This was posted 12 years 9 months 9 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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SCOOPON $599 Return Ticket to Phuket - Strategic Airlines - Valid July 2011 - May 2012

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SCOOPON $599 Return Ticket to Phuket - Strategic Airlines - Valid July 2011 - May 2012
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Phowser99 on 15/07/2011 - 13:53 scoopon.com.au (2465 clicks)
Last edited 15/07/2011 - 14:00 by 1 other user

Saw this over on lifehacker, thought I would post here…

Mod:(Was about to submit this):

$599 RT from Melbourne to Phuket DIRECT -

Includes ALL Taxes + 30kg Luggage + Meals + Free-Flowing Drinks (beer, wine & soft drinks) + In-Flight Entertainment! Date Changes Allowed PLUS Get $100 Off Your Next Flight (Paraphrased from Scoopon)

The important bits:
* Valid until May 31 2012 (roughly 11 months)
* Valid for use during the following periods: 2011 - 26 Jul to 15 Sep, 25 Oct to 18 Dec AND 2012 - 2 Feb to 25 Mar, 20 Apr to 31 May (In other words not valid for School holidays)
* Flights depart Melbourne Tuesdays and Fridays AND Phuket Sundays and Thursdays

Let's keep in mind this is a full service airline and not Air Asia which will charge you for the extras.
Cheapest MEL-Phuket flights:

Adioso: $735 via Air Asia (not Direct and not including baggage, meals, seat allocation etc.)

Remember this isn't some dodgy restaurant owner not accepting bookings but a multimillion dollar airline operation. So while it is good to be cautious with group buy deals, take into account that this is a national company trying to steal marketshare from the big players.
I would highly recommend checking if your flight is available on Strategic's website before buying.

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  • neil on 15/07/2011 - 13:55
    +4

    I was just about to submit this. I'll post my detailed description.

    • howser99 on 15/07/2011 - 13:58

      Thanks, I actually missed the details of the exclusion dates. Sneaky of them to put it wayyyy down the bottom…

      • chacha on 15/07/2011 - 14:14

        I was about to post this as well, looks like a great deal. Thanks for posting

  • colblair on 15/07/2011 - 13:56

    Saw this, had a quick look on some other flight websites - flightcentre, etc.. and does seem to be a very good price

  • jv on 15/07/2011 - 13:56

    Fly in the comfort of Strategic Airlines

    huh ???

  • Wraith on 15/07/2011 - 14:04

    I'm doing a return trip to Phuket next month, and I paid twice the price here. That is indeed a great price.

    Still, I have trust issues with Scoopon, so I'm not crying about missing this deal. :)

  • stockpimp on 15/07/2011 - 14:07
    +1

    I paid $500 return with Jetstar few months ago.

  • luxx on 15/07/2011 - 14:08
    +2

    It's a good price, but as far as 'normally $2298' I'm calling shenanigans. I flew them back from Phuket to Melb earlier this year for $299, they have that sale price quite regularly each way.

    What makes this a good deal is that it appears you can buy it now and then pick the time to use it - not bad! Have no problems with the airline, quite comfortable, food was decent and baggage allowance is super generous!

  • neil on 15/07/2011 - 14:08
    +1

    Just to give you an idea of comparing this with Air Asia, especially with their sale prices. Bought a RT ticket for 2 people for $856, Mel-KL when they had their big sale a couple of months ago. I imagine Phuket probably would be similarly priced but the kicker are the extras:

    INMX D7 Interna: 7.00
    INMX D7 Interna: 3.50
    PBAC Large - up: 44.00
    PBAC Large - up: 44.00
    SEAT MEL-KUL: 15.00
    SEAT KUL-MEL: 15.00
    VGMX D7 Vegetar: 7.00
    VGMX D7 Vegetar: 3.50
    PBAB Medium - u: 25.00
    PBAB Medium - u: 25.00
    SEAT MEL-KUL: 15.00
    SEAT KUL-MEL: 15.00

    Which adds up to $1075, an extra $220 on top of the flight. They kill you on the baggage charges. Additionally, you would have to connect through KL in which you will again pay extras for your connection flight.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/07/2011 - 14:11
    +1

    After what I've heard about Stranded Passengers, why would I fly with Strategic Airlines ?

