FTers in INDIA
Mar 8, 2000 | 10:03 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA Premier Gold
Posts: 483
miler
Why do you want to restrict yourself only to people in India. I'm in US but would love to share info about frequent flyer/buyer programs in India.
I believe Air India, Inidan Airlines andmay be the private ones offer frequent flyer miles right?
One point I wanted to make while I'm on this topic is that most western hemisphere airlines treat flyers to india in a discriminatory way. for example British Air doesn't offer miles between London & India. Lufthansa gives only 50% of actual miles flown between Germany & India.
Thats WRONG!!!!
Any thoughts
venkat
Why do you want to restrict yourself only to people in India. I'm in US but would love to share info about frequent flyer/buyer programs in India.
I believe Air India, Inidan Airlines andmay be the private ones offer frequent flyer miles right?
One point I wanted to make while I'm on this topic is that most western hemisphere airlines treat flyers to india in a discriminatory way. for example British Air doesn't offer miles between London & India. Lufthansa gives only 50% of actual miles flown between Germany & India.
Thats WRONG!!!!
Any thoughts
venkat
Mar 8, 2000 | 11:41 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP 5 Mil, UA Global Services, BA Gold, DL Diamond, SPG Plat75, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,231
I don't think BA discriminates based on origin. Airlines usually have deeply discounted fares that are not eligible for FF miles. This is especially true of consolidator fares from India or sold through regional/ethnic markets.
One thing I found useful was to ask my travel agent or Airlines rep to give me the next highest fare eligible for miles. I find that very helpful especially with my status bonus of 100% on oneworld alliance.
One thing I found useful was to ask my travel agent or Airlines rep to give me the next highest fare eligible for miles. I find that very helpful especially with my status bonus of 100% on oneworld alliance.
Mar 10, 2000 | 12:44 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 196
Originally posted by venkat:
miler
Why do you want to restrict yourself only to people in India. I'm in US but would love to share info about frequent flyer/buyer programs in India.
I believe Air India, Inidan Airlines andmay be the private ones offer frequent flyer miles right?
One point I wanted to make while I'm on this topic is that most western hemisphere airlines treat flyers to india in a discriminatory way. for example British Air doesn't offer miles between London & India. Lufthansa gives only 50% of actual miles flown between Germany & India.
Thats WRONG!!!!
Any thoughts
venkat
miler
Why do you want to restrict yourself only to people in India. I'm in US but would love to share info about frequent flyer/buyer programs in India.
I believe Air India, Inidan Airlines andmay be the private ones offer frequent flyer miles right?
One point I wanted to make while I'm on this topic is that most western hemisphere airlines treat flyers to india in a discriminatory way. for example British Air doesn't offer miles between London & India. Lufthansa gives only 50% of actual miles flown between Germany & India.
Thats WRONG!!!!
Any thoughts
venkat
Yes, Indian Airlines & Air India offer joint FF programme called FLYING RETURNS. The travel on AIR FRANCE can also be accumulated on this FF programme.
JET AIRWAYS, has recently launched a FF programme. However it is not as attractive as FLYING RETURNS.
I also agree with you on the discrimination issue. The problem is further compounded by the fact that the local travel agents, GSAs and sometime airlines themselves don't know, which fares are eligible for FF mileage.
Won't it be better for all, including the airlines to accumulate miles on paid tickets?
Look forward to further interaction with you.
Sep 10, 2000 | 1:43 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP 5 Mil, UA Global Services, BA Gold, DL Diamond, SPG Plat75, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,231
Since my last post I have had to take numerous trips to, from and within India in Biz and First and have gained a lot of knowledge and tips/tricks. Would like to share and exchange them with others.
Are there any other useful threads that I should be tracking? I tried searches on India/DEL/BOM/MAA/BLR etc. but did not find much useful data so far.
I am specifically looking for sharing FF knowledge from/to/within India. I am way too busy to be doing this on my own time (opportunity cost does not justify this) but it is a fun hobby.
Are there any other useful threads that I should be tracking? I tried searches on India/DEL/BOM/MAA/BLR etc. but did not find much useful data so far.
I am specifically looking for sharing FF knowledge from/to/within India. I am way too busy to be doing this on my own time (opportunity cost does not justify this) but it is a fun hobby.
