Leonard_Ong
Senior Member
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2001
- Messages
- 1,187
- Reaction score
- 11
I would think this is a fad than a useful benefit.
Access to JetQuay seems to be exclusive but the service level is terrible. It started with unreliable arrangement for the buggy service. On a recent trip I requested to have the immigration and buggy service 45 mins before the departure. The staff insisted on 75 minutes prior departure leaving me with only 15 mins at the lounge. After I packed-up and ready on time, the staff wasn't ready. I walked up myself to the gate. This happens twice so far. If you notice, the staffs makes no friendly approach for any service lapses.
Fast track immigration is another fad. If for whatever reasons that we can not travel (emergency, change of plans, etc) and you don't notify them 2-3 days in advance, hefty penalties are waiting. Was it around S$ 250 or S$ 350 / pax. In Malaysia, the service is not guaranteed, the immigration can cancel the service anytime without notice.
Limo service which is useful indeed. For heavy travellers, the price of S$ 488 may worthwhile if you use it over 10 times in a year.
Priority pass is useful but there are other cards offering unlimited access such as UOB Visa Infinite, Amex Plat Charge and so on.
I believe, this boils down to principle. As a customer, do we want to be treated fairly in a consistent manner or be available to subject ourselves with drastic changes. The selective marketing they did recently left many unhappy.
Let's look at the history:
1st year (2012): S$ 700+ for new members, S$ 488 for existing HSBC Platinum with Travel services. Gift: Sony Tablet S worth around S$ 400.
2nd Year (2013): Waiver with only 100 points used. Break-event point
3rd Year (2014): S$ 488 for 50k points a reduction from 112.5k points. Paying more than renewal gift worth.
4th year (2015): Will keep you in a suspense for next drastic change.
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