    • CuteChocobo on 15/07/2011 - 14:18
      +1

      mwahahaha that's all part of their 'strategic' planning ;)
      Give you low prices and left you stranded, so you can spend more on Phuket!!

      The news headline for those who are interested:
      http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/travel/travel-news/stranded-…

      • neil on 15/07/2011 - 14:20
        +2

        I guess that's what happens when you have a small fleet. Perhaps they can buy some unused planes from Tiger. ;)

    • luxx on 15/07/2011 - 14:21
      +2

      Because they are only getting started, and are a very good alternative. They only have 1 Airbus A330 to service Phuket (and Bali from some ports) so if it goes unserviceable for any reason it can cause a cascade effect, delaying or cancelling other routes also.
      I believe the affected passengers were compensated adequately, though communication could have been better from the company in the first place. For what it's worth the company have an additional 6 A330s on the order books, so once they start coming into the fleet this shouldn't be such a big deal ever again.

      Professional Pilots RUmour NEtwork perspective: http://www.pprune.org/dg-p-reporting-points/455104-whats-str…

    • Radar on 15/07/2011 - 16:37
      +1

      my brother recently flew with them, the plane had a mechanical fault and they had to divert to KL for repairs. They put half the passengers in the hilton, and the other half in some 1-star slum accommidation.

  • Kaboda on 15/07/2011 - 14:27

    Cus its cheap :P and people disregard the stranded issues

  • studlim on 15/07/2011 - 14:47
    +2

    Strategic Airlines is one thing but Scoopon is also another

    SCOOPON is renown for scamming customers… wouldn't trust them

    • arcticmonkey on 15/07/2011 - 17:09

      Scoopon is what turns me off as well. Otherwise, I would consider it.

    • sniper on 16/07/2011 - 00:17

      Did something happen with scoopon?

  • keano1 on 15/07/2011 - 14:51
    +1

    Got 2x tickets return to bangkok with jetstars 2 for 1 deal for under $900 with all fees and 20kg bags. No food or drinks thou.

    This deal is still pretty good.

  • no_mercy on 15/07/2011 - 14:52

    527 sold already

  • keano1 on 15/07/2011 - 14:55
    +1

    I wonder if you could price match this with Jetstar - 10% off!! Probably wishful thinking…

  • shaun-o on 15/07/2011 - 14:57
    +1

    "Strategic Airlines", sorry who?

    • Wally on 15/07/2011 - 15:11

      aka 'Stealth Logistics' - "öur customer service is non existant!" ;P

  • mrkenle on 15/07/2011 - 15:02
    -4

    just a quick tip for everyone, Strategic do not allow and fluids on board, yes that's water, lighters etc. this INCLUDES duty-free alcohol which made me very disappointed last time i flew with them

    • tritorius on 15/07/2011 - 15:32
      +7

      It's called LAG laws (Liquids, Aerosols and Gels) and applies to ALL airlines flying internationally in and out of Australia and many other countries.

      http://travelsecure.infrastructure.gov.au/international/lags…

    • shaun-o on 15/07/2011 - 17:33
      +2

      Drink it all before flying.

    • grips on 16/07/2011 - 00:01

      I have just last weekend returned from Phuket to Brisbane with Strategic and could take duty-free alcohol with me without any problem. They get your flight number at the shop and give you a number. Then at boarding time they deliver your stuff using said number AFTER the last security check (where all water etc. has to be left behind) just before boarding, no problem at all.
      The flight was 40 hours late but all transport, accommodation and food, even 1 hour internet, were provided at the NAITHONBURI beach resort in Phuket.
      If you go to Phuket, try to visit Phi Phi Island, it was magic and worth the whole trip.

  • Bargain-er on 15/07/2011 - 15:05
    +2

    Anyone knows how much approximately for travel insurance? Just in case of "stranded" issue?

    • keano1 on 15/07/2011 - 15:09
      +1

      Southern Cross was the cheapest. i think i got quoted around $56 for 10 days. But do a quick quote it takes 1 minute.

    • cdeep0 on 15/07/2011 - 16:21
      +1

      Can't you buy a ticket using a gold/ platinium visa card and get insurance FREE…provided you have a credit card of this type..

