Article: Qantas Pleased with Classic Plus Uptake

[RooFlyer]

Perhaps that's the professional journalistic standard, but the third paragraph is attributed to the QF Loyalty CEO, so I think the average reader would assume the whole thing came from QF.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I don't think it would be something I'd be "disappointed" over.

OK, but its not just journalism, professional or otherwise. Any writing, really. Speaking generally, at its simplest the convention is a courtesy to the reader (so they can check data or info mentioned if they wish) and the specific source (to give them credit for providing the information re-used). At its worst it's a matter of plagiarism (and definitely not suggesting this here!)

Not just 'Qantas', but the particular news release, sit-down interview or whatever.

So, as an author - books, journal articles etc, yes, I actually was 'disappointed' that someone who I respect for their writings didn't follow the convention. Clearly we move in different circles and YMdoesV. I don't think I should explore this off-topic aspect any further.

 

[flyguy77]

In relation to some of the comments I'm reading critical of the article....

I'd hazard a guess that ever since Pointhacks/AFF were sold a few years back - and are now owned and managed by big marketing dollars - it's become more important that they...

a) Generate an ever increasing profit through advertising and other means
b) Maintain a positive working relationship with airlines - and particularly Qantas - which means less criticism.

Unfortunate - but that is the reality.

I still enjoy AFF (Pointhacks not so much) & at least we aren't getting the 'Matt was flying as a guest of Qantas' BS flight "reviews'" on here yet!

 

[Mickey Mouse]

Rather than thinking the worst about Matt's editorial decision, be generous in the interpretation that he assumed he was addressing a bunch of cynics (aka ... us!)

In terms of selling out, etc ... it seems like there can't be too much slush money coming in, given the apparent requirement for the appalling nauseating ads that are now sprayed over the site ... makes it look, if you don't mind an expert opinion, rather Mickey Mouse!


_______________________________________________
(Yeah, I believe they are less obnoxious if logged in, but when having a quick non-logged-in visit, esp. when on the road, its pretty disgusting, almost to the point of "why bother? I'll visit elsewhere")

 

[AFF Editor]

OK, but its not just journalism, professional or otherwise. Any writing, really. Speaking generally, at its simplest the convention is a courtesy to the reader (so they can check data or info mentioned if they wish) and the specific source (to give them credit for providing the information re-used). At its worst it's a matter of plagiarism (and definitely not suggesting this here!)

Not just 'Qantas', but the particular news release, sit-down interview or whatever.

So, as an author - books, journal articles etc, yes, I actually was 'disappointed' that someone who I respect for their writings didn't follow the convention. Clearly we move in different circles and YMdoesV. I don't think I should explore this off-topic aspect any further.

I took your point and edited the second paragraph earlier this afternoon.

 

[DC3]

I took your point and edited the second paragraph earlier this afternoon.

Edited? Now I can’t see exactly what the kerfuffle was about.

 

[kpc]

Edited? Now I can’t see exactly what the kerfuffle was about.

See post #14

 

[DC3]

See post #14

Oh, of course.

 

[2infinity]

While there are some valid points about the OP, I can't help but feel most people's anger and frustration is more directed towards Qantas for their constant devaluation of services and reward opportunities, despite the spin how wonderful things are for those wanting to use their points. Matt has just walked into the crosshairs on this occasion.

Ok...who am I kidding, I'm not an English major, I don't know anything about article writing or the conventions, but I do know that classic rewards are extremely limited in the happy end of the plane. Was looking at a Oneworld RTW award redemption for 2025 earlier this year for one person (mostly so I could say I'd done it), but do you think I could find any. I know you all know the answer. There was nothing that would cross the Pacific. I could get to Europe, could get across the Atlantic. I could find seats that would take me all the way back from the way I'd come, 3/4 of the way around the world, but just nothing that would take me forward that last quarter. Yes, there was seats on Fiji Airways and China Airlines (both not Oneworld members, so they weren't applicable). I looked at a lot of dates because I was very flexible and nothing. Qantas is shameful in the number of seats they release, and no spin is going to change that. Actual capacity increases above zero is what is needed. It's a pity the government can't legislate a minimum number on every flight, but alas it's a commercial decision and making huge profits is of more interest to Qantas than its customers. I've decided I might go to Canada now to kayak with orcas rather than the Oneworld RTW redemption. Seems plenty of availability on Fiji Airways and China Airlines but ZERO on Qantas. Shame Shame Shame.

