21:53 AEDST Tue 22 Jan 2002 . . . . . . . .
Virgin 20c deal 'a cheap publicity stunt'
Virgin Blue's offer to stranded Ansett frequent fliers of a 20 cent return flight to attend the collapsed carrier's meeting of creditors in Melbourne next week was a "cheap publicity stunt", a leading union said.
Virgin Blue announced it will make available 60 seats from six destinations to Ansett frequent fliers who will pay 10 cents plus taxes and levies for the trip each way.
But the Australian Services Union (ASU) was not impressed, claiming the offer was not available to the vast bulk of former loyal Ansett travellers.
"This offer is a cheap publicity stunt that is available to only 60 people across the country," ASU Queensland branch secretary Julie Bignall said.
"I also have to question the propriety of one of Ansett's competitors interfering in the administration process in this way, particularly when it seems obvious that this is a marketing strategy to gather the names."
. . . . . .Ms Bignall said Ansett frequent fliers who miss out on the discounted fares can still have their say at the creditors' meeting by proxying their vote to one of the unions attending the meeting on January 29.
Virgin Blue spokeswoman Amanda Bolger said the discount carrier did not believe in loyalty award schemes.
She said the schemes rarely deliver anything but frustration and disenchantment.
"We believe real loyalty is inspired by long-term sustainable low fares and unbeatable customer service," she said.
The offer is available to Ansett frequent fliers with a minimum of 25,000 points, the average amount required by Ansett for a return domestic flight.
The 20 cent fares are from Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Launceston and Canberra and can be accessed on the Virgin Blue website at <a href="http://www.virginblue.com.au" target="_blank">www.virginblue.com.au</a> before 4pm on January 25.
Those who secure the special flights will be notified within 24 hours.
Passengers can return the same day or stay over in Melbourne at their own expense.
. . İAAP 2001