One of the benefits coming out of the Qantas Emirates Partnership for Skywards members is a new membership tier ‘Skywards Platinum’. This new elite tier to be introduced from 1 April 2013 will be awarded to Skywards who have flown at least 150,000 tier miles the members 12-13 month earning window, the great news for existing members is those who have hit the benchmark in the past 12 months will be automatically upgraded to Skywards Platinum. How Much Flying to Obtain Skywards Platinum As mentioned a Skywards member will need to have flown 150,000 tier miles within their 12-13 earning window, so providing you travel on the full Skyward Flex fare Platinum could be achieved with 8 Sydney to London return flights. The great news is that if you travel in Business or First the 150,000 mile mark a lot easier with just under 5 Sydney London return flights needed in business or for First Class just under 4 return Sydney to London flights. Skywards Platinum Benefit Overview The media release says for the first time Platinum members will receive exclusive benefits usually reserved for First Class passengers, which equates to the following benefits. First Class check-in and baggage delivery – Allowing Platinum members to check an additional 20kg of checked luggage, check-in at first class check-in counters with checked baggage with the same high priority as first class passengers luggage Emirates First Class Lounge Access in Dubai and London – This is a first in the past not even gold members had access to first class lounges, now Platinum members have access in both the Dubai and London First class lounges and what’s better is that a guest flying in any class is also invited 75% bonus Skywards Miles when you fly with Emirates – When you fly Emirates you will receive an additional 75% miles Gold ‘Partner’ Card for a spouse or partner – Another great benefit that will further benefit members a partners of platinum members, Guaranteed Business Class revenue seats – Guaranteeing the availability of Business Class seats for purchase ‘Last Seat’ Flex reward tickets even on high-demand flights – Allowing Platinum members the ability to use miles for seats even on high demand flights The Skyward Platinum tier is long overdue and while these benefits go a long way to filling the gap that Emirates had in its Frequent Flyer program there is still a long way to go to catch up with the leaders.
Qantas and Emirates Announce Reciprocal Frequent Flyer Benefits
The Qantas Emirates partnership has gone a step further with Qantas releasing details of the reciprocal frequent flyer benefits that will be available from the proposed Emirates Qantas partnership. If the proposed partnership receives regulatory approval some of the shared benefits for Qantas Frequent Flyers and Emirates Skywards members will include: Earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points or Emirates Skywards Miles on Emirates and Qantas flights (with some exceptions for Emirates Skywards members on the Qantas domestic network). An expanded network for members of each program to earn Qantas Status credits and Status bonus or Skywards Tier Miles and Tier bonus. Redeem points/Miles on any part of the Qantas or Emirates network – a combined total of more than 175 destinations worldwide. Access to both Qantas and Emirates lounges for Gold members (or above) of either program in Australia, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Have their tier status in either program recognised with both airlines when flying on the joint Qantas-Emirates network (where available). In addition to reciprocal Frequent Flyer benefits both carriers also announced details of their new shared baggage policy that will see Qantas move from a Piece and weight based baggage system to a weight based system (excluding flights to/from the Americas) As part of today’s announcement the Qantas media release goes on to say: Chief Executive of Qantas Loyalty, Lesley Grant, said the benefits announced today would give frequent flyers of either airline the opportunity to earn and redeem points or Miles across a massive network. “Our shared goal has been to offer Qantas and Emirates customers the best global network, flying the largest combined A380 fleet and supported by the best rewards for our frequent flyers,” said Ms Grant. “Both airlines already offer some of the highest quality travel experiences, including our lounges and loyalty benefits, so this is about bringing together the best of both worlds,” she added. Thierry Antinori, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales Worldwide said: ”It is an exciting time to be an Emirates Skywards member, yesterday we announced Platinum – our new tier, which has been developed to enhance the travel experience for frequent travellers and to offer additional benefits to Emirates Skywards members who have earned over 150,000 Tier Miles in a year. “Now today we are unveiling the wide range of benefits that our members can enjoy as part of the Emirates and Qantas partnership,” added Mr Antinori. Emirates and Qantas have also announced their shared baggage policy on certain routes for travel from 31 March 2013. To enable a more seamless experience as customers travel on the joint network, Qantas will move from a piece and weight system, to a weight system, for all international flights – excluding those to/from the Americas. As part of this alignment, Emirates will increase its pre-purchase excess baggage discount to 30 per cent. Eligible Qantas Frequent Flyers, Qantas Club members and Skywards members will enjoy additional allowances when travelling across the joint network.
