Flyertalk.com
Jun 16th, 2005, 04:40 AM
#1
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Flyertalk.com
I was reading a recent post about Flyertalk (but can't seem to find it using the search function now). This is a slightly different question so decided to post it as a new topic.
I was wondering if anyone had tips for getting started on the Flyertalk forums? I've browsed there a bit but can't seem to work out if it's the most useful site for me. I realise there's lots of great information on there but there seems so much of it and it's pretty detailed that it's hard to see where best to start.
I get the impression that Flyertalk works best for business travellers who can rack up thousands of points on regular business trips with one airline/hotel chain. I am a (reasonably frequent) leisure traveller but I am not loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain - I just tend to find the deal that's best for me at the time. A BA program is the only one I belong to.
Do other leisure travellers here get good travel information from the Flyertalk forums? The reason I am posting this on here is that I would be asking more leisure travellers what aspects of the Flyertalk forums they find the most useful.
I was wondering if anyone had tips for getting started on the Flyertalk forums? I've browsed there a bit but can't seem to work out if it's the most useful site for me. I realise there's lots of great information on there but there seems so much of it and it's pretty detailed that it's hard to see where best to start.
I get the impression that Flyertalk works best for business travellers who can rack up thousands of points on regular business trips with one airline/hotel chain. I am a (reasonably frequent) leisure traveller but I am not loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain - I just tend to find the deal that's best for me at the time. A BA program is the only one I belong to.
Do other leisure travellers here get good travel information from the Flyertalk forums? The reason I am posting this on here is that I would be asking more leisure travellers what aspects of the Flyertalk forums they find the most useful.
Jun 16th, 2005, 04:48 AM
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I, too, just learned (well - - "learned more"
about flyertalk quite recently - - and I agree, it is daunting because it has so many subdivisions, and its air travel seems to be all about individual airlines, rather than destinations (which is how "we" - - here on Fodors Travel Talk "Europe" tend to think).
I think that there must be a certain amount of cross-over - - folks who are frequent visitors here who know flyertalk well. It might be just as good to describe better what kinds of info you hope to gain from flyertalk and ask for advice <u>here</u> on how flyertalk might help you find it.
Don't disregard the cheap flights forum of eurotrip.com - - I'm sure those flyertalk folks are very knowledgeable, but I would think that Don, the moderator there, stacks up awfully darn well against the best of them, when it comes to the big picture of trans-atlantic air travel between Europe and the Americas.
Best wishes,
Rex
about flyertalk quite recently - - and I agree, it is daunting because it has so many subdivisions, and its air travel seems to be all about individual airlines, rather than destinations (which is how "we" - - here on Fodors Travel Talk "Europe" tend to think).I think that there must be a certain amount of cross-over - - folks who are frequent visitors here who know flyertalk well. It might be just as good to describe better what kinds of info you hope to gain from flyertalk and ask for advice <u>here</u> on how flyertalk might help you find it.
Don't disregard the cheap flights forum of eurotrip.com - - I'm sure those flyertalk folks are very knowledgeable, but I would think that Don, the moderator there, stacks up awfully darn well against the best of them, when it comes to the big picture of trans-atlantic air travel between Europe and the Americas.
Best wishes,
Rex
Jun 16th, 2005, 05:18 AM
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I have been a member of FT for few years now, so maybe I could shed some light here about what FT is all about.
Generally speaking it's NOT a travel site. While there are localized travel forums and many members are very happy to share info about their home towns/countries, the majority and most visited forums are still the ones that are focused on airline/hotel frequent flyer/guest programs. It's all about squeezing the most out of the programs.
Before 2001 I was an infrequent flyer like majority of travelers. I always looked for the best deal to get from point A to B. Since becoming a more frequent flyer and and joining FT, I have discovered the errors of my old ways. Saving few $ on flights probably cost me many free vacations, enjoying international first class on the best airlines in the world, the sanctuary of some great/some not so great airline lounges, automatic free upgrades during flights as well as hotels, etc.etc.
The site was and still is geared for the frequent flyer/hotel guest but anybody that takes at least 2 or 3 major trips a year could learn a lot from reading FT and eventually even participating.