      • Bargain-er on 15/07/2011 - 16:43
        +1

        I called my Amex gold credit card for travel insurance. They cover only if you buy the airline ticket from travel agents or airlines but not coupon from group buying website. It makes sense though, hence my question in the first place.

  • Clivey In Space on 15/07/2011 - 15:36
    +1

    I've purchased quite a few things with Scoopon and always at the lower cost end (under $50) without any problems, but I've heard quite a few stories of people being ripped off.

    Has anyone purchased anything over $100 before without any problems? $600 is a lot to lose if it turns out to be dodgy.

    • neil on 15/07/2011 - 16:09
      +4

      What could make it dodgy? If Strategic goes under, then Scoopon will refund you per it's FAQs. They are both big companies that have to adhere to Australian law. It's not some guy who has setup a kebab shop and has done a runner.

      • [Deactivated] on 15/07/2011 - 17:30
        +1

        Yes but a flight is only one small part of a holiday commitment. For me the combo of (a) an airline I've never heard of and (b) a coupon site really it's just not worth the risk or bother. Especially when the price isn't that amazing anyway. Moreover, with these arrangements you NEVER get your desired dates as they've always either sold or (more likely) been blocked out leaving only TUE and WED.

  • mr_asstight on 15/07/2011 - 15:52

    this legit?

  • curiousman on 15/07/2011 - 16:11
    -4

    wait, so does this include accommodation? food etc?

    • fma007 on 15/07/2011 - 16:16
      +1

      wait, did you only read the first 5 words of the post, or just the first 3 words before you asked this question?
      I'm curious what you're smoking that made you read that accommodation and meals were provided?

    • neil on 15/07/2011 - 16:31
      +8

      Yes, it includes accommodation and food for 18 hours but you have to share with 300 other people.

  • curiousman on 15/07/2011 - 16:32
    -5

    lol at fma007. Yes I did read it. It's just that I haven't had much sleep lately so yeah..

  • curiousman on 15/07/2011 - 16:33
    -5

    Neil, I'm being serious here! I meant accommodation after the flight etc!

    • fma007 on 15/07/2011 - 16:45
      +2

      ok so with all the sarcastic answers.. do you think its included?

    • neil on 15/07/2011 - 16:51
      +1

      I wouldn't think it's worth it. Accommodation and food is so cheap in Thailand, you are better off doing it separately. Check out what Tripadvisor members recommend.

    • interiordesigns on 15/07/2011 - 16:51
      +2

      accomodation + a free lady boy

  • Damo on 15/07/2011 - 16:34

    Any recommendations on accommodation?
    Places to go?

    • giggles on 15/07/2011 - 16:43

      home again.

    • fma007 on 15/07/2011 - 16:48
      +2

      Obviously you have to visit the islands such as phi phi and james bond island, and go snorkling there.. AWESOME stuff. Make sure you take the slower CRUISE on the bigger boats to the island. This way they chug you along, but you get to eat lunch, have lots of drinks, jump into the sea for a swim, and have a generally relaxing time. The fast speed boats get you there a lot faster, but you feel like shit when u get to the islands and its no fun.

      In terms of accommodation, with the amount you save on the fare, and the strength of the aussie dollar, you should be able to get a 5 star place.

      Finally, don't go to the show they like to promote there called "Fantasea". Its crap.. poor mans version of circue de soleil.

  • cloudy on 15/07/2011 - 16:45
    +2

    personally i'll just call up the Strategic and ask them to give me the same deal and cutting out scoopon as a middle man. They'll probably happily oblige.

    • neil on 15/07/2011 - 16:48

      Interesting idea. I wonder if there is anything in the contract between the 2 that prevents the company from doing so.

  • interiordesigns on 15/07/2011 - 16:46
    +1

    ive got a one way to bangkok for $170 with jetstar a few months back. im yet to book the return, will the customs in thailand come down on me like a tonne of bricks for not having a return?

