Join Early Retirement Today
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 06-24-2009, 10:05 AM   #21
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
DangerMouse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Silicon Valley
Posts: 1,812
We have a pile of points in a number of programs, British Airways, Qantas, Hawaiian Airlines and like others are hoping these programs hold out until we can exhaust our points.

Changes we have noticed with the programs, when DH was a top level flyer with BA we could book any FF seat at a moments notice, no problems. Now he has no status seems as if there is nothing available for the next 100 years in any class. Qantas have slowly but surely eradicated any value in their program. When an airline introduces an improved program you know there is only one side that can benefit from that program. We flew with Qantas to Australia last week and after both having horrendous flights we feel we are done with them. Hawaiian is reasonable, we usually use the points we accumulate to upgrade to First Class when we fly to Australia. They are normally pretty good about allowing the use of the points as well.

When we came back from Australia this week we flew Virgin and have to say they have the best inflight service I have encountered for a long time. We were in Premium Economy, great leg room, they had fantastic in flight entertainment and the service was exceptional. So for any of you jaded flyers it might be worth taking a look at the Virgin product. Their employees seem young and fresh, not bitter and twisted like the old timers. I know it doesn't solve the problem of what you do with the million miles you have and are unable to use, however it does prevent you giving any more money to those airlines that have alienated you.
__________________

I be a girl, he's a boy. Think I maybe FIRED since July 08. Mid 40s, no kidlets. Actually am totally clueless as to what is going on with DH.
DangerMouse is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 Early Retirement and Financial Independence Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

Are you planning to be financially independent as early as possible so you can live life on your own terms? Discuss successful investing strategies, asset allocation models, tax strategies and other related topics in our online forum community. Our members range from young folks just starting their journey to financial independence, military retirees and even multimillionaires. No matter where you fit in you'll find that Early-Retirement.org is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with our members, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create a retirement blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 06-24-2009, 11:16 AM   #22
Recycles dryer sheets
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 161
DangerMouse, I racked up a good portion of my FF on flights to Australia on United. When I first started flying there in 1988, the attendants were late 30ish. My last flight there was in 2002 and it was the same attendants pretty much and mid-fifties with attitudes that drove me bonkers.

I flew business mostly but maybe 30% in first and the deterioration in service in that 14 year period was astonishing to recall.

Like your DH has experienced, my FF Program level means nothing to them now. If anything, I represent a liability.

I understand they are on hard times but the solution to a better position in the future is not to alienate the flyers.

Oh well, my plan is to find bookings and go ahead and use these up quickly, even if I have to travel to places that I had not yearned to see. Beats losing the miles.

Quote:
Originally Posted by DangerMouse View Post
We have a pile of points in a number of programs, British Airways, Qantas, Hawaiian Airlines and like others are hoping these programs hold out until we can exhaust our points.

Changes we have noticed with the programs, when DH was a top level flyer with BA we could book any FF seat at a moments notice, no problems. Now he has no status seems as if there is nothing available for the next 100 years in any class.

I know it doesn't solve the problem of what you do with the million miles you have and are unable to use, however it does prevent you giving any more money to those airlines that have alienated you.
PX4sc40sw is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Frequent Flyer Surcharge? vvsonikvv Travel Information 3 05-08-2009 07:20 AM
Weird places you frequent, and why Rich_by_the_Bay Other topics 49 03-28-2007 02:04 PM
Selling your frequent flyer miles? Nords FIRE and Money 6 02-11-2007 11:06 PM
So which investing websites do you frequent? LRAO FIRE and Money 18 01-25-2005 10:51 AM

» Quick Links

 
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:48 AM.
 
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.