US Airways Upgrades on eBay

odowdchr

Am trying to decide whether to or not. Am trying to find a sample IATA number so i can try a few websites and see the range of discounts. If it gets you one upgrade at a 5* for a week, i reckon its paid for itself.

budgetflyer

You dont even need an IATA number to check the rates. Had a look at Dubai and Sharm el Sheik for Easter next year. Holiday Inn Sharks bay was coming in at $41 per room per night and Crown Plaza Dubai was AED 475 per room per night- around 30% cheaper than their lowest internet rate.
Try http://www.ichotelsgroup.com theres a link for "travel agents" you can check prices from there.
Convinced me anyway

stratford_2

budgetflyer wrote:

You dont even need an IATA number to check the rates. Had a look at Dubai and Sharm el Sheik for Easter next year. Holiday Inn Sharks bay was coming in at $41 per room per night and Crown Plaza Dubai was AED 475 per room per night- around 30% cheaper than their lowest internet rate.
Try http://www.ichotelsgroup.com theres a link for "travel agents" you can check prices from there.
Convinced me anyway

That's a fair point, but when you click on the TA link, it clearly states that:

Note: You must present a valid IATAN Card or Photo ID with a Letter of Authorization on agency letterhead that you are entitled to the discount upon check-in.

Although this organisation will give you a card with an IATA number, you don't have a personal IATAN card (although you can work towards getting it). My guess is that is down to the individual at the hotel whether or not they accept the 'group card' - and there have been threads on the internet that (just search for IATN card) suggest that staff may become more trained to accept only IATN cards. The fact that the IATN card (rather than travel agency id) is specifically mentioned on the ICHotels site suggests that tha this exactly what they are looking for. Regarding the letter of authorisation that you get when you join, it just says you're a member (or similar) of K & E travel.

To be fair to cashcard and to saveapenny, they make it very clear that any perks/discount are not a right. It is also possible that hotels/airlines will still accept this card along with those that are not specifically IATAN cards.

I'm pretty convinced that if you can get the airlines to accept the card, you can save money - I've looked at flights from LON-NYC in December and they are £100 cheaper than the best price I've seen elswhere.

The issue for me is that some airlines may only allow you to travel on agency rates when you've been 'employed' for 6 months and others 12 months. So, at least for air travel you might have to wait this long to get the perks - worth bearing in mind if you are considering the 6 months option. That said, you could make the savings in one hotel stay, or other perk!

payless

saveapenny wrote:

. Yes they do give commision for you to pass on the card 20 dollars.

FAQ on KE Travel implies $100 for a referral , cashcardworldwide ( just another layer to the scheme ?) offers $50 on the $399 package, / $20 on the £149 scheme PLUS on their " Marketing and Compensation Plan offers different bonuses for referrals and sales which IMO makes cashcardworldonle look like MLM


Am I right that FAM deals and Iatan deals different?
so even without a proper IATAN card you still get access to FAM deals

All looks very US based - is it difficult to use for UK based?- especially for FAM deals


The quote engine is just WorldChoiceTravel.com / travelocity, so can't see much savings on normal flights ( believe no agent commission paid on flight?)
- is booking site then just an affiliate of Travelocity ?

Saveapenny - do you have your own booking site ?
I notice from your other posts you seem very knowledgeable on travel- are you also a UK based agent? .
Do "normal" UK based agenst get access to this anyway?

Not trying to be negative, as interested in this sort of thing ( anyone tried Dove travel home agency ?) and therefore rasing a few questions

saveapenny

Fam Deals are all the same.

No one i have ever spoke to has ever no had the card accepted by either airline or hotel.

You commision is 10-20% split betwen you and K&E 50-50

Yes you earn commision for introduction but belive me its not worth it the time it to go through everything with everyone takes (understanable).

No its not difficult to use being US based its getting off the ground now here.

Yes you have booking sites and affliated site.

No im not a "normal" agent (nothing normal about me )

You have several products at net...so its up to you about marking up (even airlines)

If anyone wants any more information my telephone number is on the site or PM me and I will give it to you.

saveapenny

I have asked if it would be OK to give out the IATA number.
If you get in touch with c/s and tell them you are interested they will supply it so you can check it yourself customerservice@cashcardworldwide.com
You can also check the code at http://www.checkacode.com/index.asp