BBC World: feature on frequent flyer programmes
Jul 13, 2013, 4:55 am
#1
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BBC World: feature on frequent flyer programmes
See this clip.
It includes a BAEC Gold card holder unhappy with the lack of reward availability. OTOH, he came across as not willing to be very flexible with the dates or destination (one if which was LHR-SYD...).
The recommendations at the end ("book early", "use your miles[Avios] to upgrade") seem reasonable.
It includes a BAEC Gold card holder unhappy with the lack of reward availability. OTOH, he came across as not willing to be very flexible with the dates or destination (one if which was LHR-SYD...).
The recommendations at the end ("book early", "use your miles[Avios] to upgrade") seem reasonable.
Jul 13, 2013, 5:24 am
#2
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the guy at the end basically says the whole scheme is a hassle and he would rather pay cash for the ticket. He should join FT and learn about becoming a tesco tourist 
Jul 13, 2013, 5:35 am
#3
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As a gold card holder he can fly to Sydney on any flight he wants for 200k return. He can go in business for 400k return, and first for 600k return, no availability problems, just book a month in advance.
Jul 13, 2013, 5:38 am
#4
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Jul 13, 2013, 5:41 am
#5
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The guy also suggested booking the cheapest economy ticket and using miles to upgrade. Not sure how successful a strategy that is going to be...
Jul 13, 2013, 5:41 am
#6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by olybeast
the guy at the end basically says the whole scheme is a hassle and he would rather pay cash for the ticket. He should join FT and learn about becoming a tesco tourist
Don't encourage them!
His gripe was with KrisFlyer and SQ though.
Originally Posted by olybeast
the guy at the end basically says the whole scheme is a hassle and he would rather pay cash for the ticket. He should join FT and learn about becoming a tesco tourist
Don't encourage them!
His gripe was with KrisFlyer and SQ though.
Jul 13, 2013, 5:41 am
#7
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'Book the cheapest economy tickets and upgrade ...'
This so called expert is an idiot ! Not the first time he's given incorrect advice and no doubt not the last.
As to the couple - they ignored the first rule of booking using miles - check both the cash price AND the price using miles before booking.
This so called expert is an idiot ! Not the first time he's given incorrect advice and no doubt not the last.
As to the couple - they ignored the first rule of booking using miles - check both the cash price AND the price using miles before booking.
Jul 13, 2013, 6:02 am
#8
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'Book the cheapest economy tickets and upgrade ...'
This so called expert is an idiot ! Not the first time he's given incorrect advice and no doubt not the last.
As to the couple - they ignored the first rule of booking using miles - check both the cash price AND the price using miles before booking.
This so called expert is an idiot ! Not the first time he's given incorrect advice and no doubt not the last.
As to the couple - they ignored the first rule of booking using miles - check both the cash price AND the price using miles before booking.
My point was that the advice to use Avios for a cabin upgrade instead of using them to book in Y is essentially a good one - albeit he should have explained further the need to ensure you're in an eligible fare class, the need to check for availability etc.
Jul 13, 2013, 6:14 am
#9
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As usual, journalists aren't very good with detail. My point was that the advice to use Avios for a cabin upgrade instead of using them to book in Y is essentially a good one - albeit he should have explained further the need to ensure you're in an eligible fare class, the need to check for availability etc.
My point was that the advice to use Avios for a cabin upgrade instead of using them to book in Y is essentially a good one - albeit he should have explained further the need to ensure you're in an eligible fare class, the need to check for availability etc.He has previously given advice on ex-AMS flights for example but does not explain all the risks.
He could have used the time in his report to much better effect.
Jul 13, 2013, 6:17 am
#10
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Very interesting clip.
The chap at the end who summed it all up as "a hassle" has a point since it does take a while to work out how it all works. If you are in the market for one economy class ticket a year and are not bothered about J or F travel then there might be something to be said for just paying the cheapest fare on the day.
The chap at the end who summed it all up as "a hassle" has a point since it does take a while to work out how it all works. If you are in the market for one economy class ticket a year and are not bothered about J or F travel then there might be something to be said for just paying the cheapest fare on the day.
Jul 13, 2013, 6:25 am
#11
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If you're really a frequent flyer though, then I think you need to ensure you get to grips with the relevant details.
Jul 13, 2013, 6:37 am
#12
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This year I am not flying so much, but because I understand how UUAs work I have been able to get two great deals on the two longhaul trips I have booked.
Jul 13, 2013, 6:51 am
#13
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FWIW the 'idiot' is a respected journalist and traveller. I have learned more from him than from any individual on FT, with the probable exception of Raffles.
Simon's advice in the time available, as modified by MNManInKen, is sound and probably understable for the average viewer.
Jul 13, 2013, 7:08 am
#14
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Oo er, that sounds categorical! Sure you're not talking about SRB, easyJet, MO'L or sundry other red rags to BAEC FTers?
FWIW the 'idiot' is a respected journalist and traveller. I have learned more from him than from any individual on FT, with the probable exception of Raffles.
Simon's advice in the time available, as modified by MNManInKen, is sound and probably understable for the average viewer.
FWIW the 'idiot' is a respected journalist and traveller. I have learned more from him than from any individual on FT, with the probable exception of Raffles.
Simon's advice in the time available, as modified by MNManInKen, is sound and probably understable for the average viewer.
Being 'respected' does not automatically Simon Calder right - as I have said he has previously given incorrect information.
In that 6 minute report he could have done far more to explain the ins and out of FF programmes and reward bookings and educate the public but he chose not to.
Jul 13, 2013, 7:12 am
#15
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Unfortunately when faced with a message along the lines of "with a little hard work you can get a lot more for your money" many people switch off.
They want to hear "here is something for nothing", or if that is not achievable "this poor person was promised something for nothing but did not get it, so let's attack the big business".
Originally Posted by General Public
I don't know what I want but I do know I want it for free and I want it now
Last edited by Sixth Freedom; Jul 13, 2013 at 7:17 am