We asked our employees where they’d like to travel next. (We thought you might want to know where travel agents want to go.) Here’s what some of them said:
Shirley: Mediterranean Cruise - I haven't been to Europe in years and am craving to see more of the old cities for the culture and scenery. Since my favourite "vacation" is on a cruise ship why not combine the two? What could be better!
Marie: Cambodia, to see Angkor Wat
Cathy: South America. Before it gets invaded by Gap, Banana Republic and Starbucks
Laura: Egypt because I've always wanted to be an archaeologist and have dreamed about going to Egypt since I was 8.
Michele: Africa—possibly Namibia or Kenya, as I love adventure and wildlife.
David: Provence. Haven't seen enough of it yet; and I need to brush up on my French.
Annie: Egypt because I find Egyptian history fascinating.
Thursday, December 2, 2004
FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMS: WHO'S THE BEST?
What is the best frequent-flyer program? Well, that depends. If you’re looking at the question from North American-wide or worldwide view, I happily defer to The Freddies Awards. Named after Sir Freddie Laker, founder of the world’s first great charter airline, The Freddies are sort of like the Oscars of the frequent-flyer world. Every year, based on members’ votes, the best rewards programs (airline and hotel) are picked. For 2003, the Freddie for the top program went to Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan. (The 2004 results are not yet in.)
“To win the Program of the Year award, a program must be…consistent, fair, attentive and generous. And for the second year in a row just such a performance was put in by the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program. Mileage Plan generated nothing but positive buzz. With the continued expansion of its route network (the Eskimo in Florida?), and hence, its award redemption possibilities; the additional upgrading of its Web presence; the offering of unique and lucrative bonuses (up to 100,000 bonus miles is a major promotion by any stretch of the frequent flyer imagination) and the above-board treatment of its elite members, Mileage Plan seemed to do everything right - and its members certainly noticed.”
So, from the point of view of North American travelers, Alaska’s plan is the best.*
On the other hand, we should consider which airline rewards program is best from the standpoint of our clients, who are mainly based in B.C. Obviously, Air Canada’s Aeroplan comes to mind as one likely candidate. Certainly, it has a lot of things going for it, the number one issue being that it rewards members traveling the airline we in BC (and Canada) are most likely to fly. Plus Aeroplan includes all of the Star Alliance airlines, such as United Airlines and Lufthansa, which cover a great deal more territory. And, it belongs to two very popular credit card affinity programs: CIBC’s Aerogold Visa and American Express. So, you can “top up” your flown mileage with credit card points, something you cannot do with all the U.S. programs unless you have a U.S. billing address. All of these factors guarantee that a typical B.C.-based traveler will earn more mileage on Aeroplan than any other program.
Aeroplan has a few strikes against it, however. To start, there is the continuing general dislike for its parent airline, Air Canada (although, Aeroplan tries to distance itself from Air Canada by claiming it is an independent entity). Also, there are policies and rules that compare negatively with the majority of U.S. frequent-flyer programs. For instance, Aeroplan does not offer the ability to cash in mileage to upgrade an economy ticket, which is probably the single most popular feature of virtually all U.S. programs. (In this regard, it is in line with most international carriers, who are not big fans of upgrades.) Also, Aeroplan is notoriously stingy in awarding points and “status miles.” All “deep discount” airfares within Canada and transborder (the so-called “Tango” fares) do not earn the “status miles” you need to reach high tier status (ie. Prestige, Elite, and SuperElite). This is a great sore spot with most business travelers, who often find themselves debating whether to spend hundreds of dollars more for a ticket just to maintain their status. On top of this, Aeroplan continues to award only 50% points for most discount fares within Canada and for “Tango” fares transborder.
There is also the thorny question of award travel availability. If you polled most Aeroplan members, they would tell you it is almost impossible to get points seats when they want them. In some cases, this is certainly true. Tara, our Frequent-flyer programs specialist, warns not to even try to get business class seats on points to destinations such as Hawaii, Australia, or Caribbean, unless you have prearranged with her to book these hard-to-get seats one year ahead. Tara must regularly book points tickets exactly to the day that the points seats first open up on Aeroplan’s computer (usually about 330 days ahead). On the other hand, Air Canada’s free seats policy has become increasingly generous over the years; and is currently running at about 10% of all available inventory. In this respect, Aeroplan’s free seat availability is superior to most other programs. Just don’t expect to get business class seats to London in the summer if you are checking in April. It won’t happen!
