points N places

Sadly, The End For Bonza Appears Nigh As Employees Are Formally Let Go
13 Jun '24

Some six weeks after Bonza went into administration, Bonza employees were formally let go at an online meeting on Tuesday, June 11th. 

Follwing two months without pay, administrators told the budget airline’s 323 employees their jobs were immediately terminated.

“The deadline for interested parties to submit a binding offer in relation to the future of Bonza Aviation expired at the close of business Friday 7 June 2024,” administrator Hall Chadwick said in a statement.

“The Administrators assisted a number of interested parties through the sale campaign, allowing each party to conduct their due diligence and formulate any offer. Unfortunately, the Administrators did not receive any binding offers.”

While the end seems nigh for the airline, the administrator said a potential buyer could still emerge at the last minute – despite issuing multiple deadlines.

“The Administrators will provide an update to all creditors shortly and will look to convene the major meeting of the Company in which creditors will decide the future of the Company,” it added.

Mr & Mrs Smith ptoperties now integtated into World of Hayatt - but some disappointments
26 Apr '24

On 24 April 2024, Hyatt officially launched the integration of Mr & Mrs Smith properties into the Hyatt loyalty program.

The launch was much anticipated, as these are very desirable properties now accessible via an equally desirable loyalty program.

Positives for existing members are that if booked directly through Hyatt channels, (but NOT if booked through Mr & Mrs Smith channels):

1. More than 700 Mr & Mrs Smith hotels will be participating, a significant boost to the range available to World of Hyatt members
2. Mr & Mrs Smith bookings will earn 1 Status Credit per night stayed and Hyatt points at the rate of 5 per USD1 spent 
   
3. Tier bonus rates are applied to the above base rates and are counted as bonus points (the same as for Hyatt properties).

However. I found it disappointing that the partnership between Hyatt and Mr & Mrs Smith appears to be a purely marketing one, with their programs being kept quite independent of each other.


Participating Properties

Not all Mr & Mrs Smith properties are participating in World of Hyatt.  Those listed on "Hyatt Booking Channels" (ie. can be booked directly through Hyatt’s website, mobile app, or call centres) are participating ones.  If a property does not appear there, then it is “non-participating”.At least this makes it clear, no searching for lists etc - if you see a property there, then you are good to go. If the property does not appear there, then Hyatt members do not earn or redeem Hyatt points, earn Tier Credits, nor are you entitled to any elite member tier benefits during your stay.

Attaching Your World of Hyatt Membership Number To the Booking

A Member cannot associate their World of Hyatt Program membership number with a reservation during their stay at a Participating Mr & Mrs Smith Property nor by contacting Mr & Mrs Smith or the property directly.  To earn you points and tier credits, it must be attached to the booking and only when made through Hyatt Booking Channels.

Redeeming World of Hyatt Points For Bookings

"World of Hyatt points can be redeemed for a Free Night Award at any Participating Mr & Mrs Smith Property, subject to availability at the applicable property. The number of points necessary to secure a Free Night Award for a particular room type at a Participating Mr & Mrs Smith Property on a particular night will be as indicated on the Hyatt Booking Channels and will include all applicable taxes and fees (including resort fees, if applicable).

So Hyatt's current peak/off-peak pricing structure does not apply. A dynamic pricing model applies to Mr & Mr Smith bookings.


The following types of award are not redeemable at any Mr & Mrs Smith Property: 

1. Free Night Awards other than those secured through the redemption of points,
   
2. Points + Cash Awards,
   
3. any kind of Room Upgrade Award (whether secured by point redemption or otherwise),
   
4. Guest of Honor Awards,
   
5. Dining, Spa & More Awards, or
   
6. Future Meeting Credits

Restrictions Applying To Bookings

Note also that certain requirements and restrictions (e.g., minimum length of stay requirements, minimum advance booking dates, etc.) and/or special cancellation, deposit, and other policies may apply at Participating Mr & Mrs Smith Properties..

So, if you do book a Mr & Mrs Smith property and subsequently need to cancel the booking, you need to take care that you follow the individual property's cancellation policy carefully, as "If a Member does not follow the proper cancellation policy for the applicable property or if a Member does not check in when scheduled, the points redeemed for the applicable Award Reservation will be forfeited by the Member."


Conclusions

I think it is a great asset having more than 700 Mr & Mrs Smith (very attractive) properties available to be booked by members through the World of Hyatt program. 

The access does however come with restrictions, indicating that it is a quite “arm’s length” alliance, with features of both Hyatt and Mr & Mrs Smith programs quarantined from each other.

