V-Flyer

Interesting article in The Times on Saturday.

I was aware of some of things they are doing, as they have been chronicled on here, but some are new.

There are some things that VS could do with copying (without any colluding, of course. [;)] )


Nick

I received the following email:

British Airways

Our Incredible New Reduced Rates Are Now Available To Any Friends & Family Of Travel Industry Staff!

(Travel Industry staff covers a huge selection of industries, from air traffic controllers, to ferry staff, baggage handlers, tourist information centre staff, airport car parking staff etc. etc. etc.)

HURRY! Must Book By 06 August '09!
Worldwide Destinations Bookable up to 11 Months in Advance!

Travel Staff Members Do NOT Need To Travel With Any Friends or Family On This Offer For This Limited Period!

Please also note that if the booking is for any one that works in the travel industry, there is no book by date. The book by date of 06 August only applies to friends & family bookings where they are travelling independently. Bookings will be held for 14 days by which time full payment must be received and tickets have to be issued.



NO EMBARGOES!
PRICES ARE RETURN & INC. ALL TAXES / SURCHARGES!
UPGRADES TO PREMIUM CABINS AVAILABLE!
MAXIMUM STAY NOW EXTENDED TO 12 MONTHS!



Haven't looked into it too much as I'm all flighted out till the end of the year, but it does strike me as a little desperate. And I don't mean that in a snooty way - things must be pretty tough for BA, or, it's a clever marketing ploy.

I just think all airlines are doing anything they can at the moment to get bums on seats.

Regards

quote:Originally posted by Nottingham Nick
Interesting article in The Times on Saturday.

I was aware of some of things they are doing, as they have been chronicled on here, but some are new.

There are some things that VS could do with copying (without any colluding, of course. [;)] )

And here is the first of thier offers - Triple Miles !

http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/b ... -promotion




Nick

Now this is interesting in their 'fightback'. BA are a bit stingy on the old TP's, maybe this will get a small increase in ff pax?

Dear x

Were delighted to tell you that as of 18 August 2009, youll be able to earn Tier Points on every flight* you take with us and our oneworld partners. This even includes flights on discount economy tickets, for which youll receive 25% of the Tier Points youd earn on fully flexible economy tickets.

Its a programme change that has been frequently suggested in the feedback weve received from our members. Now youll have even more opportunities to earn the Tier Points that enable you to move up through the different levels of the Executive Club and enjoy the additional benefits each tier brings.

I hope this programme change will benefit you and that the next time you fly you choose to fly with British Airways.

Warm regards,

That is a good move and for an infrequent BA flyer like me will certainly help retain Ag and therefore lounge access - especially on intra-EU flights and short breaks.

It's been said before, but VS seems remarkably quiet on these interesting options that cost little up front but help retain customers. Back in 2001, after 911, VS for example reduced the FC Au qualifying TPs to 30 for a year, currently there seem to be no flexible offers ...

I got the email too. It looks like I'll be earning my first ever BA tier points in a few weeks! [:p]

The ability to earn TPs on every flight doesn't seem to really help the leisure traveller though. It seems more aimed at the frequent fliers who just need a few more to requalify. Whilst it may encourage some blue members to fly BA other other airlines, you need such a high quantity of TPs to get status anyway, it doesn't seem likely you'll get it this way.

It may sound good on paper, not sure it's so good in practice though.

If BA let me reserve my seat at the time of booking, I'd pick them over VS for a lot of my flights.

BA upgrading at the check in desk for such a nominal fare (and with recent TR's VS are doing the same) In these times won't pax catch on and instead of paying for a Premium Economy fare or Business wait to see what they get offered at check in?

quote:Originally posted by DMetters-Bone
BA upgrading at the check in desk for such a nominal fare (and with recent TR's VS are doing the same) In these times won't pax catch on and instead of paying for a Premium Economy fare or Business wait to see what they get offered at check in?


I agree - my husband has decided to do this on his next flight, it will be interesting to see how it works out.

What are you gonna do when you get there and theres no availability go and sit at the back in Y? thats not for me im afraid i would be cursing all the way until i landed, uncertainty would change the aspect of the day travelling and i would prefer to know where i was from the beginning.

cheers

alex