Update GlobalPass
#16
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 3,062
Originally Posted by Guy Booth
Some people don't understand. Which part of "frequency" don't they understand? The promotion had a 3 million-dollar cost, over 2 million dollars has been spent. We're going to honor them, but we need to see some activity from these guys.
#17
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: OH & NV
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, WN CP, Latin Pass Bonus
Posts: 3,707
Guy Booth's comments
Wow, I hope English is a second language for Guy Booth. Either that, or I need to go back to school to understand what he said.
I wish someone who knows can give us the real "skinny" on how the new Global Pass is going to work (with examples) and how partners interact. Not that I am likely to use it, but who knows?
And his statement: "So when you search for airfares in North and South America we beat the hell out of Expedia and Travelocity." seems to be contra from what I have been reading from FlyerTalk members about the cost of tickets on GP. Anyone seen real low prices on GP?
Mumbo Jumbo -- I think Guy should get a job working for the UN or the IRS Tax Code help desk.
I wish someone who knows can give us the real "skinny" on how the new Global Pass is going to work (with examples) and how partners interact. Not that I am likely to use it, but who knows?
And his statement: "So when you search for airfares in North and South America we beat the hell out of Expedia and Travelocity." seems to be contra from what I have been reading from FlyerTalk members about the cost of tickets on GP. Anyone seen real low prices on GP?
Mumbo Jumbo -- I think Guy should get a job working for the UN or the IRS Tax Code help desk.
#18
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NJ
Posts: 3,335
Originally Posted by SAPMAN
Guy Booth.
Not that I am likely to use it, but who knows?
And his statement: "So when you search for airfares in North and South America we beat the hell out of Expedia and Travelocity." seems to be contra from what I have been reading from FlyerTalk members about the cost of tickets on GP. Anyone seen real low prices on GP?
Mumbo Jumbo --
Not that I am likely to use it, but who knows?
And his statement: "So when you search for airfares in North and South America we beat the hell out of Expedia and Travelocity." seems to be contra from what I have been reading from FlyerTalk members about the cost of tickets on GP. Anyone seen real low prices on GP?
Mumbo Jumbo --
I would hope that GlobalPass could get a little more competitive if they want us to use them.
Just ran a random example. JFK to SJO, Oct. 13 to 19, RT.
Expedia shows $335 on AA. $378 on Taca and LACSA.
Globalpass booking engine shows $578 (including taxes and fees) on AA, and $639 on Taca/Lacsa.
Last edited by Djlawman; Jul 17, 2005 at 9:54 am
#19
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: 3A - most likey <> BKK <--> EZE; TACA 3A nobody, but GP million miler; Hilton Gold sometimes. Successfully divorced from CO PLAT.
Posts: 3,079
Price of 'domestics' to connect w TACA freebies:
Global Pass Price:
Adult Ticket Price: 1 x $205.58
Ticketing Fee: 1 x $8.22
Processing Fee: 1 x $15.00
Govt. Taxes and Fees: $54.72
Total Price: $283.52
America West's Price:
Base Fare $206.00
taxes and fees $39.30
Grand Total $245.30
Same flights. Same fare basis. GP is $38.22 more expensive. Note that GP adds both a processing fee and a ticketing fee. Marking up the taxes, too, are we, Mr. Booth?
Regarding the interview: where were all those tough questions?
Global Pass Price:
Adult Ticket Price: 1 x $205.58
Ticketing Fee: 1 x $8.22
Processing Fee: 1 x $15.00
Govt. Taxes and Fees: $54.72
Total Price: $283.52
America West's Price:
Base Fare $206.00
taxes and fees $39.30
Grand Total $245.30
Same flights. Same fare basis. GP is $38.22 more expensive. Note that GP adds both a processing fee and a ticketing fee. Marking up the taxes, too, are we, Mr. Booth?
Regarding the interview: where were all those tough questions?
