Upcoming Qantas Frequent Flyer Changes

[Red Roo]

I know many of you are keen to hear about changes we’re making to Qantas Frequent Flyer since we sought feedback from you. As a small gesture of thanks to the Australian Frequent Flyer community, we’d like you to be amongst the first to know about these changes in advance of an email later today.

Key Program Changes

Increased Cabin bonuses on all earning fares on Qantas and Jetstar from 17 May 2011.

· Premium Economy: 10% to 25%

· Business: 25% to 50%

· First: 50% to 100%


Increased Status bonuses for Silver and Gold Qantas Frequent Flyers on Qantas and Jetstar from 17 May 2011.

· Silver: 25% to 50%

· Gold: 50% to 75%


More options to earn points and Status credits on Jetstar fares from 17 May 2011.


Improved upgrade request and notification process planned for late 2011, including SMS confirmation


Platinum One - additional benefits for our most frequent flyers from 3600 status credits and beyond.


Changed Loyalty bonus from December 2011 – a Loyalty bonus of 8000 points for every 500 Status credits earned within a membership year up to 4 per year.
​

These changes are specifically designed to reward our Frequent Flyers. As you are aware, we have made recent significant investments in our lounges and check-in on the ground. In the air, we recently introduced our first AVOD equipped 737-800 on the Domestic network. These aircraft will replace 737-400s. Internationally, A380 standard product will be launched on the 747-400 later this year. We are also working on improving the delivery of the basics, to provide you with a better experience with us.

In terms of other changes, there is an increase in points required to pay for surcharges, fees and taxes on eligible Australia and New Zealand Domestic Classic Awards from 3,000 points to 4,500 points per segment, due to jet fuel prices. We are also announcing plans to create a new alliance with Optus to provide you with new opportunities to earn points, which will be launched later this year. For those of you passionate about food and wine, we are also launching epiQure by Qantas Frequent Flyer, a new online community for Members on food and wine.

Thanks for flying with us and for your input and energy in providing us with your thoughts and ideas. No doubt, you will have plenty to share with us in response to this, and we look forward to your feedback.

 

[oz_mark]

Wow. Some positive changes that ticks a few boxes for me (business bonus, status bonus, loyalty bonus looks better for me).

Platinum One might be a bit out of reach though :shock:

 

[simongr]

Interesting changes Red Roo. I like the concept of Platinum One (though it is unlikely that I will be one).

I will be intrigued as to what the epiQure will be - having a passion for food and wine myself I will certainly be checking it out.

I will reserve judgement on the new upgrade process until we have more details...

The only downside I think is that for a solid platinum like me who flies J int'l there isnt much extra (25% extra cabin bonus only). It would have been nice to see the Plat status bonus go up by 25% as well...

 

[markis10]

The only downside I think is that for a solid platinum like me who flies J int'l there isnt much extra (25% extra cabin bonus only). It would have been nice to see the Plat status bonus go up by 25% as well...

I agree, this is the second round of changes that have been more beneficial to SG than WPs, a WP flying frequently but not in premium cabins is hardly feeling enhanced in the last 12 months. I suspect as a result you will see more churn to VA/DJ when users hit SG given the lack of an incentive to go further, especially those WA and SA based customers without a J lounge or even a morning Barista in the case of Adelaide, the food on offer last Monday in Adl for breakfast was right up there with the breakfast offering by Formulae 1 hotels - very ordinary indeed.

 

[tuppaware]

Good news to hear. The status level bonuses seem more inline with BA.


(has to update app now)

 

[OverrideServlet]

We are also announcing plans to create a new alliance with Optus to provide you with new opportunities to earn points, which will be launched later this year.

For the love of all that is holy please don't use these guys to provide internet access to the lounges.

 

[samh004]

Changes sound good. An extra 25% points seems good value for me and although Platinum One is well beyond me, I'd love to know more.

Does the points calculator work with the new values already?

 

[markis10]

For the love of all that is holy please don't use these guys to provide internet access to the lounges.

I believe there are various organisations actively bidding for this!

