FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - News: Global Rewards fly the coup
View Single Post
Old Feb 19, 2002, 3:20 pm
  #1  
RichardMEL
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
Programs: QF Platinum One (LTG), UA Plat IHG Plat
Posts: 5,836
News: Global Rewards fly the coup

Global Rewards fly the coup
By Steve Creedy, Aviation writer
20feb02

THE fears of Ansett's 2.7 million Global Rewards members were confirmed yesterday when the airline's prospective owner declared their 70 billion frequent-flyer points officially dead.

But Solomon Lew and Lindsay Fox's Tesna Holdings offered consolation in the form of big bonuses for those willing to return to the new Ansett frequent-flyer program when the two-class, full-service airline relaunches on March 1.

Tesna said the bonuses would allow former Global Rewards members to quickly amass points ? and in many cases exceed within a year their former entitlements.

More than 2 million Global Rewards base members with fewer than 10,000 points will qualify for a free flight by joining and taking one return flight ? but they will be slugged an $82.50 joining fee.

The airline also pledged that redemption seats would be readily available.

The scheme received a mixed response from frequent-flyer groups, one of which accused Ansett of giving Global Rewards members "the corporate finger".

The new Ansett program is aimed at attracting frequent flyers and business travellers. Tesna said it would make announcements soon about"several major banks and credit or charge card providers", which linked loyalty programs with the old frequent flyers.

Diners Club Australia confirmed yesterday it was one of the card companies negotiating to link up with the scheme.

Diners managing director Bryan Ericson generally welcomed the scheme but said he was disappointed it did not take into account credit card users who massed big balances but did not fly frequently.

Former Ansett frequent flyers who averaged more than 10 flights a year have their elite-tier status renewed, receive generous bonuses and do not have to pay a joining fee.

First-flight bonuses range from 25,000 points for sapphire members (10 or more flights a year), 40,000 points (20 or more flights a year) for platinum members and 80,000 points for diamond members (40 or more flights a year).

Base members also get an extra 2000 points each time they fly in the first 12 months.
RichardMEL is offline