The Mystery Shopping thread - part 6

blindman wrote: »

That'll be me then

I've done one of the new flights already (they are running a pilot :rolleyes: scheme)
First class to Jamaca. :T
I'm now going First class to EWR in March. :T

I'll post some tips and my thoughts on the pros and cons one here later today.

That would be really great. Not sure how long it takes them to tell you whether you've got the job or not but thought it would be good. The amount of stagg weekends by DH has been on abroad over the years I'm determined I can last a night (or two!!) in NY. However I've missed two telephone jobs lately by not watching the date so I may be blacklisted by now!!. The jobs I have done for them though have scored really well (9 and 10) so fingers crossed.

New Flights

Information is accurate for the current pilot project-things may change for the actual ‘live’ launch.

Pros
All are long haul destinations and as far away as Australia.
You may be able to travel in First Class (at least one way-if not both) if it’s in the scenario.
You do not pay for the ticket (so do not have to wait 5-6 weeks to be reimbursed.)
BARE reimburse for a visa if necessary.

Cons
Possibly as much chance of getting the jobs as winning the lottery!
No fee.
Only get 77 euros to cover travel to\from airport and accommodation costs.
Can only choose flights and class of travel from a predefined “window” of dates. (This may mean flying out one class and returning in another). Also may mean departure days and length of stay are not convenient.
Can not earn Frequent flyer miles
Some scenarios have you turning up at the check-in 4 hours before departure.
You have to fill out the outbound questionnaire within 48 hours after landing. The questionnaire takes about 1 hour to fill out.
Some scenarios have you requesting a “special” meal (kosher, non dairy etc).
More questions than the previous flight job though not that difficult really.

How do I get a flight?
TBH I have no idea how BARE will allocate jobs. As you may appreciate there will be 100’s of willing volunteers!
The other flight jobs were hard enough to get and they were for mostly domestic destinations!
My only 'tip' really is:

Be sure to have a good score for them (9’s or 10’s) and show yourself to be a flexible reliable shopper.
If anyone knows of any other ways (bribery) then let me know.!
If you get an email saying "Dear shopper" and offering a flight then reply a.s.a.p.
Possibly pick the earlier dates in the "window"

TIPS
Always try to get First Class, if not, then at least PE. (An economy free flight is still a good ‘perk’ though!).
Research the destination. I flew to the non tourist airport in Jamaica so the trip was not as much fun as it could have been.:eek:
Look at the unofficial forum for the airline (PM me if you don’t know it) to get tips on where to sit and what type of aircraft\entertainment system will be used. Can make an economy flight a bit better. It also gives information on lounges and what treatments etc you can get in them.
If your ticket doesn’t give you access to the lounge there is an Itinerary calendar on there where IIRC you can ask someone to guest you into the lounge (never done it myself).
Look at Flyertalk for information also.
Sign your self (and partner) up to their FF miles program. It may not get you extra Kudos but it can’t harm your chances.
Look at tripadvisor for hotel reviews.
Look at Super Shuttle for airport transfers.
Look at Priceline or Hotwire for cheap hotels in the USA
Be organised and if possible try to get a RE hotel visit at the airport if you need to stay overnight before you leave. (I managed that for my Jamaica trip.)
Research the internet options at your destination so you don’t waste time and money filling out the report.
Possibly look at the practicalities of taking a laptop. (I always do).


Good luck!

Hi

A bit of a change of subject, RE have very little in the way of assignments at the moment and I was wondering if it was just me?

Cheers Paul

tizzy79 wrote: »

woo hoo blindman! Have you always had returns with them, or not?
Yes.


Did BARE not contact you first to say you had been given a fight, or did the airline just email you to arrange your e-ticket?

I replied to the email that made the offer with my dates and hours later got an e-ticket from the airline.
This is the pilot project so that may change, though I doubt it.

Plus don't see anything saying you can't do them as worked in travel unitl 3 years ago.:T

The only restrictions are that you must be over 28 and have scores of 8.

And possibly have the luck of the Irish

Probably just wrong timing. there were 27 yesterday, but I was still a newbie, so could only choose one!