Starfish Card
Jul 25, 2010, 11:35 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,424
Starfish Card
TravelToday
Air New Zealand has launched a frequent flyer card enabling passengers to save up to 30% on all regional airfare types. The Starfish Card is valid for one year from the date of purchase and will initially be on sale for a two-month trial period. It does not apply to trans-Tasman flights or services between the main city ports of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown.
Two cards will be available, one giving a 15% discount and costing $200 and another costing $800 but giving card holders a 30% saving. “We expect to see stimulation in demand as customers maximise the opportunity to travel at lower costs than ever before,” said Air New Zealand group general manager Australasia Bruce Parton.
Two cards will be available, one giving a 15% discount and costing $200 and another costing $800 but giving card holders a 30% saving. “We expect to see stimulation in demand as customers maximise the opportunity to travel at lower costs than ever before,” said Air New Zealand group general manager Australasia Bruce Parton.
Jul 26, 2010, 11:32 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2010
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I think this would work for me - well the $200/-15%. I don't take a lot of regional flights, but they're mostly last minute and high fare classes. Better grab one while the trial is going.
Note it says not valid for trans-tasman - does this means it includes the islands? If so I'd go for the $800/-30% and could likely expense it with my employer
I think this would work for me - well the $200/-15%. I don't take a lot of regional flights, but they're mostly last minute and high fare classes. Better grab one while the trial is going.
Note it says not valid for trans-tasman - does this means it includes the islands? If so I'd go for the $800/-30% and could likely expense it with my employer
Jul 26, 2010, 1:03 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Auckland New Zealand
Programs: Air New Zealand airpoints since 1992, currently *Silver, Koru Club
Posts: 581
Interesting new marketing concept, but won't be of use to me.
It's being treated with caution in the NZ Herald, including by the Consumer Institute.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=10661480
It's being treated with caution in the NZ Herald, including by the Consumer Institute.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=10661480
Jul 26, 2010, 3:49 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: NZ
Posts: 731
If they want to stimulate demand whynot just lower the fares? I can see that the people who fly regular provincial routes will take advantage, but where is the stimulus to get people who would otherwise drive to use NZ instead?
Jul 26, 2010, 4:35 pm
#11
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Uh? Well if one is spending nzd1334 or more per year on regional flights then the $200 starcard is going to be a good thing in the sense that it will save you money.
And if one is spending nzd2667 or more then the $800 starcard is a good thing in that it will save you money.
Maybe there are other reasons, but these are the two that spring to my mind.
Originally Posted by Share Investor
Can anyone tell me why this is a good idea?
And if one is spending nzd2667 or more then the $800 starcard is a good thing in that it will save you money.
Maybe there are other reasons, but these are the two that spring to my mind.
Jul 26, 2010, 5:15 pm
#12
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Auckland New Zealand
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Well it's certainly a good idea for NZ. They get money up front and, if they're lucky will make even more because those taking it up don't fly enough to save any money themselves. And more people might fly more thinking they will save money and some might.
Cynical? Yep.
Cynical? Yep.
Jul 26, 2010, 6:30 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Auckland NZ
Programs: NZ *E
Posts: 210
Give discounts to loyal customers!!
I think it is a bit of a rort really:
Loud Voices & Loyalty
Why not just give "loyal" customers a discount and let them decide rather than lock them in with this card?
Loud Voices & Loyalty
Why not just give "loyal" customers a discount and let them decide rather than lock them in with this card?
I personally would prefer that^
Jul 26, 2010, 6:49 pm
#14
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Jul 26, 2010, 6:54 pm
#15
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Join Date: Nov 2003
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Well it's certainly a good idea for NZ. They get money up front and, if they're lucky will make even more because those taking it up don't fly enough to save any money themselves. And more people might fly more thinking they will save money and some might.
Cynical? Yep.
Cynical? Yep.
I quite like the idea - those who have committed to spending a minimum amount can benefit while the one or twice a year flyers do not. The more you spend the more you save (relative to not having the card). Air NZ can still control yields so there shouldn't be significant downside for them, with potential for great upside.