In terms of its higher tier policies, perks, and qualifying levels, Aeroplan is probably on par with most of its North American competitors. I could devote pages on this issue, as there are definitely important differences, both positive and negative, but on the whole Aeroplan comes out about even with the others.
The only other serious contender for best frequent-flyer program for B.C. travelers would have to be Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan. The reason: besides having very generous award levels, available awards seats, and upgrade policies (the latter being far superior to Aeroplan’s), the main issue for us is its partners. If you already have an Aeroplan membership, our agency advises you to join Alaska’s excellent plan. (We enroll our clients in any program you want for free.) Mileage Plan’s partners, which include American Airlines, Northwest, Delta, Hawaiian, Continental, and Helijet in North America, are a combination of North American airlines unparalleled in any other frequent-flyer program. So, if you find yourself flying American Airlines or Continental Airlines some day in the future, don’t be surprised if your agent suggests that we sign you up for the Alaska Mileage Plan rather than AAdvantage or One Pass. Chances are you will earn more mileage in this plan, with its excellent partners program, than in any program offered by these other airlines. Add to this a superb international partners list, which includes KLM, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas, and you have the perfect program for a B.C. resident.
So, what is the best frequent-flyer program? My pick would be Alaska’s Mileage Plan. It appears to be the best overall North American program, and since virtually everyone in Canada already has Aeroplan by default anyway, the Alaska program is the one that will benefit our clients most.
If you have any questions or comments, I welcome your e-mails. Or, feel free to call our resident expert on all frequent-flyer matters, Tara Kay.
Useful Links:
Frequent-Flyer.com: A useful and well-organized summary of frequent-flyer programs for Americans (since Aeroplan is ignored); however, it’s summaries about program partnerships are not up-to-date. Go directly to the particular airline web sites for accurate information. It offers excellent links to all the major airline frequent-flyer programs, as well as news items, summaries of credit card affinity programs, and a chance to vote for your favourite program, airline, hotel chain, etc.
WebFlyer.com: Another well-constructed web site devoted to frequent-flyer programs and issues. Unlike Frequent-Flyer.com, this site offers extensive reviews of airline programs. It’s side-by-side comparisons of airline programs is very thorough and useful.
The Freddie Awards: an interesting site which is a bit like the Oscars of frequent-flyer programs.
Alaska Airlines’ Airline Partners: an impressive list that distinguishes this program from all other plans I know of, including Aeroplan.
Aeroplan Partners List: Probably the worst designed web site of all the major North American programs, click here and then click on a miniscule hyperlink called “Complete Partner List” near the top centre part of the page. If you lose this link, good luck trying to find this information again!
* Early this year, however, Alaska toughened many of its more generous rules about upgrades and qualification for high tier status—ie. “MVP” and “MVP Gold”—so it isn’t all that certain Mileage Plan will get the nod again from The Freddies’ for 2004.
“To win the Program of the Year award, a program must be…consistent, fair, attentive and generous. And for the second year in a row just such a performance was put in by the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program. Mileage Plan generated nothing but positive buzz. With the continued expansion of its route network (the Eskimo in Florida?), and hence, its award redemption possibilities; the additional upgrading of its Web presence; the offering of unique and lucrative bonuses (up to 100,000 bonus miles is a major promotion by any stretch of the frequent flyer imagination) and the above-board treatment of its elite members, Mileage Plan seemed to do everything right - and its members certainly noticed.”
So, from the point of view of North American travelers, Alaska’s plan is the best.*
On the other hand, we should consider which airline rewards program is best from the standpoint of our clients, who are mainly based in B.C. Obviously, Air Canada’s Aeroplan comes to mind as one likely candidate. Certainly, it has a lot of things going for it, the number one issue being that it rewards members traveling the airline we in BC (and Canada) are most likely to fly. Plus Aeroplan includes all of the Star Alliance airlines, such as United Airlines and Lufthansa, which cover a great deal more territory. And, it belongs to two very popular credit card affinity programs: CIBC’s Aerogold Visa and American Express. So, you can “top up” your flown mileage with credit card points, something you cannot do with all the U.S. programs unless you have a U.S. billing address. All of these factors guarantee that a typical B.C.-based traveler will earn more mileage on Aeroplan than any other program.
