Getting Charged for No Show Domestic Flights or banned from Priority Pass abuse?

Fat Horny Ghost on 23/08/2024 - 10:58
Last edited 23/08/2024 - 10:59

If I book multiple cheap flights over the course of a year and do not show up for most of them despite paying for the fare will I get charged a no show or be banned from the airline?

I have seen in some airline policies charge a no show fee, so a bit confused how that gets applied.

I live right next to the aiport and plan to use the unlimited priority pass within the aiport's restaurants and lounges which would get more value compared to a $100+ one way fare.

Would priority pass find out that I'm not going on some of the flights and ban me?

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Comments

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 23/08/2024 - 11:03
    +109

    This post is why i love Ozbargin

  • altomic on 23/08/2024 - 11:04
    +3

    What do the terms and conditions say?

    • CocaKoala on 24/08/2024 - 18:19
      +1

      That question makes no sense.

      /s

      • roguescholar on 24/08/2024 - 18:55
        +3

        OP just wants to make cents.

  • Hybroid on 23/08/2024 - 11:05
    +6

    It will of course depend on each airline but the 'no-show fee' is either a fee added on when you rebook your tickets (like an admin charge) or deducted when you refund your flight ticket (where applicable). You do not get automatically charged an additional penalty fee.

    A better option may be buying an easily flexible ticket so you can keep pushing it out further and futher with no additional fees maybe? Not sure if that would work with what you are proposing to do, check how late you can change flights.

    • MMM on 24/08/2024 - 19:24

      Book Qantas/Jetstar for best value, with cancellation & delays along with reissue boarding pass, you get multi use lounge pass only paying for a single fare!

  • scrambledeggs on 23/08/2024 - 11:06
    +107

    If you grab some cured meats from the lounge, you could BBQ them up in the local park (to save on gas/electricity) - might help save on the repayments for your high yield investment Audi! This one's going in the hall of fame for sure.

    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 23/08/2024 - 11:44
      +2

      That'd go well with the risotto.

    • spackbace on 23/08/2024 - 13:13

      This one's going in the hall of fame for sure.

      Nah, it's too lazy for that

    • starspawn on 23/08/2024 - 14:10
      +6

      Omg the park bbq guy, that had me choking

    • kiitos on 24/08/2024 - 13:25

      Was totally going to link OP with BBQ guy too

    • WhyAmICommenting on 24/08/2024 - 18:52

      *Mercedes

  • leiiv on 23/08/2024 - 11:14
    +5

    Do you need a boarding pass before you can get into the lounge?

    • Derrick Crane on 23/08/2024 - 11:41
      +4

      Absolutely.

    • vengeance88 on 24/08/2024 - 12:48
      +3

      They could still print a boarding pass and not board the plane. OP will find a work-around.

  • Duckie2hh on 23/08/2024 - 11:15
    +21

    I live right next to the aiport and plan to use the unlimited priority pass within the aiport's restaurants and lounges which would get more value compared to a $100+ one way fare

    doubt.

    • Drakesy on 23/08/2024 - 11:22

      Agreed

      • FireRunner on 24/08/2024 - 21:15
        +1

        Tell him he's dreamin'

    • freefall101 on 23/08/2024 - 12:51
      +19

      Just watch me as I drink $100+ of airport lounge coffee.

      It really doesn't add up. Most airport terminals have one or two restaurants available for Priority Pass and it's a $36 cap on spending per restaurant, at overpriced airport food prices. OP could go through all the restaurants and spend some time in the lounge to get to $100, but it'd take ages and involves being stuck in the airport for a long time. Maybe include taking the shuttles between terminals and munch down on some extra meals?

      And now I just feel silly that I clearly put more time into researching this idea than OP did (about 5 minutes).

      • Duckie2hh on 23/08/2024 - 13:55
        +4

        You took the bait.

      • Fat Horny Ghost on 24/08/2024 - 03:59
        +4

        Depends on the priority pass as some you can add +1 guests which doubles the value.

        So you get $72 credit to use per restaurant + lounge access.

        Terminals

        T2 Sydney - 2 restaurants ($144 credit) with 1 lounge +1 guest

        Brisbane Domestic - 4 restaurants ($288 credit)

        T2 Melbourne - 4 restaurants ($288 restaurant vouchers) with 3 lounges +1 guest

        Airport restaurants are all over priced overpriced by 15-50% based on experience to your average price in a restaurant.