 

[ab156]

Not really that much to write home about for WP. Further enticement to cap earn at SG and direct earn / travel elsewhere.

F lounge access benefit really needs to be assessed analytically now.

Echo the comments re Optus, please not in the lounge.

 

[oz_mark]

I agree, this is the second round of changes that have been more beneficial to SG than WPs, a WP flying frequently but not in premium cabins is hardly feeling enhanced in the last 12 months.

However, for a gold, such as me, it makes a JASA even more rewarding!

 

[tuppaware]

Does mention 17 May a number of times.. So one can assume they were loaded overnight.

I edited out that line in my OP once I realised I didn't read it right!

 

[Red Roo]

Platinum One might be a bit out of reach though :shock:

Ahh, we have to give you something to aspire to, you never know

 

[OverrideServlet]

We are also working on improving the delivery of the basics, to provide you with a better experience with us.

I personally would love to hear more about this.

 

[Red Roo]

I will be intrigued as to what the epiQure will be - having a passion for food and wine myself I will certainly be checking it out.

I'll keep you up to date when we have more details to announce - unsurprisingly, food and wine is one of the top interest categories amongst Members.

I will reserve judgement on the new upgrade process until we have more details...

Will let you know when we are in a position to announce more detail in this area.

The only downside I think is that for a solid platinum like me who flies J int'l there isnt much extra (25% extra cabin bonus only). It would have been nice to see the Plat status bonus go up by 25% as well...

In terms of points earn, the main area that Platinums can benefit from are the increased cabin bonuses in premium cabins. As a group overall, Platinums in general undertake quite a significant amount of flying in these cabins.

 

[admin]

... and here is the full press release

QANTAS SAYS YES OPTUS!

QANTAS FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM ANNOUNCES NEW ENHANCEMENTS AND PLANS FOR A MAJOR LOYALTY ALLIANCE WITH TELECOMMUNICATIONS GIANT OPTUS

SYDNEY, 17 May 2011: Qantas announced today that Qantas Frequent Flyer will undergo a major round of program enhancements to offer even more value to its 7.8 million members.

Qantas Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce said, “We recognise we operate in a very competitive environment which is why we are determined to ensure our Frequent Flyer program is the most dynamic, flexible, user-friendly and rewarding program in the business. We asked our members what they value and they said a huge choice of partners to earn and use points with and the ability to earn more points. Today, we are announcing plans to deliver on both those desires and we will continue to do just that going forward”.

Qantas also announced plans to create a new consumer loyalty alliance with Australian telco giant Optus, which will see Optus join the program later this year. The new deal will allow members the opportunity to earn points across Optus consumer and small business products and services. Mr Joyce said that once finalised the new alliance with Optus will be a significant boost for the Qantas Frequent Flyer program and highlights its commitment to remaining a market leader by expanding its portfolio of quality partners.

“We are delighted with the prospect of welcoming Optus to our stable of partners and are excited about the opportunities this presents to our loyal customers who value choice, flexibility and of course, the ability to earn points doing every day things like using their phone,” he added.

Optus Chief Executive Paul O’Sullivan said that Optus was very pleased about the planned loyalty alliance with Qantas Frequent Flyer which will allow Optus customers to earn points on their telco services. “Once in place, Optus will be the only telecommunications provider to reward consumer and small and medium business customers with the ability to earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points for its products and services. As part of the planned alliance, Qantas will also be adding a number of Optus products and services as redemption options using Qantas Frequent Flyer points,” Mr O’Sullivan added.

The Qantas Frequent Flyer program is also set to roll out a range of exciting changes for members over coming months. Mr Joyce continued, “We recognise the importance of evolving our offering to ensure we remain at the forefront of loyalty reward programs and maintain our position as Australia’s premier Frequent Flyer program. Rest assured, we are steadfastly committed to driving better value for our customers and keeping the program innovative, relevant and genuinely rewarding.”


From today, Qantas Frequent Flyer will begin introducing a host of fresh benefits which include:

More options to earn points on an expanded range of Jetstar flights

Expanding the program to enable members more choice on Jetstar flights, including more options to select to earn points and Status credits on all Jetstar fares.

