FF message reaching a wider audience?
 

I noticed this article in today's online newspaper:

http://www.adn.com/life/story/3865157p-3888561c.html

and have seen a growing number of "consumer" education articles on local t.v./newspaper websites on the topic. So, it got me to wondering if everyone has noticed the core principles of FF getting a wider, mainstream audience? I've been preaching to deaf ears for years within my circle of family and friends, but that's just my case. Anyone feel like a missionary working tirelessly to convert the unbelievers? Anyone feel like a rogue magician is giving away our magical FF secrets and tricks of the trade? Discussion...

I think that's rather typical, actually. My friends and family tend to fly whoever it cheapest when they want to go, and they don't really think about the miles (but then maybe they're only flying once or twice a year). It's just too much of a hassle for them to worry about with minimal flights.

I do find that people come to me at work and ask about "deals", though, as they know I have a fair handle on what's on sale out of the Bay Area, and that an alternate airport might save them some money.

I have a cousin who insists that putting all her spending on her Marriott Visa is the best way in the world for earning free hotel stays. I've given up on her a long time ago.

I have worked tirelessly on people and they just don't get it. I hear either, that's to much hassel or my least favorite of all "I don't want to pay an annual fee on my credit cards". To me the credit cards to the easier no brainer way to earn those miles. It took me 3 or more years to work on a lawyer friend to get an airline and hotel card but she just couldn't get past the fees. Now that she has crossed over to the other side, she's into it. "Wow, free hotels rooms in Aspen".....yeah, no kidding. I always think people know about at the very least the easiest way to earn miles but again and again I run into people, who travel, but just don't have a clue. I wonder how that is possible.

I get pretty much the same result as tom911, but I have been able to get a few people to realize the potential benefit they can get by doing the same things they're doing in a slightly different way. Amazing how the light goes on after they take one flight with me since I get them upgraded, through all the short lines/hidden connections in airports, and at a price cheaper than they knew existed. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Until they fly with me, it's really difficult because they can't see the benefits they're leaving behind. Just consolidating purchases on the right credit card can make a big deal.

And I'm not nearly as big into it as some people on these boards...

I have pretty mcuh summed it up to being the thrill of the chase or points. For me it's a definate addiction. If it wasn't for FT I would just be Ms know nothing about travelling except paying way too much and getting nothing in return. The company "ain't" so bad on this board either. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I've had a few casual listeners but only one lukewarm convert. The convert flew to Asia plus one more trip and got silver level; he was thrilled to get upgraded on it the next year for the first time in his life, but hasn't gotten into the booking side of it yet and can't see past renewing silver status.

I think a lot of the challenge is that you have to sell not only the methods, but the lifestyle as well. Some people are hard to excite with the idea of traveling a lot more, even if costs are a real bargain.

Each new recruit into my staff is given a brief overview of why collecting miles makes sense, I even let them spend time on thier first week online enrolling and learning the relevant rules.

I spend every day trying to convert the heathen masses to the worship of the one true god. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

O.K. here's another source, this time Frommer's, giving the basics to the masses:

http://www.frommers.com/activities/a...destid=AIRFARE

Interesting that Frommer is publishing articles on that. The man himself has written editorials in the past that are very anti-FF, in essence arguing that the system gives a big untaxed benefit to those who are likely to have good incomes anyway. He's gotten a lot of dissenting opinion on that one.

The real prize of these programs is the data that can be mined. Your travel patterns. This information is worth more to marketers, who are interested in your dollars and selling you products in your profile. We pay for good data.

Many are called, but few are chosen. It seems that often when I tell people about what can truly be accomplished, they find it almost too outrageous to believe. ("Normal" people just don't go on mileage runs, do they?) That said, I think that the best times for these types of programs may be behind us now. Devaluations of programs over the past several years have been numerous and today's announcement by Continental that low-cost fares will only earn half credit toward elite status is just more writing on the wall. I don't like it, but I believe that the trend is not our friend right now...