Sep 10, 2000 | 10:56 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Washington DC
Programs: UA GS, SAS Gold, EK Gold, BA Gold, Marriott Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 801
miler - as venkat wrote you shouldnt limit to just those FT'ers in India as there are quite a few members here who are based elsewhere but travel to India. 
as for me i spend 75% of my time based in Mumbai and the other 25% in the states. anyways, its nice having you on board and i look forward to communicating.
btw - finally i see someone from my family's original home of AMD. what part of town are you from? actually i was just there last sunday. next time we should get together.
finally, BA doesnt really discrimnate b/c you have to understand that consolidators are buying these seats for less than 1/2 their normal value so BA doesnt have much incentive to award poits. if you buy direct from BA or a qualfyign fare you will def receive 100% miles on BA even in econ. and LH gives 100% in econ if you are resident in India (just not for US residents).
the problem with Flying Returns is the fact that it means you have to fly AI or IC Jet Privelges is also a useless program but as mentioned you can credit and redeem through NW and I believe BA (or maybe only redeem on BA)
enjoystravel - there havent been too many threads specifically on India but there are some comments mixed in (not too easy to search for though). i too travel quite often between India and the US/AsiaPac/Europe in first/biz so when you get a chance we can exchange some ideas.
look forward to having more dicussions on this topic
happy flying
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- indogulf
as for me i spend 75% of my time based in Mumbai and the other 25% in the states. anyways, its nice having you on board and i look forward to communicating.
btw - finally i see someone from my family's original home of AMD. what part of town are you from? actually i was just there last sunday. next time we should get together.
finally, BA doesnt really discrimnate b/c you have to understand that consolidators are buying these seats for less than 1/2 their normal value so BA doesnt have much incentive to award poits. if you buy direct from BA or a qualfyign fare you will def receive 100% miles on BA even in econ. and LH gives 100% in econ if you are resident in India (just not for US residents).
the problem with Flying Returns is the fact that it means you have to fly AI or IC
Jet Privelges is also a useless program but as mentioned you can credit and redeem through NW and I believe BA (or maybe only redeem on BA)enjoystravel - there havent been too many threads specifically on India but there are some comments mixed in (not too easy to search for though). i too travel quite often between India and the US/AsiaPac/Europe in first/biz so when you get a chance we can exchange some ideas.
look forward to having more dicussions on this topic
happy flying
------------------
- indogulf
Sep 11, 2000 | 1:06 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 196
Originally posted by enjoystravel:
Since my last post I have had to take numerous trips to, from and within India in Biz and First and have gained a lot of knowledge and tips/tricks. Would like to share and exchange them with others.
Are there any other useful threads that I should be tracking? I tried searches on India/DEL/BOM/MAA/BLR etc. but did not find much useful data so far.
I am specifically looking for sharing FF knowledge from/to/within India. I am way too busy to be doing this on my own time (opportunity cost does not justify this) but it is a fun hobby.
Since my last post I have had to take numerous trips to, from and within India in Biz and First and have gained a lot of knowledge and tips/tricks. Would like to share and exchange them with others.
Are there any other useful threads that I should be tracking? I tried searches on India/DEL/BOM/MAA/BLR etc. but did not find much useful data so far.
I am specifically looking for sharing FF knowledge from/to/within India. I am way too busy to be doing this on my own time (opportunity cost does not justify this) but it is a fun hobby.
Ditto for JET Airways.
Sep 11, 2000 | 1:07 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 196
Originally posted by Sthokie:
I was recently in India and flew on a Jet Airways flight, and the miles you get with them can be put on your Northwest account, and they showed up within 4 weeks on my account.
I was recently in India and flew on a Jet Airways flight, and the miles you get with them can be put on your Northwest account, and they showed up within 4 weeks on my account.
Sep 11, 2000 | 1:13 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 196
Originally posted by indogulf:
miler - as venkat wrote you shouldnt limit to just those FT'ers in India as there are quite a few members here who are based elsewhere but travel to India.
as for me i spend 75% of my time based in Mumbai and the other 25% in the states. anyways, its nice having you on board and i look forward to communicating.
SAME HERE
btw - finally i see someone from my family's original home of AMD. what part of town are you from? actually i was just there last sunday. next time we should get together.
finally, BA doesnt really discrimnate b/c you have to understand that consolidators are buying these seats for less than 1/2 their normal value so BA doesnt have much incentive to award poits. if you buy direct from BA or a qualfyign fare you will def receive 100% miles on BA even in econ. and LH gives 100% in econ if you are resident in India (just not for US residents).
the problem with Flying Returns is the fact that it means you have to fly AI or IC Jet Privelges is also a useless program but as mentioned you can credit and redeem through NW and I believe BA (or maybe only redeem on BA)
enjoystravel - there havent been too many threads specifically on India but there are some comments mixed in (not too easy to search for though). i too travel quite often between India and the US/AsiaPac/Europe in first/biz so when you get a chance we can exchange some ideas.
look forward to having more dicussions on this topic
happy flying
miler - as venkat wrote you shouldnt limit to just those FT'ers in India as there are quite a few members here who are based elsewhere but travel to India.
as for me i spend 75% of my time based in Mumbai and the other 25% in the states. anyways, its nice having you on board and i look forward to communicating.
