M I L E S P Y
Dec 29, 2001 | 12:36 am
#91
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Sunny Switzerland
Programs: BD / BA / AF
Posts: 4,388
PG, how many miles will Delta (or other airlines) let you buy? Most are capped at 20-40K.
We're offering a way to purchase an unlimited number at that price.
And trying to figure out what to do with a ton of steak, nuts, and fruit!
We're offering a way to purchase an unlimited number at that price.
And trying to figure out what to do with a ton of steak, nuts, and fruit!
Dec 29, 2001 | 6:43 am
#92
Flyertalk Evangelist and Moderator: Coupon Connection and Travel Products
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Milton, GA USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, Hyatt Discoverist, Radisson Elite
Posts: 19,220
Steak, Nuts and Fruit, OH MY!!!
Steak, Nuts and Fruit, OH MY!!!
LOL
Matthew, sure you will make some people very happy with belated holiday gifts!!!
William
Steak, Nuts and Fruit, OH MY!!!
LOL
Matthew, sure you will make some people very happy with belated holiday gifts!!!
William
Dec 29, 2001 | 8:54 am
#93
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: IAD
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 27,068
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MatthewClement:
PG, how many miles will Delta (or other airlines) let you buy? Most are capped at 20-40K.
We're offering a way to purchase an unlimited number at that price.
And trying to figure out what to do with a ton of steak, nuts, and fruit!</font>
PG, how many miles will Delta (or other airlines) let you buy? Most are capped at 20-40K.
We're offering a way to purchase an unlimited number at that price.
And trying to figure out what to do with a ton of steak, nuts, and fruit!
</font>
There also is the age long debate of whether miles should be earned by flying or by buying. And also think about the inflation effects of large scale buying of miles. If the privileged could buy millions of miles, what effect does that have on those whose mileage totals are in the tens or hundreds of thousands of miles - more comptetion for free flights, more competition for upgrades (and less number of complimentary/elite upgrades), and eventually the airlines increase the number of miles needed for free flights. Infact the last time the airlines upped the number of miles needed for free flights, one of the rationale cited by InsideFlyer was that it was now so much easier to accumulate miles by non-flying.
Dec 29, 2001 | 12:33 pm
#94
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Sunny Switzerland
Programs: BD / BA / AF
Posts: 4,388
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PG:
Yes but Randy had pitched MileSpy as a way to "top off" miles. I think that the term top off usually means a few thousand miles, not hundreds of thousands of miles.</font>
Yes but Randy had pitched MileSpy as a way to "top off" miles. I think that the term top off usually means a few thousand miles, not hundreds of thousands of miles.</font>
We tend to see it differently -- by viewing frequent flyer miles as "travel currency" you can actually use miles to replace your revenue travel. For premium-cabin flyers, our strategy still offers a great deal, without the hassle of going through the steps (and getting rid of the sheer quantity of goods that the strategy now entails).
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PG:
There also is the age long debate of whether miles should be earned by flying or by buying.</font>
There also is the age long debate of whether miles should be earned by flying or by buying.</font>
They've defined the rules of the game. Now we get to play with the rules they've laid down.
Dec 29, 2001 | 9:15 pm
#95
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: UA Million Miler (lite). NY Metro area.
Posts: 15,440
It's still amazing to me how many of you are jealous of the MILESPY people.I think what's bothering you is that you didn't think of it first.
Matthew, not that it's any of my business, but if you were to tell us that you and Steve only 'sold', say 27 deals for example, this debate would stop immediately.
On the other hand, if you sold several hundred, why didn't you e mail me to get in on the action.
Dan
Matthew, not that it's any of my business, but if you were to tell us that you and Steve only 'sold', say 27 deals for example, this debate would stop immediately.
On the other hand, if you sold several hundred, why didn't you e mail me to get in on the action.
