India-based Airlines - JP and Taj Inner Circle wins at Freddies [merged]

while we have been out here discussing the JP program and obviously finding more than enough flaws in it, seems like the world thinks otherwise.

JetPrivilege won the following 2012 Freddies:

# Program of the year: MiddleEast/Asia/Oceania
# Best Promotion (Earning): MiddleEast/Asia/Oceania
# Best customer service: Jet Airways (JetPrivilege)

Taj Inner Circle won the following 2012 Freddies:

# Program of the year: MiddleEast/Asia/Oceania
# Best redemption ability: MiddleEast/Asia/Oceania
#Best customer service: MiddleEast/Asia/Oceania

JetPrivilege won the following 2012 Freddies:

# Program of the year: MiddleEast/Asia/Oceania
# Best Promotion (Earning): MiddleEast/Asia/Oceania
# Best customer service: Jet Airways (JetPrivilege)


:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

I think the people who decided this award have never dealt with JP customer service or actually used the program before.

# Program of the year: MiddleEast/Asia/Oceania

maybe in india (by default), but definitely not in asia....

# Best Promotion (Earning): MiddleEast/Asia/Oceania

what promotions????

# Best customer service: Jet Airways (JetPrivilege)

hilarious....that's the funniest thing i've read in a long time....:p

# Program of the year: MiddleEast/Asia/Oceania

best program, not a chance....best properties, definitely....

# Best redemption ability: MiddleEast/Asia/Oceania

they do have some good redemption options....but again, i would not call them the best in this region....

#Best customer service: MiddleEast/Asia/Oceania

finally one i can agree with....

what promotions????
FlyEmirates.

maybe in india (by default), but definitely not in asia....



what promotions????



a) well, i don't know how jet managed to get so many votes (this thing did get audited as well)..

b) promotion with tripadvisor to earn some miles on writing reviews on trip advisor. lame i know, but seems the average indian flyer is happy with a few free miles in his account.

b) promotion with tripadvisor to earn some miles on writing reviews on trip advisor. lame i know, but seems the average indian flyer is happy with a few free miles in his account.

i'm aware of that & a bunch of other really lame promotions as well....but they were all a joke & in no way did they deserve best promotions....even kingfisher had better promos with their fly 2 get 1 free schemes....

they do have some good redemption options....but again, i would not call them the best in this region....

Care to elaborate? Just earned a bucket of points over the past month and checking other threads on FT show that there aren't a lot of complimentary things being said about Taj IC

Care to elaborate? Just earned a bucket of points over the past month and checking other threads on FT show that there aren't a lot of complimentary things being said about Taj IC

just log onto the innercircle site....there are tons of hotels to redeem your points on....award availability is pretty good & the best thing i like about them is that even if you don't utilize their award availability, you still have the option of paying your bill using points....i believe each point reduces your bill by inr 10....

however, the points against your bill option is only available at hotels in india....

while we have been out here discussing the JP program and obviously finding more than enough flaws in it, seems like the world thinks otherwise.

JetPrivilege won the following 2012 Freddies:

# Program of the year: MiddleEast/Asia/Oceania
# Best Promotion (Earning): MiddleEast/Asia/Oceania
# Best customer service: Jet Airways (JetPrivilege)

Taj Inner Circle won the following 2012 Freddies:

# Program of the year: MiddleEast/Asia/Oceania
# Best redemption ability: MiddleEast/Asia/Oceania
#Best customer service: MiddleEast/Asia/Oceania

Can only agree with the last one here. Unparalleled customer service.

Taj arguably has the worst loyalty program for a hotel chain (almost as bad as Accor, I think). Have redeemed only points only once - had to wait for a couple of days to get an email confirmation. There is almost never my points have posted without calling/emailing them. And finally, absolutely no recognition of status and highly variable treatment from property to property (depends how well you know the GM, more than anything else).

Jet - Well, it probably IS the program of the year in India. But that's not saying much. Customer service and promos - bah! I have no idea about foreign airlines but aren't Singapore Airlines, Thai, Cathay, Emirates etc. much better?

Jet - Well, it probably IS the program of the year in India. But that's not saying much. Customer service and promos - bah! I have no idea about foreign airlines but aren't Singapore Airlines, Thai, Cathay, Emirates etc. much better?

I'm guessing its the population effect. more votes = win. we obviously have many more to vote than the rest. obviously, it sounds too simple, but may hold some truth

Jet - Well, it probably IS the program of the year in India. But that's not saying much. Customer service and promos - bah! I have no idea about foreign airlines but aren't Singapore Airlines, Thai, Cathay, Emirates etc. much better?

AI Flying returns is better - better earning/burning rates (mostly), and better availability for award seats.

just log onto the innercircle site....there are tons of hotels to redeem your points on....award availability is pretty good & the best thing i like about them is that even if you don't utilize their award availability, you still have the option of paying your bill using points....i believe each point reduces your bill by inr 10....

however, the points against your bill option is only available at hotels in india....
Its the Epicure points that are Rs 10 credit for every 1 point redeemed.