        By factoring in over priced meals to make it more reasonable (let's say the true value is 50% of the original cost - i.e. Big breakfast was $25 now $14.50 or Grilled scotch fillet for $30 to $15.

        You will need to consider the credit you're getting is 50% less, so you're getting about the equivalent of $36 credit (around 2 cheap main meals per restaurant).

        My nearest terminal has 2 restaurants with 2 main meals = 4 main meals at around $15 = $60 value. You spend additional $20 per person for lounge access for alcoholic drinks, light snacks, coffee, wifi etc.

        This brings it exactly to $100 fair value.

        But considering that I enjoy drinking and have 3-5+ beers or wine on a good outing ($30-80).

        In total $130-$180 for food and drinks elsewhere for 2-3 people vs. $100 or less throwaway flight.

        Brisbane Domestic and Melbourne T2 Terminal's have 4 restaurants which offer in total about 8 main meals. I would consider a buffet 2-3 meals (that's about $33pp to eat till you puke + alcoholic drinks at Melbourne T2).

        Using flex booking and constantly changing the flights would likely get you banned and in a news article.

        But I was wondering if you can get banned/charged for continual no shows to abuse the priority pass (usually cheap domestic flights around $30-80 but $100 you will still get value based on the above).

        • redforever on 24/08/2024 - 07:00
          +4

          Melbourne T2 is the international terminal. The restaurants and lounges are airside and you need to clear immigration to get to them.

          The 20 dollars lounge co payment for premium alcohol is also only available in international terminal. You wont get 100 dollar international flight tickets and you will have a hard time trying to leave the airside area without flying.

          I believe the only lounge accessible under priority pass at domestic terminals is the rex lounge. Not sure if they are still operating with rex under administration.
          You are really only limited to the restaurants at domestic terminals.

        • Smol Cat on 24/08/2024 - 11:20

          You thinking half of $25 is $14.50 of “value” perfectly explains why you asked this cooked question in the first place.

          The true travesty is me wasting time reading these clearly s#itposts

        • freefall101 on 24/08/2024 - 11:43
          +9

          I feel really sorry for the poor soul you drag along with you.

          “Can I order a drink with my meal?” “Sorry, no, you need to wait until the airport lounge part of this date, where I get drunk to ensure I get value for money from this”.

          How’s the parking situation looking? Also, what value do you put on your time?

  • coffeeinmyveins on 23/08/2024 - 11:37
    -2

    I live right next to the aiport and plan to use the unlimited priority pass within the aiport's restaurants and lounges which would get more value compared to a $100+ one way fare.

    This is dead in the water because you need a boarding pass to use these lounges and aren't they past security anyway?

    So what's your plan?

    • 6079 Smith on 23/08/2024 - 11:58
      +16

      Reading the post it seems OP wants to buy a flight, obtain a boarding pass and enter the airport to eat food

      • DingoBilly on 23/08/2024 - 13:33
        +7

        And somehow thinks they can eat $100+ worth of food making it cost effective to forgo their ticket…

        • bloom on 23/08/2024 - 20:53
          +4

          Make sure you check in a small bag to really piss of the airline

        • Fat Horny Ghost on 24/08/2024 - 04:10

          Yep I always do this when I travel with my partner, family or friends but always wondered if I can get cheap tickets and do a no show (also known as skiplagging).

          Others usually do it to skip secondary legs they don't intend to fly as it sometimes it would be cheaper to book additional legs (which is what I am assuming for the additional no show charges).

          Not sure how the no show works though as you're meant to inform the company i.e. https://sites.google.com/view/jetstarcancellationpolicy/home

          What if you have a no show once a fortnight?

        • Smol Cat on 24/08/2024 - 11:22

          Yeah this is up there as one of the dumbest plans ever. Considering they state they only get $36 of credit per visit on food, not even unlimited buffet. The fact they’re even thinking about this is pure delusion

          • Fat Horny Ghost on 24/08/2024 - 13:00

            @Smol Cat: $72 credit*

            I just gave an example to account for inflated prices by reducing it by 50% where it would realstically be $32 credit to bring main meals to the usual $15 or so (but harder to find places like nowadays)

      • whyisave on 25/08/2024 - 01:49

        You don't need a boarding pass to enter the Sydney domestic airport.
        You need the boarding pass to enter the lounges.

