All posts filed under: Loyalty

PSA: 10 days to use your Qantas Points before the new chart kicks in

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Back in June 2019, Qantas made a big announcement on how the Qantas Frequent Flyer programme was going to be ‘enhanced’, unlocking ‘more benefits’ for members. It was a particularly interesting announcement insofar as the award charts are concerned: while the premium cabins (premium economy, business and first) redemption requirements are going up between 12.9% and 15% from 18 September 2019, those for economy have actually been reduced immediately since the announcement by up to 10%. Of course, the increase comes with a slight decrease in the charges and fees you have to pay on top of the points, although it’s nowhere as low as what Krisflyer charges in terms of fees. I want to fly business or first class. Is it worth redeeming now or later? If you have plans to travel within the next year, it’s definitely better to redeem them now, even though the fees associated are higher now. For Singapore to any Australian destinations on the east (Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney) on Qantas or Emirates, you will need to fork out 8,400 …

Singapore Airlines to pursue deeper ties with Malaysia Airlines

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Closer ties will see both airlines expand codeshare arrangements, enhancements on frequent flyer programmes as well as maintenance, repairs and overhaul (MRO) services. Singapore Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Malaysia Airlines earlier this week (27 June 2019) to ‘significantly step up cooperative ties’. While the media release did not specify anything concrete (as with most MOUs), it broadly mentioned three areas of collaboration: Expanding codeshare arrangements beyond the current Singapore-Malaysia services; Enhancing both airlines’ frequent flyer programmes Cargo MRO services All of the above are subject to government and regulatory approvals, and more details will be announced down the road when a proper agreement is signed. Coming full circle? If you are somewhat an avid fan of Singapore Airlines, you will know that the carrier has its roots in Malaysia-Singapore Airlines, or MSA. The joint airline was formed in 1966 as a collaboration between both Singapore and Malaysia governments after the independence of Singapore. Regretfully (or perhaps fortunately to some), the partnership didn’t last very long before they went separate ways in 1972 …

Alaska Air Mileage Plan offering 30% on miles purchases

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This is even better than a 40% bonus. Alaska Air is now doing a flash sale from now until 1 July 2019 2.59pm (30 June 2019, 11.59pm PST). Unlike previous sales where they offer 40% bonus miles (sometimes up to 50%), Alaska Air is now offering a 30% straight up discount off the purchase price. Offer type Effective discount 40% bonus miles 28.6% 50% bonus miles 33.3% 30% discount 30% So if you look at the table above, you will see that a 30% discount is slightly higher than a 40% bonus, so this is a good middle ground between a 40 to 50% bonus offer. There is a minimum number of miles you have to purchase before you enjoy the discount, and apparently this minimum differs from person to person. You will have to log into your account to see what you are targeted with. Personally I’ve been targeted with the offer provided I buy a minimum of 20,000 miles. What are they good for? For the uninitiated, Alaska Air has amassed quite a …

Qantas Frequent Flyer changes: 4 things you need to know

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Qantas Frequent Flyer made a major announcement yesterday, unveiling some of the key changes in its programmes. Here are some of the things we thought you might want to know: 1. Redemption rates for premium classes are going up by up to 15% From 18 September 2019, Qantas will be increasing the number of points required for award tickets and upgrades on premium economy, business and first class seats, while reducing the fees required for these seats internationally. On average, the number of points required are going up between 12.9% and 15%, depending on class and the distance traveled. The tables below are only for redemptions on Qantas, Emirates, American Airlines, Fiji and Airnorth services: Zone One-way distance Premium Economy Old (‘000 pts) New (‘000 pts) Increase % 1 0 – 600 12 13.8 1.8 15.0 2 601 – 1,200 18 20.6 2.6 14.4 3 1,201 – 2,400 27 31.0 4.0 14.8 4 2,401 – 3,600 37 42.2 5.2 14.1 5 3,601 – 4,800 45 51.3 6.3 14.0 6 4,801 – 5,800 54 61.5 7.5 …

British Airways devalues Avios for partner awards from 30 May 2019

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Expect to burn up to 30% more Avios for your award tickets on non-BA flights, especially on the short routes. British Airways have announced earlier this year that it will be devaluing the Executive Club Avios for partner awards from late May onwards, and you would have seen many sites urging you to make a redemption before that. What makes this so special is, unlike other airlines who typically unveil the new charts at the time of announcement, British Airways didn’t. Instead, the charts were only unveiled on 30 May 2019, the day the changes took effect. The new chart While British Airways does not have an official chart on their website, there have been many sites that have compiled the chart. For ease of reference, I’ve used this one from The Points Guy, who have earlier pieced a new chart and confirmed it with one that a FlyerTalk member have pieced together since the changes went live on 30 May 2019. For ease of reference, I’m only including the Business and First class award …