TIC points are a completely different kettle of fish.

Its the Epicure points that are Rs 10 credit for every 1 point redeemed.

TIC points are a completely different kettle of fish.

i believe you can use both for the inr 10 credit....

i believe you can use both for the inr 10 credit....
From what I understand it is only the Epicure points that convert at Inr 10 credit.

TIC points are redeemed at fixed prices like 2200 points for say one night at Taj Mansingh in Delhi, or 400 points for Taj Khajuraho etc. (BTW these are just random numbers to give an idea!)

I would love it if TIC points could be converted at Rs 10 per point! That would give me a nice six figure credit for my next stay at Rambagh!!

From what I understand it is only the Epicure points that convert at Inr 10 credit.

TIC points are redeemed at fixed prices like 2200 points for say one night at Taj Mansingh in Delhi, or 400 points for Taj Khajuraho etc. (BTW these are just random numbers to give an idea!)

I would love it if TIC points could be converted at Rs 10 per point! That would give me a nice six figure credit for my next stay at Rambagh!!

i'll give them a call to get some clarity on this when i get back home....i'm pretty sure i was told both can be used for the inr 10 credit....

the freddies are just becoming one big joke now....

Well yeah... what are we left with in terms of airlines awards in general? After reading some stuff on a few other threads recently about Skytrax, that's become a point of contention... the Freddies likewise... what else now?

the freddies are just becoming one big joke now....

+1 :td:

The freddies are a factor of how much you spam your membership base to go and vote for you... 9W mailed out the vote for us request on Feb 22 and March 14, so that took them past the finishing line.

The freddies are a factor of how much you spam your membership base to go and vote for you... 9W mailed out the vote for us request on Feb 22 and March 14, so that took them past the finishing line.

Absolutely spot on. Does anyone know if there's a way to opt-out of the marketing emails? I looked at the bottom of the email but there doesn't seem to be the usual "unsubscribe" link... :(

Either way, I just need to burn the miles and leave. 9W failed me, COUA is a disaster, so I guess I'm off to DL and SkyTeam!

Try out US Airways. It's no frills for sure, but it's the probably most reliable airline in the USA (in terms of on-time and mishandled bags), and it's got the most generous FFP in the US... The wifi on the A321s is a nice touch as well...

Of course, ex-Philly US will probably be on the expensive side.

Try out US Airways. It's no frills for sure, but it's the probably most reliable airline in the USA (in terms of on-time and mishandled bags), and it's got the most generous FFP in the US... The wifi on the A321s is a nice touch as well...

Of course, ex-Philly US will probably be on the expensive side.

US wouldn't be a bad idea, since I might be able to use my *G from MileagePlus in order to get lounge access in the interim (although I think there are some domestic restrictions on that, too).

Price isn't even so much of a problem with them; the bigger issue for me with US is the fact that I'd have to keep traveling codeshare LH on India routes (PHL-FRA-India), and LH doesn't fly to my (unfortunate) Indian base city of CCU anymore. :( I could always go to the second Indian base-city of MAA...

As for baggage handling/IRROPS with US, I have to give them a huge commendation. I don't know how others' experiences have been, but as a CO*G on a cancelled flight ex-PIT, they made it a point to get my bags to be within 20 minutes, rebook me for the next morning, and put me up in a very very nice suite at the attached Hyatt.

US wouldn't be a bad idea, since I might be able to use my *G from MileagePlus in order to get lounge access in the interim (although I think there are some domestic restrictions on that, too).

Price isn't even so much of a problem with them; the bigger issue for me with US is the fact that I'd have to keep traveling codeshare LH on India routes (PHL-FRA-India), and LH doesn't fly to my (unfortunate) Indian base city of CCU anymore. :( I could always go to the second Indian base-city of MAA...
You can earn EQMs (status earning) on QR in US Airways Dividend Miles...

UA MP allows redemptions on 9W, so you can combine UA/LH and 9W to get to CCU. Another nice thing is that QR can now be booked online over at UA MP, so CCU can be reached thru another route. AFAIK you can still earn miles with QR on UA MP, M&M has cut all ties with QR.

UA MP allows redemptions on 9W, so you can combine UA/LH and 9W to get to CCU. Another nice thing is that QR can now be booked online over at UA MP, so CCU can be reached thru another route. AFAIK you can still earn miles with QR on UA MP, M&M has cut all ties with QR.

Sorry to keep being a downer here, but while QR has a fantastic product, the stupid 30 minute connection time in DOH between the JFK and CCU flights means they almost always miss the bags on the continuing leg. In my family, we're running a solid 5/5 on missed bag connections, even with 2 of those trips being priority tagged baggage. :(

Either way, given how much I like the hard-product, I might just start doing QR and keeping everything as minimal hand-baggage. After all, a pair of jeans, a couple of shirts, a suit, and a few other odds and ends is more than enough for the average guy. :)

So fly PHL-IAD-DOH-CCU...

the freddies are just becoming one big joke now....

