If you were going to ditch QF

[Postcode]

I'm at the stage where I'm not happy with chucking $$$$$ each year at QF for domestic and international Y and J flights. It's my money and it costs me.

Got back yesterday after another bunch of surly QF FAs way too busy with whatever goes on behind the curtains to attend to pax.

An extra beer or coffee or even water?? Way too hard. Easier to pretend to listen, then just go away and stay behind the curtain. The ignore button? Plenty of them lit up.

Apply for upgrade 90 days in advance and the check in guy in SIN sees no upgrade request, but even after check in my account says it's requested. I know if it happens that's cool and if it doesn't ok, but to be told there is no record, what's happening? Twice in two months there is no record. Why even bother?

IFE lately basically lame. Dull really. It was once one of the best in the air.

After a very unpleasant recent flight ex SIN I emailed QF and received a phone call two weeks later to apologise and was offered a $150 travel voucher. It never arrived. Probably up to the same QF FAs to deliver.

I'm at the stage I more often than not use Oneworld carriers such as CX, AY, JL for SCs and points and have used VA quite happily indeed.

I do a trip to Europe in paid J, two or three trips to Asia in paid J or Y, a trip to North America in J and dunno how many domestic flights each year in Y.

A loyalty program is a two way street. If you were in a similar situation and see no value in a loyalty program that is not loyal to the paying customer what options would you consider and why?

 

[samh004]

Unfortunately there’s not really much of a choice in Australia if you wanted something for both domestic and international, IMO. If you’re just domestic-oriented, then Virgin Blue might work out for you, though looking internationally they’re still finding their feet. While if you were just internationally-oriented, any of the Star Alliance members might be perfect for you, but they’re then not so good domestically

There’s also the best fare on the day route, but then you wouldn’t be expecting to be lounging or getting away with much on any of your flights, which kind of takes the pleasure out of travelling.

If I was going to ditch QF, I’d probably go to Star Alliance, I used to be Gold with Thai, so I could just go back to that life. You could say AA might be better for your miles, but you’d still have to deal with QF here, so it doesn’t seem like you’re ditching them so much.

It’s a hard question. Luckily I don’t need to make it, as I’m content for the moment.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Everybody's situation is different.

For me, why would l get status with Star Alliance/Sky Team when l can't use it in Australia and only travel o/s once every 12 months? Happy to stay with QF for the moment. I have friends that have status with overseas carriers, but l don't see the point as you can't use it in Oz and it's only once in a blue moon they go to Europe. ?!?!?

You stated that you fly J o/s a few times per year, and are not happy with QF, why even bother chasing status at all? In J or F class, you get 90% of the benefits anyways - lounge, extra luggage, priority boarding and bonus points if enrolled in a program which earns points.

YMMV of course...

 

[simongr]

For international flights I split my flights fairly evenly through other OW carriers - not just QF. I try and only fly the A380 on QF to get the lie flat beds.

Domestically the bits outside the journey itself are more important than the short flight: I dont use IFE, seat pitch is going to be the same on another carrier and the food isnt worth worrying about.

 

[JetLagged]

I've been flying J or F to Europe, Asia and the US (mainly to Europe/Asia) 3-4 times a year for the past few years - nearly always on Qantas. As a self-funded flyer, I have never experienced anything but good to marvellous service.

Like simongr, I use the A380 as the plane of choice for the lie-flat beds, the quiteness of the plane and for the sense of space. Again, the service here is usually very good - if not, it is simply good.

I'm not saying that everyone else would have the same experience, but I do tend to wonder if you expect instantaneous service of that extra drink or what-not. Maybe I've just been lucky - or else I don't need to buzz very often at all - and I actually like to get up out of my seat and walk to the galley where drinks etc are always available - helps the circulation and gives one a chance to chat to the friendly FAs.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Apply for upgrade 90 days in advance and the check in guy in SIN sees no upgrade request, but even after check in my account says it's requested. I know if it happens that's cool and if it doesn't ok, but to be told there is no record, what's happening? Twice in two months there is no record. Why even bother?

A loyalty program is a two way street. If you were in a similar situation and see no value in a loyalty program that is not loyal to the paying customer what options would you consider and why?

