I believe this is correct. As we have seen, its credentials seem to be 'b:eek:rrowed'... I believe you are incorrect, though, if you are trying to assert that any and all credentials used are supplied by users.

Well others who checked all the packets of data being communicated seem to think otherwise. They have reported that in the past without supplying any credentials it was accessing the data from Lorraine Travel as well as a couple other sites. KVS replied that they did not store any such credentials INTERNALLY in their software. But if not, then how was it accessing this data, that the user supplied no credentials for? Please do give us your idea on how this was done, if you believe KVS, and you don't think my explanation (that they somehow pulled the credentials from some site and stored that credential information into the credentials file, or some other file external to the KVS application).

Ok, then one simple question for you. How would one access the GTC information with a regular browser? I don't know much about it, but did look at the documentation I found and saw no way in the documentation that it (GetThere Connect) would supply availability information using a standard webbrowser. Rather it looked to me to just show results based on prices. Admittedly I've never used it, so maybe the documentation I read was incomplete or a different version, but this was the FAU information I examined, being KVS was recommending using FAU's password to create your own account.

Being GetThere (eyancy) has posted here in this thread, they are quite obviously aware that their data is being accessed in a manner in which was not intended (by unauthorized users). Perhaps after becoming aware of KVS and their methods they're easily tracking as the methods change and shutting them down as fast as KVS can find an alternate way in. Not a very user friendly way of trying to get your data if you're constantly needing to update the application, and may find yourself not able to get information during a time of need. KVS in my mind would be so much better off to create a new level of the tool where the data is being paid for and accessed legitimately, as ExpertFlyer does, even if it means the user needs to pay more for that version. I know I personally would not be interested in a tool that needs to be updated every few days just because the tool needs to constantly find holes that haven't yet been plugged.

...but as the supplier it costs S:D much less to when you don't have to actually pay for the data you sell -- Oh - that's right. We're expected to believe that all that's being sold is a customised web browser <wink><wink>.

Sold? I thought this was a charity.

Well, purchases are couched as "c;)ntributions" ...

Oh dear, the Availablilty Tool has lost its availability again, seems Mr G.A. didn't like us using his data either.

EF also loses data sources at random times, even ones they pay for http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...l-flights.html

But it is not due to someone discovering all these unauthorized access to their systems that's been taking place.

It's still not working as of a few minutes ago.

:td:

Based on the website, the Mobile Companion is still available. Any thoughts on that, as to someone with current experience, etc?

mobile companion is always available and providing with the best data

I beg to ask why I am forced to use the mobile companion?

This was not the deal when I "signed up" to make my "contribution".

I want to be able to access on my desk top as I plan my itinerary.

This is still unavailable as of a few minutes ago.

I am also seeing erroneous information on the Award/StarAlliance screen too with some flights/classes unavailable but available at Aeroplan.com.

How do I get GTC credentials? I have a diamond membership.

no fare
 

:td: After "availability" now it is "fares" impossible to look for, in France
http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery...0_15_56_59.png

Has happened before: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trav...l#post22054620

awards wrong
 

Comparing the AF website for the number of miles required for an award to NRT from CDG in december , the result is wrong on KVS for business (AF 100k KVS 240k), premium (AF 80k KVS 160k) and economy (AF 40k KVS 120k), only first is right (AF/KVS 260k).

http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery...0_16_46_22.png

For others destinations all the results are also wrong! :td:

Mrs. GA. And it's not so much her data as it is her login.

You can access the mobile companion from your desktop browser too. http://www.kvstool.com/MC/

I am also finding fares not available.

We are currently looking into this matter and will be providing an update shortly.

As noted previously, this is due to the fact that the [Availability/FS] & [Availability/GTR] Engines that were supported in the main KVS Tool application, unfortunately, no longer exist.

Could you please provide a specific example?

The [Awards/StarAlliance] Engine is more authoritative for *A Award Availability than the AE website.
Didn't the [Awards/AC-StarAlliance] Method match the latter?

Source on that? I must have missed the original post on that.

