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THE FREQUENT FLYER GAZETTE   ::   OCTOBER 2005

   

CONTENTS ::
 
1. Virgin Freq Fly?
2. Member's Talk
3. Travel News
4. Freq Fly Generosity

 

Editors Note ::
 
Welcome to the October edition of the Frequent Flyer Gazette.

This month it is time to say Bon Voyage to Ben, we would like to wish him the very best of luck for his future endeavors.  My name is Leah and I am the new editor.  I hope to provide a dynamic and interesting read that addresses the issues affecting today�s frequent flyers.

The change of editors is not the only milestone this month, our ever- popular discussion board has hit its 10,000th post.  An amazing 27% of posts were made by our 5 most prolific - and knowledgeable - members, thanks for your fantastic contributions; your knowledge has helped many a novice.

This month we speculate (again!) about the Virgin Frequent Flyer program and report on the unique ways in which frequent flyers can help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Happy reading.

Leah
Editor, Frequent Flyer Gazette




 
1. VIRGIN BLUE'S FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM 
 

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This time it looks certain....

... I'm referring to the much anticipated Virgin Blue Frequent Flyer program.  Yes, I know that we (as well as other industry commentators) have been caught out in the past by speculating about the 'imminent' launch of the program, then only to see the months pass by with no announcement from Virgin.

But things are different this time.  Earlier this year, Richard Branson was quoted as saying that the program will be introduced this year, CEO Brett Godfrey says that the program will be a 'category killer', and now we note that Virgin is advertising for 'frequent flyer specialists' to join the company.

The details of the program remain a closely guarded secret - but we will be very surprised if it doesn't include international partnerships (Star Alliance?) as well offering as simpler and more transparent award redemptions when compared to the Qantas program.

And it seems as though Qantas, in anticipation of this new threat to their cozy monopoly, is already lifting their game and releasing more frequent flyer seats into the system.  During the last 2 weeks in September, we used Frequent Flyer Friend to access the availability of Qantas Frequent Flyer seats from Melbourne to London.  With the exception of just 2 days (21 and 28 October) Frequent Flyer seats were available on every day.  But what was even more interesting was the 'last minute' availability of Business Class seats.  For example Business Class seats for travel on 4 and 5 October suddenly became available on 21 September and remained available for the remainder of the month.

You can download a copy of our analysis HERE.  Red represents no frequent flyer availability, green indicates frequent flyer availability, and 'B' means that at least one Business Class seat was available.

If you haven't done so already, be sure to download your free trial of Frequent Flyer Friend.

   


2. MEMBER'S TALK
 

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Making sense of ticket taxes and surcharges

Our members discuss the best methods to obtain the breakdown of the taxes you�re paying on your airfares.  DISCOVER why your travel agent is reluctant to reveal them. You�ll be surprised at what you�re paying for! 

Earn Points by paying your tax!

One member DISCUSSES the benefits of paying your taxes by your credit card and earning points in the process.  This leads to a discussion on credit cards, merchant fees, and some interesting business opportunities.

Points or Cash: your Ticket Conundrum

Our senior members help a newbie determine whether parting with points for his upcoming flight is viable.  As always our members offer VALUABLE ADVICE on maximising the value of your points.

Understanding Upgrades

The likelihood of obtaining upgrades for platinum members is considered.  Regular posting freak Mal EXPLAINS how the upgrade system works.

Rumour Rant

Some members try to dispel whilst some reinforce the rumour that if a Chairman Lounge member is travelling and there is a seat available in a higher class they will be upgraded free of charge.  The veracity of the rumour remains a mystery, share your opinion HERE.

The In�s and Out�s of Duty Free Shopping

Duty Free shopping has never been easier, you can start shopping up to 30 days before departure.  Learn how the Tourist Refund Scheme can refund GST on purchases made in discount stores (as opposed to the often more expensive Duty Free Shops).  Read HERE.

Secret Hotel Hates

Members discuss their pet hates about hotel rooms, whether it be a severe lack of power points, small tea cups, the odd positions of toilet roll holders or the type of milk provided.  Vent your frustrations HERE in the communal whinge fest.

