MPC Shakeup - A New Chapter for the Marco Polo Club

[yohy?!]

Commencing 15/4/16 - CX will move to a points based system very similar to QF SCs for elite qualification:

Earning points

CX flights example table:

[TABLE="width: 960"]
[TR]
[TH]Fare Classes
[/TH]
[TH]Ultra-short
1-750 miles
[/TH]
[TH]Short
751-2750 miles
[/TH]
[TH]Medium
2751-3700 miles
[/TH]
[TH]Medium-long
3701-5000 miles
[/TH]
[TH]Long
5001-7500 miles
[/TH]
[TH]Ultra-long
7501 miles or above
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]First
F, A[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]20[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]35[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]70[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]100[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]125[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]140[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Business 1
J, C[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]15[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]30[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]60[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]85[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]105[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]120[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Business 2
D, I[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]15[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]25[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]50[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]70[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]90[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]100[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Premium Economy 1
W, R[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]10[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]15[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]30[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]45[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]55[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]60[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Premium Economy 2
E[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]10[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]15[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]25[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]35[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]45[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]50[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Economy 1
Y, B, H, K[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]10[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]15[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]25[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]35[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]45[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]50[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Economy 2
M, L, V[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]5[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]10[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]20[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]30[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]35[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]40[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Economy 4
S, N, Q[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]5[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]5[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]5[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]10[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]10[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]10[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[yohy?!]

MPC Shakeup II - Revised Elite Status Qualification Levels

From 15/04/16, in-line with new Club Points (QF SC-Style) for status qualification will follow these levels:

[TABLE="width: 100%"]
[TR]
[TD="class: mpo-tier-green, bgcolor: #006564, align: center"]Green
100 club points
[/TD]
[TD="class: mpo-tier-silver, bgcolor: #9A9A9B, align: center"]Silver
300 club points
[/TD]
[TD="class: mpo-tier-gold, bgcolor: #A27E2D, align: center"]Gold
600 club points
[/TD]
[TD="class: mpo-tier-diamond, bgcolor: #2E2A25, align: center"]Diamond
1,200 club points
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

Tiers and benefits

Other major elite tier changes include:

• Green enrolment fee increase to $100USD
• Bonus guest lounge passes with each status level qualification milestone
• Four comp upgrades per year for Golds
• Additional Four comp upgrades for Diamonds
• Companion Gold for Diamonds

 

[wandering_fred]

Re: MPC Shakeup II - Revised Elite Status Qualification Levels

My travels in 2015-16 (actual and anticipated) under the old system would scrape in at just about 60K - enough for Gold.
Under the new system somewhere between 400 and 450 points. Another poster on FT (also PER) expects a similar transition.

I wonder what will happen with the fares from the more interesting departure points. JNB-HKG-LAX (~13900 @ way) will earn 180 in discount business (DI) 110 in full PEY(WR) 90 in discount PEY (E) or full economy (YBHK) and 70 in standard Y (MLV). So what was two round trips in (E) to earn Gold will earn 360 points and discount business (DI) earning 360 in one trip.

Also it would appear that the ULH column (>7500) for CX will include only HKG-ORD/JFK/EWR. Perhaps some incentive not to connect in LAX/SFO and use AA to connect there? Especially since all flights in the USA will be under 2750 miles.

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[moa999]

Re: MPC Shakeup II - Revised Elite Status Qualification Levels

The levels at 300/600/1200 are very similar to QF SC retain levels.

But the earn on flights is a helluva lot less.
Also a points penalty on all flights for flying other oneworld carriers versus Cathay.

And not much of a points bonus for paying for F over J

 

[moa999]

Well very similar (in design) to what QF used to have before Simpler/Fairer - brought in partial region zoning.

Also note that their is lesser earn for other oneworld airlines.

(Mod Note - Dont think we actually need 2 threads on these CX changes)

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Re: MPC Shakeup II - Revised Elite Status Qualification Levels

Changes were needed to the MPO program and it's great to see a couple years of hard work finally paying in the launch.

Definitely a BA inspired change.

Positives:
- 8 free long haul upgrades for Diamond members
- Faster status earning in high margin premium cabins (eg: J,C will earn more, while D,I will essentially earn less as a base% from the old system)
- Partner Diamond membership @ 1,800
- Lounge passes to be given out like candy
- CX now encourages indirect flying to maximize status

Negatives:
- Low on many routes in most fare classes
- CX now encourages indirect flying
- Slower earning on cheap seats in premium cabins
- No recognition/earn at the bottom end

Overall it's still more difficult to attain Diamond than QF Platinum, however the benefits are greater, especially if you fly on routes with first class.
If one is thinking of switching - it does provide more guaranteed benefits at the base Gold/Plat level.
Add in the MUCH lower cost of redeeming Asia Miles for award flights and ....... it depends on your situation. Requires a little analysis to know which program is better.

