AirAsia BIG tier level now I am BLACK
Aug 18, 2017, 12:53 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 545
AirAsia BIG tier level now I am BLACK
Hi all.
I received an email from AirAsia big informing me that I now at black tier level and apart from saying I get X12 points and can upgrade easier (to what?) It doesn't say much else.
I had no idea BIG had tier levels although I did suggest they do tongue in cheek some months ago in one of their survey's as I see the BIG loyalty programme as pretty much useless so at least you could have status even if there are no real cost to them benefits like upgrades and lounge access etc like proper programmes.
What are the tier levels? Is there only one Lol? What are the benefits?
Edit
I did a quick Google on it. It's called freedom flyer with RED as base membership then you can earn GOLD PLATINUM and BLACK by flying a certain amount of segments in 12 months.
At the moment it seems that you can earn points faster. In my case ×12 but I don't know if that depends on fare types etc.
All in this to me is a great leap forward by AirAsia and it's great to see that they are making an effort with their program. Keep it up.
For a LCC they are leaps and bounds ahead of the rest.
I received an email from AirAsia big informing me that I now at black tier level and apart from saying I get X12 points and can upgrade easier (to what?) It doesn't say much else.
I had no idea BIG had tier levels although I did suggest they do tongue in cheek some months ago in one of their survey's as I see the BIG loyalty programme as pretty much useless so at least you could have status even if there are no real cost to them benefits like upgrades and lounge access etc like proper programmes.
What are the tier levels? Is there only one Lol? What are the benefits?
Edit
I did a quick Google on it. It's called freedom flyer with RED as base membership then you can earn GOLD PLATINUM and BLACK by flying a certain amount of segments in 12 months.
At the moment it seems that you can earn points faster. In my case ×12 but I don't know if that depends on fare types etc.
All in this to me is a great leap forward by AirAsia and it's great to see that they are making an effort with their program. Keep it up.
For a LCC they are leaps and bounds ahead of the rest.
Last edited by ayeaway; Aug 18, 2017 at 1:56 pm Reason: New information
Aug 28, 2017, 11:36 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: SFO, MNL, SIN, HAM
Programs: UA GS, SQ PPS, IHG Plat Amb, Marriot Gold, Hilton Gold, Club Carlson Gold, Accor Plat
Posts: 488
They are certainly making an effort and I like that they keep making improvements to the BIG program.
Now, if they'd actually add some perks for it, like pre-boarding or HotSeats, I might direct more flights to AirAsia...
Now, if they'd actually add some perks for it, like pre-boarding or HotSeats, I might direct more flights to AirAsia...
Sep 11, 2017, 11:23 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 545
I don't think BIG will ever be a how can I call it full fledg program as you see TG SQ EK with free upgrades and lounges etc.
The programme in my eyes is more geared to giving back in points for being a regular customer. Which on my eyes is great because now I can earn enough points to do some useful flights.
Now if they could figure out better or other ways for me to use my points. Tune hotel 14 days booking in advance and a really old school way of doing it just puts me of bothering.
Maybe give a chance to PLATINUM and BLACK to burn some points for lounge or upgrade on AIRASIA X flights.
Just saying but the fact they are doing something is good and as Mr TF said himself he thinks BIG will be worth 5% of the business then maybe they will see the benefits of getting business travel and offering small benefits.
A decent FFP is a massive benefit too an airline and what some say kept QF afloat when it was about to go belly up a few years back.
The programme in my eyes is more geared to giving back in points for being a regular customer. Which on my eyes is great because now I can earn enough points to do some useful flights.
Now if they could figure out better or other ways for me to use my points. Tune hotel 14 days booking in advance and a really old school way of doing it just puts me of bothering.
Maybe give a chance to PLATINUM and BLACK to burn some points for lounge or upgrade on AIRASIA X flights.
Just saying but the fact they are doing something is good and as Mr TF said himself he thinks BIG will be worth 5% of the business then maybe they will see the benefits of getting business travel and offering small benefits.
A decent FFP is a massive benefit too an airline and what some say kept QF afloat when it was about to go belly up a few years back.
Sep 12, 2017, 3:12 am
#6
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
Government officials have gotten free food for every flight ever since I can remember. I'll use their checkin Lane if I just need to print a boarding pass.
Sep 25, 2017, 11:30 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: SFO, MNL, SIN, HAM
Programs: UA GS, SQ PPS, IHG Plat Amb, Marriot Gold, Hilton Gold, Club Carlson Gold, Accor Plat
Posts: 488
The elite levels earn more points, but he key word is "up to" - promotional fares don't earn any points anymore, but count towards status tiers. For "Red" fliers the reward rate is now 1/3 of what it used to be and less than other lcc programs. Details reviewed here!
If you are flying AirAsia a lot on premium fares, this works out better, but I wouldn't shift business to them. If you want me to fly 50 times, I'd want at least priority check-in/ boarding without paying extra to avoid the worst hassle.
If you are flying AirAsia a lot on premium fares, this works out better, but I wouldn't shift business to them. If you want me to fly 50 times, I'd want at least priority check-in/ boarding without paying extra to avoid the worst hassle.
Sep 26, 2017, 11:40 pm
#8
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,369
Define government official please. Does this mean any government employee (traveling on government business?) or does it mean some designated civil servant of a specific rank (or on some special list) of the Kingdom of Thailand?
Sep 30, 2017, 3:08 am
#9
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
Thai Government Officials get free food. Sorry, I should have been more specific.
