentary
tickets for the full dress rehearsal of the Games. Qantas is charging
frequent flyers $29.95 for a seat at the dress rehearsal with all proceeds going
to charity.
The tickets will not go on sale to the general public, so take advantage of this
exciting opportunity if you can.
Only in America
The homeless and underprivileged are making fast cash for being paid to
�dumpster dive� at Wendy�s restaurant�s across America. The fast-food
chain along with Air Tran are offering frequent flyer awards when customers
purchase soft drinks and save the coupon from the side of the cup. Sixty
four coupons from the soft drink cups are worth a round trip flight anywhere Air
Tran flies.
Buyers are offering those willing to scrounge through garbage bins up to $1.50
per coupon in their quest to take advantage of the offer.
Qantas Commits to Boeing
Qantas has ordered more than 100 planes from aircraft-maker Boeing in a $24
Billion fleet upgrade. Qantas is replacing both its domestic and
international fleet with 115 Boeing 787 planes. After four months of
negotiations Qantas chose Boeing over rival Airbus due to its fuel efficiency.
Delivery of the new fleet is due to begin in early 2008.
Treating Travel Insomnia Naturally