RewardPass - Points as good as cash!  Advertisement

If you�re looking to get the best value for your credit card points, try transferring your points to Flight Centre�s reward program, RewardPass.

You can transfer credit card points from ANZ Rewards, Diners Club and Commonwealth Bank Awards to RewardPass.  Your RewardPass points can pay for flights with any airline, hotels, car hire, cruises or tours available at Flight Centre, Escape Travel, Travel Associates & Student Flights.

You get to choose the best deal you can book in store, so you know you�ll get the best possible value for your points.

To join or find out more, visit www.rewardpass.com.au

 


3. TRAVEL NEWS
 
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For the latest travel news, check out our new Travel News service
 - travel news from leading agencies, updated continually

 

Bankrupt Airlines: Do your points go down with them? (Remember the Ansett saga!)

Delta airlines and Northwest airlines are the latest in a spate of US airlines to declare bankruptcy.  More than 100 US airlines have declared bankruptcy in the last 25 years.  US Airlines and United Airlines are still in prolonged bankruptcy.

The ever-increasing price of fuel isn�t aiding the situation.  The general consensus among travel experts is to redeem any outstanding frequent flyer points with the airlines now, just in case the companies go into liquidation. Another option is to covert unused points into schemes with more favourable future outlooks.  Be warned though, the conversion process can often result in a loss of many points so use only as a last resort.

Credit Card Incentives

The new American express platinum credit card comes with a variety of benefits for frequent flyers.

Eligible customers will receive one domestic return flight with Qantas every year to one of a number of capital cities.  For every one dollar spent members will receive 1.5 membership reward points up to $100, 000.  The card comes with domestic and international travel insurance and platinum priority service 24/7.

The fee is not for the faint hearted - a whopping $395 per year!

Double Qantas Points at Intercontinental Hotels Group

Qantas Frequent Flyers are entitled to double points at more than 3,500 Intercontinental hotel groups, resorts and hotels worldwide.  This double deal is available until December 16th.  Ensure you read the fine print before embarking, points only begin accumulating on your second stay with one of the participating hotels.

Multi- Million Dollar Boost to Security

In response to the growing concern regarding airport security, John Howard has announced a $200 million security upgrade for Australian airports.  Custom patrols will occupy the tarmac areas of seven major Australian airports.

The recommendations were made in a report by British aviation security expert John Wheeler.  Many speculated Howard�s employment of Wheeler was merely a method of placating consumer fears, but it appears Howard is willing implement the expert�s findings.  Qantas has issued a statement supporting the government�s plans.

Bird Flu Fears

Seven Indonesians, expected to be carrying the dreaded bird flu, have been quarantined.  The Indonesian government are said to be in a state of confusion about how best to control the outbreak for fears of the tourism industry being adversely affected.

Foreign governments are yet to issue warnings about flying to Indonesia.  Visit the DFAT Website if planning to travel to Indonesia soon to check out the government�s recommendations.

JetBlue makes Emergency Landing

US airliner JetBlue was forced to make an emergency landing at LA after its nose wheels were wrenched out of alignment.  The airliner was carrying 145 passengers.

Amidst smoke and flames the plane landed, all passengers and crew were declared safe after their fiery ordeal.

   


4. FREQUENT FLYERS HELP HURRICANE VICTIMS
 
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Airlines and hotels are offering frequent flyers a unique opportunity to help the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

Through their mileage programs, hotels and airlines are permitting the donation of miles or cash to organisations involved in the relief effort after Hurricane Katrina.  Miles can be used to provide integral travel support for the team members of relief organisations and the victims.

Participating mileage programs include: AAdvantage, Flight Fund, One Pass, Sky Miles, Early returns, Midwest miles and United Airlines.  Participating hotels include: Best Western, choice hotels, Hilton Hotels, Starwood and Intercontinental Hotels group.

Many of the participating organisations are offering lucrative rewards for frequent flyer generosity.  Until October 31st 2005 Flight Fund members will receive 500 bonus miles for every $50 donated to the Red Cross.

The most persuasive incentive, however, is the knowledge that donations will help the victims to rebuild their lives and their cities destroyed by the unstoppable force of Hurricane Katrina.

 

� THE AUSTRALIAN FREQUENT FLYER, 2005