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.