British Airways Executive Club Frequent Flyer Program Relaunch and Executive Club Bronze
British Airways recently announced a relaunch of their Executive Club Frequent Flyer program and has also added a new Bronze tier, which in the BA Executive Club hierarchy will sit in between BA Executive Club Blue and Silver. Along with the British Airways Executive Club re-launch and new Bronze tier the airline has totally re-designed all Executive Club Membership cards. The new British Airways Executive Club Membership Cards are as below: The new Bronze tier has been created to reward frequent flying blue members who will be promoted to Bronze with just half the tier points they would need for Silver membership Executive Club members Bronze members can expect the following benefits from this new tier: Business class check-in Seat selection at seven days before departure Earning a 25 per cent tier bonus – that’s 1.25 Avios for every mile flown Dedicated telephone number (UK & US) Bronze tier luggage tags Frank van der Post, British Airways’ managing director for brands and customer experience, said: “The re-launch of our award-winning Executive club reinforces the huge importance we place on customer loyalty and emphasises that customers are at the heart of everything we do. “We have created a new Bronze tier and stylish new identities to bring a greater range of rewards and increased recognition. “The re-launch of the British Airways Executive Club, which now has over seven million members worldwide, is part of a massive £5bn investment we are making across the whole airline on new aircraft, lounges, and technologies for our customers.” Full details of British Airways Executive Club membership benefits at each tier level are as follows: BENEFITS Oneworld equivalent tier Blue Bronze Silver Gold Collect Avios Priority waitlist Seating preference stored and delivered where possible Meal preference stored and delivered where possible Household Account Collect Avios with Executive Club partners Purchase Avios Gift Avios Transfer Avios Combine Avios Reward Flight Saver Mobile apps Priority check-in at business class desks Free seat selection (*excludes exist rows) 24 hours before departure Seven days before departure At time of booking At time of booking Priority boarding Additional baggage allowance Reservation assurance Avios Tier bonus 25 per cent 100 per cent 100 per cent Lounge access when flying with British Airways or our partner airlines Use of British Airways First and other oneworld first class check-in desks No booking or service fees on reward flights, hotel stays and car rental Additional reward available in economy Gold upgrade for two Silver Partner […]
Qantas Platinum One Frequent Flyer Membership Full Details Announced
Qantas have announced full detail including launch date of new Super Elite Qantas Platinum One Frequent Flyer membership Tier, which members will require earn 3600 Status Credits to Qualify for, that’s three times the Status Credits required for ‘regular’ Platinum status In a nutshell greater access to upgrade awards, a dedicated Platinum One Service team as well as personalised gifts and experiences are what set this membership tier above ‘regular’ platinum in detail the benefits include: A dedicated contact number to link members to the Platinum One Special Service Team, which will monitor, support and enhance their travel experience every step of the way; Assistance with access to additional Qantas Classic Awards and Flight Upgrade Awards, on Qantas operated flights (with a Qantas flight number on their ticket); Confirmation of successful upgrade requests as early as seven days prior to departure (for Qantas operated services with a Qantas flight number on their ticket), Complimentary membership of epiQure by Qantas Frequent Flyer, the recently launched premium food and wine club; Personalised gifts and experiences, from a ticket to a Qantas sponsored event to an experience inside a Qantas flight simulator and more. Qantas Frequent Flyer Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey said he was very pleased to be launching the Platinum One program. “Qantas Frequent Flyer has introduced Platinum One based on feedback from many of our Platinum members,” he said. “Platinum One will offer members access to an outstanding range of benefits as well the exceptional service delivered by a dedicated Platinum One Special Service team.” The new super elite Qantas Platinum One tier will take effect from 7 November 2011 and Qantas will notify eligible members of their inclusion in the Inaugural Platinum One membership year by 7 November 2011. Along with the Qantas Platinum One Frequent Flyer details Qantas announced changes to upgrade awards, our coverage of these improvements can be found here: Qantas Frequent Flyer Upgrade Award Improvements Announced To achieve 3,600 status credits in a single calendar year requires a significant amount of flying, below is our analysis of the minimum number of flights required Route Return Class SCs RTN Trips Required Aprox Min Total Cost Melbourne to Perth