 

[yohy?!]

QF Flights earning table

[TABLE="width: 960"]
[TR]
[TH]Fare Classes
[/TH]
[TH]Ultra-short
1-750 miles
[/TH]
[TH]Short
751-2750 miles
[/TH]
[TH]Medium
2751-3700 miles
[/TH]
[TH]Medium-long
3701-5000 miles
[/TH]
[TH]Long
5001-7500 miles
[/TH]
[TH]Ultra-long
7501 miles or above
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]First
F, A[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]15[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]25[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]50[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]70[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]90[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]100[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Business 1
J, C, D, I[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]15[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]25[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]45[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]60[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]75[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]85[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Premium Economy 1
W, R, T[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]10[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]15[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]25[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]30[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]40[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]45[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Economy 1
Y[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]5[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]10[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]20[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]25[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]35[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]40
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Economy 3
B, H, K, L, M, V[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]5[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]10[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]15[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]15[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]20[/TD]
[TD="class: tab-cx-blue-grey-light, bgcolor: #DBE2E4"]25[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[samh004]

Re: MPC Shakeup II - Revised Elite Status Qualification Levels

Definitely a BA inspired change.

Looks more like the levels were copied from QF to be honest... the benefits in between I can see more as BA-inspired.

Looking at flights for my parents to Australia, I recently started my mum off on a journey to switch from MPC GO to QF SG due to the awful premium earning rates through MPC. It would take her six CX PE returns to earn MPC GO, compared with three QF J returns on QF (and with QF always in competition out of HKG... QF J is only a small increase over CX PE).

As all those routes are categorised "medium-long" the verdict is actually worse now... under the new system her CX PE flights earn just slightly less than before, meaning she would need 7 returns (and in the higher (upgradable) bucket that she doesn't always get) to re-qualify (35-45 "points" each way). And it's roughly the same story as it was before crediting QF premium fares to CX, they've taken the watered-down QF approach to partners

Will have to have a chat to my dad to see how he feels, as he was starting the switch too.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Re: MPC Shakeup II - Revised Elite Status Qualification Levels

Wow. This seems like it will make a lot of diamonds very happy! Friend of mine currently does China-HKG-Europe monthly. Full business class (hugely expensive). They'll qualify for diamond after just 4.5 return flights. The very top tiers and benefits will be easily accessible.

 

[Archphoto]

Re: MPC Shakeup II - Revised Elite Status Qualification Levels

Not sure how this will truly affect me; I was looking at being able to make it over the line on miles, rather than Tier Credits, but it's looking like I'll need to be rather more creative with the new system.

Might need to add a couple of extra BKK-HKG flights to what I've previously done, which will get me to the magic 300. Gold though, won't be happening unless I land a few long-haul flights to EU or US for work. Not that i'm concerned - I've been really happy with my Silver status over the past 12 months and the lounge access has been very, very welcome for my frequent flights to HKG & SIN.

 

[samh004]

Re: MPC Shakeup II - Revised Elite Status Qualification Levels

The very top tiers and benefits will be easily accessible.

Interesting that they don't have (or haven't announced) something beyond the partner gold level, like QF or BA do...

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Re: MPC Shakeup II - Revised Elite Status Qualification Levels

Looks more like the levels were copied from QF to be honest... the benefits in between I can see more as BA-inspired.

All of Cathays new status earning rules fit neatly on half a page. Can't say the same for QFF rule table

Will have to have a chat to my dad to see how he feels, as he was starting the switch too.

Not sure how this will truly affect me

This may assist you gents. I went into overdrive hyper geek mode and reverse engineered their system to create a calculator on a flight by flight, fare class by fare class. Give it a whirl: https://www.flyora.com/data/cathay-pacific-marco-polo-changes/calculator.php

Here are the Top 5 routes that now earn more/less in status power: https://www.flyora.com/data/cathay-pacific-marco-polo-changes/

 

[JohnK]

Re: MPC Shakeup II - Revised Elite Status Qualification Levels

How do you say "We are screwing you!" nicely? Enhancement?

It would appear as if Qantas may gain a few unhappy MPC members. Swings and roundabouts.

 

[moa999]

Re: MPC Shakeup II - Revised Elite Status Qualification Levels

It is better for most premium fare pax... (than the previous CX scheme)
Slightly negative for full fare Y

Really only negative for the discounted Y fare pax, who won't get much love from QF either

 

[JohnK]

Re: MPC Shakeup II - Revised Elite Status Qualification Levels

Really only negative for the discounted Y fare pax, who won't get much love from QF either

Still getting enough love from Qantas.

The next round of enhancements could be the nail in the coffin.