Jetstar is today introducing a new fare structure which will see Frequent Flyer members able to earn both points and Status credits in Economy and Business on any fare purchase with a “Plus or Max Bundle”. The new “Bundles” can be included on top of any fare and will provide customers with flexibility and extras depending on their needs. Among the added benefits are making free changes to their flight, seat selection or earning Qantas Frequent Flyer points and Status credits.

Adjusting earn rates to deliver increased value and make it easier to accumulate points

The Qantas Frequent Flyer program will today increase the Cabin bonus to further reward customers travelling in premium cabins on Qantas* flights:
# Premium Economy Cabin bonus will increase from 10% to 25%
# Business Cabin bonus will increase from 25% to 50%
# First Cabin bonus will increase from 50% to 100%

To make it even easier to earn points, Qantas Frequent Flyer is also today increasing Gold and Silver Status bonus points to give members even more status when they fly with Qantas*. The Gold Status bonus will increase from 50% to 75% and the Silver Status bonus will increase from 25% to 50%.

Improving the upgrade experience using points via a number of initiatives including offering SMS confirmation of upgrade requests

Currently members can make a request for an upgrade using points but potentially don’t have it confirmed until they present at the airport for check-in on the day of travel. From fourth quarter 2011, customers will be able to receive an SMS notification of confirmation prior to their travel.

“Platinum One” – Creating a new level of VIP recognition for Qantas’ most frequent flyers

From fourth quarter 2011, those Platinum members who earn more than triple the usual Status credits retain level for Platinum tier status will have access to even more benefits and exclusive services, including a dedicated team to look after your travel needs every step of the way.

Frequent Flyers will shortly receive further details about all the planned changes and other exciting new initiatives on the boil including epiQure by Qantas Frequent Flyer, a new member only online community for food and wine appreciators.

* With a QF code on their ticket.

About Qantas Frequent Flyer:
 The Qantas Frequent Flyer program was launched in 1987 and today has 7.8 million members
 The program has more than 400 partners, including airlines, hotels, financial institutions and retailers
 Over 3.4 million Award flights were redeemed by members last year
 The online Qantas Frequent Flyer Store offers more than 2,500 products

 

[TonyHancock]

So pretty clear for WP's like me then. QF clearly wants most people to be SG!!!

LTG is the way to go, as a back up, and look at maintaining status on another airline or program.

At what stage will QF really start to look after it's WP's?

 

[serfty]

Hmmm "Loyalty Bonus" changes from 11.1 QFF points per SC uncapped to 16 per SC, capped at 32,000 per year.

Is that per membership "year", or per Calendar year?

Personally, I would have preferred the re-introduction of of UC's, maybe capped at 4.

Moreover, what happens to a FF who earns 490 SC's in a membership year? Will they get the 8000 with the first 10 earned in their next year?

 

[Red Roo]

Hmmm "Loyalty Bonus" changes from 11.1 QFF points per SC uncapped to 16 per SC, capped at 32,000 per year.

Is that per membership "year", or per Calendar year?

This is per membership year.

 

[OverrideServlet]

It would have been nice to see the Plat status bonus go up by 25% as well...

I agree with this. As a platinum I do recognise that QF is giving me more than they were yesterday, I'm just not feeling the love as much as I would if I were Silver or Gold.

Red Roo, since you are paying attention to this thread, I'd really love it if Platinums were entitled to a small number of yearly any time Qantas Club passes. A number between 3 & 6 would be really nice.

 

[moa999]

Any details on "Platinum One"...
apart from
"From fourth quarter 2011, those Platinum members who earn more than triple the usual Status credits retain level for Platinum tier status will have access to even more benefits and exclusive services, including a dedicated team to look after your travel needs every step of the way."
Is this just like AA Concierge Key ??
or are there other exclusives

Given I am at 2500 SC now with a Jul rollover, assume no point pushing to 3600.

--

Loyalty bonuses are a bit weird
500 = 8000
1000 = 8000
1500 = 8000
2000 = 8000
2400 = 50000 (optional - or Partner Gold or Parking)
Anything more = nothing