http://www.cathaypacific.com/hk/offe...,89730,00.html

CX's new corporate FFP

umm...in fact, it's not new...it has been around for at least a few years...for companies that spend a certain level, but not as much as other companies that spend a few million a year...those would get even more perks and special treatment...

Benefits are pretty lame in my view. After spending HK$600,000 (which is the lowest tier), all you get throughout the year, including welcome bonus are:

- 4 x Green MPC Membership
- 4 x Cathay business cards allowing you to checkin at business class counters
- 26 x Business class lounge invitation only valid for HKG
- 9 x One way upgrade (departing HKG only) for flights under 4 hours
- 12 x HK$500 coupons, total value HKG$6,000. NOTE: It doesn't say if you can combine these coupons for a single purchase or not... watch out.
- 1(wow... )Upgrade certificate for long haul flight (ONLY after you managed to spend 600k!!! )

But here's a catch. If you spend 600,000 dollars, the corporate flyers would most likely qualify for Silver, if not Gold. If so, the business cards and lounge invitations becomes pretty much useless. The website does not state if the invitation are transferrable to non-members.

Also note that 600k is an actual net flown revenue , defined as:

"all normal published fare revenue, all market or promotional Economy Class fares, group fares, First and Business Class restricted fares and special Round-The-World fare tickets, with a applicable deductions made. Deductions are agency commissions, credit card commissions, taxes, endorsements to other airlines and joint venture flight revenue."

For corporations that are able to spend 600k in travel expenses, are these benefits really eye-catching? ... I don't think so!


[This message has been edited by fakecd (edited 03-06-2003).]

You misunderstand - the benefit is not for the corporation, it is for the travel agent or corporate travel person who can, to some extent, control the choice of airline. S/he can then use some of these benefits either personally as as favours which s/he is able to grant, thus increasing her status in the office.

In a similar way, my girlfriend (a TA for a major bank) and I have not had to pay out any money at the supermarket for the last three months simply because Continental gives TAs supermarket vouchers for each business class ticket they book on their HKG-NYC flight.

now we know why you are flying so much. what else would you do with your salary?



[This message has been edited by mhtaipei (edited 03-06-2003).]