Dan
Dec 30, 2001 | 12:44 am
#96
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: USA
Programs: HH Diamond, SPG Gold, PC Platinum Ambassador, Marriott Silver
Posts: 15,249
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by dhammer53:
It's still amazing to me how many of you are jealous of the MILESPY people.I think what's bothering you is that you didn't think of it first. </font>
It's still amazing to me how many of you are jealous of the MILESPY people.I think what's bothering you is that you didn't think of it first. </font>
Dec 30, 2001 | 5:46 am
#97
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Sunny Switzerland
Programs: BD / BA / AF
Posts: 4,388
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by dhammer53:
Matthew, not that it's any of my business, but if you were to tell us that you and Steve only 'sold', say 27 deals for example, this debate would stop immediately.
</font>
Matthew, not that it's any of my business, but if you were to tell us that you and Steve only 'sold', say 27 deals for example, this debate would stop immediately.
</font>
I've spoken to all of the parties involved at various stages. Let's just say that the MileSpy deal was a drop in the bucket.
A quick search reveals that no fewer than three major travel websites presented the Goldpoints / Valuemags deal to their readers. And it was covered on numerous other bulletin boards.
Flyertalkers don't have an exclusive hold on knowledge. This knowledge was widespread.
Heck, a simple look at the e-mail I got (others have mentioned similar things) to confirm my $400+ order shows that in 24 hours, hundreds of people ( valuemags did a cc: not a bcc: ) also placed large orders.
Dec 30, 2001 | 11:27 am
#100
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Sunny Switzerland
Programs: BD / BA / AF
Posts: 4,388
Well, in addition to Mileslink, it was posted at:
Notiflyer
David Rowell - The Travel Insider
FatWallet.com
Frequent Flyer.com (Issue 179) (This one isn't online yet, but was e-mailed out.) Here's the relevant text:
Please note, the examples and illustrations in the article are from frequentflier.com, not Milespy.
[This message has been edited by MatthewClement (edited 12-30-2001).]
Notiflyer
David Rowell - The Travel Insider
FatWallet.com
Frequent Flyer.com (Issue 179) (This one isn't online yet, but was e-mailed out.) Here's the relevant text:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">SPECIAL ISSUE ~ CHEAP MILES FROM MILESPY
As mentioned in last week's Crier, we had planned on taking this week
off. That was before I received an e-mail from Steve Belkin at MileSpy (http://WWW.MILESPY.COM). Steve gained some
notoriety a couple of years ago by earning 10.5 million Mileage Plus miles by making creative use of a special limited-time United promotion.
This time, he's turned his proven mileage-earning savvy into a business opportunity for himself, and a buying opportunity for anyone who wants or needs frequent flyer miles.
The Offer
Through MileSpy, for a very limited time (see Deadline info below), you
can purchase an unlimited number of miles for $0.02 each. These are real miles, not "generic miles," in your choice of airline programs, including those of Air Canada, American, America West, Asiana, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Continental, Delta, EL AL, Gulf Air, Icelandair, Latin Pass, Mexicana, Midwest Express, Northwest, Qualiflyer, United and US Airways.
The Value
Is this a good deal? In a word: Yes.
As a point of comparison, the airlines will sell you miles for $0.02 to $0.025 apiece. But there's typically a service charge added to the total, effectively increasing the per-mile cost. And there's normally a cap on the number of miles that can be purchased annually.
Alternatively, you could purchase miles from Miles4Sale http://www.miles4sale.com) for between $0.036 and $0.04 each, depending on quantity -- a hefty premium over the airline-direct prices. And they only sell miles from American, Continental, Northwest, America West and Delta.
Miles EARNED VIA THIS LIMITED TIME PROMOTION from MileSpy, on the other hand, are priced at $0.02 each, and there is no maximum number of miles you can purchase at that price. Nor is there a service charge or other add-on costs.
There is a minimum, though: 100,000 miles, for $2,000.