Business Class 160 23 AU $6,8126 Sydney to Melbourne Business Class 80 45 AU $56,475 Sydney to Los Angeles First Class 540 7 AU $125,202 Sydney to Los Angeles Business Class 360 10 AU $110,910 Unless you spend half your life in a Qantas or Partner aircraft and have plenty of cash to splash Platinum One is outside the realm of regular flyers, or is it? Back in May 2011 we detailed how to achieve Platinum status for a fraction of the cost and miles with the use of American Airlines YUPP instant upgrade fares the article is here: Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinumstatus cheaply with American Airlines YUPP Instant Upgrades It should be noted that Qantas Platinum One is still OneWorld Emerald status so you should not expect any preferential treatment on OneWorld Partner airlines however when flying Qantas you these added extras are what makes the differences when flying on a regular basis. Given the cost to achieve Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum One status are the benefits provided worthy? […]
Qantas Platinum Frequent Flyers to Lose Unrestricted Anytime Lounge Access
Qantas’ recently announced an overhaul of its Frequent Flyer program that will be implemented along with Next Generation Check-in and will include among many changes removal of unrestricted lounge access known as Anytime Access for Platinum Frequent Flyers. Under the current Qantas Frequent Flyer program rules Platinum members are able to access any Qantas lounge this includes Qantas International First Class Lounges, Domestic Business Class Lounges and Qantas Club lounges regardless of if they are flying or not. After 1 February 2011 Platinum’s (and Gold Frequent Flyers) will still retain lounge access however they will need to be flying the same day on a flight that shows either a Qantas (QF) Jetstar (JQ) Jetstar Asia (3K) Valuair (VF) or any oneworld flight number in order to gain access. It is important to note that Qantas Platinum are able to access Domestic Business and Qantas Club lounges on arrival provided they have travelled that day. Most Platinum’s used their anytime access to use a Qantas Lounge when flying with another airline which they did not have lounge access with, this could even be when flying on an airline that was a direct competitor to Qantas. Qantas must have wised up to this decided if you are not flying with us or one of our partners you are not getting any access. We want to her what you have to say! Is Qantas Platinum Frequent Flyer status worth sticking with Qantas for? Leave your comments in the comments section below
Qantas Announces 7 Million Frequent Flyer Members Milestone
Today Qantas has announced that it has reached the milestone of 7 Million Qantas Frequent Flyer Members. The majority of this recent growth has been in the last year since Qantas partnered with Woolworths to launch the Woolworths Everyday Rewards card. The full media release from Qantas can be read below: QANTAS FREQUENT FLYER MEMBERSHIP HITS 7 MILLION SYDNEY, 28 April 2010: Qantas announced today that Qantas Frequent Flyer has reached seven million members and predicted ongoing solid growth over the foreseeable future. Qantas Frequent Flyer Chief Executive Simon Hickey said this is the latest milestone for the program which has undergone a range of enhancements since it was relaunched in July 2008. Since then, membership has grown by 32% or 1.7 million as Qantas Frequent Flyer embarked on a market-leading campaign to deliver more choice for members who want flexible flight options as well as providing access to a wide selection of retail goods and services. “We are delighted to welcome our seven millionth member to Qantas Frequent Flyer, which is Australia’s premier loyalty program,” Mr Hickey said. “The secret to reaching this milestone is making it as easy as possible for our members to earn points, and providing them as many ways to use those points as possible. “Our members told us that they liked to be rewarded for the things they do anyway, so we now have over 400 program partners where they can earn points. Paying with credit cards, eating out, hiring a car, staying in a hotel, selling a house, paying a mobile phone bill and, of course, shopping – all things we do anyway so why not earn points and be rewarded for doing it? “We are targeting eight million members by the end of next year as more and more Australians realise the advantages available to them through Qantas Frequent Flyer.” In June 2009, Qantas Frequent Flyer and Woolworths launched a world leading alliance which allows customers to earn points through their everyday shopping when they link their Qantas Frequent Flyer account to their Woolworths Everyday Rewards card. “The alliance with Woolworths has been a great success with 2.5 million members already having earned points through Woolworths Everyday Rewards,” Mr Hickey said. “Now, these seven million members have more ways than ever to use their points. “For example, members can redeem for Classic Award flights with 26 airlines around the world and now, with Qantas & Jetstar Any Seat Awards, points can also be redeemed against the cost of the fare, meaning members can use their points to pay less cash. “Our online Qantas Frequent Flyer store offers more than 1,400 products including cameras, iPods, Amazon Kindles, fashion, homewares, wine and much more. Members redeemed for more than 350,000 products and gift cards from the Store last year, so they’re really seeing the value of having more than flights to redeem for. “We will continue […]