The dynamic pricing for these properties will be a big disappointment for Hyatt members, given that World of Hyatt is still using a peak/off-peak pricing method for Hyatt properties.  Hopefully however, this will:

1. remove a criticism of the earlier alliance with SLH, where prices on the Hyatt website were consistently higher than those for the identical property booking when made directly on SLH’s website.
   
2. Not be a sign of things to come for the World of Hyatt program more generally.
   

The above is based on the exact T&C’s contained in World of Hyatt Terms & Conditions dated 24 April 2024 and Terms & Conditions for Participation in World of Hyatt by Mr & Mrs Smith Collection Properties also dated 24 April 2024.

Bonza launches booking website
6 Apr '24

After customer feedback, low-cost carrier Bonza has launched a new website that allows flyers to make bookings.

Travellers can use the new website to book flights and Bonza Holiday packages, which include flights, baggage, accommodation and the option to add travel insurance, car hire or airport transfers. 

Prior to the new website, Bonza customers could only book flights on the carrier’s app. The first airline globally to prioritise app bookings, the airline says its Fly Bonza app has been downloaded over 1.8 million times since launching just over a year ago.
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it will continue to be the only way to check in, obtain boarding passes, make menu purchases and enjoy entertainment onboard. 

The airline’s new website lets customers book tailored package holidays to any of their 21 destinations, with activities and attractions also coming soon. Each Bonza Holiday package includes a 23kg checked bag, 8kg hand luggage and standard ‘Pick’ seats. 

Plus, the carrier offers a price match guarantee, in which it will refund the difference if customers find a cheaper holiday within 24 hours of booking. 

In February, the airline announced it would link the Sunshine Coast and Tasmania for the first time.


Apparently the demand for the ability to book via a website was a critical part of flyer feedback to Bonza.  Well done Bonza for being responsive to its customer's requests !

I hope this initiative results in even greater support for this low-cost airline.

Accor opens 22 new properties in Japan - in a single day!
5 Apr '24

Accor has announced the opening of 22 hotels and over 6,000 rooms in Japan. With these openings, the Group’s footprint in Japan will instantly double increasing Accor’s portfolio of hotels in Japan to 46 properties.

The hotels, comprising 12 Grand Mercure and 10 Mercure hotels, range in location from the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido to the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa and are located close to local hidden gems such as Cape Zanpa in Okinawa, Asuka village in Nara, Shiroi Koibito Park in Hokkaido and Senri Beach in Wakayama.  Each hotel offers a range of guestrooms, restaurants, and wellness facilities such as onsen, saunas and swimming pools.

Prior to the addition of these new hotels, Accor was operating 24 hotels in Japan, under eight brands: MGallery; Pullman; Swissôtel; Mercure; Novotel; ibis; ibis Styles and ibis budget. In addition to the 22 Grand Mercure and Mercure hotels that joined Accor’s network on 1 April 2024, there are two more properties currently in the group’s pipeline.

Grand Mercure Hotels & Resorts

• Grand Mercure Sapporo Odori Park
• Grand Mercure Nasu Highlands Resort & Spa
  
• Grand Mercure Yatsugatake Resort & Spa
  
• Grand Mercure Minamiboso Resort & Spa
  
• Grand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa
  
• Grand Mercure Ise-shima Resort & Spa
  
• Grand Mercure Lake Biwa Resort & Spa
  
• Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara
  
• Grand Mercure Wakayama Minabe Resort & Spa
  
• Grand Mercure Awaji Island Resort & Spa
  
• Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa
  
• Grand Mercure Okinawa Cape Zanpa Resort

Mercure Hotels & Resorts

• Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa
  
• Mercure Urabandai Resort & Spa
  
• Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa
  
• Mercure Toyama Tonami Resort & Spa
  
• Mercure Wakayama Kushimoto Resort & Spa
  
• Mercure Kyoto Miyazu Resort & Spa
  
• Mercure Tottori Daisen Resort & Spa
  
• Mercure Kochi Tosa Resort & Spa
  
• Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa
  
• Mercure Saga Karatsu Resort.

I expect these will all participate in the Accor Live Limitless program. For information refer to our guide to  Accor ALL.

Singapore Airlines dishes up first Premium Economy upgrade in 9 years
18 Mar '24

Singapore Airlines has updated its Premium Economy inflight experience for the first time since launching in 2015 with an expanded dining menu that includes a flute of French Champagne after take-off plus a new amenity kit from 31 March 2024.

As part of the Premium Class revamp, Singapore Airlines (SQ) will also introduce upcoming new cabin products and inflight entertainment systems.

All SQ flights will offer the improved Premium Class dining and beverage selection, which includes a glass of Charles de Cazanove Brut Tradition NV Champagne and meals served on custom-made porcelain serviceware.

