Frequent Flyer Kickbacks

September 12th, 2015
ethics, travel
A: I'm looking to place an order for my company. What's your rate?

B: We charge $X.

A: That's a little high; can you do better?

B: What if I throw in a little something extra, just for you?

A: Oh?

B: Say I give you 1%. Maybe take yourself a little vacation?
This is clearly corrupt. Person A is negotiating on behalf of their company, so any discounts person B offers should be to A's company not directly to A. Yes, A is the decision maker, but they need to be choosing based on what their company needs, not what kickbacks they'll get.

This is exactly what frequent flyer miles are. A business traveler buys a ticket with company money, and the airline passes back a little "thank you" bribe to the traveler for choosing them. Why do we allow this?

Comment via: google plus, facebook, substack

Recent posts on blogs I like:

Interview with Alicorn on how story conflict is optional and characters in utopia should do fewer drugs

Alicorn writes things sometimes

via Thing of Things May 13, 2026

Fiddle Practice

For a while I wasn't learning how to play violin very well because whenever it was time to practice I didn't want to. I didn't really like practicing, because (1) it's boring, (2) I have better things to do, and (3) actually I guess there …

via Anna Wise's Blog Posts May 3, 2026

New Pony

I have a new pony. I got her from the Goodwill. Her name is "Rainbow" and her nickname is "Sparkles". We went the usual way, in the pink stroller. We went downstairs and I played with some of the toys. I found the pony in the toy area. …

via Nora Wise's Blog Posts May 3, 2026

more     (via openring)