What do you think is the best airline perk?
Jan 2, 2015, 12:01 am
#3
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Toronto-YYZ
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Jan 2, 2015, 12:35 am
#4
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Canada
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Isn't that done with private planes flying into some countries ?
Isn't that done with private planes flying into some countries ?
Jan 2, 2015, 8:15 am
#7
formerly known as Tad's Broiled Steaks
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,412
Jan 2, 2015, 2:05 pm
#8
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: UA 1K, mariott gold, hilton gold,
Posts: 10
Those top of the line perks all seem to be with Asian carriers and the likes of Emirates and Etihad etc... That being said. Nothing on any airline that is run in the U.S. is even worth mentioning is it. Their so called 1st class cabin is really crap compared to anything from say Korean Airline, Cathay and Etihad to name a few. I just want to see companies like United and American step up and catch up to the mainstream and the 21st century.
But to answer the question I like the lounge so that one can stand and just stretch out and not have to be int the way of anyone on those long +12 hr long flights.
But to answer the question I like the lounge so that one can stand and just stretch out and not have to be int the way of anyone on those long +12 hr long flights.
Jan 2, 2015, 2:52 pm
#9
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It seems to be that perks can be grouped into 3 categories.
- Things that save you time (faster immigration, expedited security...)
- Things that save you money (fee wavers, companion passes...)
- Things that make the journey more comfortable or enjoyable (lie-flat seats, massages...)
For me, the last of these is most important. A truly quantum leap in the first two might change that, like a return of supersonic travel, or 50% off all tickets, but failing that, make me comfortable and productive. So it's all about my personal space on board - the more the better.
- Things that save you time (faster immigration, expedited security...)
- Things that save you money (fee wavers, companion passes...)
- Things that make the journey more comfortable or enjoyable (lie-flat seats, massages...)
For me, the last of these is most important. A truly quantum leap in the first two might change that, like a return of supersonic travel, or 50% off all tickets, but failing that, make me comfortable and productive. So it's all about my personal space on board - the more the better.
Jan 2, 2015, 3:04 pm
#10
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
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Of the existing perks I've had, my favorite was the ability to book awards and then change or completely cancel them later for any reason. (UA 1K)
2nd was probably the long-ago systemwides on US, given to anyone Gold or higher. Nobody else gave away systemwides at the 50k level, and these were no-copay, no-minimum-fare. It had to be US metal only, somewhat limiting them to TATL or shorter, but that was fine: we always used them all for Europe. Usually confirmed at booking time, but one year we used them in the lounge an hour before a flight when two Envoy seats opened up.
The "perk" I'd love to someday see is the ability to book any frequent-flier award offered by a given program, anywhere among its partners or alliance, online with no hassles or junk fees. It seems like this should be a very simple baseline expectation for all fliers now that it's no longer 1998, but if it were offered as an elite perk it would be one worth chasing.
2nd was probably the long-ago systemwides on US, given to anyone Gold or higher. Nobody else gave away systemwides at the 50k level, and these were no-copay, no-minimum-fare. It had to be US metal only, somewhat limiting them to TATL or shorter, but that was fine: we always used them all for Europe. Usually confirmed at booking time, but one year we used them in the lounge an hour before a flight when two Envoy seats opened up.
The "perk" I'd love to someday see is the ability to book any frequent-flier award offered by a given program, anywhere among its partners or alliance, online with no hassles or junk fees. It seems like this should be a very simple baseline expectation for all fliers now that it's no longer 1998, but if it were offered as an elite perk it would be one worth chasing.
Jan 2, 2015, 3:27 pm
#11
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: IAH
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist, DL Plat, UA Silver
Posts: 4,043
Best Airline Perks?
Onboard amenities (suite, Shower, and lounge if applicable)
Perk I wish for? Getting your luggage right on the plane so we don't have to wait for baggage handlers to pull the luggage. Today at FRA, they off loaded 2 planes that arrived much after ours before unloading our luggages. Took over an hour.
Onboard amenities (suite, Shower, and lounge if applicable)
Perk I wish for? Getting your luggage right on the plane so we don't have to wait for baggage handlers to pull the luggage. Today at FRA, they off loaded 2 planes that arrived much after ours before unloading our luggages. Took over an hour.
Jan 2, 2015, 4:10 pm
#13
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mountain Time Zone
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Posts: 5,990
Jan 2, 2015, 4:39 pm
#14
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: Aeroplan, BA Executive Club, Asia Miles
Posts: 218
Showers!
Showers at transit lounges or arrivals loungers.
Nothing is better on a long trans-pacific flight that requires a connection after the long flight than a shower at the mid point. Arrivals showers are also nice!
Nothing is better on a long trans-pacific flight that requires a connection after the long flight than a shower at the mid point. Arrivals showers are also nice!
Jan 2, 2015, 4:39 pm
#15
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,187
Best airline perks:
1. Time in the sky
2. Time in the airport
3. VDB compensation (trips, air credit, cash)
4. Free Award travel
5. Free <4hr (North America) + <24hr (Elsewhere) connections
The things I miss, once offered:
1. free changes on all tickets
2. free same day standby all tickets
3. free stopovers (>24 hr)
4. guarantee of an empty middle seat with status
5. many more airlines and connecting points
6. free food, all classes
7. intelligent ticket agents
Things many consider good perks which I consider totally useless:
1. Upgrades
2. Bigger seats
3. Fancy food
4. Auto between gates
5. Limo to/from airport
6. IFE systems (excepting ATC listening, map showing where aircraft is)
1. Time in the sky
2. Time in the airport
3. VDB compensation (trips, air credit, cash)
4. Free Award travel
5. Free <4hr (North America) + <24hr (Elsewhere) connections
The things I miss, once offered:
1. free changes on all tickets
2. free same day standby all tickets
3. free stopovers (>24 hr)
4. guarantee of an empty middle seat with status
5. many more airlines and connecting points
6. free food, all classes
7. intelligent ticket agents
Things many consider good perks which I consider totally useless:
1. Upgrades
2. Bigger seats
3. Fancy food
4. Auto between gates
5. Limo to/from airport
6. IFE systems (excepting ATC listening, map showing where aircraft is)