V Australia Virgin Blue & Virgin America Announce Frequent Flyer Partnership
V Australia Virgin Blue & Virgin America have announced a Frequent Flyer Partnership that will allow members these airlines frequent flyer programs to both earn and redeem miles on each airlines miles on each other’s airlines. This Frequent Flyer Partnership takes affect from today with details of how to both earn and redeem frequent flyer miles available on each airlines website. Personally this is a move I have been waiting for ever since Virgin America entered the market and is likely to further strengthen the position of each of these airlines both at a global and regional level. The full media release from the Virgin Blue Group can be read below: VIRGIN BLUE AND V AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCE FREQUENT FLYER PARTNERSHIP WITH VIRGIN AMERICA Tuesday 6 April 2010, Brisbane, Australia: Virgin Blue Airlines and its’ premium long-haul airline, V Australia announced today they have partnered with Virgin America to allow each airline’s loyalty program members to earn points when taking flights on the sister-branded airlines. The partnership means that guests flying Virgin Blue, V Australia and Virgin America will all be able to earn credit for their flights that will be redeemable under either of the carrier’s frequent flyer programs. Effective from today, guests will be able to earn points on all of the carriers – and by the end of 2010, guests will be able to redeem points on any carrier*. The reciprocal agreements enable Virgin Blue or V Australia’s Velocity members to earn Velocity points; and Virgin America’s Elevate members to earn Elevate points – wherever they are flying with one of the three airlines, V Australia, Virgin Blue or Virgin America**. “The new agreement is another example of our Virgin airlines working closer together for the benefit of our Guests,” said Virgin Blue Airlines Co-founder and Chief Executive Brett Godfrey. “Our aim is to encourage more travellers from throughout the U.S. and from our part of the world to plan their trans-Pacific travel with our growing airline family.” With industry-leading guest service, beautiful design and a host of high-tech amenities, the Virgin Airlines are world renowned for outstanding customer service and product innovation. Virgin Blue has received numerous awards in recent years, including Best National Airline three years running at the Australian National Travel Industry Awards. V Australia offers a three class trans-Pacific travel option and Virgin America offers Main Cabin, Main Cabin Select and First Class seating on its domestic U.S. service. Virgin America has captured a list of travel industry best-in-class awards since its 2007 launch, including being named “Best Domestic Airline” in the Condé Nast Traveler 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards and “Best Domestic Airline” in the Travel + Leisure 2009 World’s Best Awards. Virgin America President and Chief Executive Officer David Cush commented: “Travellers around the world seek out Virgin airlines for their unrivalled value, brilliant service and innovative amenities, and we’re pleased to partner with our sister […]
Emirates Skywards Frequent Flyer Program Changes
Emirates is totally re-vamping its frequent flyer program from 1 January 2010, and introducing an earning model that varies depending on the type of ticket purchased, i.e Full paid ticket or Discount Ticket. Amongst the many changes the one with the most impact to Emirates Skywards members is introduction of a reduced earning rate for fares discounted fares, which will be known as Skywards Saver Fares. In addition to the introduction of a reduced earning rate zones will be used to calculate the number of awarded miles along with a bonus miles offer named Skywards Miles Accelerator. Skywards Miles & Fare Type After introduction on 1 January 2010 fares will be categorized as either Skywards Flex or Skywards Saver. Fares categorized as Skywards Flex will be non-discounted tickets and for the purposes of miles calculation & will earn 100% base miles, for whatever the miles calculation be for the zones travelled. The discounted Skywards Saver fares will earn 50% base miles for the Zone/s Travelled Emirates Skyward Zones Earning Skywards miles from 1 January 2010 will be calculated based on travel within Emirates 18 broad geographic zones, with Dubai being a standalone zone as the hub of the Emirates network. As yet no details have emerged on the distribution of Skywards 18 Zones or the number of miles which will be earned for flying within them, however earning