1. PROGRAM NEWS
 

New regional frequent flyer program?

A new domestic frequent flyer program could soon hit the sky with a recent announcement of a new regional airline taking flight.

Australiawide Airlines - the new owners of Kendell and Hazelton airlines who launched Rex, or Regional Express airline, in August - say they're working on a frequent flyer program for the company.

The service will offer "complete access and hassle free connections to Qantas and Virgin international carriers", the group's chief Michael Jones said recently.

"Negotiations to finalise our Interline Agreements with all the major international and domestic airlines are almost completed, as is our development of a comprehensive frequent flyer and partnership program," Mr Jones said. The group reportedly paid more than $40 million for its assets.

Frequent flyer points not safe

A survey of frequent flyers in America has shown that most regular travellers have done nothing to protect their hard-earned points.

The survey, by Mileslink, showed that more than 87% of those surveyed have not tried to transfer their points to other, "safer" programs or redeem them for awards in order to protect themselves from Ansett-style collapses.

At the same time, more than 62% felt their points were at risk in the current climate. More than 67% felt points in hotel programs were generally safer than airline schemes.

Meanwhile here in Australia an Infochoice survey has shown many credit card holders have not redeemed their points for reward flights. The survey (which was still in progress when we checked) showed 69% of respondents have never redeemed points on their credit card for a frequent flyer seat, 26% have, while 6% have tried but could not get a seat.

Qantas challenge

Qantas is taking up the challenge from Star Alliance on international flight bonuses. It's counteracting the alliance's offer of 5,000 bonus miles on overseas flights with its own 5,000-point bonuses for flights between Perth and Singapore, Melbourne to Los Angeles or Sydney to Auckland between November 1 and December 15.

The offer is available on all classes and includes connections from other international or domestic services.

Star Alliance will also match your current frequent flyer status with Qantas or another frequent flyer program if you're in the gold or silver category.

Ansett point resurrection Mark II

Another online rewards company has offered to "resurrect" former Ansett Global Rewards points as part of its program.  Advantagez says it will activate 50 old Ansett rewards points when you join and another 25 every time you introduce new members to the World Miles fold. The points could then be redeemed through associated merchants or on Star Alliance flights and "any new Ansett that may start in the near future."

The idea follows a similar concept introduced by the TripleAClub recently.

Seats availability

A quick check at the end of September revealed Qantas frequent flyer award flights are still available for redemption on flights to most destinations over the November, December and January period. But as we all know, each year Christmas comes around faster so the sooner you book the better your chances of catching a flight with Santa.

Dutch wink

KLM has revamped its frequent flyer program. Early indications are that the new Flying Dutchman is a vast improvement on the old scheme.

Delta and Virgin hook up

Delta and Virgin Atlantic are doing the cross-Atlantic tango, announcing that members of the airlines' frequent flyer programs will be able to earn and redeem points through the two schemes from October. As a special offer to launch the partnership, Delta is offering double miles to SkyMiles members who fly on Virgin Atlantic between October and mid-December. Virgin is offering the same deal to its frequent flyers using selected Delta flights. Delta is reportedly planning similar links with Continental and Northwest.

2. PRESS ROUND-UP
 

Fraud claim

Police have charged a Sydney man with fraudulently redeeming $456,000 in airfares through a frequent flyer scheme.

The 30-year-old Kingsgrove resident was charged with a whopping 56 counts of obtaining benefit by deception. It's alleged the man redeemed points from 28 fraudulent accounts, which enabled 258 international and domestic flights.

The case was due to be heard before the Sutherland local court on October 3. It's the second time a person has been charged with such offences by a special police unit Strike Force Ubeda.

Australian Airlines launch

Qantas subsidiary, Australian Airlines, is scheduled for take off later this month. The low-cost, Asia-bound airline is - according to some analysts - a move to quash opposition from Virgin Blue and possibly another domestic newcomer which could pop up in the near future (remember Singapore Airlines has been doing some sniffing around on that front).

There's also talk of Qantas matching Australian Airlines with another low-price, no thrills domestic carrier to really take Virgin head on.

Second home

Qantas has opened its second domestic terminal in Sydney. After months of quibbling the flying kangaroo has moved into the old Ansett terminal late last month.

