17,000,000 points worth less than A$790,000.00

[petef]

I don't know if anyone has seen this article:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/airline-hacker-all-too-frequent/2005/10/24/1130006061385.html

But a guy who has aparently hacked 17,000,000 points is being charged in court for the crime. In court they claim the points are worth almost $790,000.00 (but he only used $200,000 worth).

Just thought its interesting where the valuation came from as many Airlines are involved, both OW & SA.

Peter.

EDIT:

I have found another article with more details and discusses the difference in point values between airlines.
http://www.themercury.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,17015818%5E421,00.html

 

[QF WP]

It has also been discussed over on Flyertalk.

Seems that some of the airlines "charged" full Y rates to equate valuation for the tickets he used.

He said United Airlines had valued a return economy Melbourne-Singapore-Frankfurt flight on its sister airline Singapore Airlines at $12,000. The average cost for such a flight is about $2,000.

On the opposite scale, British Airways valued the 7,000 points Perrott redeemed for a flight worth just $12.60 - the cost of the meal.

But understandable as UA are bankrupt and would like to get as much out of it they can....(which is debatable just what they'll get)

 

[BlacKnox]

I have found another article with more details and discusses the difference in point values between airlines.
http://www.themercury.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,17015818%5E421,00.html

Saw an article yesterday on www.news.com.au which noted the different rates airlines were applying to their miles. The article has now gone, and I can't read the mercury article to compare, though suspect it is the same one (perhaps part of the Murdoch group?).

 

[petef]

Yes it is a News.com.au site, and Lindsay has posted the main bits about conversion from it.

Peter.