    • Fat Horny Ghost on 24/08/2024 - 04:17
      +1

      The international lounges are better, but they have less restaurants.

      Anyone can pass domestic security scan, but they scan boarding passes regularly now, so go in eat and drink then leave.

  • Dollar General on 23/08/2024 - 11:40

    Email me the boarding passes

  • jv on 23/08/2024 - 11:59
    -1

    Fourteen.

  • capslock on 23/08/2024 - 12:02
    +11

    Paging Fat Horny Ghost. Your flight is ready to depart. Please head to Gate 666 immediately.

    I guess we'll be hearing this a lot.

    I don't think you can do this indefinitely. You'll probably get sick of eating the same food over and over again.

  • 6079 Smith on 23/08/2024 - 12:05
    +3

    I’d explore the flexible ticket option, i.e book the last flight of the day on a flex ticket, check in and go to the airport to have your priority pass lunch or dinner, then a few hours before the flight call the airline to cancel check in and either refund or reschedule the ticket. Probably don’t link it to your FF account.

    Furthermore I find PP restaurants much more relaxed about scanning boarding passes than lounges. Eg in my 3 visits to the noodle bar in CBR they’ve not asked for a boarding pass.

    There was a story many years ago about a bloke doing this with I believe China Southern where he was going into the first class lounge for dinner every day for a year on the same business ticket. Got caught and just refunded the ticket and bought a new one.

  • No on 23/08/2024 - 12:23
    +2

    As 6079 Smith mentioned something similar has been done before:

    https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/6mv626/til_a…

    Give it a go and let us know!

  • djones145 on 23/08/2024 - 13:58

    dont forget to live stream it in youtube.
    we here in ozbragain are rooting for ya

  • SnowDragon on 23/08/2024 - 15:03

    Find an airline who will let you rebook after you've got your boarding pass

    • grrrr on 25/08/2024 - 17:42

      I've had it happen but there were circumstances:
      It was a connecting flight and I didnt make it to my terminal in time.
      I was still in the air port pleading for another flight to my destination (ASAP) and obviously very distraught. (not wasted and in a food coma)

  • sumyungguy on 23/08/2024 - 16:19
    +1

    Assuming you're able to walk to SYD T2/T3 this may be a genius hack, but… airport restaurant prices are jacked which will kill your yield from the $36 discount; and you'll only be dining on the limited days when you can get a mythical low-cost one-way fare ex-SYD

    • Fat Horny Ghost on 24/08/2024 - 04:11

      $72 discount per restaurant (+1 guest) which is where the value comes in ;)

      • woolton on 24/08/2024 - 08:30

        But you would need two boarding passes for that.
        Unless you find flights that cost less than $36 it hardly seems worth the effort.

        • Fat Horny Ghost on 24/08/2024 - 13:58
          +3

          You only need 1 boarding pass

          You can tell the restaurant to add 1 guest for free if on the unlimited PP to get the $72 value.

          Some of them ask for a guest, so i usually just shout the next guynext to me a schooner ($10 or so) or if im travelling myself i shout a round of drinks and only get what I wanted.

          Flights are regularly on sale for around $50, most recent was $29

          http://ozbargain.com.au/search/node/Domestic%20sale

          • sumyungguy on 24/08/2024 - 21:31
            +1

            @Fat Horny Ghost: The way I read it, if you have a Jetstar Business Class fare with Max bundle and fail to board within the required time, refund (less $50 fee) can be made if requested before the end of the day of your original scheduled departure. So there may indeed be a flexible way to use your PP with a $50 spend. If you take the extra time to drop by a service desk to advise for personal reasons you won't be able to board, this won't cause the airline any inconvenience. This will allow you to dine at the airport at the day/time of your choosing. Virgin fares are not refundable in the event of a no-show; failing to board a flight regardless of whether or not you have checked in. Qantas cancellation fee is $99.

  • coxjon on 23/08/2024 - 20:04
    +10

    I hope you’re doing all your toileting at the airport to save on TP/hand soap.

    • markathome on 25/08/2024 - 16:31

      This comment got +7 votes, which is very disappointing given it is widely recognised that commercial TP is inferior to the domestic product.