Last edited by tvl4free; Jul 19, 2005 at 3:31 pm
#20
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: OH & NV
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, WN CP, Latin Pass Bonus
Posts: 3,707
Agreed, Where were the tough questions?
Such as:
Why did you not notify customers of changes in program?
Why a 3 week only advance notice, which sort of leaked out, on the demise of the Bonus Miles?
Why not send emails to FAQ you receive by so many rather than tying up phones and people's time (which could be used to write tickets)?
How could one not know ticket stock was running low and then why not let people know facts, rather than just saying (as if they did not know) "We ran out of tickets"? That's like a flight half way in the Atlantic announcing on the P.A. - "Sorry folks, we are about to run out of fuel in 5 minutes, we forgot to check."
I guess we can be thankful LP existed for so long and they did not suddenly just void the program.
Such as:
Why did you not notify customers of changes in program?
Why a 3 week only advance notice, which sort of leaked out, on the demise of the Bonus Miles?
Why not send emails to FAQ you receive by so many rather than tying up phones and people's time (which could be used to write tickets)?
How could one not know ticket stock was running low and then why not let people know facts, rather than just saying (as if they did not know) "We ran out of tickets"? That's like a flight half way in the Atlantic announcing on the P.A. - "Sorry folks, we are about to run out of fuel in 5 minutes, we forgot to check."
I guess we can be thankful LP existed for so long and they did not suddenly just void the program.
#21
Join Date: Jan 2000
Programs: UA 1k, AA EXPLT, NZ GE, VA PLT Hyatt Diam, Marr Plat, HH Diam
Posts: 3,445
My impression is that LP/GP wanted to ensure the long-term viability of the program by minimizing the benefits it provided to the MM promo recipients. Some/many of those folks earned the promo for minimal $, then had no plans to spend any additional $ on LP/GP partners. For those travelers who actually WERE interested in shifting their loyalties to LP/GP, I think that many of us were dissuaded by how we were treated -- shifting rules, non-disclosure of items, general attempts to make life difficult. Given that track record, we were scared to become loyal to it.
Although we all have valid complaints, I must say that LP/GP has at least allowed us to continue redeeming the MM bonus miles -- yes, the restrictions are onerous, but at least we may be able to see our TACA tickets being ticketed one of these days.
Major kudos to LP/GP telephone staff, too!
Although we all have valid complaints, I must say that LP/GP has at least allowed us to continue redeeming the MM bonus miles -- yes, the restrictions are onerous, but at least we may be able to see our TACA tickets being ticketed one of these days.
Major kudos to LP/GP telephone staff, too!
#22
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Philippines
Programs: CebGo 5J, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum, Alaska 100K
Posts: 4,696
Originally Posted by SFO_FT
For those travelers who actually WERE interested in shifting their loyalties to LP/GP, I think that many of us were dissuaded by how we were treated -- shifting rules, non-disclosure of items, general attempts to make life difficult. Given that track record, we were scared to become loyal to it.
I am sorry to hear Guy Booth comment about his customers the way he did. But as customers, we go where we have the best value and service. I think LP million milers did their best to stay loyal to LP but one can only take so many changes before "other" programmes looked better.
#23
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 210
Guy Booth: "We're working on the new booking engine; it will allow us to use multiple consolidators. Right now we have a single consolidator. So when you search for airfares in North and South America we beat the hell out of Expedia and Travelocity. Our plan is to get a European consolidator, then an Asian. Then it becomes a win-win situation."
I would like to stay a loyal customer as LP/GP has been very generous to my family, I have however made three attempts to buy tickets using the present “consolidator” and my price comparisons have always yielded a much better value from another supplier.
Last summer I tried to buy a round trip ticket from Shanghai to Beijing and I must admit GP was one of the few companies offering the routing. However when I included the paper ticket fee, and delivery fees (in the US), the ticket price was much higher than any other agencies offering the route. I recently tried to book a ticket from LAX to JFK and found the price was nearly 50% higher than the ticket I purchased on the United Airline website just fifteen minuets after I tried to book with GP. This price comparison was for identical flights and times on the same airline, so it was very fair. No need to go into my third attempt to purchase a ticket, you get the point.