SQ has more than 200 new appetisers, main courses and desserts in its Premium Economy Class inflight menu expansion. Special meals including a vegan option are also available.


* New Premium Economy Class meals include a seasonal appetiser, main course, bread, dessert and cheese and crackers served on a linen-lined tray with silverware.

* Passengers will also have the option of croissants for breakfast and a choice of international or Asian cuisine for the main course on all flights.


They can also choose from an expanded Book the Cook menu with up to 20 dishes available on rotation for pre-order at least 24 hours before departure. 

Along with the French Champagne, passengers will enjoy an expanded beverage selection that includes the signature Singapore Sling cocktail, ANZ wines, herbal teas and a new Cadbury hot chocolate option.

Between meals, they can request new snack options such as almonds and cashews along with the existing variety of potato chips, assorted buns, sandwiches, muffins and flavoured popcorn.

In addition, on all flights of at least seven hours’ duration, passengers will receive a new, exclusively designed eco-friendly amenity kit with slippers, an eye mask and lip balm, while kids flying to and from Singapore will enjoy Disney collectibles.

Turkish Airlines Australian Debut Flight Lands At Melbourne Airport
4 Mar '24

Australia welcomes Turkish Airlines. The carrier that flies to more countries than any other airline has added Australia to its list of international destinations, touching down at Melbourne Airport - its 346th port - on Saturday night. 03 Mar 2024

Istanbul bound - Turkish Airlines' first Australian flight takes off from Melbourne Scheduled to arrive in Melbourne at 8.40pm, flight TK168 landed in the Victorian capital at 8.44pm (pretty punctual for a first effort), before TK169 departed for Istanbul (via Singapore) at 11.20pm (scheduled for 10.30pm). Turkish’s arrival in Melbourne marks several firsts.  Most obviously, it is the first time the 90-year-old carrier has operated a service to Australia, a market it is confident will take up the direct flights – thanks in part to Melbourne’s large Turkish population.  Secondly, Turkish’s arrival marks the first time any airline has operated direct flights from Australasia to Türkiye, a destination that straddles Europe and Asia and has a special connection to Australia through Gallipoli.  Moreover, TK’s arrival marks the return of a mainland European carrier to Australia, with British Airways the only other European airline to operate flights Down Under (Sydney-London via Singapore).  The new service will operate three times per week via Singapore (departing Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday) until the arrival of new long-range aircraft in Turkish’s fleet makes it possible to fly the route non-stop.  While the Istanbul-based carrier utilised its B777 aircraft for its inaugural flight to Tulllamarine, it intends to use its B787 Dreamliners and flagship A350s on the route from later this month. 

Downward pressure on fares?

With the arrival of Turkish Airlines, Melbourne Airport is now served by a record 39 international carriers – and its CEO, Lorie Argus, is understandably excited by its debut. “Turkish Airlines has an extensive network and flies to more countries than any other airline so this new competitor in the Australian market is fantastic news for consumers,” she said. “We’ve worked closely with the Victorian State Government to bring Turkish Airlines to Melbourne, and we now look forward to growing their services over the coming years.” Argus also expects the extra capacity will help lower airfares “which will ensure Victorian residents and businesses can stay connected with family, friends and clients around the world”.



Turkish Airlines lands at Melbourne Airport.

“Melbourne is proudly home to the largest Turkish population in Australia, so we expect these flights will prove particularly popular with people looking to visit friends and relatives,” she added. Victorian Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins said international air travel out of Melbourne “continues to go from strength to strength”. “With more airlines choosing Melbourne as their destination of choice, we’re boosting tourism, trade, international education, business connections and local jobs,” she remarked. Meanwhile, Minister for Small Business Natalie Suleyman said the new flights would help tourism and trade, create jobs and support small businesses.

Long-anticipated arrival

Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee Dr Ahmet Bolat said the carrier’s arrival fulfilled a long-held ambition to fly to the Australian continent. 

“This achievement follows meticulous planning and extensive infrastructure developments, symbolising the successful bridging of Istanbul with a new and vibrant continent,” he said.

“The inauguration of our Melbourne route is a testament to our growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region and underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering connections between diverse cultures and communities across the globe.

“Through our unparalleled network, we are thrilled to offer our guests a gateway to global exploration, ensuring that our legacy of exceptional service quality continues to flourish in every corner of the world.”

Celebrating at Melbourne Airport

Turkish Airlines announced its intention to fly to Australia in June last year, saying it would commence flights in December 2023. After stalling on its Aussie launch, it then confirmed a start date of 16 March 2024, before finally bringing forward flights by two weeks to 2 March.

