The Titanic Awards

Glad to know I am not alone in my poor impression of Accor Hotels, A|Club – it’s probably been more hassle to keep the account information going than the benefits are worth! Though I do think I get an extra packet of gummi bears for each stay…

I am absolutely NOT surprised about Air Frances’ Flying Blue!! LOL
Since the devaluation of their program as of April 1st of this year, it has caused a massive loss of their frequent flyers, even to the point were they have a 1,000+ petition to Air France! I actually completely love flying with Air France, their flying crews are very friendly, professional, and helpful! But their frequent flyer program is absolutely horrendous. Their Customer Service Reps from Flying Blue replies, “You need to fax in your request.” the majority of times! Then in about 3 to 6 weeks, you will get a general form letter saying “We cannot…” You can fax in the same request again, and you may get another letter in 3 to 6 weeks saying “We cannot…” but actually get what you were asking for! The frustrating part as a member of Flying Blue, is that Air France handles complaints about Flying Blue, is that they are a separate company and that they have no control, which I find that answer completely unacceptable, since Flying Blue represents Air France as their frequent flyer program! The only thing I can finally say about Flying Blue is that you will literally be flying BLUE if you join their program!

So true about Aeroplan – it is complete garbage, as are most things associated with Air Canada. I’ve been boycotting them for years, their customer service is also nonexistent, etc., etc., though it’s difficult when living in Canada! Air France is every bit as bad as Air Canada, but don’t paint KLM with the same brush. I collect KLM miles through Northwest’s WorldPerks, which I find to be a much better program (and should I happen to fly on an Air Canada partner, I collected through United’s program, whatever that’s merged into now), and a much better airline in general than most.

Air France thinks nothing about leaving 30 passengers at the gate that came in on their own connecting flights, late because they drove around the terminal sixteen times instead of letting them out of the bus, after holding their planes because of “bad weather” in Paris, which amounted to dry tarmac and a lovely sunny sky, when the plane has not left. And since they overbook their flights worse than most airlines, they’re reliant on KLM to have enough seats open on international flights to take everyone. Unfortunately, we all had the same final destination, and most didn’t make it that day. Tip: When you know your passengers are on the ground, in your airport, and you will have to rebook that many of them…hold the bloody plane. Unless, of course, you oversold by so many seats you were going to have to bump 30 of us anyhow. Fail.

I think what was said about priority club rewards is total bullshit, I have been a member for 7 years and all the perks are great! I have never had a problem redeeming points. The representatives at the priority club office are excellent and very informative. I really dont see how in the world they ended up on this site.

Who is the moron that wrote this article. Starwood has the best loyalty program of any chain. Zero blackouts and great value for rewards. By the way, Aeroplan is not a U.S. Airline. It’s Air Canada’s loyalty program.

American Airlines: After returning from an extended stay overseas, they had deleted my Frequent Flyer account (presumably since I hadn’t used it in a while). In spite of numerous efforts, I have been unable to get it restored. I had a couple of trips to Europe coming to me, too.

AirFrance = The worst pathetic excuse for an Airline I have ever used..

3 flights this year, 2 needed an emergency redivert for technical problems tripling the travel time and the other one was so shoddy, rude and disorganised, I was surprised it got off the ground at all..

NEVER AGAIN !

I have been a Priority Club ‘platinum’ member for 3 years running … I have yet to have ANY negative customer service experiences. They have the best awards plan for accumulating points, and are always open to provide upgrades if available. ps. I am an ‘on-the-road’ consultant, and I DO NOT work for the InterContinental Hotels Group (promise!).

AIR FRANCE – FLYING BLUE is just a joke… near the imposture:

Example: AF Flight ZRH – CDG booked on the Air France Web-site: ZRH – CDG for the 16 of April and back the 19 of April in economy class. Fare: 128,87 Euro all inclusive (taxes, etc.)
Exactly the same flights, the same dates on the same Air France Web-site but spending 20′000 Flying blue miles costs 114,86 Euro in charges, taxes, etc! This ticket is for economy class as well and not flexible!
Therefore, the 20′000 miles are worth precisely 14,01 Euro.

This is, euphemistically spoken, unserious!