JetnSave discounted Business and First class tickets

Has anyone used JetnSave, that company that offers discounted Business and First class tickets?

Does anyone recommend?

I've gotten quotes from them, which were pretty decent but they're in U booking class. JetnSave says they use upgrades; have they plundered someone's FF miles/points? The mind boggles!

Could anyone shed some light on their business model please?

These companies that offer incredible discounts on F and J are usually buying seats with purchased points and reselling them to the public. Which is generally frowned upon or against the T&Cs from every FF program and has seen people SOL at check-in. Stick with licensed travel agents or airline direct sales. 

tronixstuff,

It did put me off when I realised it was in U inventory.

But given they're redemption bookings, I wonder how they manage to price the booking. Would it be the cost to them of buying miles/points + taxes + % mark-up?

But if it was so easy, why haven't other people done the same? Or do they have access to FF points/miles at "wholesale" prices?

In a way it would not be too different from Woolworth giving us points for shopping - JetnSave "giving" us points for using their services. Contribution for services being the % mark-up, as opposed to contribution for groceries purchased.

I suppose the issue would be the intent of the trade and whether the points/miles were being traded as a commodity, therefor a violation of the T&C, as opposed to being given away upon purchase of services (of travel arrangement).

Somehow I don't think there are wholesale prices on points - who would wholesale them? The airline wouldn't - that would be self-defeating. 

The whole system reeks of dodgy, just isn't worth the risk. Travel insurance or CC chargeback wouldn't cover it (not a licensed TA) and if rejected at check-in, agents won't discuss the merits of commodity vs. ticket being given away etc - they'll just laugh and tell you to buy a real ticket. 

Have a poke around AFF/FT. 

Thanks tronixstuff,

I've raised it as an academic discussion in this forum as opposed to counter arguments with check-in agents in a real life scenario.

I've had a look at AFF/FT. I find that they do not illuminate the issues as well as the good people of this forum.

But I understand where you are coming from. Thank you.

I know some of these companies (not necessarily JetnSave) are using points from dormant frequent flyer accounts, rather than buying the points.

I've seen many passengers denied travel as the airline considers this to be fraud and cancels their bookings. Passengers are left out of pocket as the travel company is online and they struggle to get a refund.

Also on a side note, in the event of a cancellation, many airlines wont reprotect you in Business Class off an upgrade fare, if there are insufficient seats. Full fare passengers take priority and they will rebook you in economy and refund the points.

TRB - there are plenty of such companies. I am surprised that you have missed my very long thread about this: http://www.ausbt.com.au/qa/anyone-ever-used-guys-like-alpha-flight-guru-or-fly-luxury-for-less . And while savings do exists they nowhere close to claim 70% - you often can buy the same ticket on sale for 10-15% more. They (as everyone else) comparing with elusive RRP - I always wonder who is buying at RRP price? I personally decided to steer away from them. YMMV.

I agree - the RRP prices quoted are deeply hyperinflated. I've had a relation fall for these types companies once - was promised a $3000 discount for a supposed $4000 flight in PY. Flights were bought in points, couldn't get a refund once she realised its true nature, and the airline found out the company and cancelled her itinerary. It happens.

For a larger gain for the same amount of risk, you can just buy points from dormant FF accounts on eBay, and even then, that's a grey area.

Thanks Serg, mr_pb, X and tronixstuff! Appreciate all your comments!

Keep it cool and legit. Try flightfox, real people guiding through, no bartering or shady schemes.