And don’t expect the airline to stop with Melbourne. After Federal Transport Minister Catherine King approved a proposal from Türkiye in December, Turkish Airlines is authorised to operate up to 35 flights a week in and out of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Western Sydney airports by 2025.

So watch this space.

Langham Launches New Loyalty Program
29 Feb '24

Langham Hospitality Group has announced the launch of Brilliant by Langham, a new loyalty platform designed to meet the dynamic and evolving needs of its guests. 

Similar to both Accor Live Limitless and Marriott Bonvoy, the new program will reward members with not only stays, but also curated experiences.

Beyond traditional perks, Brilliant additionally allows for the introduction of personalised experiential offerings, from whimsical excursions and cultural immersions to unforgettable wellness and culinary delights. Examples of such offerings are said to include: 

• Private cooking lessons and dinners with celebrity chefs 
  
• Behind-the-scenes dance and musical performance encounters 
  
• Nature walks with guided mindfulness sessions 
  
• Off-the-beaten-path tours hosted by local guides 
  
• Traditional crafting workshops with seasoned artisans 
  
• Themed tea parties in picturesque locations 
  

Brilliant will go live on 29th February 2024  and thereafter serve as Langham sole loyalty program. It replaces the group’s existing loyalty programs, Langham Supper Club and 1865 Privilege by Langham, both of which will cease to operate on 28th February.

Members from the closing programs will have their past loyalty rewarded with an invitation to join Brilliant at higher starting membership tiers. 

Analysis of the new Brilliant program will follow, once the T&C's have been released.

Qatar Airways Holidays launch fan packages for the Formula 1
21 Feb '24

Qatar Airways, the Global Partner and Official Airline of F1, in partnership with Qatar Airways Holidays, announced on 19 February the launch of its fan packages for the upcoming FIA Formula One World Championship.

The packages allow fans travelling from more than 40 countries to be up-close to high-octane action and enjoy unique experiences. 

From the beginning to end of their journey, the packages are designed for fans to enjoy a seamless motorsport extravaganza, with the inclusion of return flights, hotel accommodation, F1 Paddock Club or Grandstand race tickets, and return airport transfers for all global races (excluding Qatar). Packages are available for purchase at: qatarairways.com/f1. 

Similar to the inaugural packages, this year’s fan packages include an array of flexible and competitively priced options for select F1® 2024 race destinations. 

This year, fans are also encouraged to experience guided track tours, pit lane walks and more with the F1® Paddock Club™ packages, featuring savings of up to 20 per cent on global race packages.

One of the best spots to watch the action, offering world-class cuisine and free-flowing beverages, the Paddock Club™ is the pinnacle of F1® hospitality.


Qatar Airways Privilege Club members

In addition, Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can collect Avios and Qpoints on all fan packages, accumulating rewards to use towards future travel and experiences while helping them retain and quickly reach their next tier.

Members can also purchase their package using Cash + Avios. 

Alternatively, members can bid for the packages using Avios.
How will the Formula 1 deals work?

Packages have been secured for the following races:

• Melbourne Grand Prix, 24th March (now open for bidding)
• Miami Grand Prix, 5th May
• Monaco Grand Prix, 26th May
• British Grand Prix, 7th July
• Las Vegas Grand Prix, 24th November
• Qatar Grand Prix, 1st December

The Privilege Club Collection website is only open for bidding on the Melbourne Grand Prix at the moment, so we don’t know exactly what will be available for each race.

However, each package will include two Paddock Club™ VIP passes and hotel accommodation for the entire race period, usually three days. Paddock Club is the highest level of hospitality available and includes track tours and pit lane walks.
How can you bid for Privilege Club experiences?

Privilege Club Collection will eventually have a mix of ‘buy it now’ and auction experiences, although everything currently listed is for auction.

Here are two very important points to note:

(1)  You must have Avios in a Qatar Airways Privilege Club account before you can bid. It is NOT good enough to have Avios in say a British Airways Executive Club account which is linked to your Qatar Airways Privilege Club account. You must have physically moved Avios across to your Qatar Airways Privilege Club account.

(One snag here is that you can’t use the entire balance of a British Airways Executive Club household account to bid. The only Avios you can move into a Qatar Airways Privilege Club account are those in your own personal account. If you have 200,000 Avios and your partner has 50,000 Avios to give you a household balance of 150,000 Avios, the most you could use to bid for a single Privilege Club Collection auction is 200,000 – ie your own balance.)

(2)  You must have enough Avios in your Qatar Airways Privilege Club account to match your maximum bid. You cannot bid more than your current Avios balance, and you cannot set a future auto-bid which is higher than your balance. Transfers are free, instant and can be reversed at any time.