KVS Availability Tool
 

There's something funny going on with the mobile companion too. Searching a simple route LHR-BRU for early Nov it's not showing the first SN and BA flights of the day though both are available for sale. For the time being I won't rely on MC either.

The Mobile Companion may not currently display Availability for flights that depart earlier than 07:00 [am], due to an Engine limitation. We are looking into a possible solution to this issue.

I do have access to availability/GTC, but I am finding that it does not supply routing
rules or fare rules, so I can no longer research round the world fares.
Any solution?

KVS Availability Tool
 

Now fare info not available? :-(

keep those donations coming! :D

Just bought gold membership, but it turns out completly useless, as NOTHING can be done with gold.
Correct?

We will be introducing a new Fares Method shortly.

In the meantime, if you require any particular RTW Fares, please let us know via http://Contact.KVSTool.com/ and we will look them up for you.

Your account has now been converted to the Diamond level.
Please check your E-Mail Inbox for your new Membership Credentials.

KVS when can we expect to get availability feature back up? Its vital for my travel needs and the mobile companion is of no use as most the flights depart between 0000 and 0900 that I take. Or will this feature not come back?

A little difficult, since in view of Air Canada's recent enhancements to its
FFP, I am now researching other airlines offerings. I'd like to check on
One World RTW's, Circle ASIA, Escapade, SQ's CEZSQ, various 2 airline
RTW combos, all with varying origins to see what might work best.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a specific ETA at this time.

Your screenshot indicates that you have selected the [Additional/Flex] option.

Please change the [Airline:] setting back to its default to see Standard/Classic Awards:

[KVS Availability Tool 7.5.2/Diamond - Awards/SkyTeam/FR-AF]

I know a guy down the pub that can get me a new tv for $20. How he does it, I don't care and don't wanna know.

I do feel slightly sorry for KVS as his business collapses, i genuinely hope he can restructure into a legitimate program. I feel sorry for the duped customers too who thought they were paying for legitimate data in the first place.

However I especially feel sorry for those of us that occasionally used flightstats to see how busy a flight was and are now stuck thanks to the imorral actions

I wonder if I can offset an expert flyer subscription against tax.

I am thinking to buy the gold version but can use it properly for me availbility and upgrade is important .thanks.

Folks,

Some members here have expressed concerns about the legitimacy of the data they are receiving via the KVS Tool. This is the correct thread in the correct forum to air such concerns. Hopefully, the service provider's representative will post some words of reassurance so members of FlyerTalk can continue to use the tool with confidence that they are in fact being provided with bona fide data. That is not a big ask. IMHO.

Prospero
Senior Moderator

What Xyzzy says is completely true. Take a look under the hood for yourself. If you haven't taken a look under the hood, it is not fair to call these false accusations because they can be easily verified. That is not to downplay the cleverness and convenience of the tool. That also is not to say I don't like or haven't "purchased" the tool.

The same reason we have 0 recourse to getting our problems with KVS fixed is the same reason KVS has 0 recourse to get its problems with the sites its scrapping fixed - nobody is being a legitimate service or business contract from anyone.

Beyond the "browser vs scrapper" and "purchase vs donation" arguments, the crux of the matter is you are purchasing a "service" today, that there is no guarantee will be available tomorrow and your money is gone.

If the problems didn't exist or just got fixed in a timely manner we wouldn't be having this discussion because we wouldn't be here looking for updates.

It has been a good run but I also agree it appears they are running out of moles to whack.

Talk of the business collapsing is probably going too far but I'm sure KVS is working a little harder than usual, casing the worldwide joint.

What makes me sad is the repeatedly missed opportunity to create a 100% legit version of the 'tool'. There's a market for it, no doubt about that.

FT doesn't work like that. Other FT users have the same rights as you to express their points of view. FT is under no obligation to tailor threads to suit a particular group's "needs". If you find Xyzzy's contributions tiresome, use the "ignore" function.

You're right that some of what has been posted here is repetitive. But it should also be acknowledged that members have exercised a lot of restraint -- the thread hasn't gone off the rails and people haven't got personal. (I'll also note, quietly, that KVS can end the controversy any time he chooses. @:-))