My advice for the begginers is to "lurk" in the beggining. Check the forums that interest you. I have been a member for over 3 years now and I have not been to about 80% of the forums myself.
If you are one of those travelers that only cares about the bottom $ fare, regardless of rewards later, then I will tell you that FT is not for you. Still, the Mileage Run forum is one that will "discover" the great deals, even the "mistakes". The 20BP BA deal couple of years ago where people flew to Europe and many got free upgrades because the planes were so full in economy. Recently an outstanding fare was reported within minutes of it appearing. I don't remember the details, but basically it was a F or J fare from one of the South Pacific islands to Europe for about $1000. Many bought this fare even though they still had to get there as well, but the mileage payoff was tremendous. And I'm not only talking about "spendable" miles, but also "status" miles. The same fares were reported later here, and on other travel/travel news sites but by that point these special deals were long gone. On FT they are reported within minutes of appearing.
Next time you see somebody getting in front of the ticket line/security line/free upgrade, try to remember - <b>Status has it's privilages</b>.
Generally speaking it's NOT a travel site. While there are localized travel forums and many members are very happy to share info about their home towns/countries, the majority and most visited forums are still the ones that are focused on airline/hotel frequent flyer/guest programs. It's all about squeezing the most out of the programs.
Before 2001 I was an infrequent flyer like majority of travelers. I always looked for the best deal to get from point A to B. Since becoming a more frequent flyer and and joining FT, I have discovered the errors of my old ways. Saving few $ on flights probably cost me many free vacations, enjoying international first class on the best airlines in the world, the sanctuary of some great/some not so great airline lounges, automatic free upgrades during flights as well as hotels, etc.etc.
The site was and still is geared for the frequent flyer/hotel guest but anybody that takes at least 2 or 3 major trips a year could learn a lot from reading FT and eventually even participating.
My advice for the begginers is to "lurk" in the beggining. Check the forums that interest you. I have been a member for over 3 years now and I have not been to about 80% of the forums myself.
If you are one of those travelers that only cares about the bottom $ fare, regardless of rewards later, then I will tell you that FT is not for you. Still, the Mileage Run forum is one that will "discover" the great deals, even the "mistakes". The 20BP BA deal couple of years ago where people flew to Europe and many got free upgrades because the planes were so full in economy. Recently an outstanding fare was reported within minutes of it appearing. I don't remember the details, but basically it was a F or J fare from one of the South Pacific islands to Europe for about $1000. Many bought this fare even though they still had to get there as well, but the mileage payoff was tremendous. And I'm not only talking about "spendable" miles, but also "status" miles. The same fares were reported later here, and on other travel/travel news sites but by that point these special deals were long gone. On FT they are reported within minutes of appearing.
Next time you see somebody getting in front of the ticket line/security line/free upgrade, try to remember - <b>Status has it's privilages</b>.
Jun 16th, 2005, 05:52 AM
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I, too, patronize both Fodors and Flyertalk -- if you hang out in the Travel & Dining section, or Omni, you get less 'mileage' talk and more 'travel and other' talk.
I mostly lurk over there, but have made comments occasionaly. They have one are devoted to trip reports that is always interesting, but it focuses much more on the flight then the destination, IMHO.
They have a great coupon swap forum, as well as a superb one for travel contests and sweepstakes...
It's worth some looking!
I mostly lurk over there, but have made comments occasionaly. They have one are devoted to trip reports that is always interesting, but it focuses much more on the flight then the destination, IMHO.
They have a great coupon swap forum, as well as a superb one for travel contests and sweepstakes...
It's worth some looking!
Jun 16th, 2005, 06:12 AM
#5
Unapologetic view: FT for all things related to flying, loyalty programs, airline industry gossip, the wonderful OMNI (c'mon Fodors, have a look) and hot deals. Fodors for destination-specific boards. Thorn Tree for backpackers, budgeteers, and people who want to know where to find water holes in Mongolia. Cruisecritic.com for - oh, you can guess.