  • mattmel96 on 24/08/2024 - 07:56

    How did you get a unlimited PP. Mine only provides 2 visits per year and if I take a guest they consume one of those visits?

    • woolton on 24/08/2024 - 08:31
      -3

      He/she has probably spent hundreds of dollars to get the unlimited entries just to save about $5.

    • Fat Horny Ghost on 24/08/2024 - 13:01
      +6

      Unlimited PP comes free with Citi Prestige Credit Card where some are still getting free CC points from transferring Payall into their own savings and collecting bank interest then auto transfer back before any charges

  • jhaley3180 on 24/08/2024 - 08:24
    +2

    So let me get this right, you want to go to an airport to eat as a leisure activity, like go on a date? Wow… I'd be so excited about going through security etc and fighting airport idiocy to "dine", it would be so relaxing and pleasurable…. Argh can't think of a worse idea.

  • HappyPuppies on 24/08/2024 - 11:06

    Probably why people can't have nice things. Have to appeal to the lowest common denominator.

  • Cartmanizm on 24/08/2024 - 11:11
    +5

    Reminds me of the Chinese guy that did this in China using a single flexible First Class ticket and kept it up for 1 year. When he finally got caught and confronted, he stopped and applied for a refund for his full flex ticket.

    https://nypost.com/2014/01/29/man-uses-first-class-plane-tic…

    Will OP beat this record?

    • Smol Cat on 24/08/2024 - 11:24
      +1

      Yeah but that Chinese dude had access to a proper great lounge with what was essentially good quality buffet food and drinks. OP is thinking about trying it with some crap tier place that caps you at $36 per visit

    • whyisave on 25/08/2024 - 01:53
      +2

      That's an awesome story.

      Still, Eastern China Airlines officials confronted him, and the human meal ticket stopped chowing down.

      Human Meal Ticket

      hahaha

  • yeahyeah on 24/08/2024 - 12:23

    Are you gonna buy the full Priority Pass Prestige membership @$469USD to do this?

    Spend $50 on a cheap flight to the goldy to get yourself a couple sammies and a beer at the Rex lounge or save yourself $36 at a crappy and/or overpriced restaurant in the domestic terminal. Genius

  • Fat Horny Ghost on 24/08/2024 - 13:46
    +4

    Comes free with credit card offering $72 max credit per restaurant which I usually use anyway

    Food is pretty mediocre but not too bad

    Below from Bistro 2020

    https://ibb.co/D9rbxjv

    1. Chicken Pesto Pasta $24
    2. Wagyu Beef Burger $22
    3. Bloody Mary Cocktail $22

    Pasta would realistically be $15-18 elsewhere
    Burger would be similar around $15 elsewhere
    Cocktail would be $15 elsewhere

    $45 true value in this case for 1 restaurant alone

    A true ozbargainer would buy one way sale flight which are usually around $50 or less.

    $50 flight with a feed for 2 to 4 at $12.50pp (for 4).

    $100 flight would be $25/pp (for 4).

    Where can 4 people go out, have a sit down meal with drinks and enjoy lounge access at $25/pp or $12.50/pp if buying sale flights.

    You are all ozbargainers so if you do, please let us all know.

    • whyisave on 25/08/2024 - 01:56
      +2

      Where can 4 people go out, have a sit down meal with drinks and enjoy lounge access at $25/pp or $12.50/pp if buying sale flights.

      • Parking at airport, is not free

      Then again, we all know how to get the airport cheaply.

      So, with the $25/person cost breakdown, that qualifies for a OzB birthday meet !

  • 2esc on 24/08/2024 - 13:53
    +2

    Its actually amazing whats discussed here.

    • Fat Horny Ghost on 24/08/2024 - 14:12
      +4

      We need more loophole discussions but they could easily get patched.

      Best discussed privately with select few so it doesn't get shared, abused and patched.

      I know a small group of geniuses who are insanely good at finding gaps, glitches and abusing point systems, benefits and privelleges to get free or very cheap food from chains, hotel stays, rental and public transport and flights.

      They got up to $100k worth of value to throw a Mr. Beast like birthday which was pretty memorable. Some ozbargainers attended that party so if you know then you know.

