Competitours - experience Europe in personalised "Amazing Race"

Last year I wrote about the launch of Competitours - a cross between the traditional European tours, independent travel and The Amazing Race. It seems the initial tours went well for Competitours is back again for 2010 with apparently not many tweaks, at least on the surface. Published dates run from May to August.

For frequent flyers and frequent stayers, there are now discounts available if using miles for the trans-Atlantic flights and points for a couple of hotel nights.

This will be great for the young at heart, with a sense of adventure, looking for a "safe" journey. For those looking for a greater challenge and to experience more of the world, there is an alternative - the Global Scavenger Hunt. Entries are still being accepted for the 2010 round which is in April.


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Changing flight loyalty

The other day a friend was commenting to me on how much his flying patterns had changed in the 8 months since Qantas was replaced with their low cost subsidiary Jetstar on New Zealand domestic (and some trans-Tasman) routes. Like me, he was on the final Qantas domestic flight last year. Well over 80% of his (extensive) domestic travel has switched to Air NZ.

It is not hard to understand why there is a big change. The domestic airline lounges are closed and replaced by pay per use lounges. The great Jetconnect crew are gone. The simple fares are replaced with a lower base fare and a vast array of surcharges and fees. The flight schedules are still not great. Customer service is poor, with many reports of passengers denied boarding due to check in queues, passengers misconnecting with Qantas international flights and left to buy a new ticket, difficulties in obtaining refunds, and so on.

I had a look at my own travel record and noticed I've not only flown much less Qantas group flights within New Zealand but also my international travel with Qantas has similarly mostly switched to other airlines. In the 3 years prior to the change, I flew 325 Qantas flights with a mixture of domestic, trans-Tasman and longhaul flights; and also a mixture of all cabin classes (almost all business or first class for the international flights). In the past 8 months I've flown just 7 Qantas group flights. Even if I add in the 4 Qantas flights I will take over the next 4 months, my Qantas group travel has dropped from over 9 flights a month to under 1 a month - a 90% fall.

It seems I'm far from the only passenger to switch loyalty. The few times I have flown Qantas internationally the lounge at Auckland has been almost deserted. Elite and premium passengers within and to/from New Zealand have deserted in droves.


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A great weekend trip

It was good to be back in the air again this weekend. So many things went well, which made the weekend far more pleasurable than it could have been. I took a longhaul run - about 24 hours of flying, 9 hours of lounge time and just 2 hours landside at the destination.

My upgrades cleared, albeit at the last minute. For the outbound flight the upgrade cleared at the gate - I love the magic of getting the beep to indicate a seat change. For the return flight the double upgrade cleared at the lounge. Both flights were very full and so the upgrades were very much appreciated.

Queues were non-existent with incredibly lucky timing throughout the weekend. Check in for the first flight took a minute and I also got the boarding pass for the return flight. The 3 visits to immigration on the trip took under a minute, 2 minutes and under a minute. The middle one of these three has in the past taken me an hour while travelling on the same flight.

Security queues were also very short, about a minute each time. For some reason the extra security check at the gate for flights to USA didn't apply to me - I was directed to bypass it.

The lounge visits were longer than I'd intended but it was good meeting up with people in a peaceful environment, with good wine and food on hand.

While landside I had a short hotel stay to take advantage of several concurrent promotions. I'll get well over 20k PC points for minimal cost and effort. The check in agent was nonplussed when I checked out so quickly. "Is there something wrong with the room?" Not at all.

With such a short trip, there are no jetlag issues and I got a reasonable amount of sleep on both flights.

There were lots of special touches by the crew. My favourite was that my drink selections on the outbound flight were relayed to the crew for my return flight. So I was asked if I wanted the same again!

The only problem with the weekend? I now realise I don't have any upcoming trips in the next several weeks to look forward to.


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Airline schedule padding

The other day I came across a reference to a 1964 KLM schedule for London Heathrow to Amsterdam flight having 1 hour 0 minutes duration. The same route today has a scheduled time of 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes duration, despite aircraft getting considerably faster in the interim.

Scott McCartney explains at The Middle Seat that scheduled flight times are continuing to grow, reflecting:

• increased customer (and regulator) demand for on-time performance
• hubs are getting more crowded
• air space is getting more crowded
• airlines flying slower to save fuel
• in the case of Southwest a change in stance from being ambivalent about arriving a few minutes early or late to preferring to arrive a few minutes early

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Not Up in the Air

I haven't yet seen Up in the Air, starring George Clooney as the mileage-obsessed frequent flyer. This delay is not due to lack of interest. Rather I was expecting to see it on the inflight entertainment of one of my flights - I could watch Up in the Air while being up in the air. However, checking the online listings of movies for my upcoming flights I see it isn't included.

Looks like I'll have to go to the movie theatre to see it after all. With over 100 longhaul and mediumhaul flights a year on airlines with fantastic in flight entertainment I normally get to see all the movies I'm interested in while airborne. I think I last saw a movie in a theatre about 4 years ago.