AFAIK if the upgrade request has not cleeared by 24 hours before it's removed from the system so that would probably be why the checkin person in SIN said it wasn't there, because by that stage it wasn't going to clear. It obviously was requested otherwise your ff account wouldn't have said that it had been.

Not sure what you mean by it's a two way street as you don't specify here what it is you want and are not getting however if it's ff redemption seats on Classic Award, have you tried using the Any Seat Awards instead which give you greater availability plus points and credits?

A lot of people on AFF have used and have had success finding ff redemption seats on Expert Flyer that they couldn't see on the QF website. You can always have a trial offer FOC and see if you find any value in it.

 

[dajop]

People (have and will continue to) argue that you should keep on using QF.

If you've made up your mind on that score, I am sure there could be 100 people raving about how good QF, yet you have had your experiences that have led to you forming your opinion, and those 100 people won't change your mind.

As I see it there are two options to you:
1) Continue flying one world internationally as you have described, and QF for shorter flights domestically. This gives benefits of status flying both internationally and domestically obviously. Seems sensible. Use QF for north america.
2) Ditch oneworld altogether and move to star alliance, which is obviously no good for domestic flights. However, if lounge access important domestically, pay per access for DJ or joining the lounge or prioritypass could be an option (or if still flying QF domestically joining Qantas Club). I don't think skyteam are yet a viable/quality option for flights from Australia.

Otherwise you just take what works best for each individual trip, join priority pass for lounge access and maintain several programs for mileage (but probably not status) acrual.

 

[cove]

I don't think about dumping QF but more sharing with SQ.
It only took me 40 years to start doing the split and I am very happy with the results as each have their points of difference.
I did wince a bit when you said you were paying for a lot of your flights.
Can I be your frequent flyer point consultant for a day?

 

[sr81]

What do you want from a program to replace QF?

A couple of people here really like EK whilst others think that Asiana with their two year status period is the way to go.

Personally I would have trouble looking outside of a OW FF program in this country. Personally I would fly and credit QF domestically and then AA internationally especially if you are flying in J and complete a Plat Challange.

The other option that has been suggested is that you don't worry about a FF program at all. Just use the carrier that is cheapest on the day. You will also find that you may save some money covering any potential loss through minimal points gain. Malaysian, Thai, JL and others are pretty competative in J ex Australia.

 

[dk4]

The other option that has been suggested is that you don't worry about a FF program at all.

This is probably a salient point, with the vast devaluation of FF program benefits, coupled with the LCC pricing phenomenon... the question is one of the value that some airlines place on your loyalty. (as much as v.v.)

I would agree, that if you are travelling on International Business tickets, the value of loyalty should be traded for better service on the ground and in the air. (e.g. First Class Lounges and Upgrades to First.)

I would also argue, that the same is true for Domestic Economy, loyalty traded for ground and air upgrades in service levels.

If you are not receiving this, fly on the cheapest fare for the level of service that you want (and therefore receive) and buy any ancillary products that make your travel easier (e.g. lounge access). i.e. DO NOT REMAIN LOYAL TO ANYTHING EXCEPT PRICE

 

[docjames]

I would have thought that moving to VA/DJ is a viable option shortly for you with the travel you suggest.


US on DL/VA and connections
EU on Etihad/VA via AUH
Aus/NZ on VA/DJ

Asia leaves a bit of a hole, but they do offer points earn with MH.

This is just off the top of my head, but if you're unhappy with the reward of your loyalty, your options are to switch your loyalty, or go by price only (and lose the "fringe" benefits of status).

 

[dajop]

If you are not receiving this, fly on the cheapest fare for the level of service that you want (and therefore receive) and buy any ancillary products that make your travel easier (e.g. lounge access). i.e. DO NOT REMAIN LOYAL TO ANYTHING EXCEPT PRICE

Loyalty to anything but price is an option, but another option is loyalty to best value (ie do not remain loyal to anything except the value equation). This accounts for all sorts of things that take into account individual preferences as well - things that factor in here are convenience of schedules, IFE, in flight service, luggage allowances, points earned - if any, terminals used, ability to through check baggage or not, fare flexibility and so on.