SAME HERE
btw - finally i see someone from my family's original home of AMD. what part of town are you from? actually i was just there last sunday. next time we should get together.
finally, BA doesnt really discrimnate b/c you have to understand that consolidators are buying these seats for less than 1/2 their normal value so BA doesnt have much incentive to award poits. if you buy direct from BA or a qualfyign fare you will def receive 100% miles on BA even in econ. and LH gives 100% in econ if you are resident in India (just not for US residents).
the problem with Flying Returns is the fact that it means you have to fly AI or IC
Jet Privelges is also a useless program but as mentioned you can credit and redeem through NW and I believe BA (or maybe only redeem on BA)enjoystravel - there havent been too many threads specifically on India but there are some comments mixed in (not too easy to search for though). i too travel quite often between India and the US/AsiaPac/Europe in first/biz so when you get a chance we can exchange some ideas.
look forward to having more dicussions on this topic
happy flying
I am in Drive-in Road area. Would love to meet you whenever you next in our city. I am also visiting USA next week and could call you on the phone. Could you e-mail me your contact details???
Thanks for your comprehensive notes.
[This message has been edited by miler (edited 09-11-2000).]
Sep 11, 2000 | 9:39 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
Programs: UA Million Miler. (1.9M) Virgin Platinum. HH Diamond + SPG Gold
Posts: 32,351
A lot of local knowledge of India airline deals here it looks like. 
Can one of you advise if the UA Round-The-World they re-commence in April, that passes via Delhi as a key new destination, has attractive fares if booked IN India? I may do this flight for fun being a "new" route, and thought after reading the above, the C or F on UA metal the whole way might be quite cheap if an Indian agent sells the ticket?
Do you feel they will discount the UA flights? Does anyone have a contact that allows you to post a price here that they will book at right now?
Ideally the FIRST operating day of "UA #1" would specifically interest me, which is about April 2 or 3 out of Delhi I imagine, to London.
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~ Glen ~
[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 09-11-2000).]
Can one of you advise if the UA Round-The-World they re-commence in April, that passes via Delhi as a key new destination, has attractive fares if booked IN India? I may do this flight for fun being a "new" route, and thought after reading the above, the C or F on UA metal the whole way might be quite cheap if an Indian agent sells the ticket?
Do you feel they will discount the UA flights? Does anyone have a contact that allows you to post a price here that they will book at right now?
Ideally the FIRST operating day of "UA #1" would specifically interest me, which is about April 2 or 3 out of Delhi I imagine, to London.
------------------
~ Glen ~
[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 09-11-2000).]
Sep 12, 2000 | 12:18 am
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 196
Originally posted by ozstamps:
A lot of local knowledge of India airline deals here it looks like.
Can one of you advise if the UA Round-The-World they re-commence in April, that passes via Delhi as a key new destination, has attractive fares if booked IN India? I may do this flight for fun being a "new" route, and thought after reading the above, the C or F on UA metal the whole way might be quite cheap if an Indian agent sells the ticket?
Do you feel they will discount the UA flights? Does anyone have a contact that allows you to post a price here that they will book at right now?
Ideally the FIRST operating day of "UA #1" would specifically interest me, which is about April 2 or 3 out of Delhi I imagine, to London.
A lot of local knowledge of India airline deals here it looks like.
Can one of you advise if the UA Round-The-World they re-commence in April, that passes via Delhi as a key new destination, has attractive fares if booked IN India? I may do this flight for fun being a "new" route, and thought after reading the above, the C or F on UA metal the whole way might be quite cheap if an Indian agent sells the ticket?
Do you feel they will discount the UA flights? Does anyone have a contact that allows you to post a price here that they will book at right now?
Ideally the FIRST operating day of "UA #1" would specifically interest me, which is about April 2 or 3 out of Delhi I imagine, to London.
I will check and advise you ASAP.
Sep 12, 2000 | 11:53 am
#14
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Washington DC
Programs: UA GS, SAS Gold, EK Gold, BA Gold, Marriott Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 801
ozstamps - ANY ticket purchased in India for travel originating in India will be cheaper than other countries. Specifically, RTW fares are significantly cheaper (a min of 25% in C and F). I would expect UA to price their "new" UA 1/2 service accordingly. In addition most travel agents in india will rebate their commission upto 8%.
As the date nears I am sure you will find special deals from UA and from local agents. If you are seriously interested in the first flight (eastbound or westbound??) I could ask my agent to update me on fares and convey the same to you.
As the date nears I am sure you will find special deals from UA and from local agents. If you are seriously interested in the first flight (eastbound or westbound??) I could ask my agent to update me on fares and convey the same to you.
Sep 13, 2000 | 2:08 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
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Posts: 32,351
Indogulf .. thanks for the heads up! Yes very interested in 2 x C tickets, rtw starting Delhi going to London, IAD-LAX-HKG.
Love to have it on UA#1 starting LAX-LAX April 1st via Delhi .. are they able to ticket that discount in your experience as long as flight comes thru India, and sell ticket out of there?
Might be a nice loophole to save some serious bucks!
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~ Glen ~