Well yeah... what are we left with in terms of airlines awards in general? After reading some stuff on a few other threads recently about Skytrax, that's become a point of contention... the Freddies likewise... what else now?
Wouldn't FT awards be more impactful, considering the number of CIPs frequenting this place? I wonder why the forum awards do not carry as much weightage

Wouldn't FT awards be more impactful, considering the number of CIPs frequenting this place? I wonder why the forum awards do not carry as much weightage

takes vintage to be accepted as an award which carries weight.

I guess it's more of a product of time and credibility, which needs to be built up.

@PVD - wonderful idea; thanks! Don't know why I didn't think of that. Better than even doing PHL-IAD, I can just take the Amtrak Regional or the Acela for a fraction of the cost!

I wonder why the forum awards do not carry as much weightage

Marketing :)

takes vintage to be accepted as an award which carries weight.

Marketing :)
But you have every major airline alliance pulling out the red carpet for FlyerTalk, as evidenced by the annual MEGA DOs. If FT really did a comprehensive, non-partisan and audited awards for airlines/hotels/car rentals, sooner or later, the market would hear and respond.

There is almost never my points have posted without calling/emailing them. And finally, absolutely no recognition of status and highly variable treatment from property to property (depends how well you know the GM, more than anything else).
?
Never had the first problem, but yes, have noticed the second.

But you have every major airline alliance pulling out the red carpet for FlyerTalk, as evidenced by the annual MEGA DOs.

Well the Megado franchise is not exactly associated to FT...

If FT really did a comprehensive, non-partisan and audited awards for airlines/hotels/car rentals, sooner or later, the market would hear and respond.

They started that this year:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz/1278565-2012-flyertalk-awards.html

Hyatt and others responded, some hesitated since voting required you to be a member of FT (IMHO a good thing since it eliminates the spam vote) since they thought it would force their program members to sign up at a website. Previously the Freddies required you to validate an email address before your vote was counted, but has been dropped since.

Never had the first problem, but yes, have noticed the second.
The second is indeed the worst problem with Taj IC. The in house treatment and recognition can vary from the sublime (Falaknuma, Rambagh, Taj Mansingh) to the just ridiculous (West End BLR, Exotica Goa, Savoy Ooty, Lands End).

The second is indeed the worst problem with Taj IC. The in house treatment and recognition can vary from the sublime (Falaknuma, Rambagh, Taj Mansingh) to the just ridiculous (West End BLR, Exotica Goa, Savoy Ooty, Lands End).
Seriously, what is it with the Land's End (glad to know someone else also has a peeve)? I've never seen that kind of "chalta hai/bored/disinterested" behavior in a "5-star" hotel before. Is it because they're happy just renting out the banquet halls till the end of time or is it just the flight crew business they care about?

I did write a stink bomb on their official feedback form, but obviously don't expect to hear from them

Well the Megado franchise is not exactly associated to FT...

Not exactly but wouldn't exist without it ;)


They started that this year:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/commu...lk-awards.html

Yes, I know. Here, Jet wins the Freddies and they crow about it like its the second coming. Why didn't AA/Cathay and the other FT winners go to town about it? :rhetorical:

Well, lets hope it changes in the future as FT awards get more traction!

[QUOTE=indialogue;18527802]Seriously, what is it with the Land's End (glad to know someone else also has a peeve)? I've never seen that kind of "chalta hai/bored/disinterested" behavior in a "5-star" hotel before. Is it because they're happy just renting out the banquet halls till the end of time or is it just the flight crew business they care about?

[QUOTE]

+1 to that. while I am in BOM so I don't need to stay there but I find their restaurant service horrible as well, or disinterested, as you would call it. Sometimes I wonder why do people have to stay there and make me do a meeting there ;)

Seriously, what is it with the Land's End (glad to know someone else also has a peeve)? I've never seen that kind of "chalta hai/bored/disinterested" behavior in a "5-star" hotel before. Is it because they're happy just renting out the banquet halls till the end of time or is it just the flight crew business they care about?

I did write a stink bomb on their official feedback form, but obviously don't expect to hear from them
I think they rely on the banquets and parties hosted by A and B list Bollywood celebs for their bread and butter business.

Individual guests, even so called "TIC Gold", come way down the pecking order. I have never seen such shoddy service at a Taj Luxury hotel, despite being on the club floor.

Room service couldn't even manage a simple grilled chicken sandwich despite explicit instructions about no tomatoes and lettuce! When I raised it it was met with a "oops and a giggled sorry"! :rolleyes:

..."oops and a giggled sorry"! :rolleyes:...

5 star service that's akin to the JetChildren! :D