      But the big money is in paying less to no tax from very expensive accountants

      http://abc.net.au/news/2023-06-09/australian-taxation-office…

      • whyisave on 25/08/2024 - 02:03

        Best discussed privately with select few so it doesn't get shared, abused and patched.

        Agree.

        If there's a Briar/Matrix/Riot/Status chat group (ie. no phone numbers or usernames required),
        then, I could join this in-person at next meet-up,
        after pledging not to ever share/disclose these loopholes with anyone :-)

  • ozzguy on 24/08/2024 - 15:14

    Just checking, are you this guy? https://nypost.com/2014/01/29/man-uses-first-class-plane-tic…

    • Fat Horny Ghost on 24/08/2024 - 15:33
      +1

      No, they've already somewhat patched it so you can't get unlimited use of priority pass without spending anything.

      You can't do this as domestic lounges generally only let you in 2 hours before flight (some may let you in earlier). Flex flights can't be changed prior to check in or 2 hours before the flight depending the airline policy.

      The international airport lounges are good, but would be a hassle to get through long lines for scanning and could create problems with all the stamping and not flying.

      Domestic lounges only have those 7-eleven sandwiches and wraps, bottled beer and cheap wine. Still not bad especially throwaway $29 flight.

      • whyisave on 25/08/2024 - 02:06

        domestic lounges generally only let you in 2 hours before flight

        Yes, and International Lounges now have a 3-hour limit of stay, for the Priority Pass holders.
        They implemented this about 8-10 years ago, after people were spending half a day in them.

        The international airport lounges are good, but would be a hassle to get through long lines for scanning and could create problems with all the stamping and not flying.

        Then, I'm wondering about SYD airport and how to get from the Departure area, to the Arrivals area, unless there's a way out of the Airport from the Departure area (after Immigration).

  • Randolph Duke on 24/08/2024 - 16:18
    +2

    Has OP eaten at the airport before? For the most part, the restaurants are shit. Overpriced and poor quality.

  • gromit on 24/08/2024 - 18:03

    While you might only lose your ticket price, I would expect eventually they will refuse to sell you tickets, so with something like this I hope you don't actually need to fly often. To much potential for flight delays when you checked in but don't board and flight delays cost them a LOT of money.

  • Lunarboogie on 24/08/2024 - 21:11
    +2

    I recently got the Citi Prestige card (I was lured by the 150,000 QF points sign on deal) that comes with unlimited Priority Pass and took my first flight with it last week: CBR-MEL-BKK-MEL-CBR.

    I spent $144 in CBR, $144 in MEL and went to The House (not worth it), went to the First Class Miracle Lounge in G Concourse in BKK (great showers), and spent another $98 in MEL. All up, that provided $370 in direct F&B value, plus whatever value the lounge visits provide. All I paid was $120 in taxes for the Virgin redemption return flight to MEL and another $400 for the Jetstar hop to Thailand and back. It was incredible value and I now can't wait to do it all again thanks to Priority Pass.

    If you're traveling anyway, the card offers amazing value. Less so if you're thinking of doing what OP is trying to do. But if he lives close to an airport and can find a cheap flight, then fill your boots ole chap and report back.

  • Poor Ass on 24/08/2024 - 21:38
    +1

    How do you get to the airport? Walk? bus? Free shuttle?

    • Fat Horny Ghost on 26/08/2024 - 00:15
      +2

      Walk or public transport usung another hack so it's practically free

      • Poor Ass on 26/08/2024 - 08:05
        +1

        Which airport

        Most airports are unwalkable. But yes yours except

        • Fat Horny Ghost on 26/08/2024 - 11:01
          +2

          T2 Kingsford Smith Sydney Domestic

          I live in Mascot next to the airport hotels which is about 15-20 min walk.

          Some people walk with their luggage around me which I wouldn't do.

          I'm also 5 mins away from the train station so can use a valid method to get almost free return trip avoiding the $10 airport access fee (doesn't involve the pleb and illegal method to jump the gates).

          • Poor Ass on 26/08/2024 - 13:25

            @Fat Horny Ghost:

            I'm also 5 mins away from the train station so can use a valid method to get almost free return trip avoiding the $10 airport access fee (doesn't involve the pleb and illegal method to jump the gates).

            what's that? the bus trick?