Also, if flexibility is a key consideration, instead of airline miles in a specific program, you can EARN Gold Points in the Radisson Gold Rewards program, which can then be converted to airline miles as needed.
Cheap Miles, Cheap Tickets
To give you a sense of how miles EARNED VIA MILESPY might translate into actual award-ticket costs, here are some sample calculations, based on the United Mileage Plus award chart:
1. CAPACITY CONTROLLED AWARDS
Domestic - coach class: 25K x $.02 = $500
Domestic - 1st class: 40K x $.02 = $800
US-Europe - Business class: 80K x $.02 = $1,600
US-Europe - 1st class: 100K x $.02 = $2,000
US-Asia/Australia - Business class: 90K x $.02 = $1,800
US-Asia/Australia - 1st class: 120K x $.02 = $2,400
2. "ANYTIME" AWARDS
Domestic - coach class: 40K x $.02 = $800
Domestic - 1st class: 80K x $.02 = $1,600
US-Europe - Business class: 150K x $.02 = $3,000
US-Europe - 1st class: 200k x $.02 = $4,000
US-Asia/Australia - Business class: 150k x $.02 = $3,000
US-Asia/Australia - 1st class: 200k x $.02 = $4,000
The Deadline
Miles at this rate are only available through Jan. 4, 2002. This is a use-it-or-lose-it opportunity (which is why we're altered our publication schedule to get the word out).
How it Works
Without getting into the RATHER COMPLEX underlying mechanics, MileSpy basically leverages partner offers in the Gold Points Rewards program. It's creative, but perfectly legal.
Enjoy!
</font>
As mentioned in last week's Crier, we had planned on taking this week
off. That was before I received an e-mail from Steve Belkin at MileSpy (http://WWW.MILESPY.COM). Steve gained some
notoriety a couple of years ago by earning 10.5 million Mileage Plus miles by making creative use of a special limited-time United promotion.
This time, he's turned his proven mileage-earning savvy into a business opportunity for himself, and a buying opportunity for anyone who wants or needs frequent flyer miles.
The Offer
Through MileSpy, for a very limited time (see Deadline info below), you
can purchase an unlimited number of miles for $0.02 each. These are real miles, not "generic miles," in your choice of airline programs, including those of Air Canada, American, America West, Asiana, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Continental, Delta, EL AL, Gulf Air, Icelandair, Latin Pass, Mexicana, Midwest Express, Northwest, Qualiflyer, United and US Airways.
The Value
Is this a good deal? In a word: Yes.
As a point of comparison, the airlines will sell you miles for $0.02 to $0.025 apiece. But there's typically a service charge added to the total, effectively increasing the per-mile cost. And there's normally a cap on the number of miles that can be purchased annually.
Alternatively, you could purchase miles from Miles4Sale http://www.miles4sale.com) for between $0.036 and $0.04 each, depending on quantity -- a hefty premium over the airline-direct prices. And they only sell miles from American, Continental, Northwest, America West and Delta.
Miles EARNED VIA THIS LIMITED TIME PROMOTION from MileSpy, on the other hand, are priced at $0.02 each, and there is no maximum number of miles you can purchase at that price. Nor is there a service charge or other add-on costs.
There is a minimum, though: 100,000 miles, for $2,000.
Also, if flexibility is a key consideration, instead of airline miles in a specific program, you can EARN Gold Points in the Radisson Gold Rewards program, which can then be converted to airline miles as needed.
