More, better flying

TRIP

Jet Airways's frequent flyer programme has a lot going for it - geared towards increasing your efficiency as a business traveller.

What is it?
The frequent flyer programme (FFP) from Jet Airways.

How does it work?
You join the FFP by becoming a Jet Blue member but it's introduced a special category called Jet Blue Plus wherein Jet Blue members who have completed 10 flights on the airline or have acquired 15,000 miles in a period of six months are put on the fast track to upgrade membership.

In another smart move, the airline has increased the validity of its Jet Privilege Miles to 13 quarters as against the three years that most airlines provide. So, the miles that you earn now are valid till August 2010. Also, you earn bonus miles if you book your ticket online or check-in using the web check-in facility.

What's in it for me?
The membership comes with benefits like extra baggage allowance (10-35 kg), access to the airline's lounges (for Jet Privilege or JP Silver, JP Gold and JP Platinum) and facilities like tele, web and kiosk check-in.

If you are a JP Gold or JP Platinum member, your baggage has a priority tag that ensures it is among the first few to arrive on the conveyer belt. These members are also guaranteed reservation in the economy class at short notice. JP Platinum, JP Gold or JP Silver members can check-in at first class counters even if you hold an economy class ticket.

How do I maximise usage?
Jet's airline partners include Lufthansa, Qantas, Air France, Gulf Air and Thai Airways. Every time you fly a partner airline, you earn Partner JP Miles. Also, your JP Miles can be redeemed for tickets on any of these airlines. It has also partnered with hotel chains ITC, Leela and Oberoi (domestically) and Hyatt, Hilton and Shangri-La (internationally) to earn JP Miles.

The Jet Airways Citibank Credit Card also earns you some miles, as also availing the services of its telecom partners, Matrix Cellular Services or Sim Airways, its car rental partners, Avis and Hertz, and subscribe to its publishing partner, The Economist.

Take it or leave it?
Go for it! You can keep track of the number of miles you earn on the airline's website www.jetairways.com. And while redeeming your points, do not forget to check out the latest offers.

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SNIPPETS

To the hills
Air Deccan will now fly daily from Delhi to Dharamsala via Pathankot. This is the first air link between Pathankot and Dharamshala. The only other airline that earlier flew this route with a thrice-a-week service was Jagson Airways. Air Deccan will ply a 48-seater ATR-42 aircraft on the route. This follows Kangra airport upgradation of its runway length from 3,900 feet to 4,500 feet.

Mobile alert
Singapore Airlines has asked its staff and travel agents to ensure they have the customer's mobile number. In case of a delay, a text message will be sent between 3-48 hours prior to the original flight schedule if there is a significant change in the schedule.

To utilise the service, PPS and KrisFlyer club members, and registered members of the Singapore Airlines website, have to merely log in to www.singaporeair.com to provide, or update, their mobile phone numbers in their profile. This service replaces the airline's original Arrivals & Departures Alert service that was available to frequent flyers and customers registered for the flight alert service.