My travel week

Despite now having endured 4 weeks without a single flight, this past week was a good one for travel stuff.

Attend the media launch for Air New Zealand's new longhaul product - skycouch and space seats being the major innovations. See my posts on high level summary, detail of the new longhaul seats, and some implications of the changes.

Have a second look at the Air New Zealand new longhaul product - invited as one of their top frequent flyers.

First hotel stay for the year - initial step for requalifying.

Article for Indietravelpodcast on flight security rule changes.

Book some tickets for travel later in the year.

Prep for the upcoming move of Musings of The Global Traveller to Boarding Area. I hope you'll like the new location and fresh new look.

Work on a new series of posts answering frequent flyer questions.

Count down the days until my next trip. I can't wait - the travel sirens dominate my dreams.

Lack of travel

Just a few weeks into the year (which for me started on another continent), and less than a week since my last (land-based) trip, and I'm already getting itchy feet waiting for my next trip. I've resisted the temptation to book some last minute flights, so far. If Qantas was still flying domestically in NZ I probably would have booked something cheap by now, but I can't bring myself to do it on Jetstar.

Perhaps a little road trip is in order?

Around the world in 80 words

RTW fare plus side tickets. Very nice sales due to travel downturn.

New (to me) places, new faces, new airlines.

Old friends, returning places, familiar airlines.

All cabins from everyday economy to the luxury of first class.

Lots of flights. Local buses. Lots of walking.

A quasi-divided city (not Berlin).

Broad plains, high altitude mega-city, sea-side community, Mediterranean hillsides, urban overdose.

Inconvenience – new travel rules, computer breakdown.

Crazy fun. Bring on the next trip.

Thoughts on 2010

The blog

Firstly, prompted by Gary Leff's valid complaint about the recent lack of posts, I apologise to my readers. I haven't posted much in the last few weeks due to a crazy schedule, but this will change ... soon.

I'm working on a plan for 2010. Yes it is a bit late for new year resolutions, but I think this will be worth it. It isn't ready yet but I like how it is shaping up - there is something for everyone I hope. I also haven't forgotten that I have some unanswered questions and unfinished informational and advice series. These will be addressed.

As ever, I'm happy to accept any relevant questions by email, at Quick Questions, or by comment on a relevant post.

Travel news and developments

2009 saw lots of change, and even though 2010 has barely begun there has already been lots happening. Security rules change almost daily. Strike threats. A major airline about to be bankrupt (Japan Airlines). Consolidation of Chinese airlines. Frequent stay program changes (Hilton HHonors devaluation from 15 January). This rapid change will continue.

Meanwhile, the release of the movie Up in the Air late last year (or early 2010 depending on market) has been accompanied by more media attention on frequent flyers and frequent flyer programs (eg this piece today from WSJ). As a result there is a lot of information and advice becoming more widely available to the general public. Readers of this blog have already had access to this information, whether on Flyer Talk or in the tips and advice previously posted here and on other Boarding Area blogs.

Whenever there is change there is opportunity as well as downsides to manage. Having good quality information is as important for savvy travellers today as ever. This will be another great year.

Chris Guillebeau, non-conformist?

I've been reading Chris Guillebeau's blog, The Art of Non-Conformity since it was launched. Like me, Chris is an avid traveller, but he also has a hip outlook on life and as he strives to meet his own writing and business goals also gives back by assisting others to achieve theirs. Really you should read his blog (and when his first book is published later this year read that too).

Anyway, after conversing online for some time finally our paths crossed and we met. Many of the people I've pointed to Chris' blog have commented that his style is very affable, and so he is in real life. He talks and acts just like he writes.

I had a very pleasant evening with Chris and others who'd come together to meet him. One of the many things we discussed was how thankful we were to be living now with the many opportunities we have that others in different places and times do/did not.

That's gotten me thinking. There is a mindset shared by many people I've met all over the world that is independent, open and outward looking. To some people this can be scary, and perhaps this is where Chris' approach is non-conformist. I'm somewhat saddened by this line of thought, because to me this is normal.

Seasons greetings

I haven't posted much in the last week or so due to a crazy travel schedule that has seen me spend more time in the air than on the ground.

While I'm waiting for my next flight supping sake in the airline lounge, I want to wish all readers the best for the holiday season and the year ahead.

There will be more posts shortly. Some based on my odd travel experiences of the past few weeks, some based on the unfolding travel security rules and processes, as well as the usual mix of travel news, issues, inspiration, information and advice.

Unusual travel week

The past week has had an odd mix of travel highs and lows for me.

• An inaugural flight.
• 3 strikes threatening my next trip.
• Race to rearrange travel as a consequence.
• Strike called off.
• Got middle economy seat after last minute flight cancellation, my first middle seat in years (I usually go for an aisle seat in economy - yes I have been spoilt).
• Fantastically scenic but odd flight (scheduled once per week) to complete (for now) my aim of flying every flight in Air NZ network.
• Stay at a newly renovated hotel which has also just converted to a major chain.
• Preparations for upcoming trip.
• Reflection on the journeys I have taken this year.
• Planning for some 2010 travel.