 

[WilsonM]

Was looking at a Oneworld RTW award redemption for 2025 earlier this year for one person (mostly so I could say I'd done it), but do you think I could find any. I know you all know the answer. There was nothing that would cross the Pacific.

I don't disagree with you at all re. the complete lack of J redemptions across the Pacific - it's nearly impossible to get anything from Australia to the US, as none of UA (except for 2 months out), DL and the AA/QF JV have released anything useful.

As a practical solution, you may have better luck flying via Japan? Of course, I don't know how well this would fit with your plans, but there is at least some availability from the US-Japan, and then Asia to Australia is a little better.

Of course, its a lot longer, and would be a lot easier if QF would get their act together. But if you are super keen to do a Oneworld Classic Reward, you might have some better luck going the Japan way.

 

[SydneySwan]

While there are some valid points about the OP, I can't help but feel most people's anger and frustration is more directed towards Qantas for their constant devaluation of services and reward opportunities, despite the spin how wonderful things are for those wanting to use their points. Matt has just walked into the crosshairs on this occasion.

The correct term is enhancement.

 

[2infinity]

As a practical solution, you may have better luck flying via Japan? Of course, I don't know how well this would fit with your plans, but there is at least some availability from the US-Japan, and then Asia to Australia is a little better.

Of course, its a lot longer, and would be a lot easier if QF would get their act together. But if you are super keen to do a Oneworld Classic Reward, you might have some better luck going the Japan way.

thanks. At the time of searching, i checked via Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Phillipines, Vietnam, Singapore, New Zealand, Fiji, oh and yea, Australia too even.......still nothing except Fiji Airways and China Airlines who are not Oneworld airlines so not applicable for a RTW ticket

 

[Greg555]

This is just Qantas junk spin....as all their pathetic press releases are.

What's very notable is the current ZERO availability of a business classic award seat to uk/europe in May/June/July 2025..... (via Seats.Aero and my qantas searching)
This is what was expected when they released the Plus scam - the death of classic awards.

I've already moved my focus to Krisflyer - can't wait to spend the last of my Qantas pts. SHAME QANTAS SHAME (as usual)

 

[Graham Atkinson]

I respect your opinion but the article doesn’t actually state that Classic Plus is good value, nor recommend that AFF members book these. It presents some stats on the uptake so far - which Qantas says it’s happy with - and says that this has resulted in more seats being available to book with points. It also gives some insight into Qantas’ thinking behind the change and some possible future program updates.

Fear not, AFF won’t be recommending redeeming points on toasters!

Appreciate the reply Matt, but I strongly disagree.

Your article, complete with smiling Qantas faces, was simply just a "cut and paste" straight from Qantas spin doctors - and you DID NOT make it clear that this is an absolute ridiculous use of points on a long-haul flight.

I can only presume you posted their propaganda to curry favour with Qantas - otherwise why post it.

We all come on points sites for a reason. Not to have to read this nonsense.

When you posted an article titled "Qantas Pleased with Classic Points Plus Uptake", along with spin that to the reader on face value "sounds" good, it makes the reader think to themselves "What am I missing?" Is this Qantas Points Plus something I should be actually considering?

When it's in reality no different to the way they have always displayed points required other than "Classic" redemptions. They are astronomically ridiculous points amounts that no sane, informed person would ever book.