I do see some hope in the GP plans to add new consolidators and maybe they will be able to at least be competitive on ticket prices. I would not mind paying a few dollars more, for the mileage accrual benefit, but so far the difference in price has not been offset by the additional miles offered by GP.
I hope GP does not wait too long to implement the new consolidator program or they may loose the interest of those who are still trying to remain loyal.
I would like to stay a loyal customer as LP/GP has been very generous to my family, I have however made three attempts to buy tickets using the present “consolidator” and my price comparisons have always yielded a much better value from another supplier.
Last summer I tried to buy a round trip ticket from Shanghai to Beijing and I must admit GP was one of the few companies offering the routing. However when I included the paper ticket fee, and delivery fees (in the US), the ticket price was much higher than any other agencies offering the route. I recently tried to book a ticket from LAX to JFK and found the price was nearly 50% higher than the ticket I purchased on the United Airline website just fifteen minuets after I tried to book with GP. This price comparison was for identical flights and times on the same airline, so it was very fair. No need to go into my third attempt to purchase a ticket, you get the point.
I do see some hope in the GP plans to add new consolidators and maybe they will be able to at least be competitive on ticket prices. I would not mind paying a few dollars more, for the mileage accrual benefit, but so far the difference in price has not been offset by the additional miles offered by GP.
I hope GP does not wait too long to implement the new consolidator program or they may loose the interest of those who are still trying to remain loyal.
#24
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Programs: LatinPass MM, HH Diamond, NW Platinum, Delta DM MM, SPG
Posts: 432
Thanks for all the great feedback from everyone. I had remained loyal to LP/GP with all hotel/car rentals but had no opportunities to fly South. Unfortunately I ran out of time to schedule flights for my remaining miles - which also included getting my wife to commit on vacation time at short notice. The MM trip was still a trip of a lifetime and I will be able to eventually recoup the cost with free stays at Hilton Resorts. Thanks again to all!
#25
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Soddy Daisy, TN USA
Programs: Former DL GM, NW Platinum, UNITED PREMIER, STARWOOD GOLD, RG, LP, US, AA & OTHERS
Posts: 99
?
Originally Posted by TexasYankee
The MM trip was still a trip of a lifetime and I will be able to eventually recoup the cost with free stays at Hilton Resorts. Thanks again to all!
#26
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Monterey, California
Programs: Affiliated with all, participate in some
Posts: 2,188
The transfer of LatinPass miles to Hilton ended in early 2003. I assume some people still have points left with Hilton. I redeemed all mine in 2003 when the price of a 6-night award went up 50% from 100,000 to 150,000 points.
#27
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Programs: LatinPass MM, HH Diamond, NW Platinum, Delta DM MM, SPG
Posts: 432
I transfered as many points as I could back in 2003 when it was possible. I managed to transfer about 500,000 points to Hilton. I did not know that the value of the resort stay went up so much! But, as it goes with the rest of my LP/GP points, it is very difficult to get vacation scheduled between my wife and I ... pretty pathetic. Luckily I will still be able to use the Hilton points.
#28
Founder of FlyerTalk
Original Poster
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 6,540
I'll give you my take in case you haven't read it elsewhere:
1. If you'll look at the fine print of almost every single major frequent flyer programs you'll see this "... subject to change without notice." If you think that this is the first time that any program has ever changed it's rules without notice.... then you have not been active in enough programs. Now, you might have considered this a tough question and wonder why we didn't ask them. It's simple, we read it in their rules, we understood their rules and they did nothing wrong outside their rules. While it may not be like you and I would do it, it certainly was using the very same procedure that many other programs have used.
2. See above. I've seen others give no notice, just a few days notice, etc. Again, their rules do say they have the right to change the program without notice and others have done it in the past as well–American, United, etc.