Once you're familiar with the various boards you can start to get a sense of the demographics they seem to attract (warning - generalities and stereotypes follow.) FT is full of experienced flyers but surprisingly few seasoned travelers (reference many old Fodors threads) - they know which Sheratons and Hyatts to hit, which lounges at which airports have the best booze selections, but relatively little mention of the museums, concerts, country inns, mountain walks, etc. that you see on Fodors. Maybe it's understandable - FT is much more geared to business travelers than leisure travelers (althouth when you read FTers bios, many are in fact retired or mainly leisure travelers.)
But FT can be enormously beneficial. Because of things learned on FT, my wife and I have achieved elite status with a major airline and global alliance, gotten free miles, discounts, trips, upgrades, and lots of other perks that we simply wouldn't have known existed absent lurking and eventually contributing on FT. Right now we're in the middle of a year-long round the world trip, the planning and funding of which would have been impossible without advice and links provided via FT.
Go and lurk - look at "Travel Buzz" and some of the regional boards, "Mileage Run" and "S.P.A.M." (for miles and points obtained through other channels) and things like that.
Many Fodorites actually know a lot more about on-the-ground travel than some of the bigger posters on FT, so start by sharing what you know and you will soon be embraced (or, sometimes, flamed) like the rest of us.
I also bet you'll like FT's functionality - live links, post counts, etc. - no disrespect to Fodors - kiss kiss - but you'll see.
Once you're familiar with the various boards you can start to get a sense of the demographics they seem to attract (warning - generalities and stereotypes follow.) FT is full of experienced flyers but surprisingly few seasoned travelers (reference many old Fodors threads) - they know which Sheratons and Hyatts to hit, which lounges at which airports have the best booze selections, but relatively little mention of the museums, concerts, country inns, mountain walks, etc. that you see on Fodors. Maybe it's understandable - FT is much more geared to business travelers than leisure travelers (althouth when you read FTers bios, many are in fact retired or mainly leisure travelers.)
But FT can be enormously beneficial. Because of things learned on FT, my wife and I have achieved elite status with a major airline and global alliance, gotten free miles, discounts, trips, upgrades, and lots of other perks that we simply wouldn't have known existed absent lurking and eventually contributing on FT. Right now we're in the middle of a year-long round the world trip, the planning and funding of which would have been impossible without advice and links provided via FT.
Go and lurk - look at "Travel Buzz" and some of the regional boards, "Mileage Run" and "S.P.A.M." (for miles and points obtained through other channels) and things like that.
Many Fodorites actually know a lot more about on-the-ground travel than some of the bigger posters on FT, so start by sharing what you know and you will soon be embraced (or, sometimes, flamed) like the rest of us.
I also bet you'll like FT's functionality - live links, post counts, etc. - no disrespect to Fodors - kiss kiss - but you'll see.
Jun 16th, 2005, 07:04 AM
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I'm in agreement with all that AAFrequentFlyer and Gardyloo report about FT.
I'm a leisure traveler, taking two or three trips to Europe each year. I joined FlyerTalk a couple of years ago and started out by lurking for a few months before actually joining. I've learned a great deal about air travel and hotels and have elite status with one airline because of what I've learned. I'm also racking up beaucoup miles compared to what I was doing pre-FlyerTalk.
My experience with FT members is that they're very knowledgeable and helpful and welcoming to new members.
I'm a leisure traveler, taking two or three trips to Europe each year. I joined FlyerTalk a couple of years ago and started out by lurking for a few months before actually joining. I've learned a great deal about air travel and hotels and have elite status with one airline because of what I've learned. I'm also racking up beaucoup miles compared to what I was doing pre-FlyerTalk.
My experience with FT members is that they're very knowledgeable and helpful and welcoming to new members.
Jun 16th, 2005, 07:10 AM
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Like Gardyloo, I think Flyer Talk's format is outstanding.
I'm a registered member of Flyer Talk . I'm a frequent reader , but I don't post.
I enjoy the Travel Buzz forum and the Women Travelers forum ( go figure ;-) )
My husband is the road warrior traveler in our family, but I am the one who reads travel forums.
In the "old days" (that would be before it was so easy to look at airline schedules online) I would eagerly await the new OAG and the monthly copy of Frequent Flyer Magazine.
I'm a registered member of Flyer Talk . I'm a frequent reader , but I don't post.
I enjoy the Travel Buzz forum and the Women Travelers forum ( go figure ;-) )
My husband is the road warrior traveler in our family, but I am the one who reads travel forums.