Aeroplan has a few strikes against it, however. To start, there is the continuing general dislike for its parent airline, Air Canada (although, Aeroplan tries to distance itself from Air Canada by claiming it is an independent entity). Also, there are policies and rules that compare negatively with the majority of U.S. frequent-flyer programs. For instance, Aeroplan does not offer the ability to cash in mileage to upgrade an economy ticket, which is probably the single most popular feature of virtually all U.S. programs. (In this regard, it is in line with most international carriers, who are not big fans of upgrades.) Also, Aeroplan is notoriously stingy in awarding points and “status miles.” All “deep discount” airfares within Canada and transborder (the so-called “Tango” fares) do not earn the “status miles” you need to reach high tier status (ie. Prestige, Elite, and SuperElite). This is a great sore spot with most business travelers, who often find themselves debating whether to spend hundreds of dollars more for a ticket just to maintain their status. On top of this, Aeroplan continues to award only 50% points for most discount fares within Canada and for “Tango” fares transborder.
There is also the thorny question of award travel availability. If you polled most Aeroplan members, they would tell you it is almost impossible to get points seats when they want them. In some cases, this is certainly true. Tara, our Frequent-flyer programs specialist, warns not to even try to get business class seats on points to destinations such as Hawaii, Australia, or Caribbean, unless you have prearranged with her to book these hard-to-get seats one year ahead. Tara must regularly book points tickets exactly to the day that the points seats first open up on Aeroplan’s computer (usually about 330 days ahead). On the other hand, Air Canada’s free seats policy has become increasingly generous over the years; and is currently running at about 10% of all available inventory. In this respect, Aeroplan’s free seat availability is superior to most other programs. Just don’t expect to get business class seats to London in the summer if you are checking in April. It won’t happen!
In terms of its higher tier policies, perks, and qualifying levels, Aeroplan is probably on par with most of its North American competitors. I could devote pages on this issue, as there are definitely important differences, both positive and negative, but on the whole Aeroplan comes out about even with the others.
The only other serious contender for best frequent-flyer program for B.C. travelers would have to be Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan. The reason: besides having very generous award levels, available awards seats, and upgrade policies (the latter being far superior to Aeroplan’s), the main issue for us is its partners. If you already have an Aeroplan membership, our agency advises you to join Alaska’s excellent plan. (We enroll our clients in any program you want for free.) Mileage Plan’s partners, which include American Airlines, Northwest, Delta, Hawaiian, Continental, and Helijet in North America, are a combination of North American airlines unparalleled in any other frequent-flyer program. So, if you find yourself flying American Airlines or Continental Airlines some day in the future, don’t be surprised if your agent suggests that we sign you up for the Alaska Mileage Plan rather than AAdvantage or One Pass. Chances are you will earn more mileage in this plan, with its excellent partners program, than in any program offered by these other airlines. Add to this a superb international partners list, which includes KLM, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas, and you have the perfect program for a B.C. resident.
So, what is the best frequent-flyer program? My pick would be Alaska’s Mileage Plan. It appears to be the best overall North American program, and since virtually everyone in Canada already has Aeroplan by default anyway, the Alaska program is the one that will benefit our clients most.
If you have any questions or comments, I welcome your e-mails. Or, feel free to call our resident expert on all frequent-flyer matters, Tara Kay.
Useful Links:
Frequent-Flyer.com: A useful and well-organized summary of frequent-flyer programs for Americans (since Aeroplan is ignored); however, it’s summaries about program partnerships are not up-to-date. Go directly to the particular airline web sites for accurate information. It offers excellent links to all the major airline frequent-flyer programs, as well as news items, summaries of credit card affinity programs, and a chance to vote for your favourite program, airline, hotel chain, etc.
WebFlyer.com: Another well-constructed web site devoted to frequent-flyer programs and issues. Unlike Frequent-Flyer.com, this site offers extensive reviews of airline programs. It’s side-by-side comparisons of airline programs is very thorough and useful.
The Freddie Awards: an interesting site which is a bit like the Oscars of frequent-flyer programs.
Alaska Airlines’ Airline Partners: an impressive list that distinguishes this program from all other plans I know of, including Aeroplan.
Aeroplan Partners List: Probably the worst designed web site of all the major North American programs, click here and then click on a miniscule hyperlink called “Complete Partner List” near the top centre part of the page. If you lose this link, good luck trying to find this information again!
* Early this year, however, Alaska toughened many of its more generous rules about upgrades and qualification for high tier status—ie. “MVP” and “MVP Gold”—so it isn’t all that certain Mileage Plan will get the nod again from The Freddies’ for 2004.
