Loyalty Program is a popular topic at the Australian Frequent Flyer. All frequent flyer programs are essentially loyalty programs. But there are other non-airline loyalty programs, such as the loyalty programs associated with hotels.
One member is considering abandoning their loyalty to Virgin Australia in favour of a “best fare of the day” policy. This member currently holds Platinum status with Virgin. But they are constantly finding that they can fly on overseas airlines in Premium Economy – or even Business class – for the same price as Economy … Continued
This week one member reveals why they abandoned their loyalty to Qantas. After years of successive frequent flyer program devaluations, this member felt like their loyalty was no longer a two-way street. The loss of Any Seat Awards, reductions in earning rates on oneworld airlines and a loss of anytime lounge access all contributed to … Continued
Accor Hotels is making significant changes to its “Le Club” loyalty program. From next year, it will become much more difficult to earn and maintain status with the program. Le Club is the loyalty program of Accor-branded hotels including Novotel, Sofitel, Mercure, Ibis and Pullman. The major change is the way in which status is … Continued
Many travelers are lured by the benefits of Gold and Platinum airline status. Complimentary lounge access, more upgrades, no queues and extra points make the status chase tempting. But is elite status really worthwhile? Or are there other ways to enjoy the same perks – even as an infrequent flyer – without the extra time, … Continued
Our members are often jet setting across the globe by air. But air travel is not the only way to enjoy a holiday. Cruises have taken off on a wave of popularity as a more relaxing and luxurious holiday option. Cruises vary from short trips arriving and departing from the same port, to longer trips … Continued
Woolworths is ditching its long-standing partnership with Qantas Frequent Flyer. Instead of Qantas points at the checkout, the supermarket will now offer “Woolworths Dollars”. In the new program, only specially marked items earn “dollars”. The number of dollars up for grabs will vary from product to product, while many items will not earn anything at … Continued
After many years of loyalty to the flying kangaroo, one dissatisfied member feels that Qantas has failed to return the favour. This member has held Platinum status for over a decade, but had to put overseas travel on hold for a year due to the birth of a child. Qantas does not allow members to … Continued
After many years of loyalty to certain hotel chains, through membership of their loyalty programs, one member has taken a step back to look at the bigger picture. They wonder whether their loyalty was worth the extra time and cost, or whether promiscuity is actually a better strategy for choosing a hotel? In the past, … Continued
One infrequently-flying member is considering whether it is worthwhile collecting frequent flyer points. This member takes only a small handful of flights on Qantas each year. The answer from our brains trust is a resounding YES. Although our member may not fly enough to enjoy the perks of Gold or Platinum status, there are still … Continued
With over 10 million members, the Qantas Frequent Flyer program is arguably the most popular frequent flyer program in Australia. Technically it isn’t free to join as Qantas charge an $89.50 joining fee to Australian residents. But the good news is that there are a number of ways to avoid paying this fee altogether and … Continued
Our members are divided over changes recently announced by Intercontinental Hotels Group to its loyalty program, IHG Rewards Club. Are the changes a positive thing for customers or not? A major part of the announcement is the creation of a new tier above Platinum, which is currently the highest tier. At the same time, IHG … Continued
Many of our wine-loving members are also members of Qantas’ food and wine community, Qantas Wine (formerly epiQure). The program claims to offer good deals on premium wines, and many of our members are also attracted by the proposition of bonus frequent flyer points. Anyone can order wine from epiQure, but becoming a full member … Continued