In the "old days" (that would be before it was so easy to look at airline schedules online) I would eagerly await the new OAG and the monthly copy of Frequent Flyer Magazine.
Jun 16th, 2005, 07:32 AM
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I would echo all of the positive comments about FT. I started to lurk there when I was still working and flying weekly; I'm now an occasional poster on FT and frequent leisure traveller who continues to benefit from all of the knowledge I've picked up there. (I've managed to retain elite status with my airline of choice, too, with all of the benefits that go with that.)
I would add just one other small point about FT: almost all of the forums are moderated, so if you do post a question in the wrong place, one of the moderators will kindly move it over to the right place for you.
As Gardyloo points out, FTers generally know a great deal about airlines and big hotels, but many lack the in-depth knowledge you'll see here on Fodors about getting SNCF Prem tickets or how to find that perfect little hotel in Paris ... I guess I'm saying that FT and Fodors complement each other.
Anselm
I would add just one other small point about FT: almost all of the forums are moderated, so if you do post a question in the wrong place, one of the moderators will kindly move it over to the right place for you.
As Gardyloo points out, FTers generally know a great deal about airlines and big hotels, but many lack the in-depth knowledge you'll see here on Fodors about getting SNCF Prem tickets or how to find that perfect little hotel in Paris ... I guess I'm saying that FT and Fodors complement each other.
Anselm
Jun 16th, 2005, 08:02 AM
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I am also a member of both Fodors and Flyertalk, though not a real active member of either. In my eyes, Fodors is about travel, and Flyertalk is about Frequent flyer/guest programs.
If I want to get a feel for a city, and figure out what to see/do there, I look at fodors. If I want to know if I can transfer my frequent flier points to another program, I look at flyertalk.
I travel locally for work a lot (very little flying), but rack up quite a few hotel nights. By reading flyertalk, I have learned how to maximise my hotel points. This fall Munich, Dresden and Berlin will be free nights for me. My trip this fall is also paid for in business class with frequent flier points (and I said I rarely fly . . . )
Flyertalk can be overwealming. I stick to 3 main boards myself - the ones of programs for which I am a member. If a super duper fantastic deal is found (the $20 BA flight!) it will be posted everywhere.
Between the two boards, I don't think there is any travel related question I won't get an answer to!
If I want to get a feel for a city, and figure out what to see/do there, I look at fodors. If I want to know if I can transfer my frequent flier points to another program, I look at flyertalk.
I travel locally for work a lot (very little flying), but rack up quite a few hotel nights. By reading flyertalk, I have learned how to maximise my hotel points. This fall Munich, Dresden and Berlin will be free nights for me. My trip this fall is also paid for in business class with frequent flier points (and I said I rarely fly . . . )
Flyertalk can be overwealming. I stick to 3 main boards myself - the ones of programs for which I am a member. If a super duper fantastic deal is found (the $20 BA flight!) it will be posted everywhere.
Between the two boards, I don't think there is any travel related question I won't get an answer to!
Jun 16th, 2005, 08:21 AM
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Here's another possibility--mostly for airplane-specific questions. When I have questions about the size, safety, age, etc of my plane I going into the Yahoo stock board for Boeing (BA).
When I want to know why all the Alaska Airline planes are on the ground in Portland, I go into their stock chat room. Employees of these, and like companies, are shareholders and are frequently answering questions on other topics than stock.
Caveat: you may learn so much you don't want to fly on anything!
When I want to know why all the Alaska Airline planes are on the ground in Portland, I go into their stock chat room. Employees of these, and like companies, are shareholders and are frequently answering questions on other topics than stock.
Caveat: you may learn so much you don't want to fly on anything!
Jun 17th, 2005, 02:02 PM
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Thanks very much for this information so far. I feel more prepared for my next trip over to Flyertalk. As I mentioned, I have lurked there before but never really managed to work out if it contains information useful to me. I will go and have a good look soon and see how I get on based on the forums people here have recommended.
I probably feel in a similar position to the one AAFrequentFlyer describes. Currently, I just travel from A to B and get the best deal I can. I'm interested in seeing if there's a better way to do this (eg by making more of the BA program).
