The American Airline Platinum Challenge has generated much conversation on the Discussion Board, it�s time to separate the fact from the fiction and provide some handy hints for sure-fire success.  Put bluntly, the AA Platinum Challenge is the back door to elite status.  The Challenge is not about loyalty, but rather accumulating a large quantity of qualifying flight activity within a limited time period, which will fast-track your elite status.

The AA Platinum Challenge allows you to go from no status to Platinum status in just 90 days if you can accrue 10,000 qpoints.  Flights from fares which are eligible to earn miles and which count towards elite status, will earn you qpoints for your Challenge.  Check out Dave Noble�s FANTASTIC GUIDE to the Challenge here to clarify any unanswered questions.

Our members have experienced phenomenal success with this program.  One member will achieve Platinum status with AA with one flight on Qantas (yes Qantas, not American Airlines!) from Brisbane to London.  It's easy to see why many members have likened the challenge to �taking candy from a baby�.  Read another member�s experience HERE.

There are a few tips, however, that will prevent any likely problems and steer you well on the way to success.  Firstly, read the conditions of the challenge carefully, you only have 90 days to accrue the 10,000 points.  Secondly, plan ahead; make sure the flights you will be taking qualify to earn you qpoints.  Thirdly, ensure the flight activity is properly credited to your AAdvantage account.

Lastly, if you have any questions regarding the challenge you have a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips by simply posting a question on our Discussion Board.  Good luck and enjoy your Platinum success!

Carry-on Chaos

Our members discuss the recent ban on carrying liquids on board US flights as a result of the recent terrorist threat.  Check out the revised CONDITIONS.

Currency Conundrum

Our members help determine the BEST VALUE option for exchanging foreign currency to Australian Dollars when returning from overseas, the verdict seems to be spend it or save it for next time.

velocityrewards.com - whose scam?

A member accidentally entered VELOCITYREWARDS.COM (no .au) in his browser and got a bit of a surprise: instead of Virgin Blue�s loyalty program website, a hate site was displayed with a re-direction to the Qantas site. 

We did a bit of investigation, and it appears as though this isn�t your standard cyber-squatter extortion attempt.  The other party had a legitimate claim and it ended up at the World Intellectual Property Organization for ARBITRATION.  The decision went Virgin�s way, but the matter certainly raises some question about how Virgin conducted itself!

Mobile Zone-Out

Looking for some peace and quiet at the airport?  Our members identify some MOBILE-FREE ZONES at an airport near you.

Online Ticket Booking

See our member�s RECOMMENDATIONS for the best websites for buying tickets.  The golden rule it seems is to compare, compare, compare!

Qantas Company Culture

One newbie CONSIDERS whether Qantas� customer service is up to scratch in comparison to Singapore Airlines.  Very few members jump to Qantas� defence.

Earth Launch

Our members DISCUSS the benefits of the new �earth� credit card; with double the Qantas frequent flyer points.  Our members identify the pros, the cons and the fine print.  It�s definitely worth a look.

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Qantas� Poor Profit

Qantas announced last month a 30% drop in annual profits, after its fuel bill sky-rocketed.  Qantas' net profit dropped to $479.5 million in 2005/06, from $688.5 million in the previous year.  Qantas are forecasting a fuel bill of $3.9 billion for 2006/07.  The announcement came as many workers from both Qantas and Jetstar are being encouraged to sign AWA�s under the Howard governments new work choices reforms.

Fuel Surcharge

The rising cost of fuel is once again being blamed for increased levy�s on international air tickets.  From August 31st, Qantas passengers flying to London will pay an extra $174 for a return fare after the fuel levy was almost doubled.  The surcharge rise means passengers redeeming frequent flyer points will have to pay almost $600 in taxes and charges for a return award flight to London.  The $31 levy for domestic flights will remain the same.

From November, Qantas frequent flyers will be able to use their points to pay for these costly extras instead of cash for domestic services.

What a Carry-on

The new baggage restrictions implemented at US Airways has prompted a desperate recruiting campaign for more baggage handlers.  Two hundred more baggage handlers are required to avoid frustrated passengers.  The recruitment campaign is proving difficult.  Convincing people to lift luggage weighing up to 70 pounds at a starting rate of $9.59 an hour, doesn�t exactly make for an attractive sales pitch!

Drunk Dread

A recent survey of flyers' greatest fears revealed that finding a drunk in the adjacent seat is indeed our worst nightmare, receiving 40% of the votes.  Alcohol-affected passengers on planes have become such a problem that the UK announced its Disruptive Passenger Initiative, which recommends that passengers deemed too drunk to fly should be refused entry to board, offered no compensation for missed flights and fined up to $100,000.

Laptop Threat

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) will contact airlines around the world to work out safety procedures for using laptop computers on aeroplanes.  The move has been prompted by the recall by major manufacturers Apple and Dell of millions of laptop computers in order to replace faulty overheating batteries. 

CASA spokesman Peter Gibson says the faulty laptop batteries can cause explosions, posing a security and safety threat. CASA is calling together leading international aviation authorities to determine the best solution.  Gibson has so far ruled out any complete ban of laptops on aircrafts.

Contrary to popular pop-culture, the Burmese Python, the stars of the new cult film �Snakes on a Plane�, would never make it in on-board an airplane.  There is a ban on venomous snakes traveling by air in passenger aircrafts.  Non-venomous snakes, however, can and do travel by air.

A variety of weird and wonderful animals may be in the cargo hold of your next flight.  Continental staffers have seen ostriches, lizards, snakes, mice, monkeys, small kangaroos, white tiger cubs, turtles and alligators, said Peter Adragna, service manager.  According to airport urban legend a seeing-eye miniature horse once flew with its blind owner in first-class on American Airlines.  It is believed the pair were on their way to an appearance on �Oprah�.

Which animals can travel where depends on complicated rules that factor in size, weight, destination, breed, temperature and age.  Newborns can't travel.  Some airlines ban pit bulls.  Whilst, snub-nosed dogs and cats, whose short breathing passages make them more vulnerable to respiratory distress, have their own restrictions.

If you plan to put your pet on a plane there are a number of considerations you must take into account.  Book a non-stop flight if possible, to avoid prolonged discomfort for your four-legged friend.  Also consider an early-morning or late-day flight to avoid the heat of day.  Carry a current photo of your pet for identification purposes and take into account your pets personality to determine whether they will cope with the stress of flying.  Lastly, if transporting snakes, please ensure a securely locked cage!