            • Fat Horny Ghost on 26/08/2024 - 13:45
              +1

              @Poor Ass: No, it can be easily patched so I'm not leaking it. It is not too hard to figure out if you know how the opal card system works, similar to the old method before it got patched.

              • Poor Ass on 26/08/2024 - 13:53

                @Fat Horny Ghost: Not in NSW so I dunno how it works

                Pm

                Just interested

                I got something similar with the Translink card for airport trade ya lol

                • Fat Horny Ghost on 26/08/2024 - 14:23
                  +1

                  @Poor Ass: The method should also work in QLD but i usually just drive around there as its more convenient and there is a way to get free short term parking 30 mins - 1 hour at the Brisbane domestic airport if you have access to certain benefits/privelleges (impossible to get without being elligible and involves a long process).

                  There is 50c fares with Translink atm anyway.

                  • Poor Ass on 26/08/2024 - 14:34

                    @Fat Horny Ghost: no 50c for airport link but I know how to get airport almost free but not worth the effort

                    but sounds like you are putting in a bit of effort if not walking

                    • Fat Horny Ghost on 26/08/2024 - 15:06

                      @Poor Ass: Oh thats a shame the 50c doesnt work for airlink.

                      The long process involved is for access to free parking which I'm sure some would rightfully abuse to an extent once they are elligible and get that benefit.

                      Public transport method takes about 1-2 mins preparation beforehand for each trip so yes a small hurdle.

                      • Poor Ass on 26/08/2024 - 16:12

                        @Fat Horny Ghost: ya because the build and operation is actually private and not part of Queensland Rail at least not until 2036 when the lease is up.. they do use some of the QR network

                        no one catches it because it's expensive unless you were by yourself

                        currently is half price but still expensive

  • jaimex2 on 24/08/2024 - 22:48
    -1

    Why would they care? Don't they bet on people not showing up to their overbooked flights? You're doing them a favor.

    Read more - the forced check in ruins it… Can you un-check in lol ?

  • whyisave on 25/08/2024 - 02:21

    Would priority pass find out that I'm not going on some of the flights and ban me?

    I don't think PP matches up the data of flights taken/completed with the lounge visits made.

    They probably check the type of airlines you're catching, eg. cheap AirAsia flight but visiting 'expensive' lounge.

    I would guess they want to see if they're attracting big spenders, rather than freeloader types,
    because at the end, PP would charge the bank for each visit you are making.

    Disclosure:
    I only have the PP membership from a Citi Premier card (previously Signature card), for more than 10 years and this PP offered 2 visits per 'account year'.
    Last year, I had 2 x PP memberships, from 2 different Credit Cards, and used them (ie. 3-4 visits) in International lounges last year,
    ie. Guangzhou, Belgrade & Singapore.
    This year, I used the PP in Dusseldorf and Doha (which completes the quota of 2 visits this year).

  • timhn on 25/08/2024 - 09:00
    +2

    OP, hat off to you to come up with this scheme 😁

    Many years ago when I first got the 2xPP from the free4life Signature card (now Premier), I got the similar thoughts to have free dining at Syd airport as well, but my idea was very simple.

    I had few trips a year that time must to go to airport for either greet or farewell. So was thinking just dine at one those restaurants/cafes during that time for free - can only do twice/yr but better than let those PP go wasted for that year. But of course found out they must see a boarding pass under my name.

  • neoleo on 25/08/2024 - 09:53

    Hi, bro. From the link below, it looks like no charge for a no show as long as it is a single trip ticket:
    https://www.reddit.com/r/AustraliaTravel/comments/19eq2if/wh…

    But the possibility of getting banned for life depends on the airline … Even for activity outside the plane and airport lol (hotel reception):
    https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/reviews-and-advice/no-fly-l…

    If you worry about getting charged for a no show, maybe use virtual cards that can be disabled or removed like Wise virtual cards (max 3 virtual cards). I can delete these 3 virtual cards and get another 3 new virtual cards in my Wise account. Repeat ;-) But I think you prefer to use the credit card for points anyway.

  • payless69 on 25/08/2024 - 10:09

    Is OP's username banned from Virgin?

  • lonewolf on 25/08/2024 - 17:12

    Didnt priority pass change this in sydney airport because of dingbats who worked at the airport abusing their unlimited pass scheme and screwing it up for everyone?

