While the new pricing is substantially higher, I think the value is there. However, if we are talking about $60/year for Platinum, that really is a subscription. And if I use this for work (as I do), I'd like to be able to do a proper subscription purchase (rather than a "contribution") -- with a clear price and a proper invoice to go with it.

So, to me, apart from the tool itself (which I find very valuable), now that you are going for a serious subscription model, I think you need to reconsider your infrastructure, and allow secure online purchases (rather than moneybookers or often-non-functional Amazon contributions), and provide email contact addresses for support and sales issues.

Sounds like you should just use ExpertFlyer, plus it has the added benefit of some hidden classes.

Why should I? I like KVS ... I would just like to have an easier process for paying for the subscription. ExpertFlyer still costs more, and has no perceivable advantages for me.

Thanks for some very constructive feedback, tomh009. However, the Tool is intended for personal use of FT members, and, at this time, I am really not in a position to make some of the changes you mentioned. Perhaps, one day, that will change...

Recently, a 'contact via e-mail' functionality has been introduced (by way of a large HELP button in the Tool), and contributing members are welcome to contact me that way, if it is more convenient for them.

KVS,

why does the new version have 3 tiers now? I used to be able to pull PNRs and search for fares, both things are not possible anymore. I really like the tool, but the Plat fee is about what expertflyer would cost. No problem at all to contribute to a great project, but loosing features just by hitting the upgrade button is not what I like to see.

In short, because there was a demand for such a tier from a number of users...

There have been no changes to the availability of the fares module in the new version, i.e. it is still available at the Gold (formerly Full)-tier level. Please contact me via PM, so that I can figure what may have gone wrong during the upgrade process.

Actually, if you wanna look at the contribution levels in this manner, the suggested contribution amount for the new highest ("Platinum") level in KVS Tool is the same as the monthly fee for the lowest ("Basic") level in EF.

As I mentioned above, you should not have lost features during the upgrade process. The new level is meant to be a way to further upgrade certain users, and not to downgrade existing Full-tier members.

Registration code
 

Hi KVS,

Please send me the registration code as soon as possible. I've already sent you the system code (via PM).
Thanks.

Registration Code Needed
 

KVS, can you please send me the regitration code. I've already sent you he system code.

Regards,

Version 2.0 -- What's New
 

Welcome to Version 2.0 of the KVS Availability Tool. Based on users' suggestions & feedback over the past year, a number of new features have been introduced, and the registration policy has been revised.

What's New in Version 2.0:

• Advanced Filtering Options: You can now filter the displayed results in real-time by specifying requirements, such as "availability required in classes X or Y", "only flights on airlines XX and YY", "only Star Alliance/OneWorld/SkyTeam flights", "no codeshare flights", etc. You can also chose which booking classes you want to see, and in which order.
  
  
• New Seatmap Options: You can now view text-based seatmaps, even when the flight is full and a dummy booking can't be made.
  
  
• Operational Flight Info: Is now available for most airlines via Amadeus-TG.
  
  
• My Trips Manager: You can now save your commonly-used routings for quick retrieval.
  
  
• PNR Manager: Is now integrated into the Tool, and features a [Comments:] field.
  
  
• Calendar: A pop-up calendar is now available.
  
  
• Gridlines: Have been added to the results list for easier visual reference.
  
  
• New Website: The KVS Tool Website has been completely re-designed.

New Registration Policy:

• There are now 3 registration levels/tiers: Lite, Gold, and Platinum. Please visit the [New Access Level Structure] page for details and eligibility guidelines.
  
  
• For a quick visual demo of the Tool's features, available at each level, goto [View Screenshots].
  
  
• The previous Full-tier registration level is now known as the Gold tier, and, if you are an existing user, the Tool should automatically recognize your previous registration. In the event that it does not, please let me know via PM.
• To verify your registration level and expiration date, after installing the latest version, click the large orange [Registration] button, and then click [Re-Register].

[Download Version 2.0.3 Now].
Important: If you have recently downloaded V2.0.0, V2.0.1, or V2.0.2, you should still download V2.0.3.

How about at least accepting PayPal? I think in reality many of us are flying for business ...

Will there be a way to check subscription status, either in the software or on the web site -- the level and number of months remaining? And what happens when the gold/platinum subscription runs out? Does the software become disabled, or does it drop back to the base level?

As I mentioned in the new section on Privacy and Security (http://kvs.unrealnetwork.com/Tool/PrivacySecurity.htm), all information about users is contained in a secure off-line database, and, as such, not available online.

[@:-)] To verify your registration level and expiration date, just click the large orange [Registration] button, and then click [Re-Register].

Starting from 15 days before an existing Registration Code is set to expire, the Tool will automatically notify the user when launched (so as to give them an opportunity to obtain a new code). At this time, it won't automatically 'drop' to the Lite level, so they would need to contact me to get a new Registration Code.

Sorry, but, as a matter of principle, I will not associate myself with any company/service, whose reputation and practices leave so much to be desired...

What I really meant was that registrations are currently issued only to individuals. Of course, you're more than welcome to use the Tool to help you plan your business, or any other type of travel.

Since it's there are now different tiers, can you offer a trial Platinum (eg 14 days) for us current Gold registrations? Don't want to be in a position of paying more for something we don't find useful.

I like the Worldpan TravelAsp text seat plan which is quick to use (no dummy booking!) but some of the letter codes shown are not intuitive. Is there a code guide we can access?

I'm sorry I don't see your comparison to my elite status. You are providing a useful tool to read information out of the internet available for free. The tool requires an effort in form of maintainance and adaptation in case the source of the information chnages, agreed. But I don't see your point where you require a substantial part of the users of this tool to send you atleast 15USD every six months.

I subscribed to expertflyer a short time after it was released and feel that the 10$/month are worth it. I use(d) your tool in parallel, but was disappointed when I upgraded to the full tier aka 'GOLD'. Yes I only paid 10EUR for this, but thought to myself it was value for money.

You have your reasons to change the rules and evry right to do so. I wish you all the best with your new business model.

Very interesting logic :rolleyes: ... Fortunately, most users are much more appreciative of the value of the Tool and my efforts related to it. Again, I am sorry about your "disappointment", but it is clear from your posts that its source has nothing to do with the Tool itself.