Frequent Flyer Ethics

Our AFF members are renowned for providing hints, tips and tricks on everything from easy airline check-in to the best hotels in Guatemala.  However, this week they go one step further and become a self-appointed ethics board.

The ethical dilemma is simple… one member has a job interview for which a Qantas booking is required.  The member has the QF reference number and is querying whether it is ethically sound to add their frequent flyer number to this booking.  The responses are complex, but the resounding majority say “just do it!”.

A frequent flyer account can be added to an existing booking online (via the “Manage Your Booking” tab on the Qantas website), over the phone or at check-in.

Many of our members in fact fail to see the ethical dilemma.  It is rationalised that the company is not impacted in any financial way by our member obtaining the benefits associated with claiming the flight on their frequent flyer account.  Further, they argue that unless expressly advised by the company not to, then there is no logical reason to withhold.

Our wise members do, however, sound a warning for government employees and advise that it is prudent to check the policy guidelines carefully before making any claims.  As noted by one member, it is not worth risking a job for a few thousand frequent flyer points.

Our ethically-challenged members concerns about company perception are also relayed by one member’s suggestion to simply retain the boarding pass and make a retroactive claim after the interview.

As always ethical questions always manage to get our members talking, add your two (or ten) cents HERE.