Never a dull moment

My travel life is never dull.

The inaugural flight I referred to (Rotorua to Sydney in case you are wondering) not only was special for being an inaugural flight but had added unplanned drama.

1) Nearly missing the flight due to bad weather - I needed to fly to Rotorua but the airport was marginal for a few hours.
2) The flight nearly being called off due to the bad weather.
3) Police escorting passenger off the aircraft after we'd all boarded. This delayed the flight by nearly an hour. The last time I'd seen this was last year in Russia.
4) Almost missing my onward flight (65 minutes scheduled transit time most of which was lost due to the late arrival).

Inaugural flight fun

I'm looking forward to my 13th inaugural flight soon. They are usually a lot of fun. I wonder what surprises the airline has in store for us?

Due to aircraft scheduling this one is a bit odd in that the first flight on the international route is headed to the home country not from it as is normally the case. I hope that doesn't curtail pre-departure festivities.

Sheraton photo sharing site

Sheraton has launched a new site called Sheraton Shared Moments, Shared Moments or Sheraton Moments (all 3 names are used in confusing branding). The site doesn't (yet) do much. You can upload pictures with a brief comment.

If you want to be enticed to share your pics, they have a competition to win one of 5 week-long stays at a selected Sheraton (Diana Majestic in Milan, Lisboa Hotel & Spa in Lisbon, Stockholm in Stockholm, La Caleta Resort and Spa in Tenerife and Miramar Resort El Gouna Red Sea in Hurghada). The competition is only open to residents of UK, UAE, Belgium, Denmark, Norway & Sweden.

Sale fatigue or playing the odds of a better sale?

I think I've been spoilt this year. There have been too many airfare and accommodation sales.

Today I went to book a great sale air fare only to back at at the final purchase to confirm stage because my inner voice asked if this was really the best rate I could get for that particular trip.

I also went to book several nights of accommodation for a few upcoming trips in an Intercontinental "72 hour" sale (sneak link here for early bookings in the really 96 hour sale period). These 72 hour sales have been recurring throughout the year. Once again I found myself backing out of booking at the final step figuring I may be able to do better booking later and there is no urgency to book these nights.

Hopefully it doesn't come back to bite me later with higher rates.

Reflections & lending a hand up

The end of the year and start of a new one is a time for reflection for many, including me.

I have a lot to be thankful for, and so one of the ways I give back to those less fortunate is through Kiva. For other travellers (or anyone) who wishes to give someone poor an opportunity and a hand up I urge you to consider a Kiva loan too. This isn't charity per se, but is a helping hand to those who can use it. You pick who receives your loan, which can be as little as US$25, from the many people and groups vetted by microfinance organisations around the world. There are also Kiva gift certificates if you are stuck for a holiday present idea.

If you are on Flyer Talk, you can join the FT Kiva team (see the Kiva thread for more info).

New route, new hotel

I've mentioned before that one of my travel goals is to fly all the routes of an airline (over 100 routes). Naturally this is a shifting target as new routes get added from time to time, and old routes removed. I've achieved this goal twice, temporarily, and will do so again shortly.

Air New Zealand has a new route which I'll be flying. There is also one current route I have not yet flown, although I'm undecided on whether it counts or not toward my goal. The reason - it is a special flight which combines two destinations from one origin, and thus flies between two small regional airports which normally would not have flights between them. The flight is once per week, and doesn't operate all the time. Is it a regularly scheduled service if flights are this infrequent and sporadic?

Recently I decided that I would, after all, fly this route. The thing that helped me decide was the schedule requires an overnight stop at a nice regional place, and a hotel has been newly rebranded to a major chain. This the first international chain hotel at this tourist spot, only the second hotel of this chain in the country, and supposedly one of only a handful of 5 star hotels in the country. So I'll get a nice weekend stay in a very pretty and interesting place, fly another odd route, and try out a newly refurbished and supposedly very nice hotel. I'm sold.

Oh yeah, I also get some hotel points which will prevent my modest balance in that program from expiring, so the "value" of the stay is really in excess of the points I'll earn there.

Congratulations you've been upgraded, no just kidding

A marketing fail by Virgin Blue in my email.

First I got an email congratulating me for being upgraded to gold status despite being slightly short of the requirement.

Then later another email from Velocity Rewards (the frequent flyer program of Virgin Blue) saying, oops you weren't meant to get that email.

Online around the world booking

A few days ago I decided to buy one more Oneworld around the world ticket to take advantage of their 10th anniversary 10% off sale which ended 3 November.

This time I booked it using the online tool, as I have booked others before (on both Star Alliance and Oneworld). Normally the booking is ticketed very quickly (within hours) as most of the validation of the complex rules is done automatically by the tool. It has been a few days since I made the booking and there is no sign of an eticket yet.

This is the downside of using online tools - less customer support than booking with a travel agent (who can hurry the ticketing airline along).