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Eight Low-Cost Asian Carriers Join Forces to Create New Value Alliance

May 18, 2016
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2 min read
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Eight Low-Cost Asian Carriers Join Forces to Create New Value Alliance
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Airline alliances can make travel easier and more convenient. And while you've probably heard of the big ones — Oneworld, SkyTeam and Star Alliance — there are smaller partnerships that can really be used to your advantage to make travel more seamless and affordable. The latest addition to the list of airline alliances across the world is a combination of eight low-cost Asian carriers, called Value Alliance.

Value Alliance is now the world's biggest group of budget airlines and includes Scoot and Tigerair (subsidiaries of Singapore Airlines), Tigerair Australia, Cebu Pacific (and its subsidiary Cebgo; Philippines), Jeju Air (South Korea), Vanilla Air (owned by ANA; Japan) and Nok Air and NokScoot (Thailand). Much like the other alliances, travelers will now be able to search for and book flights on each of the eight carriers via one member's website.

The route map for Value Alliance carriers.

Together, the eight airlines operate routes to more than 160 destinations across the region on 176 aircraft — last year, the eight carriers transported more than 47 million people. With this new alliance, travelers will also be able to create a single itinerary and confirm their seats, meals and baggage allowances. However, there are still some kinks to work out — for example, passengers may need to collect and re-check their bags when connecting from one member to another. There aren't many details regarding future plans for the alliance, either, such as whether it will offer any perks a traditional alliance offers, such as a rewards program.

It's worth noting that the alliance excludes two of the region's largest low-cost carriers — AirAsia and Jetstar. Still, with the addition of Value Alliance, travelers going to or through Asia now have the opportunity for easier, more seamless travel. Of course, if you're planning on trying out the new alliance, keep in mind that these are low-cost carriers and although the fares may seem low, you'll likely be making up the difference in added fees.

H/T: The Straits Times

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Pros

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.