    • fma007 on 15/07/2011 - 16:50
      +3

      Don't think so.. doing it the other way is a different story :)

      • interiordesigns on 15/07/2011 - 16:52
        +1

        so i wouldnt need to book a return until im there, im not sure how long i wanna stay as im getting a 3 month tourist visa

        • fma007 on 15/07/2011 - 16:56
          +2

          Yeah, i doubt thailand Authorities will think you're skipping a life of hardship, joblessness and famine in Australia to live illegally in the luxurious lifestyle of thailand :)

    • [Deactivated] on 15/07/2011 - 17:33

      Nah they'll give you a dressing down if you have a return flight same day though :)

    • MrMaxwell on 15/07/2011 - 20:57
      +1

      Although I have never been checked you ARE required to have onward travel out of the country booked within 30 days of arrival. Immigration 'may' ask for proof of this. I always have a cheapy Air Asia flight pre-booked for about $30 to Malaysia just in case.

  • Redmo0n on 15/07/2011 - 16:54

    Just say Phuket

  • Bargain-er on 15/07/2011 - 17:01

    I was seriously considering this deal. However, I tried to call them to confirm some stuffs and been hold for at least 30 mins which eventually disconnected. I have a 2nd thought now…

  • bob19 on 15/07/2011 - 17:03
    +2

    Scoopon T&C: "Bookings taken from 20 July 2011 and subject to availability".
    These magic words "subject to availability" make the whole deal a bit of a suspect. If the dates when you want to fly are not available, there is nothing you can do and you just lose your money. Scoopon won't do a refund if you are not able to get availability. I had this issue with them before, luckily it was only $50 deal.

    • arcticmonkey on 15/07/2011 - 17:12
      +1

      I agree. Scoopon and 'subject to availability' is what turns me off.

      At least if you buy a ticket from Air Asia, you know what dates you are flying before you pay.

  • Bob81 on 15/07/2011 - 17:22

    I've flown Strategic Airlines many times and found their service to be no better or worse than your typical full-service airline.

  • gstfree on 15/07/2011 - 17:50

    Some deals on Scoopon looks too good.
    Just beware the terms and conditions. Don't save $200 and ruin your whole plan.

  • joeno on 15/07/2011 - 19:18
    +3

    Phu-ket, I'm going ahead with this deal!

    • Joey4 on 16/07/2011 - 12:27

      Maybe even a stop over in Bang-kok on the way home?

  • yada on 15/07/2011 - 20:25
    +1

    Strategic Airlines? What a hillariously stupid name.

  • MrMaxwell on 15/07/2011 - 21:02
    +2

    Another issue is the method of booking: by email only!

    So you send Strategic Air an email after July 20 to make a booking….along with 1000+ other people, and await to see what dates you can get.

    Jetstar seems easier for only a few $$$ more.

    • No Child Support on 15/07/2011 - 22:02

      I knew it was too good to be true. What are the chances of it being available during new year eve?

      • neil on 15/07/2011 - 22:07

        ZERO.

        Valid for use during the following periods: 2011 - 26 Jul to 15 Sep, 25 Oct to 18 Dec AND 2012 - 2 Feb to 25 Mar, 20 Apr to 31 May (In other words not valid for School holidays)

        I'm a bit surprised they had to go with a manual email system. Surely a coupon code via their booking system could have been setup?

  • joannatan on 16/07/2011 - 02:07
    +1

    i really hate, sydney always the last part.

    it seems melb always the first state that got the bargain.

  • phluffed on 16/07/2011 - 02:58
    +3

    Neg from me.
    Strategic have 1 plane with no backup in place should something go wrong.

    A faulty plane 3 weeks ago cost me $4500.
    Took them 8 hours from original departure time before they confirmed the flight was canceled, and that was after waiting 3hrs at the airport then spending 2hrs on hold on the phone trying to get an answer.
    When asked if we could be on the next flight we were told "no, your flight is canceled. We'll send you some vouchers for a complimentry flight." Still waiting.

    Resorts dont refund very much when you cancel 24hrs after you were ment to have checked in. They offered to refund 2 of the 10 nights booked.

    I'm sure there are many people who enjoy flying Strategic, and if my vouchers ever turn up I might too one day.

    Oh and before anyone asks, yes I had travel insurance so once everything is put through it wont be as big a loss, but thats not really the point.

    • joannatan on 16/07/2011 - 16:43

      i believe you still got the loss as you still have to pay the excess.

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