3. I can't answer that one.
4. I can only guess on this one. They had X number of ticket stock for some time and might have figured that based on past redemption patterns they had enough. Because of FT, the heightened awareness of these changes made for a larger demand on redemption and thus they ran out.
1. If you'll look at the fine print of almost every single major frequent flyer programs you'll see this "... subject to change without notice." If you think that this is the first time that any program has ever changed it's rules without notice.... then you have not been active in enough programs. Now, you might have considered this a tough question and wonder why we didn't ask them. It's simple, we read it in their rules, we understood their rules and they did nothing wrong outside their rules. While it may not be like you and I would do it, it certainly was using the very same procedure that many other programs have used.
2. See above. I've seen others give no notice, just a few days notice, etc. Again, their rules do say they have the right to change the program without notice and others have done it in the past as well–American, United, etc.
3. I can't answer that one.
4. I can only guess on this one. They had X number of ticket stock for some time and might have figured that based on past redemption patterns they had enough. Because of FT, the heightened awareness of these changes made for a larger demand on redemption and thus they ran out.
Originally Posted by SAPMAN
I also thank Randy for his involvement. I wonder how many unused miles he has (or HAD).
However, I think he is a bit genereous in his support of GP.
1. What kind of company would drastically change the rules and not notify its customers?
2. What kind of company would only give 3 weeks notice?
3. What kind of company would have its President (apparently the only one who can make decisions) be on vacation during a major change in its strategy?
4. What kind of company would "run out of ticket stock" without knowing it would do so (or at least not letting its customers know the situation).
However, I think he is a bit genereous in his support of GP.
1. What kind of company would drastically change the rules and not notify its customers?
2. What kind of company would only give 3 weeks notice?
3. What kind of company would have its President (apparently the only one who can make decisions) be on vacation during a major change in its strategy?
4. What kind of company would "run out of ticket stock" without knowing it would do so (or at least not letting its customers know the situation).
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: London, UK and Southern France
Posts: 18,361
I am not sure why people were expecting tough questions in the IF interview. From the interviews I have read, IF does not really do 'tough questions'. You could say exactly the same of the Marc Jansz (KLM) interview. You have different styles of journalism. You can have hard-hitting 'call to account' type of journalism or you can have journalism which is oriented towards giving additional information and/or different insights. IF is more in the style of the latter, more Martin Bashir/Richard & Judy than Jeremy Paxman (these names probably don't mean much to non-UK FTers, but I am sure that you can substitute other names).
Randy's answer to point 1 raised by SAPMAN makes, IMO, this very clear. Yes, they can change the rules at will and don't need to give notice and, yes, they would not be the only ones to have ever done that. Are there many others who have drastically re-written the rules without notice or at very short notice, or indeed, virtually extinguished the program to replace it by a completely different one? Perhaps not. Now, if you are in the call-to-account style of journalism, you would probably raise that as a key issue. If what you want is to give a different insight/perspective, you won't.
Take IF as it is and judge it by the standards of what it seeks to achieve.There is nothing disrespectable about its style of journalism but it has its limitations, as well as its strengths.
Randy's answer to point 1 raised by SAPMAN makes, IMO, this very clear. Yes, they can change the rules at will and don't need to give notice and, yes, they would not be the only ones to have ever done that. Are there many others who have drastically re-written the rules without notice or at very short notice, or indeed, virtually extinguished the program to replace it by a completely different one? Perhaps not. Now, if you are in the call-to-account style of journalism, you would probably raise that as a key issue. If what you want is to give a different insight/perspective, you won't.
Take IF as it is and judge it by the standards of what it seeks to achieve.There is nothing disrespectable about its style of journalism but it has its limitations, as well as its strengths.
#30
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
[QUOTE=tvl4free
Edited per The Moderators request Only
Edited per The Moderators request Only
Last edited by craz; Jul 20, 2005 at 4:26 pm