The new terminal is called Terminal 2 while the current Qantas domestic terminal is now called Terminal 3. The International terminal is called Terminal 1.

Qantas flights numbered 001 to 399 depart from Terminal 1, 400-1599 from Terminal 3 and 1600 and above from Terminal 2.

Terrorific savings

Companies' spending big dollars on business class travel have actually managed to cut their expenses since the events of September 11.

According to some reports, before the terrorist attacks in the US, travel was the second-highest expense (after wages) faced by large companies.

But in the post September 11 climate, and with the fragile economic climate, the travel industry has reduced costs in an effort to keep clients flying.

A third of the companies recently surveyed by the National Business Travel Association said they've managed to reduce their travel expenditure by 10%. Complaints against airlines have also fallen.

Frequent flyer terrorism?

What will the next terrorist look like?

That's the latest twist in the post September 11 debate, with many commentators, especially in the US, warning every air traveller to watch their backs (and everybody else's backs). One columnists, Joe Brancatelli recently wrote on his website that the next time terrorists strike they will "look different".

"They will be dressed like your sainted grandmother. They will use someone who looks like a mum with two toddlers and toy bags in tow...They'll be dressed like Mrs Doubtfire, or an airline crew, or frequent flyers with airport-club memberships and elite status."

We dare say terrorists wishing to disguise themselves as frequent flyers would need to show great patience - these days it takes longer and longer to collect the points, and then there's the seat availability...   

New Booking service especially for Frequent Flyers

How many times have you missed out on securing a frequent flyer seat, and have been forced by buy a regular ticket?  We understand how frustrating this can be, so we've introduced a new service ....

Next time you have to fork out cash, try our new Flight Booking service.  Your request will be forwarded to one of our specialist frequent flyer travel consultants who will ensure that your booking earns the maximum number of points or is best suited for your individual circumstances.

You will be surprised what a little bit of inside knowledge is worth!  And best of all its a free service to all clients who make their reservation with us.  This service compliments our popular Award Booking service which has been featured on National TV.

We also offer Travel Insurance and Hotel Accommodation.

Frequent Flyer Club members enjoy special discounts and bonuses on all our services.

Add it up

Here's a quick tip on best flight arrangements from Robert, one of our "frequent discussion boarders".

"If you are planning a trip using Qantas points to London with a stop over in Asia and a side trip to Europe, get a combined Qantas/BA ticket as this is 10,000 points cheaper than using Qantas all the way," Robert writes.

"I was quoted 120,000 points for a Qantas ticket: Syd/Singapore/London/Rome. I was then given another quote of 110,000 points for an itinerary using Qantas to Singapore and then BA for the remainder of the journey."

Foreign currency catch

Another readers says be wary when it comes to making purchases on the ANZ Qantas Visa card while overseas. Last month we told you the transactions would earn you double points. However it appears a 1.5% foreign currency surcharge also applies to each transaction.

"This meant an extra $15 on a $1000 purchase - virtually cancelling out the bonus of gaining double points," our reader wrote.

"I am yet to receive my Diners statement, however, I believe they still offer double points overseas with no currency conversion fees."

Other readers tips can be found on our Bulletin Board.

Qantas Specials

50% off Brisbane
Take a Sydney mate to Brizzy for half the cost of a return Economy Class Award flight. That's 10,000 points for your companion's flight (plus from $36 in costs). The offer closes October 31.

40% off Jakarta
Get 40% off Economy Class Award flights between Australia and Jakarta. That's 18,000 points for a return Award flight between Perth and Jakarta, or 30,000 points between Sydney and Jakarta, both in Economy Class (plus between $81 and $101 ex Australia in taxes). Valid for bookings until October 24 and travel until the end of this month.

For all the latest promotions, Frequent Flyer Club members can use our Deal Watch program.

Virgin discount

Virgin Blue is offering discounted hotel accommodation and car hire through octopustravel and Europcar. The special offer is valid until the end of the year.

Fly Buys

Rent any Budget Truck and get two points per dollar spent until the end of October.

Harris Technology will give you 1000 bonus points when purchasing specific Sony handycams. The offer ends October 31.

Each dollar spent with Best Western hotels will earn two Fly Buys points. The double points offer ends October 21