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 THE FREQUENT FLYER GAZETTE   ::   OCTOBER 2003
 ISSN 1446-4292
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CONTENTS ::
 
1. Qantas ANZ Visa
2. Members' Talk
3. Industry News
4. Promotions

Last minute hotel reservation!


Editors Note ::
 
Hello and welcome to the October edition of the Frequent Flyer Gazette.

The start of a new month sees the end of an era. Adrian has cashed in his frequent flyer points and moved on to greener pastures. From everyone at frequentflyer.com.au we wish him a healthy and prosperous future.

As for his replacement, my name is Ben and I�ll attempt to fill the big shoes Adrian has left behind. I�m looking forward to the challenge and hope the transition will be smooth.

Last month the airline industry featured heavily in the mainstream media, from fuel shortages to a Harley driving madman gate-crashing Perth�s Domestic terminal. The Bulletin Board has also been running hot, especially in regards to changes to the Qantas ANZ Visa card.

Happy reading.

Ben
Editor, Frequent Flyer Gazette

 

Find Specials in:

 


1. QANTAS ANZ VISA CHANGES
 

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Fly Faster no more

ANZ have dropped their bombshell - Australia�s most popular frequent flyer credit card, the Qantas ANZ Visa card, has dramatically cut back on its benefits.

For example, as of October 31, cardholders will earn 1 frequent flyer point per dollar spent each month up to $1,500 for classic cardholders (or $2,500 for Gold cardholders). Thereafter cardholders will need to spend $2 to earn a point, up to a monthly limit of $5,000 for Classic cards (or $10,000 for Gold cards). Prior to these changes, one dollar spent earned one frequent flyer point and there was no monthly limit.

The changes were announced in a media release and at the bottom of the release was the following statement. �The Qantas ANZ Visa card is currently Australia�s most popular credit card.� We wonder for how much longer�

Tempting as it is to pick-up the phone, abuse the hell out of the unfortunate ANZ service representative who happened to answer your call, and immediately close your accounts - you should do your homework to see exactly what�s available. The changes will only really impact on those who spend more than $1,500 (or $2,500 for Gold cards). Also, bear in mind that there is no guarantee that the other banks will not follow ANZ�s lead and cut back on their benefits too.

Sticking with the ANZ

If you choose to stick with ANZ, you can upgrade to their new Diners card. This card has no points cap, but is a more expensive option. As explained by one of our readers: �The alternative is to get the new Diners card to maximise my points earning, in addition to my Visa. As not all retailers accept Diners, I need to keep the Visa card and for the privilege of earning the same amount of points as I have in the past, I pay two credit card fees and two reward program fees.�

Alternatively you may decide to forfeit the points altogether and go for a significantly cheaper �no frills� cards (such as the ANZ First Visa at $26 per year) with no reward program. Important consideration: Points will no longer be automatically credited to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account, and to keep your points from expiring you will need to have some �activity� in your account every 5 years.

Vote with your feet

Anecdotal evidence suggests that many thousands are ditching ANZ completely and taking their business elsewhere.  We have prepared A Guide to selecting �Frequent Flyer� credit cards which will help you this process.

Included in the guide is a table comparing 18 of the most popular �Frequent Flyer� cards. We find that while there are differences in the cost components (such as annual fee and interest rates), its really some of the other �hidden� factors (such as which airlines you can transfer points to) that provide the greater differentiation.

 


2. MEMBERS' TALK
 

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Talk to fly free

Here is a great little tip for getting some extra points. Contrary to advice a reader received from a Qantas phone consultant, you can indeed earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points with a Telstra Telecard.

As another reader writes: �You will get 4 QFF points for each dollar spent. I looked at the website today and they don't have anything about QFF points, but I called the Telstra customer service and they confirmed that 4 points are still awarded.�

FlyBuys coming out of the cold?

The new Coles Myer/GE Mastercard has attracted some attention on the Bulletin Board.

�The new card is offering 7 points for every $5 dollars spent, 1 for 1 with Mastercard and then an extra 2 if you show your flybuys card,� one user enthusiastically wrote.

 ��you sound more like an ad for the card rather than posting a discussion on it,� was the response.

SkyHigh Airlines

One of our readers emailed us about a new US airline, SkyHigh Airlines.

The suggestion was that they wouldn�t do well in Australia because they offer to similar a service to both of our 2 main domestic carriers!  :)

A Guide to Selecting Frequent Flyer credit cards  Advertisement

 

This guide will make it easy for you to choose the credit card most suitable for you:

  • Clear, comprehensive and objective analysis

  • Framework allows for individual circumstances

  • 18 of the most popular Australian cards compared

  • commissioned by www.frequentflyer.com.au

  • 7 pages (A4 size)

  • only $5.95 (including GST)

Plus the Exclusive Bonus: How to "purchase" Qantas frequent flyer points for as little as 2c per point!

For more information CLICK HERE



3. INDUSTRY NEWS
 
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Fueled by anger

Singapore Airlines may demand thousands of dollars in compensation after the jet fuel debacle last month. Flight schedules had to changed after jet fuel drained away to 35% of the normal capacity forcing the rationing of fuel.

Airspace confusion

Civil Air President Ted Lang has been critical of changes to airspace regulations that come online in eight weeks. He told Channel 9�s Today program that pilots will not know whether there is another plane near them when they descend below 10,000ft if the changes are implemented.

Singapore swing

Deputy prime minister John Anderson has been in Singapore to negotiate giving Singapore Airlines greater access to Australian skies. This follows in the wake of Singapore Airlines failed bid to purchase Ansett.

Tran Tasman Blues

Virgin Blue has announced new overseas flights from Brisbane to New Zealand. Virgin will fly under the name Pacific Blue and airfares will start from $219. Air New Zealand has counter-acted by adding an extra eleven flights per week on the route. They deny it�s to rival Virgin.

Airline appeals

The ACCC have turned down Air New Zealand and Qantas application to form an alliance. Air New Zealand CEO Ralph Norris said he was disappointed with the decision and the airlines will apply for a review.

Lounging around

Qantas and United Airlines have opened a First and Business Class lounge in terminal four in LA. Included are a business centre with 23 workstations, music and television lounge and a Kids corner.

In flight SMS

Qantas are introducing an in-flight SMS and messaging service to their fleet of 747-400s. The service can be used without charge up until October 31.

   


4. PROMOTIONS
 
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Frequent Flyer Club

Frequent Flyer Club members will get a generous rebates on car rental through the Web Car Hire search service.
Similarly, we can offer rebates on tours and activities thanks to one of our new partners, Viator.

There are also the usual discounts on Travel Insurance and Hotel Accommodation.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines are offering a 25% discount on selected award flights if they book online before 31 October.

They have also hooked up with fashion distributor Club 21. The partnership allows Club 21 holders to convert their club points to Krisflyer miles. Every 6,000 Club points can be exchanged for 1,500 Krisflyer miles.

Qantas

Spring Carnival package Qantas are offering one, two and three day packages to this years spring racing carnival. Prices start at $850 for a one-day package that includes admission to Flemington racecourse, entry to the Qantas club marquee, access to grandstand seating and a selection of wine, beer, champagne and soft drinks.


� THE AUSTRALIAN FREQUENT FLYER, 2003