  • eek on 26/08/2024 - 09:34
    +1

    If you pay for those airline tickets with prepaid visa gift cards, the airline won't be able to charge you a no-show fee. Maybe they'll email you to ask for another credit card but you could just ignore it. Setup a new email account each time you do this. The airline have no reason to check with Priority Pass to know whether you show up to the flight or not. PP only care if you have a valid boarding pass.

    • Fat Horny Ghost on 26/08/2024 - 10:45
      +1

      Worked out the no show fee applies for the following legs after the no show flight (to stop people abusing the additional leg discounts and cancellation of following legs).

      The risk as follows:
      1. At the airlines discretion, they can ban. But this is done usually from unacceptable behaviour and violence.
      2. Priority pass banning for abuse. However the boarding ticket are valid at the time of use so unlikely if following their T&C.
      3. The staff at the restaurants and lounge giving you looks at how often you visit.

      The maximum required cost is $50 or less for a flight if planning to get a refund via business class max bundle or buying from the regular $50 or so one way flight sales (with the recent $29 one way fare).

      With the unlimited PP which allows an additonal guest this provides a minimum of $144 credit at least 2 restaurants from most domestic airports.

      Summary
      Initial payment of $50 or less for one way flight or $50 refund charge (i.e. recent $29 Jetstar sale flights)
      You get at least $144 credit (2 restaurants or roughly 4-6 main meals) including lounge access (if airport has).

      So you will be out of pocket $50 or less to get main meals at $8.30-$12.50 for each (based on 4-6 main meals costing around $24-$36 at the restaurant) or equivalent of around 65% discount (not including lounge access).

      Obviously not as good as the good old days when you could generate fake boarding passes to get completely free feed and lounge access.

      • sumyungguy on 26/08/2024 - 10:56
        +1

        I rate your risks as minimal. There are plenty of frequent travellers who are familiar to airport workers. Lots of travellers and travel arrangers book high-cost flights so they can get refunds or low-fee changes due to rescheduled meetings and personal matters. The thing that makes it work for you is spending minimal cash getting to the airport. I look forward to a future post rating the PP dining outlets.

        • Fat Horny Ghost on 26/08/2024 - 11:12
          +2

          Yeah fairly low risk. I still end out of pocket but good savings and value especially if I can nab the rare discounted flights.

          I usually go to each and every restaurant when I fly anyways so:

          T2 Sydney
          Bistro 2020 - 8.5/10 (decent food, burgers are meh but I like their steaks and pesto pasta over their king prawn pasta and standard cocktails)
          Fat yak - 6/10 (pub food, usually go here for tap beer, avoid skewers)
          Rex lounge - 6.5/10 (snacks and refreshments, same cheap wines that sell for $2-5 a bottle via grays online, nice quiet environment to watch news, enjoy free wifi and charging and have a chat with other guests)
          Domestic Brisbane
          Graze and grill bar - 8.5/10 (long walk to get there but lots of options and nice enviromment to wait before flight if nearby)
          Mezze Za Za - 5/10 (fast food charcoal meats)
          The Common - 7/10 (average to above standard restaurant/cafe food)
          The Independent - 8.5/10 (new addition with experimental cocktails which are very good).

          Pretty decent but not anything special, sometimes would takeaway and bring with me a meal to eat on flights which are better than the airline meals.

          Not as good as up to 75% discount from restaurants from a hotel chain which still is the best method for a cheap outing with drinks. Credit for this goes to another Ozbargainer for finding this, but we keeping this between us for now.

  • whyisave on 30/08/2024 - 07:25
    +2

    I love this thread.

  • Fat Horny Ghost on 09/09/2024 - 20:06
    +1

    Update BNE domestic airport

    4 drinks (cocktails), 1 Linguine Seafood Pasta, 1 Seafood Prawn Roll, 1 Calamari and chips, 1 Chicken Kebab, 1 Seafood Kebab, 2 Chicken Ceaser Wraps, 1 Beef Burger and Chips, 1 Mezze Feast (Charcoal Chicken, some tabouli salad, pita bread, dips), 1 Chicken Pesto sandwich for $40 flight (used it anyway)

    https://ibb.co/HBQrLtx
    https://ibb.co/hZGMx6f

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