GOOD NEWS AND BAD
Probably the two most significant new developments in travel are (1) soaring fuel prices and (2) the rising Canadian dollar. The latter, of course, is good news for Canadian travelers (although not necessarily for exporters). The former, soaring fuel prices, is a concern. Certainly, it will translate into even higher airline ticket prices (see web article); but perhaps even more disturbing is the fact that it will do further damage to airlines (particularly U.S. ones) already in shaky financial condition.
Already, the world’s two largest airlines, American and United, have announced new cuts to capacity in anticipation of decline in demand due to higher ticket prices. Also, sadly American is fazing out its much-praised extra legroom in economy class in an effort to squeeze more cost savings. And, as airline capacity starts to shrink, you can expect more delays and disruptions due to over-booked flights and fewer options.
In summary, the bad news is look for higher prices, lower comfort, and less convenience. The good news: once you get to the U.S. (and many other countries), our dollar will go further than before.
With the expectation of higher airfares, this is one more reason that wise travelers rely on professional travel consultants to not only find the best airfares, but to advise when to buy and when to hold off until a better deal comes along. Like the old Kenny Rogers’ song says, we have “to know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em.”
Already, the world’s two largest airlines, American and United, have announced new cuts to capacity in anticipation of decline in demand due to higher ticket prices. Also, sadly American is fazing out its much-praised extra legroom in economy class in an effort to squeeze more cost savings. And, as airline capacity starts to shrink, you can expect more delays and disruptions due to over-booked flights and fewer options.
In summary, the bad news is look for higher prices, lower comfort, and less convenience. The good news: once you get to the U.S. (and many other countries), our dollar will go further than before.
With the expectation of higher airfares, this is one more reason that wise travelers rely on professional travel consultants to not only find the best airfares, but to advise when to buy and when to hold off until a better deal comes along. Like the old Kenny Rogers’ song says, we have “to know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em.”
TO TIP OR NOT TO TIP
Florida joke: What’s the difference between a canoe and a Canadian?
Answer: "A canoe tips!"
Are Canadians really that bad? Or are we just confused? Do you tip to buy your way to the front of the line, or should it be a reward for good service? If you get poor service, should you withhold the tip? A tip that would be considered average in the USA would be excessive in Portugal or even refused in Japan. In Iceland, tipping is considered to be downright rude. So how do you know what is appropriate?
Roger Axtell, former vice-president of the Parker Pen Company, has written three books on international customs and protocol. He gives these guidelines for avoiding embarrassment when it comes to tipping in frequently visited countries.
Western Europe: A service charge ranging from 10 to 20 percent is automatically added to your hotel and dining bill. In France, it is not always applied so ask to be sure. In Spain, the money is rarely given to the employees even though it is included in the bill, so tip individually. In Scandinavia, it is included in the bill even for taxi rides.
The Middle East: An automatic 15% is now added to the bill in Israel and cash tipping has become more common. In Turkey and Greece, the proprietors take a share of the pooled 15% so a small tip given directly to the employee is appreciated. It is the custom to tip taxi drivers.
Latin America: There is a huge variation in tipping practices in Central and South America. Ask your hotel concierge about the local customs. In Argentina, tip waiters 10 to 15 percent, porters US$0.50 per bag, taxi drivers 15 percent, and theatre ushers 5 percent. In Brazil, tip waiters 5% in cash over the 10% added to the bill, taxi drivers 10%, and at the airport tip the last porter who handles your bags – he will share the money with the others. In Chile and Colombia, the cab drivers own their cars so tipping is not required, but remember to give theatre ushers small tips. In Venezuela, 10 percent is added to the bill in restaurants and hotels. Don’t tip the taxi drivers unless they have carried your bags or give extra service, but do give porters the equivalent of US$1.00 for carrying a few bags.
Down Under: There is general resistance to tipping in Australia, but service people in tourist areas have come to expect small tips. In New Zealand, tipping is not the custom unless exceptional service has been provided.
Asia: Tipping is not common in Asia and may even be considered insulting. Hotels and restaurants usually add a service fee to the bill. When in doubt, don’t tip! You could present a small gift to people who have extended special service. Exceptions are Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, and South Korea. Ask about current practices.
A final word of caution – When you park your car in a public area or along the street in Mexico and young watchacaros suddenly appear with open palms and a promise to watch your car, it is wise to accept their offer!
