Kralev presents his method of using online, 3d-party flight data sources to piece together itineraries with an eye towards avoiding the more expensive packaged junkets assembled by airlines, and maximizing mileage for rewards. While I enjoyed the book, and it's ideal for frequent travelers, it is not practical for the vast majority of travelers, who only fly occasionally.
To be fair, Kralev's introduction clarifies that the time required to master his strategy likely isn't worth it for leisure travelers flying once or twice a year (though one might argue that revelation only follows the purchase of the book...). And the book did have three big pluses for me: (1) it provides a peak behind the curtain obscuring airline pricing and practices; (2) it gives a balanced look at the practical benefits and failings of the biggest frequent flier programs; and (3) is a well-written, entertaining yarn, that accessibly translates complex techniques.
However, one of Kralev's stated goals is "to give ordinary people . . . the opportunity to travel to other countries, experience different cultures and try to understand points of view they may not agree with." While that goal is laudable, it's unlikely that most travelers will get much closer to it by reading this book. Let's face it, the lowest threshold for domestic airline rewards, 25,000 miles, is hard to hit, and 100,000 for the top "elite" category is a pipe dream for most people. Indeed, Kralev's focus on the perks associated with elite status will likely be off-putting for more modest travelers (I'm sorry you got stuck with a sandwich instead of a salad during meal-service, Kralev. I'd be sorrier if I weren't still stuck in the airport after your elite self jumped my place on the standby list).
Kralev does throw a few tidbits to the hoi polloi: family travel banking the miles necessary to save on future bag fees, for example, but most families can't afford one much less two flights a year. Likewise, his tip to use points on domestic flights for international travel is well-taken, but a free upgrade doesn't do anything to defray the $1000+ cost of a coach seat on the cheapest international flights. Further, Kralev spent relatively little time on the downside of points accumulation: the airlines move reward targets arbitrarily; points usually expire after a year; and non-flying mile accumulation methods like airline charge cards come with huge downsides, such as higher interest rates and fees.
Don't get me wrong, this is a superb book for those whose work or lifestyle involve frequent travel. I also love to read about the inner-workings of industry, so enjoyed the more academic appeal of the book. However, readers should not expect this book will allow them to leverage the annual family flight home for Christmas into a first-class European vacation on United. The Kralev meal comes with a full shift in the kitchen, washing up.
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此商品在美国亚马逊上最有用的商品评论
美国亚马逊：
42 条评论
Anne Fleming
No Such Thing as a Free Lunch
2011年8月22日 -
已在美国亚马逊上发表已确认购买
Nagep
Good for people who frequently fly alone
2011年10月3日 -
已在美国亚马逊上发表已确认购买
Laura Cattell
Informative but time consuming.
2011年9月21日 -
已在美国亚马逊上发表已确认购买
K
Awesome Book by a True Genius!!!! Must Buy For Travelers!
2011年8月22日 -
已在美国亚马逊上发表已确认购买
Robert Cahn
It starts you thinking.
2012年1月3日 -
已在美国亚马逊上发表已确认购买
