MasterGeek

Any suggestions for blogs that are not scared to post about tricks that people here try to keep "underground" ? Even if they are not in English, that is fine (thanks Google Translate)

I know that one of them is Secret Flying, and I know there are several non-english (ie: german) blogs that post more useful tricks than TPG, VFW, OMAAT..

I am also willing to consider pay/subscription blogs if they provide good value and save time.


thanks

Canarsie

For what “real tricks” are you searching?

Raffles

There is no business model in this. The airlines and hotel companies will not advertise nor will they let you join their affiliate schemes (or will kick you off if you are in them).

It would also be pointless to share genuine tricks knowing they will be dead within a few hours of being posted.

If you want to learn interesting stuff you should look at the Community board and meet FTers in person, where secrets are often shared.

84fiero

So, what are those German blogs you're finding useful?

I don't really know how to answer as I'm not quite sure what you mean by "real tricks". Anything that still works is "real" to my mind. If you mean not widely known, well something that is a new and unique technique to one person may be old hat to the next.

GUWonder

Pay for info sites exist/existed; and at least one on the dark web had some kind of payment collection effort for tips.

Aren't there still some people paying even for YQ-dump info?

But a scalable business model that is as potentially lucrative as a good, public blog? Not so easy to pull off.

Troopers

I know at least one or two "real tricks" and kept "underground"...it's clear to me that it's not common knowledge based on the frequent/numerous posting about how/when to book.

StartinSanDiego

It's widely considered that too much exposure kills deals, especially the sensitive ones. This is not breaking news.

Our "hobby" has seen unprecedented growth in the last 2 years, and lots of the easy pickin's have died off. This is across the board... the loopholes in booking, the ease of earning qualifying miles, the bonanza of miles earnings, the credit card sign up opportunities, the rewards that status would get you... it's a long list of pared down opportunities.

I saw that CNN news clip about the blogger sitting in First Class for "free" twice in one day recently. It doesn't paint a pretty picture.

I've heard repeatedly that bank and airline personnel are keeping up with the latest hacks by being here on FT, reading the blogs, and attending the FTU's, so, they are on to our tricks.

Astrophsx

If there are any "hidden" tricks they probably have a lot more risk now-a-days vs the hidden tricks from back in 2010. When I say risk... I'm referring to risking the deal getting shut down, I mean risking losing your accounts or worse.

A blogger has learned to filter what they put out to readers. They have to evaluate their own self gain. If a reader shares a great deal they have to decide how much money it will make them if they release the info. Even if they get deals shut down, they will be the "go to" spot for new hidden deals. This drives traffic and increases their income. There are other deals that are so risky that they don't want to be held liable if things go wrong for their readers or risk hurting their relationship with advertisers and banks. There are other deals where they want to actually use them and not have them killed... or maybe aren't very ethical.

I've seen some posts from Dan's Deals, Frequent Miler, and Doctor of Credit where they were aware of certain deals, tips, and tricks and decide that it wasn't in the readers best interest to release the info. I've always had respect for them. There are other bloggers like Ben at OMAAT who didn't release info on certain deals and tricks because they relied on them in order to maintain their lifestyle and livelihood. In his first years he was milking the United scheme that got him "banned" for several years. How many miles/flights and status did that deal earn him? I bet you it helped him financially early on with his blog.

Your best bet is to get into the private/secret Facebook and Reddit groups. Even then, don't expect anything Earth shattering when it comes to deals. You may just have a leg up on other people and get in on stuff earlier.

hockeystl

OMAAT just let the cat out of the bag with the AA Italian browser glitch.

MasterGeek

Oh yeah, that what I'm looking for

hockeystl

Well it all sounds great until you book the ticket via the, now public, workaround then you show up at the airport and your rez is cancelled because the purchase violated the T&C. You're then faced with the option of not taking the trip or buying a $$$ last minute Y fare.

scrubjay

So about these German blogs...

gpapadop

Secret Flying??? Seriously?

84fiero

Indeed...I asked up thread as well. OP comes in wanting others to share good sources for his benefit, says he's aware of useful tricks on some German language blogs but then refuses to share them himself.

Yeah and have you heard about this awesome, new gourmet restaurant that's not well known yet - it's called "McDonald's"...PM me for details!

oliver2002

They are something like this: http://www.stopflyingeconomy.com/category/tutorial/