Have any of you well travelled OB's used this company for discount flights?- & if so what were your experiences?
Alpha Flight Guru
Lgoosegog on 30/10/2013 - 16:51
Related Stores
Comments
High risk and you are talking $3000 to $4000 and if 2-3 people are travelling, it's like 10k you are risking…
Thank you. I had actually been onto trip advisor & there are plenty of positive comments after all the negs. from people who haven't even used the service. SSOOO!! we have booked with them after checking re their system of obtaining tickets which is done through American Express points. Obviously can't comment on the end result yet but watch this post. We have found them to be very helpful & professional so far.By the way they don't buy private individuals ff points - that is illegal.
It's not illegal. It just violate the terms and conditions of the airline. Also, I don't understand why you think buying American Express points is any better? Those AMEX points can't buy any airline ticket in their own right - they need to get transferred into a personal frequent flyer account in order to be of any use, so again, goes back to my original point (whether it be your own, or someone else's).
I'm not saying AFG won't work - like I said earlier, if things go smoothly, I'm sure the trip may work out fine. BUT if the airline catches wind of this, be prepared to be stiffed out of a lot of money, be stuck at the airport, and at the mercy of the airline.
It's up to the individual to weigh up the risks. But let's not beat around the bush and pretend that what AFG does are 'above board' business practices.
Actually, Amex points can be used to purchase flights through Amex Travel but it would be better value if they convert them to airline points.
Whilst I thank you for your time in replying to my query, I would like to know if you have any personal experience from booking flights this way ? My original ask was to hear from anyone who had used the service & their story. In addition we have the E tickets for all flights which arrived with no problems at all. There has not been any high pressure sales from the company ( would not accept that ) just great service @ a good price with all follow up questions answered very quickly.
I haven't booked anything with this company myself but I work for an airline and don't think you'll have much trouble. The frequent flyer cardholder could access your details in the booking which might be a small concern. They could also cancel your flights too but I don't think they would, considering you could charge back your credit card. Obviously don't brag to airline staff about how you bought the tickets but otherwise you should be fine.
Let us know how it turns out - happy travels
Thank you for all input & especially donga 100 .Watch future posts!
May I ask which airline you booked with? If you have your tickets already it might be worthwhile checking how they were purchased. If it was booked with points and you paid by credit card I don't see much risk. However, I have seen sites that ask you to pay by direct deposit and then book tickets with stolen credit cards. You get the tickets and the airline will even say it is a legitimate booking but eventually the card owner does a chargeback and the tickets are cancelled.
Tickets booked Thai Airways ( via Bangkok - Business class ) Bangkok to Frankfurt - Thai Airways ( First class) Lufthansa from Frankfurt to Barcelona -( business class). Will then board a cruise ship which finishes in Venice with the flights back in the same scenario but in reverse. We paid for this with credit card - no points have been used & at no time did Alpha Flight Guru ask for a direct bank payment.
If you don't mind me asking… How much was it per person?
Very nice work - in a short space of time.
Did you have an alternative ticket/scenario ready in case Alpha didnt suit you ?
And do you wish to share the % savings factor between the two with us ?Big fan of Flightfox but maybe AFG may be an option in the future.
Yes - through our travel agent but flights certainly did not match this offer. Would have contacted FlyL4less but didn't see the necessity after conversations & emails with AFG who offered so much help & advise. Savings are in the $1000's - we could not afford to fly first class normally although often do business class -wish we had found them earlier for other trips.
delete,Didn't notice date on thread.
They get someone to buy your ticket via their personal frequent flyer account. Violates the terms and conditions of every frequent flyer program out there, so the airline will cancel your ticket if they find out (leaving you stranded and needing to buy a fresh new ticket). If you can accept the risks, then it might be for you, but I myself wouldn't bother dealing with a company whose entire practice is based on violating terms and conditions.
Tripadvisor has lots of posts:
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i10702-k4778522-A…