I guess it's not surprising that there seem to be no threads on what must be the most pointless scheme going. Flybe "free" flights in exchange for their points for paid flights - and money spent on their credit card can allegedly be swapped for free flights......plus the cost of taxes of course. Well, frankly, I have never been able to book ANY free flights on a simple BHX BHD domestic route! I expect it is fixed so that it is only possible if the flight is free anyway or is 4p!! What a complete waste of time. So, I have now cut up my Flybe mastercard and will continue with my 1% cashback card. Oh, and no I don't want a lounge access card for 12 months as there are no spirits available in Flybe lounges. I know this as my Priority Pass card (which I get free with my AmEx Centurion Card) gets me into FlyBe lounges anyway!
What a way to run a loyalty programme!!
In 2008 / 2009 I collected enough FLYBE rewards points to claim 2 return trips anywhere in the EU.
First problem, one way trips are not allowed.
Second problem, I could never find a flight where I could get both there AND back (either outbound or retun showing as full)
Third problem - Flybe suddenly decided to put a 'shelf life' on rewards points and, as a result, I lost the lot!
Where there is no choice, I will use Flybe, where there is a choice, I will try my best to avoid them
There are actually some other threads on Flybe Rewards4***all, Nigel Tarrant and I are amongst the gold status moaners. Yeah makes even bmi DC miles look valuable.
ivornomates - 11/05/2011 07:55 GMT
The lounge at Manchester has booze.
VintageKrug - 11/05/2011 08:09 GMT
I avoid flymaybe, so cannot comment on their loyalty scheme or elite perks.
However, bmi's DC scheme is amongst the most generous and valuable frequent flyer schemes in the market.
Were it not for the fact it is at high risk of being swallowed up into Lufty's Miles & Less it would be my primary mileage scheme. I am still redeeming successfully though reducing earning to the giveaways and too good to miss promos.
Bullfrog - 11/05/2011 09:21 GMT
I've used Flybe from Southampton to Bergerac many times, and accrued sufficient reward points for free international travel.
I've never been able to redeem a free flight. On being refused the 'low season' dates, I buy a ticket, only to find the flights are less than 40 % full.
Amazingly I've managed to burn off 32 points before they expire on return reward flights to two of their most popular summer destinations, Gatwick and Birmingham.
Slotski - 11/05/2011 19:32 GMT
I agree with VintageKrug. I think the bmi DC is really good generous and I can normally redeem some decent reward flights with Star Alliance partners and in Biz.. Alas I am fearful they will be swallowed with the less generous Miles and More scheme. Surely it will be a matter of time look at Swiss, Austrian and Croatia Airways
DavidRenton - 12/05/2011 10:47 GMT
Just as I got toward my free flight last year, my points from previous flights started to seep out the other end :( I have looked for reward availability, and it is awful - I cannot get any dates or destinations I would like, so I think it's time to admit defeat.
There is wine in the lounge, but I would like spirits!
Rickers - 13/05/2011 10:04 GMT
Sorry proliteboss, at MAN there is a choice of cans of Stella or some poor red or white wine, no spirits, no other decent choices.
Poor, poor program !
So pointless (no pun intended) is this scheme that I dont even bother to check they've added points to my account anymore.
A complete re-think is required if they are serious about a loyalty scheme.
ivornomates - 18/05/2011 03:11 GMT
Rickers what were you expecting, a range of wines to suit every taste from the four corners of the world, a chilled walk in cabin to select any number of fine champagnes. This is a low cost airline, if you want all of the above then I suggest you charter your own plane. I take it you got an A+ in your O level MOANING
NTarrant - 18/05/2011 06:50 GMT
As Jim says I am a gold moaner on this scheme. I lost all my points because they never had any flights available and I was looking at multiple destinations too.
Don't forget they also won't give you reward flights to Spain or Croatia having withdrawn that last year.
And forget the idea that they are "low cost" when you add up all the charges etc they are quite expensive.
Rickers - 02/06/2011 10:33 GMT
Oh dear, proliteboss, I didn't mean to upset you.
Your sarcastic and frankly rude post was really unwarranted, and not terribly funny.
I only stated exactly what the alcoholic options were, and for the price that I pay for Economy Plus tickets with Flybe I don't find it to be a particularly fair return.
As the routes that I fly have a choice of Flybe or nothing, I don't even have the luxury of being able to vote with my feet and take my business elsewhere, therefore I am quite comfortable with airing my disappointment with aspects of the Flybe service that warrant this.
As ever, YMMV.
Charles-P - 02/06/2011 10:47 GMT
I too have been caught out with this scam of a scheme. I went through a period of flying a lot into Southampton and started to collect their points for "free flights". Like other posters here it proved impossible to actualy make a booking. Shades of Hoover Free Flights in my opinion.
Rickers,
Don't worry about it. Proliteboss is someone who seems to enjoy making almost each of his/her posts needlessly abrasive.
Makes you wonder what customer service is like at Prolite....... It also makes you wonder what sort of person thinks it's great PR and marketing to have a handle that gives his/her company name and rank (calling themselves a "boss" says a lot too), and then makes postings that are designed to get people's backs up. What a clever strategy! I guess there's owt so strange as folk.
I expect he/she will post an equally rude response to this. I await this with amusement.
I agree with you re the substance of this thread. I also have little choice on many routes since FlyBe took over from BA out of BHX. I have the pleasures of FlyBe next week. Can't wait....
Simon
It was mentioned that Flybe have some (very few) codeshares remaining with BA. Does this mean that you can earn BA miles instead of Flybe "benefits" for those code share flights?
Rickers - 02/06/2011 11:27 GMT
Hi MartynSinclair
As I understand it, you can only collect any BA Miles if the Flybe flight that you take is part of a connecting onward itinerary with BA (i.e. INV-LGW with Flybe, and then connecting onwards with BA from LGW-MCO for example).
I may be wrong, of course, and this would not be the first time today (or indeed in this thread :- ) )
Disturbingly, FlyBe are taking over the operation of some of Finnair's shorter routes from HEL. It'll be interesting to see how their business model works in Finland (assuming they apply it, rather than using Finnair's "full service" - or nearly "full service" approach).
Simon
NTarrant - 02/06/2011 12:10 GMT
If you look on ba.com, there is no reference to Flybe. Although it was p[ossible to book BE flights a few years ago MAN-EDI/GLA they came up as ineligable flights.
The way I see it Rickers, that sadly on this occasion you may well have got it wrong! But don't let that deter you, it will be someone elses turn to take the flack on another thread!
