Is FT becoming the Ebay of travel?
Nov 17, 2002 | 6:09 pm
#1
Original Poster
Suspended
Join Date: May 2000
Posts: 1,604
Is FT becoming the Ebay of travel?
Perhaps my perspective is way off but it seems like the "bartering" of awards and upgrades, in particular AA, seems to be on an increase.
It's bad enough that we've lost at least one AA employee/lurker that was a great resource (from flaming, misrepresentations and general lack of respect) but I'm beginning to wonder what the airlines think of the people on this board with postings that are clearly in violation of T&C of the airlines.
It's bad enough that we've lost at least one AA employee/lurker that was a great resource (from flaming, misrepresentations and general lack of respect) but I'm beginning to wonder what the airlines think of the people on this board with postings that are clearly in violation of T&C of the airlines.
Nov 17, 2002 | 7:15 pm
#2
Original Poster
Suspended
Join Date: May 2000
Posts: 1,604
A little further looking into the coupon connection via a link provided by the moderator reveals these suggestions:
1. What's appropriate on Coupon Connection? From the forum description: "The exchange forum for legally transferable coupons issued by various frequent traveler programs (these include free car rental days, 50 percent off hotel stays and upgrade coupons). This is N-O-T a forum for anything related to the buying, selling or bartering of airline awards. All exchange as a result of this forum are based upon free issuance and community spirit."
3. Come on! Lots of posts offer something for trade. Isn't that against the rules (both the airlines' and per the forum's description) since it's "bartering"? Technically, probably yes. But in practice if you a) give as well as take, b) do not try to run a "business" on this forum (a la Ebay or getting items "on spec" hoping to make a "profit" -- see number 11, below), the notion of "community spirit" has seemed to trump the bartering language in the understanding of many (although to be fair, certainly not all!) consistent participants in this forum and on FlyerTalk.
4. Do airline staff read this forum? Yes, there is evidence that many do. Suggestion: Make sure your email address in your FlyerTalk profile is NOT the same as your email address stored in your favorite airlines' websites
My take is this:
#1 states the conditions are for legally transferable items.
#3 justifys why violating the T&C of the certificates is acceptable.
#4 tells you how to prevent the airlines from finding out you are violating these terms.
It may be "unofficial" but if you are a "moderator" and post links at "your" forum it becomes "official" in my book and then becomes endorsed by Randy.
I'm all for FT to share information and give suggestions on the best ways to take advantage of promotions but when the "official" line of FT becomes that of how to scam the companies that provide these benefits I'm not sure it is a place I care to be.
1. What's appropriate on Coupon Connection? From the forum description: "The exchange forum for legally transferable coupons issued by various frequent traveler programs (these include free car rental days, 50 percent off hotel stays and upgrade coupons). This is N-O-T a forum for anything related to the buying, selling or bartering of airline awards. All exchange as a result of this forum are based upon free issuance and community spirit."
3. Come on! Lots of posts offer something for trade. Isn't that against the rules (both the airlines' and per the forum's description) since it's "bartering"? Technically, probably yes. But in practice if you a) give as well as take, b) do not try to run a "business" on this forum (a la Ebay or getting items "on spec" hoping to make a "profit" -- see number 11, below), the notion of "community spirit" has seemed to trump the bartering language in the understanding of many (although to be fair, certainly not all!) consistent participants in this forum and on FlyerTalk.
4. Do airline staff read this forum? Yes, there is evidence that many do. Suggestion: Make sure your email address in your FlyerTalk profile is NOT the same as your email address stored in your favorite airlines' websites
My take is this:
#1 states the conditions are for legally transferable items.
#3 justifys why violating the T&C of the certificates is acceptable.
#4 tells you how to prevent the airlines from finding out you are violating these terms.
It may be "unofficial" but if you are a "moderator" and post links at "your" forum it becomes "official" in my book and then becomes endorsed by Randy.
I'm all for FT to share information and give suggestions on the best ways to take advantage of promotions but when the "official" line of FT becomes that of how to scam the companies that provide these benefits I'm not sure it is a place I care to be.