 

[samh004]

Aus/NZ on VA/DJ

I recently did Pacific Blue to NZ, no priority tags, no lounge access… it sorta worked and then it sorta didn’t. In my mind, they’re far from being ready to take over from QF.

And not to forget 6 lounges in AUS compared to I don’t know how many that QF has.

On your other point to Europe, there’s also VS of course, via HKG I think.

 

[drron]

Basically only 1 major choice-stick to OW or switch to another alliance.
The problem with switching alliances is what do you do domestically.Although I use DJ a fair bit I dont see them as a major competitor to OW.Although out of the Sunny Coast it is often a necessity.
If you stick to OW then decide whether you stick to QFF or switch to another program.I am a fan of Aadvantage.Better earn and burn than QFF,easier,IMHO,to get premium awards and upgrades.Though more difficult to get to OWE.Sure the plat challenge gets you to OWS easily and not too hard to get there but I could not retain AA EXP on my travel-a DONE4 and a Circle Asia each year in J + some domestic QF.But plat on AA gets the 100% mileage bonus whilst only 50% for QF gold.Again no lounge access domestically in the USA unless you are also a QP-I was lucky getting QP life many years ago.
On this current DONE-mrsdrron requalified WP when arriving in SFO.I have taken another 3 sectors to requalify AA plat.Yet I have earned 30% more miles than mrsdrron even though lesser status.
Then there is service.On this DONE MA cancelled a flight and we were transferred to LH.I was worried about points posting.Talked to the Aangels in the FRA AC who said we cant officially do anything but I will put in a personal request to MA to account for the flight.7 days later the points posted and the next day mrsdrrons posted to QFF-they took her details as well.
I feel I have the perfect compromise for us with mrsdrron crediting to QFF for status hence Flounge access whilst I post to AA for upgrades(virtually all free and not costing points) and awards.
As for getting out of Australia I often use JAL or CX.Unfortunately JAL have cancelled their BNE services which makes it harder from the Sunny coast.I do however relate to your predicament.

 

[browski]

I've chosen the 3rd way.

Enrol with Emirates Skywards or Virgin Blue Velocity.
Then all your international flights to Asia, Africa, Middle East, NZ and Europe you can book/credit with Emirates or Malaysian or VS. (NB. Crediting MH flights is painful)

When flying to Nth America, you can fly VAustralia / Hawaiian.
When flying Domestic Oz, you can credit to DJ.

Upgrades on the EK network are superb - they even have on aircraft points upgrades!
Purchase Qantas Club (for the rare times u need Qantas) and DJ Lounge access and you are all set.
Selected Credit cards will credit to Velocity and also Emirates Skywards

I am unsure if Skywards or Velocity will suit you more, just examine your destinations and decide.

 

[ANstar]

Flying Club could work for you.

You earn status points on some DJ flights and also on SQ/MH/VS/VA/VX/CO

Lounge access if GOLD at DJ domestic ports - but this fals down internationally if flying non VS/VA/VX as you dont get lounge access - though if flying J that would not be an ussue for you.


The earn and especially BURN rates seem MUCH better than QF.

 

[dajop]

I've chosen the 3rd way.

Enrol with Emirates Skywards or Virgin Blue Velocity.
Then all your international flights to Asia, Africa, Middle East, NZ and Europe you can book/credit with Emirates or Malaysian or VS. (NB. Crediting MH flights is painful)
.

But is the EK/DJ partnership going to be around for much longer, given the new arrangements between EY and DJ? That could effect decisions.

 

[browski]

I know there has been plenty of speculation but my bet is that there will be zero effect.

DJ is taking up an Int'l codeshare offer with EY.
DJ is providing an Oz domestic network for EK

 

[dajop]

I know there has been plenty of speculation but my bet is that there will be zero effect.

Don't know how legit the quoted spokesperson is, but it has been suggested that the FF arrangements between EK & DJ will end in 6 months.

 

[browski]

Don't know how legit the quoted spokesperson is, but it has been suggested that the FF arrangements between EK & DJ will end in 6 months.

Gee that looks pretty definite to me