charts will be available from late October and an online calculator available from 1 January 2010. Emirates Skywards Class & Tier Bonuses Under Emirates new Skywards Frequent Flyer Program there is some great news if you are a business or first class flyer, as class bonuses are increasing, travelling Emirates Business Class your class bonus will increase from 50% to 75% of base miles, and for Emirates First Class an increase from 100% to 150% of base miles flown. Skywards Tier Bonuses remain the same as the existing scheme, that being Sliver members 25% bonus Gold Members 50% Bonus Skywards Miles Accelerator The overhaul of the Skywards scheme introduces a new component to its program Miles Accelerator, which in effect is a monthly selection of flights available on the Emirates website that will earn bonus miles. The list of Skywards Miles Accelerator fares will be updated on Emirates website monthly and only need to be booked & purchased during that month for future travel (up to 1 year)
Delta to introduce First Class Shuttle Service
Delta Airlines have announced they will from 1 December 2008 offer a two class shuttle service, by introducing first class to it MD-88 fleet. Passengers will be able to purchase seats on the new first class service if they are not lucky enough to get the complementary upgrade that will be available for SkyMiles Medallion members. The Full press release can be seen here: http://news.delta.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=11163
SkyMiles Members Earn Double Miles for Atlanta Travel
SkyMiles members flying out of Atlanta through Oct. 10 earn double bonus miles ATLANTA, Sept. 11, 2008 – Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) is offering SkyMiles® members the opportunity to earn double bonus miles on more than 50 routes to or from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). SkyMiles members who register online at delta.com/hot and fly on or before Oct. 10, 2008 may take advantage of this promotion. Miles earned through this promotion are in addition to miles earned through Delta’s existing 50 percent class-of-service bonus, as well as the 25 and 100 percent Medallion® member bonuses. “We’re making travel out of Atlanta more rewarding for our SkyMiles members,” said Jeff Robertson, Delta’s vice president of loyalty programs. “This promotion offers the fastest way to earn Award Tickets. With Award Travel to more than 500 destinations worldwide, no other airline can offer Atlanta-based customers this opportunity.” Registered SkyMiles members may earn double bonus miles when traveling between Atlanta and the following cities: Akron, Ohio (CAK) Baltimore, Md. (BWI) Bloomington, Ill. (BMI) Boston, Mass. (BOS) Buffalo, N.Y. (BUF) Charleston. S.C. (CHS) Charlotte, N.C. (CLT) Chicago Midway, Ill. (MDW) Dallas, Texas (DFW) Dayton, Ohio (DAY) Denver, Colo. (DEN) Detroit, Mich. (DTW) Flint, Mich. (FNT) Fort Myers, Fla. (RSW) Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (FLL) Gulfport, Miss. (GPT) Houston Hobby, Texas (HOU) Indianapolis, Ind. (IND) Jacksonville, Fla. (JAX) Kansas City, Mo. (MCI) Las Vegas, Nev. (LAS) Los Angeles, Calif. (LAX) Memphis, Tenn. (MEM) Miami, Fla. (MIA) Milwaukee, Wis. (MKE) Minneapolis, Minn. (MSP) Moline, Ill. (MLI) Newark, N.J. (EWR) New Orleans, La. (MSY) Newport News, Va. (PHF) New York La Guardia, N.Y. (LGA) Orlando, Fla. (MCO) Pensacola, Fla. (PNS) Philadelphia, Pa. (PHL) Phoenix, Ariz. (PHX) Pittsburgh, Pa. (PIT) Raleigh Durham, N.C. (RDU) Richmond, Va. (RIC) Rochester, N.Y. (ROC) San Antonio, Texas (SAT) San Diego, Calif. (SAN) San Francisco, Calif. (SFO) San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) Sarasota, Fla. (SRQ) Savannah, Ga. (SAV) Seattle, Wash. (SEA) St. Louis, Mo. (STL) Tampa, Fla. (TPA) Washington, D.C. (IAD/DCA) West Palm Beach, Fla. (PBI) White Plains, N.Y. (HPN) Wichita, Kan. (ICT) The award-winning Delta SkyMiles program offers members multiple mileage-earning opportunities when flying Delta, Delta Shuttle®, the Delta Connection® carriers, Delta AirElite® and other SkyTeam® airlines. Additional mileage-building opportunities are offered through more than 100 partners such as the Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express, participating hotels, car rental companies, the SkyMiles Store, restaurants, SkyMilesShopping.com, floral and gift retailers and more. Now in its 27th year, SkyMiles is one of the longest-running and most successful loyalty programs in the travel industry. It was named “Best Domestic Frequent Flyer program” for 2007 and 2008 by readers of Executive Traveler magazine and “Best Frequent Flyer Program” for 2006 and 2007 by Business Traveler magazine. The program also received top honors for “Best Bonus Promotion” from InsideFlyer magazine at the 2007 Freddie Awards. Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 290 destinations […]
Qantas A380 Seat map released
