Airline status ensures an enjoyable experience when flying with the airline putting you ahead of the crowd when trying to get an upgrade, complimentary lounge access and other benefits.
It has been reported that Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific is set to announce sweeping changes to its frequent flyer offering. Unfortunately, it’s mostly bad news for customers as the changes are likely to devalue the program significantly. In future it may be much harder or even impossible to gain elite status, especially flying on … Continued
One of the better perks for many of our members is priority boarding. A benefit usually on offer to the top tiers of frequent flyers, it allows them to board at anytime in a dedicated queue without joining what is often a long line. While Virgin have offered this benefit to their domestic Platinum and … Continued
One member this week queries why Status credits are tied to frequent flyer point earn rates. Our members discuss whether there is scope to improve the ways in which status credits are awarded. One suggestion is that there should be an incentive based system for the accrual of status credits. For example, the more flights … Continued
When Qantas made changes to its frequent flyer program recently, it was obvious for many that status could be harder to achieve in the future. First the “marginal” Any Seat awards were disposed of, a source of cheap status credits to many members and the topic of much discussion on the forum. Then the reduction … Continued
This week many members suffer from some serious perk-envy when some of our members reveal the perks that are attached to their careers. An Amex gold card where accrued points are allowed to be used at the employee’s discretion is a frequent flyers fantasy. A company car with all registration, insurance and petrol paid is … Continued
Over the last few years, there has been something of a competition going on between the Middle Eastern carriers. With their respective states or countries slowly moving away from a dependence on oil for income, tourism and transport has become the focus for the economy as they move forward. This means new airports, facilities and … Continued
Our Platinum members are in a flurry with rumours that the Qantas dedicated Platinum member’s help desk may be coming to a close in the coming months. However, the crisis may be unfounded as it appears the help desk is merely moving to Hobart. This means some of the customer service representatives will be made … Continued
One of the hardest things about being a status holder with one airline is changing to the competition and missing out on your status benefits. Historically, much of government travel would be locked in with one provider. But with recent legislative changes, travel can now be on any airline, with the best fare of the … Continued
Over the past few years, as Virgin Australia underwent their transformation led from the top by John Borghetti, partnerships have been formed with new airlines to grow the network. These partnerships in many instances are meant to replicate the experience of flying with Virgin, when it comes to elite status benefits. Priority check in, lounge … Continued
One of our members (who clearly has discovered the best value redemptions) asks an interesting question: Assuming I only travel on J/F flights earned via CC and redeemed on points. Status runs etc seem bit irrelevant? Only advantage is extra baggage allowance? What other advantages are there? So what are the pointy end passengers missing … Continued
Have you every wondered what behind that smoked glass door marked private between gates 23 and 24 at the Qantas terminal in Brisbane? Perhaps you noticed the odd person turn right instead of left at the escalators in Sydney and Melbourne. Chances are they are heading for the very exclusive Chairman’s Lounge. The Chairman’s Lounge … Continued
Partnerships versus alliances, what does it mean for you as the frequent flying customer? One of the biggest changes in recent years has been the move away from the three main global alliances – One World, Star and Skyteam, to partnerships between two airlines offering benefits to each others customers. Codeshares have been around a … Continued