Books by Roger Axtell: Around the World; Of International Trade; and Of Hosting International Visitors (All published by John Wiley & Sons).
Recommended Reading: The International Guide to Tipping, by Nancy Star, Berkley Publishing The Art of Tipping: Customs and Controversies, by Barbara Wohlfahrt, Edwin Jablonsk, and John E. Schein, published by Tippers International Limited Traveler’s Handbook on Tipping, Vol. 1, by David Stroman, published by AuthorHouse
Online: Ever wondered what to tip a tattoo artist or a piercing technician? For an excellent summary of this important question and some good guidelines for more mainstream tipping issues, go to: http://azaz.essortment.com/tipping_rdef.htm .
But what about pizza, you ask? Well don’t panic, for the proper tipping etiquette for pizza delivery, see: http://tipthepizzaguy.com/general/ Lots of people have found a way to make money on the issue; my favourite is a web site totally devoted to tipping, http://www.tipping.org, which sells a handle little wallet-sized tipping chart (15% and 20%).
Answer: "A canoe tips!"
Are Canadians really that bad? Or are we just confused? Do you tip to buy your way to the front of the line, or should it be a reward for good service? If you get poor service, should you withhold the tip? A tip that would be considered average in the USA would be excessive in Portugal or even refused in Japan. In Iceland, tipping is considered to be downright rude. So how do you know what is appropriate?
Roger Axtell, former vice-president of the Parker Pen Company, has written three books on international customs and protocol. He gives these guidelines for avoiding embarrassment when it comes to tipping in frequently visited countries.
Western Europe: A service charge ranging from 10 to 20 percent is automatically added to your hotel and dining bill. In France, it is not always applied so ask to be sure. In Spain, the money is rarely given to the employees even though it is included in the bill, so tip individually. In Scandinavia, it is included in the bill even for taxi rides.
The Middle East: An automatic 15% is now added to the bill in Israel and cash tipping has become more common. In Turkey and Greece, the proprietors take a share of the pooled 15% so a small tip given directly to the employee is appreciated. It is the custom to tip taxi drivers.
Latin America: There is a huge variation in tipping practices in Central and South America. Ask your hotel concierge about the local customs. In Argentina, tip waiters 10 to 15 percent, porters US$0.50 per bag, taxi drivers 15 percent, and theatre ushers 5 percent. In Brazil, tip waiters 5% in cash over the 10% added to the bill, taxi drivers 10%, and at the airport tip the last porter who handles your bags – he will share the money with the others. In Chile and Colombia, the cab drivers own their cars so tipping is not required, but remember to give theatre ushers small tips. In Venezuela, 10 percent is added to the bill in restaurants and hotels. Don’t tip the taxi drivers unless they have carried your bags or give extra service, but do give porters the equivalent of US$1.00 for carrying a few bags.
Down Under: There is general resistance to tipping in Australia, but service people in tourist areas have come to expect small tips. In New Zealand, tipping is not the custom unless exceptional service has been provided.
Asia: Tipping is not common in Asia and may even be considered insulting. Hotels and restaurants usually add a service fee to the bill. When in doubt, don’t tip! You could present a small gift to people who have extended special service. Exceptions are Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, and South Korea. Ask about current practices.
A final word of caution – When you park your car in a public area or along the street in Mexico and young watchacaros suddenly appear with open palms and a promise to watch your car, it is wise to accept their offer!
Books by Roger Axtell: Around the World; Of International Trade; and Of Hosting International Visitors (All published by John Wiley & Sons).
Recommended Reading: The International Guide to Tipping, by Nancy Star, Berkley Publishing The Art of Tipping: Customs and Controversies, by Barbara Wohlfahrt, Edwin Jablonsk, and John E. Schein, published by Tippers International Limited Traveler’s Handbook on Tipping, Vol. 1, by David Stroman, published by AuthorHouse
Online: Ever wondered what to tip a tattoo artist or a piercing technician? For an excellent summary of this important question and some good guidelines for more mainstream tipping issues, go to: http://azaz.essortment.com/tipping_rdef.htm .
But what about pizza, you ask? Well don’t panic, for the proper tipping etiquette for pizza delivery, see: http://tipthepizzaguy.com/general/ Lots of people have found a way to make money on the issue; my favourite is a web site totally devoted to tipping, http://www.tipping.org, which sells a handle little wallet-sized tipping chart (15% and 20%).
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