Following Qantas opening ticket sales for flights on its brand new Airbus A380, they have also released their Qantas A380 Seat Map plan. The published Qantas A380 seat map is not numbered but from my various sources I have found that seating and allocated rows will be as follows: Figure 1 – Qantas A380 Seat Map (Click to open larger picture) Qantas A380 Lower Deck First Class Suites F – 14 Suites Rows 1-5 Configuration 1-1-1 Economy Class Y – 332 Seats Rows 50-88 Configuration 3-4-3 Upper Deck Business Class J – 72 Seats Rows 11-25 Configuration 2-2-2 Premium Economy T – 32 Seats Rows 34-39 Configuration 2-3-3 If you have any opinion on this topic leave a comment below Related articles and Forum Posts Qantas begin selling tickets on its first A380 Flight Qantas unveil a disappointing A380 cabin Forum Post Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Upgrade Business Class Question Singapore Airlines All Business Class Takes Inaugural First Flight Singapore Airlines All Business Class Takes Inaugural First Flight Forum Post Just Joined Aeroplan advice please Forum Post US Airways and deduction of miles Emirates unveils ultra modern lounge in Brisbane Australia Jetstar Starclass flight review Ho Chi Minh City SGN to Sydney SYD US Airline Carriers Wake up and Smell the? Singapore Airlines to operate out of Beijing International Airport Terminal 3 From 26 March 2008 Forum Post Qantas Premium Economy Upgrades The Business Travel Guru gets close and personal with Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 Singapore Airlines A380: first glimpse of Singapore Airlines A380 cabins Forum Post Value of Qantas Club Membership Forum Post Renewing expired Qantas Club Membership and Joining Fee
Airport and Baggage Security Tips for Business Travellers
It is an all too common occurrence, for business travellers the world over. Take this scenario you are tired and in transit for a flight back home, and loose concentration for just a few seconds, the result is the loss of your laptop, luggage or wallet. There is a lot of evidence that in many countries there are gangs of thieves and fellow opportunistic travellers target travellers, this is because we are easy targets, just think in any other location such as a in a shopping centre would you wallet or belongings out of sight, I expect no but, and airport is not your regular public space and gladly submit to security screenings without a second thought, to ensure in-flight security for all passengers The reality is there are some very commonsense techniques and great travel gadgets that can be used to virtually eliminate the loss of baggage and personal items. The most likely places for personal items to go missing is at security check points, normally after the x ray scan, while you are held up getting thru the metal detector, and also waiting at an airline lounge or gate, when leaving your belongings unattended. The above reinforces my first tip; don’t loose sight for your baggage or personal items. Not even for a second. Baggage & personal item security at the Airport security checkpoint When going thru a security checkpoint from the time you put your belongings onto the belt of the scanner until you have it in back in your possession, don’t lose sight of your items. I strongly advise against putting individual items into scanning trays for the world to see, instead place all loose items such as wallet, keys, mobile phone, watch, camera, jewelry, etc into your carry on bag, they are less visible to the world and there is less chance of a high value easy to steal item being taken. It’s also important to ensure you have cleared everything off of yourself to ensure you don’t set the metal detector off, and therefore delay re-possession of your belongings. If you are travelling with a partner, or friend, share the responsibility, they give you all their items; wait for them to pass the metal detector once passed, place all items on the x-ray belt, your friend takes possession of all items while you are passing thru the metal detector. Security at an airport lounge or gate Just because you are sitting in a business or first class lounge, don’t loose sight of your belongings, I have heard just as may stories from people that have had their belongings stolen while in an airline lounge, as I have from people waiting at the gate or airport coffee shop. Most business travellers feel a false sense of security while an airline lounge, these lounges are often quieter that the gate and in general you think of passengers using these facilities as business or executive travellers such as yourself At airline lounge or boarding gate you are most likely to have possessions stolen during one of the following situations: Falling asleep While getting something to eat/drink, or going to the toilet If you are travelling by yourself, unfortunately the only sure-fire way of protecting your belongings is to always […]
United Airlines cut minimum miles per flight
