Time for another old chestnut for me to roast, and that’s the joy of cashback when it comes to airlines. Firmly in my sights today is Lucky’s favourite airline in the world… Lufthansa.
Why yes, I still fly other airlines than BA and AA. I know, it shocks some of you…
I needed to make a booking so I could get to FTU Amsterdam so, like any good consumer, I compared prices – and Lufthansa came up best with a £172 return fare (considering KLM wanted over £200+ for a return on the times I wanted), the money went to Lufty.
Now, when you take a look at Quidco initially, it offers 1.5% cashback. Ok, that’s not going to set the world on fire, but it’s better than a poke in the eye…
But before you go wild for that, a scroll further down gives some more… troubling news.
So, basically, this is on the FARE element of the ticket.. and nothing else counts for squat. So… how does that play out on a ticket. Well let me demonstrate!
On a £172 ticket.. it boils down to:
That’s right. Welcome to Europe everyone, where taxes and fuel surcharges make up the bill.
- Taxes and Fees: £128.98
- Fare Element: £44.
Considering I’ve got four segments in this booking, that’s £11 a segment I’m paying in real terms. And as it’s 1.5% on £44, you get this wonderful email:
That’s right readers… a massive, life changing total of
66p
Or in other currencies:
US$1.05, €0.83, ¥115, HK$8.19 or 1 Swiss Franc.
Wow. That’s all the motivation I need to book more tickets through Lufthansa when I can get a whole 66p back!
Margins as we know are tight in the airline industry, but if airlines are going to play in the cashback game, at least make an attempt of making it worth it please…
Some airlines do make an effort… as can be seen from the Quidco offer from British Airways
British Airway Quidco offer. Could be a nice tie-up with the British Airways premium sale
But making lots of money from cashback off airlines through 3rd party sites? It’s not the way to a path of riches sadly.
* For those who are remotely interested and want to join Quidco through my affiliate link its http://www.quidco.com/user/379602/1923083/. When you earn £5 through it, you’ll get a £1.25 bonus, as will I… though do buy insurance or mobile phone contracts through it. Flights and Hotels are sometimes not worth the effort….
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