Cheap Miles, Cheap Tickets
To give you a sense of how miles EARNED VIA MILESPY might translate into actual award-ticket costs, here are some sample calculations, based on the United Mileage Plus award chart:
1. CAPACITY CONTROLLED AWARDS
Domestic - coach class: 25K x $.02 = $500
Domestic - 1st class: 40K x $.02 = $800
US-Europe - Business class: 80K x $.02 = $1,600
US-Europe - 1st class: 100K x $.02 = $2,000
US-Asia/Australia - Business class: 90K x $.02 = $1,800
US-Asia/Australia - 1st class: 120K x $.02 = $2,400
2. "ANYTIME" AWARDS
Domestic - coach class: 40K x $.02 = $800
Domestic - 1st class: 80K x $.02 = $1,600
US-Europe - Business class: 150K x $.02 = $3,000
US-Europe - 1st class: 200k x $.02 = $4,000
US-Asia/Australia - Business class: 150k x $.02 = $3,000
US-Asia/Australia - 1st class: 200k x $.02 = $4,000
The Deadline
Miles at this rate are only available through Jan. 4, 2002. This is a use-it-or-lose-it opportunity (which is why we're altered our publication schedule to get the word out).
How it Works
Without getting into the RATHER COMPLEX underlying mechanics, MileSpy basically leverages partner offers in the Gold Points Rewards program. It's creative, but perfectly legal.
Enjoy!
</font>
[This message has been edited by MatthewClement (edited 12-30-2001).]
Dec 30, 2001 | 3:11 pm
#102
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Canada
Programs: AC SE 2MM, HH Dd, Bonvoy G; IC S; AA; DL
Posts: 14,497
The very fact that FT exists means we all will get reduced benefits over time. The more we milk the system, the more restrictions will be put in place. I really don't care so people might as well take advantage of it while the deals are hot. All you will get is a bag of mustard pretzels and 29" pitch in the end.
Hey, a novel thought, airlines might actually start handing out miles and status ONLY for flying frequently on their planes.
[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 12-30-2001).]
Hey, a novel thought, airlines might actually start handing out miles and status ONLY for flying frequently on their planes.
[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 12-30-2001).]
Dec 30, 2001 | 3:30 pm
#103
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Concord, Mass., US
Posts: 461
Several posts ignore the fact that Goldpoints and Radisson are subsidiaries of the Carlson Companies.
From hoovers.com website:
"Carlson Companies began in 1938 as the Gold Bond Stamp Company but has evolved into a leisure services juggernaut. The company owns 50% of travel giant Carlson Wagonlit (French hotelier Accor owns the rest). It also owns more than 745 hotels under brands such as Radisson and Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. Carlson's restaurant empire includes the 670-unit T.G.I. Friday's chain. A specialist in relationship marketing, Carlson Marketing Group offers services such as sales promotion and customer loyalty programs. CEO Marilyn Carlson Nelson and director Barbara Carlson Gage, the daughters of late founder Curtis Carlson, each own half of the company."
IMHO a company that was making money on their Gold Bond Stamps back in 1938 can certainly take care of itself in 2001. If they had wanted the promotion to be 450 points/$ only on say the first $200 of magazines, they certainly could have done it.
From hoovers.com website:
"Carlson Companies began in 1938 as the Gold Bond Stamp Company but has evolved into a leisure services juggernaut. The company owns 50% of travel giant Carlson Wagonlit (French hotelier Accor owns the rest). It also owns more than 745 hotels under brands such as Radisson and Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. Carlson's restaurant empire includes the 670-unit T.G.I. Friday's chain. A specialist in relationship marketing, Carlson Marketing Group offers services such as sales promotion and customer loyalty programs. CEO Marilyn Carlson Nelson and director Barbara Carlson Gage, the daughters of late founder Curtis Carlson, each own half of the company."
IMHO a company that was making money on their Gold Bond Stamps back in 1938 can certainly take care of itself in 2001. If they had wanted the promotion to be 450 points/$ only on say the first $200 of magazines, they certainly could have done it.
Dec 30, 2001 | 5:15 pm
#104
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Sunny Switzerland
Programs: BD / BA / AF
Posts: 4,388
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by jmoreita:
If I didn't know the above post was from Matthew w/Milespy I'd say it sure looks like an advertisement from a frequent flyer ticket broker.</font>
If I didn't know the above post was from Matthew w/Milespy I'd say it sure looks like an advertisement from a frequent flyer ticket broker.</font>