United Airlines have announced they will cut their minimum mile credit guarantee. From July Mileage Plus members who once earn the minimum 500 miles for short flights will now only earn the miles flown. United’s decision to drop their minimum 500 point per flight flown comes in the wake of US Airways dropping their minimum mile perk. Under the minimum mile per flight rule, a 177 mile flight between Chicago and Detroit currently earns 500 miles, but when July comes, this same flight will only earn 177 miles. This change will see frequent flyers that fly predominately short haul flights loose out This is truly a greedy move on the part of United Airlines and US Airways, as passengers already pay a premium per mile to fly short haul flights, and many frequent flyers including myself consider, minimum mile per flight, a reasonable compensation for this premium. With other airlines expected to follow suite, anything short of frequent flyers dropping United Airlines and US Airways on mass, will see the end of the minimum mile/point guarantee across the industry both the US and around the world. I have started the following forum post in the Business Travel Guru forums if you would like to discuss this issue further, alternatively you can leave a comment below
Korean Air Skypass miles 5 year expiry
Korean Air Skypass program had a little shake up revising down their programs validity of miles for their Skypass frequent flyer program from 1 July 2008 any miles earned after this date will have will expire 5 years after being posted on the members Skypass account. Existing points in a members account prior to 1 July 2008will not expire. The Korea Air announcement can be read here: Introduction of Mileage Validity for miles Earned after July 1, 2008 Korea Air say they will be increasing the number of frequent flyer seats available for redemption under their Skypass program, but I along with most others see it simply as a cost cutting measure, to pry hard earned miles out of flyers who have not yet used them. I see this decision affecting those frequent flyers who earn so many miles per year they cannot use them, and infrequent flying members who earn their miles thru credit cards and the yearly family trip. So I guess Korea Air is saying use them or lose them, if this does increase the number of Skypass members using their miles it will be interesting to see if Korea Air can supply enough award seats to cope with the increased demand. We will keep you posted! If you have any opinion on this topic leave a comment below or sign up at the Business Travel Guru and share your experiences or ask a question in the Business Travel Guru Forums. Related articles and Forum Posts IPod and IPhone Connectivity Now Available on Singapore Airlines Forum Post Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Upgrade Business Class Question Singapore Airlines All Business Class Takes Inaugural First Flight Forum Post Just Joined Aeroplan advice please Forum Post US Airways and deduction of miles Emirates unveils ultra modern lounge in Brisbane Australia Jetstar Starclass flight review Ho Chi Minh City SGN to Sydney SYD US Airline Carriers Wake up and Smell the? Singapore Airlines to operate out of Beijing International Airport Terminal 3 From 26 March 2008 Forum Post Qantas Premium Economy Upgrades The Business Travel Guru gets close and personal with Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 Singapore Airlines A380: first glimpse of Singapore Airlines A380 cabins Forum Post Value of Qantas Club Membership Forum Post Renewing expired Qantas Club Membership and Joining Fee
United Airlines Mileage plus Team Up Fly and Win Competition
United Airlines have just started a competition where its Premier Mileage Plus members can win a share of 50 Million Mileage Plus miles. All contestants need to do is team up with friends, family members and co-workers, the top 50 teams with the largest number of accumulated miles will win 1 million miles. Members may compete in teams of four during 2008 by earning more miles than last year, and the top 50 teams will split 50 million Mileage Plus miles, with each team receiving one million miles — 250,000 miles per person. “We are always looking to give our members diverse ways to accrue and redeem Mileage Plus miles, and this unique competition will be fun and rewarding for our most loyal customers,” says Robert Sahadevan, United Airlines vice president – Mileage Plus. “Whether they flew a hundred or a hundred thousand miles last year, our premier members will have a chance to compete for the biggest reward we will give this year.” Through the United Elite Team Contest, premier members will try to earn more Elite Qualifying Miles (EQM) in 2008 than 2007. Each team will consist of four Mileage Plus members, and the team’s total 2008 EQM will be compared to the previous year. The top 50 teams at the end of the year with the greatest increase will each win the following reward, to be shared evenly among the four team members, all of whom must have premier status with United: one million miles, 50,000 EQM, 50 Elite Qualifying Segments (EQS), eight confirmed regional upgrades, and eight United Red Carpet Club® one-time passes. U.S. members who were enrolled in Mileage Plus prior to Jan. 1, 2007 can register for the contest through Sept. 7, 2008 at united.com/2008choice, and full terms and conditions are below.