I mention the BA program because I am based in London so that's the airline that can get me to most places. However, for travel in Europe, I am just as happy using Easyjet etc where available. For transatlantic travel, the options change to include the US airlines as well as BA and Virgin (none of which I feel any loyalty to ahead of another).
I probably feel in a similar position to the one AAFrequentFlyer describes. Currently, I just travel from A to B and get the best deal I can. I'm interested in seeing if there's a better way to do this (eg by making more of the BA program).
I mention the BA program because I am based in London so that's the airline that can get me to most places. However, for travel in Europe, I am just as happy using Easyjet etc where available. For transatlantic travel, the options change to include the US airlines as well as BA and Virgin (none of which I feel any loyalty to ahead of another).
Jun 17th, 2005, 04:19 PM
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If you are thinking about using BA more and potentially earning "status" with them, be sure to find out what fares yield "qualifying miles." I don't fly on BA, but I believe they tie status to only higher fares. You could confirm this at their website or on the BA forum at FlyerTalk.
Anselm
Anselm
Jun 18th, 2005, 02:46 AM
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I was looking at flyertalk this week and was reminded of the idine program(or whatever they call it now) associated with my US Airways Visa. I think the program has gone downhill lately but we used to be able to rack up quite a few miles dining at restaurants that offered bonus points.
Some of the places offer 20 points for every dollar spent. I haven't really read the new rules that begin in July.
This is about the only retail outlet I have. I very seldom order flowers or get loans over the internet. Sometimes we do rent cars while traveling.
But we did have Sprint complete Sense for a while and we got 250 ff points every month for our $70 phone bill.
Some of the places offer 20 points for every dollar spent. I haven't really read the new rules that begin in July.
This is about the only retail outlet I have. I very seldom order flowers or get loans over the internet. Sometimes we do rent cars while traveling.
But we did have Sprint complete Sense for a while and we got 250 ff points every month for our $70 phone bill.
Jun 18th, 2005, 07:06 AM
#15
<i>No one has yet mentioned those annoying pop ups and pop unders on Flyertalk.com. I have a pop-up stopper and it doesn't stop Flyertalk. </i>
Mine does. Also I use Firefox as my default browser, which does an okay job too.
Mine does. Also I use Firefox as my default browser, which does an okay job too.
Jul 24th, 2005, 09:47 AM
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I would disagree that Flyertalk is just "okay" for air travel info. It is by far the most comprehensive resource for those interested in major airline and hotel loyalty programs, as well as in-depth and extremely current information on service considerations and recent experiences with the specific items being covered. Since joining Flyertalk several years ago, I've picked up invaluable information that has been worth many thousands of dollars in airfare, lodging, upgrades and hassles avoided.
I am primarily a leisure traveler and learning the ropes from some of the most knowledgeable road warriors out there has changed my entire approach. Many people approach travel on an isolated, trip-by-trip basis. By learning how things can be linked together into what I would call an overall "program of travel", I can tell you from personal experience that it is possible to get far more and pay less. Trips and experiences that would have been either unaffordable or enjoyed on a far more limited basis can become attainable much more frequently.
I would agree the Fodors is superior to Flyertalk in terms of destination information and many types of "on-the-ground" insight, including independent hotels, restaurants and a lot of "how-to" types of things. By using both, I've received a ton of information over the years from many different people that has enriched my experience immeasurably.
As for pop-ups, I don't get them with the blocker I use so I'm not tuned in to that issue.
I am primarily a leisure traveler and learning the ropes from some of the most knowledgeable road warriors out there has changed my entire approach. Many people approach travel on an isolated, trip-by-trip basis. By learning how things can be linked together into what I would call an overall "program of travel", I can tell you from personal experience that it is possible to get far more and pay less. Trips and experiences that would have been either unaffordable or enjoyed on a far more limited basis can become attainable much more frequently.
I would agree the Fodors is superior to Flyertalk in terms of destination information and many types of "on-the-ground" insight, including independent hotels, restaurants and a lot of "how-to" types of things. By using both, I've received a ton of information over the years from many different people that has enriched my experience immeasurably.
As for pop-ups, I don't get them with the blocker I use so I'm not tuned in to that issue.
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