They announce it, in Thai, so that if someone wasn't on their list, they can just show their I'd and, poof, problem solved. The airline doesn't lose face.
Whatever they're doing, it seems to be working. Looking at the schedules, they're up to 18 flights a day from BKK-HKT.
They announce it, in Thai, so that if someone wasn't on their list, they can just show their I'd and, poof, problem solved. The airline doesn't lose face.
Whatever they're doing, it seems to be working. Looking at the schedules, they're up to 18 flights a day from BKK-HKT.
Oct 21, 2017, 9:08 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 545
Can check in agents see your status?
Just wondering as if they can not then the very basic level of being able to look after elites is a non starter.
AirAsia seem to wanting to take a peck at the business (on a budget) traveler and the likes of holding onto myself a >50 flights a year.
I do not expect a fan fare maybe just a Hi Mr Ayeaway your a black welcome back and if this flight goes irop we maybe have a look at sorting you out as an elite.
just saying.
Just wondering as if they can not then the very basic level of being able to look after elites is a non starter.
AirAsia seem to wanting to take a peck at the business (on a budget) traveler and the likes of holding onto myself a >50 flights a year.
I do not expect a fan fare maybe just a Hi Mr Ayeaway your a black welcome back and if this flight goes irop we maybe have a look at sorting you out as an elite.
just saying.
Oct 21, 2017, 9:14 am
#11
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
I've gotten a LOT of red seats and aisles that I haven't paid for over the years. (I've also had my share of middles and last rows, too). So, I think that even though us having status is new, somewhere, they could always see your activity.
In DMK, I have often skipped to an empty checkin agent, clearly in the wrong area. But, they always oblige and check me in, saving waiting 30 mins in line.
So, I'm guessing they can...
In DMK, I have often skipped to an empty checkin agent, clearly in the wrong area. But, they always oblige and check me in, saving waiting 30 mins in line.
So, I'm guessing they can...
Oct 21, 2017, 9:27 am
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 545
I've gotten a LOT of red seats and aisles that I haven't paid for over the years. (I've also had my share of middles and last rows, too). So, I think that even though us having status is new, somewhere, they could always see your activity.
In DMK, I have often skipped to an empty checkin agent, clearly in the wrong area. But, they always oblige and check me in, saving waiting 30 mins in line.
So, I'm guessing they can...
In DMK, I have often skipped to an empty checkin agent, clearly in the wrong area. But, they always oblige and check me in, saving waiting 30 mins in line.
So, I'm guessing they can...
Just wonder if they pushed back and i showed my black card what would happen?
Oct 21, 2017, 7:59 pm
#13
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
No....! Dont do it, lol.
Don't play the DYKWIA game. Don't announce status.
If they ask if you're premium flex, ask them "I'm not sure, for this ticket. Can you check for me?"
If they send you back, you'll know. They'll likely just process your checkin.
My strategy changed a few months ago, with the new boarding by zones process. Then, I would checkin online and hit the government line once at DMK. I'd just ask them to print my boarding pass. Easy enough. Now, the last step I do at the kiosks. Scanning the 2D bar code to get boarding passes is now easy as pie... no humans involved.
Don't play the DYKWIA game. Don't announce status.
If they ask if you're premium flex, ask them "I'm not sure, for this ticket. Can you check for me?"
If they send you back, you'll know. They'll likely just process your checkin.
My strategy changed a few months ago, with the new boarding by zones process. Then, I would checkin online and hit the government line once at DMK. I'd just ask them to print my boarding pass. Easy enough. Now, the last step I do at the kiosks. Scanning the 2D bar code to get boarding passes is now easy as pie... no humans involved.
Oct 3, 2019, 12:09 am
#15
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Gold, Accor Gold, OW Emerald, SIXT Diamond
Posts: 831
so since the middle of the year, as a BLACK tier I've been noticing :
1. Ticket is always "Zone 1" aka Priority Boarding. I rarely purchase seats, so I think this is a perk ? ie: even when seated at 27B, I'd still be able to board the plan along with the Hot Seat guests.
2. Since September 2019, after purchasing my flight and during OLCI I wanted to pre-book a seat (traveling with colleagues) and surprised to find that even though the Check-In website asks for payment and you'd go through the standard processes of entering credit card details, SMS TAC etc ... the card doesn't get charged and the final itinerary (AK emails a new itinerary with same booking number reflecting any changes made) still shows the original booking price with the seat I selected (say 3C is noted as "Auto Selected) even though it was some random 9E before I changed it expecting to pay !
Not sure if the above is a glitch or not, but I have experienced it every time (twice) that I changed seats during OLCI. Selecting the seat during the booking process means you would still have to pay for it.
1. Ticket is always "Zone 1" aka Priority Boarding. I rarely purchase seats, so I think this is a perk ? ie: even when seated at 27B, I'd still be able to board the plan along with the Hot Seat guests.
2. Since September 2019, after purchasing my flight and during OLCI I wanted to pre-book a seat (traveling with colleagues) and surprised to find that even though the Check-In website asks for payment and you'd go through the standard processes of entering credit card details, SMS TAC etc ... the card doesn't get charged and the final itinerary (AK emails a new itinerary with same booking number reflecting any changes made) still shows the original booking price with the seat I selected (say 3C is noted as "Auto Selected) even though it was some random 9E before I changed it expecting to pay !
Not sure if the above is a glitch or not, but I have experienced it every time (twice) that I changed seats during OLCI. Selecting the seat during the booking process means you would still have to pay for it.