 

[Archphoto]

Re: MPC Shakeup II - Revised Elite Status Qualification Levels

All of Cathays new status earning rules fit neatly on half a page. Can't say the same for QFF rule table

>>>><<<<

This may assist you gents. I went into overdrive hyper geek mode and reverse engineered their system to create a calculator on a flight by flight, fare class by fare class. Give it a whirl: https://www.flyora.com/data/cathay-pacific-marco-polo-changes/calculator.php

Here are the Top 5 routes that now earn more/less in status power: https://www.flyora.com/data/cathay-pacific-marco-polo-changes/

I'll be worse off, but in the grand scheme of things I wasn't really getting *any* love from QF on my usual routes with their latest "enhancements" anyway. As I'd already suspected, I'll need to add 4 extra Y flights (if I'm lucky and can get some great J flights at some stage even better!!) to my itinerary to make Silver.

Will see how it all goes - since QF don't fly in Asia I have limited options with OW on the short hops I need to do, and don't want to start again with *A (unless a client suddenly gives me reason to. )

For me personally, QF no longer provides the *love* since basing myself in Asia - lounge access being removed for QC members flying to HKG on EK was the last straw. Plus I can get around the SYD immigration mess by flying direct to ADL from HKG; for me, that's a huge bonus: arriving at 06:30 rather than later in the morning (or afternoon depending on flight availability).

As JohnK said, "Swings & roundabouts." - will be interesting to see how it all pans out after a year with MPC V1.0 and comparing the difference once the MPC V2.0 is rolled out.:mrgreen:

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Re: MPC Shakeup II - Revised Elite Status Qualification Levels

How do you say "We are screwing you!" nicely? Enhancement?

It would appear as if Qantas may gain a few unhappy MPC members. Swings and roundabouts.

The QF program is still much worse off for anyone flying CX. For example on QFF you get nothing for N class whereas you do earn on CX (hello fanfare sales!).
The biggest kick in the guts is PE with lower earning - which is now best off crediting to AA or BA. I think those 2 programs will be the winners of unhappy MPO members especially since those members could easily do the 4~ with other airlines with ease.

It's as if CX management were like "hey qantas makes a lot of cash per FF member...lets copy them!".... Then proceeded to hire an ex-QFF person who then implemented the changes with a bit of VA and BA thrown into the mix. Serious lack of creativity and I think it will cost CX serious business. Local HK attitudes towards loyalty programs is very different than Australian attitudes.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Re: MPC Shakeup II - Revised Elite Status Qualification Levels

It's as if CX management were like "hey qantas makes a lot of cash per FF member...lets copy them!".... Then proceeded to hire an ex-QFF person who then implemented the changes with a bit of VA and BA thrown into the mix. Serious lack of creativity and I think it will cost CX serious business. Local HK attitudes towards loyalty programs is very different than Australian attitudes.

Awkz. CX did exactly this.

 

[fairhsa]

Re: MPC Shakeup II - Revised Elite Status Qualification Levels

Wow. This seems like it will make a lot of diamonds very happy! Friend of mine currently does China-HKG-Europe monthly. Full business class (hugely expensive). They'll qualify for diamond after just 4.5 return flights. The very top tiers and benefits will be easily accessible.

Wrong. Many Cathay Diamonds live in Hong Kong and earn their Diamonds flying weekly in Economy to neighbouring cities - in Mainland China or SE Asia. I do Manila and BKK mainly. I currently have to fly every week (80 flights a year) to maintain my Diamond. Now I will have to do 240. Sucks big time. I will probably have to change airlines.

 

[samh004]

Re: MPC Shakeup II - Revised Elite Status Qualification Levels

It's as if CX management were like "hey qantas makes a lot of cash per FF member...lets copy them!".... Then proceeded to hire an ex-QFF person who then implemented the changes with a bit of VA and BA thrown into the mix. Serious lack of creativity and I think it will cost CX serious business. Local HK attitudes towards loyalty programs is very different than Australian attitudes.

Now we're on the same page!

Wrong. Many Cathay Diamonds live in Hong Kong and earn their Diamonds flying weekly in Economy to neighbouring cities - in Mainland China or SE Asia. I do Manila and BKK mainly. I currently have to fly every week (80 flights a year) to maintain my Diamond. Now I will have to do 240. Sucks big time. I will probably have to change airlines.

Or, perhaps be a little creative once in a while. I know we're not meant to talk about it much, lest we draw attention to it, but a family member recently booked CMB-HKG-(anywhere in Australia)-HKG-CMB in (D) for HK$14,800... that would earn you 190 club points, almost a tenth of the way to Diamond. Throw a few of those deals into the mix of regular flying direct from HKG and you can enjoy the pointy end and re-qualify.