The reality is it is just garbage. No one with any sense is going to book a long-haul flights on "Classic Plus" at something like 4 X the amount of points!!!!!!! I don't mean to be crude but if its a poop, putting a bow around it and calling it something else it is still a poop.

It was nothing more than Qantas propaganda and holds no place on a points advice site.

I've heard that the only way Classic Plus is something you'd ever look at is on a NZ flight? I still couldn't work out how that is the case if someone could explain how Classic Plus can actually work on a NZ flight in Business?

Otherwise the whole article it just total BS and frankly we don't come on here to read it. Having posted an article like that, on a site like this, IMO needs an apology. And a clear editorial clarification that THIS IS PURELY A QANTAS "CUT AND PASTE" AND THAT THIS IS NOT A WAY YOU SHOULD EVER CONSIDER USING YOUR POINTS WITH. Instead it was an article with individual headings that "sounded like" it was being recommended in a way from yourself.

 

[elanshin]

I've heard that the only way Classic Plus is something you'd ever look at is on a NZ flight? I still couldn't work out how that is the case if someone could explain how Classic Plus can actually work on a NZ flight in Business?

Basically since CR+ is based on actual sale fares at 1.5c per point, when the sale fare drops, the CR+ is actually lower than CR. Which just really says you should buy a cash ticket if you're looking to extract value.

This does happen from time to time where CR is at a very bad conversion rate (usually decent cash sale tickets).

 

[flyguy77]

It was nothing more than Qantas propaganda and holds no place on a points advice site.

I disagree that AFF should be pigeon holed as a 'points-site' when in reality it offers more.

BUT

As I mentioned in my previous comment - ever since the ownership change the content has also changed to become more 'income-driven' which probably includes the need to 'promote' certain airlines and keep a positive relationship to also ensure they get all the insider knowledge rather than write articles ripping into Qantas which could sever that relationship.

The reality is also that points programs worldwide are rapidly diminishing in value - it's not just Qantas.

 

[Neil64]

Is that a fact? What's your source?

Based on availability over the last ten years and have previously booked countless business class long haul Classic Reward seats.

 

[jase05]

Based on availability over the last ten years and have previously booked countless business class long haul Classic Reward seats.

Just because you can’t snare seats it’s hardly a “fact” that QF are releasing less seats.
Perhaps they are releasing less but I’d love to see the raw data before I claim it as a fact.
As others have mentioned there are far more frequent flyers now and QF have also been releasing seats in batches which obviously suits some but not others

 

[AFF Editor]

I disagree that AFF should be pigeon holed as a 'points-site' when in reality it offers more.

BUT

As I mentioned in my previous comment - ever since the ownership change the content has also changed to become more 'income-driven' which probably includes the need to 'promote' certain airlines and keep a positive relationship to also ensure they get all the insider knowledge rather than write articles ripping into Qantas which could sever that relationship.

The reality is also that points programs worldwide are rapidly diminishing in value - it's not just Qantas.

Over the years, AFF has been able to work quite constructively with Qantas in many areas. To give you one example, we worked with them a while back to try to fix the issue of Classic Flight Rewards not getting ticketed, resulting in the flights being cancelled by partner airlines. If not for AFF, Qantas probably wouldn't have set up a dedicated email address and team to monitor these bookings and ensure they get ticketed properly.

Do you think Qantas is more likely to listen to AFF and work with us on things like this that benefit our community if we have a constructive relationship, or if we're constantly yelling at them?

That's not to say that this article was written purely to curry favour with Qantas - not at all. I'll take the feedback in this thread on board, but once again, I simply thought that our community would be interested to hear how Classic Plus is going from Qantas' perspective and about some of the other things Qantas is currently working on. This particular article was not about whether or not Classic Plus is great value - I've already covered that before elsewhere (e.g. https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/why-qantas-introduced-classic-plus/ and https://www.australianfrequentflyer...e/#Are_Qantas_Classic_Plus_Rewards_good_value)

By the way, a lot of Qantas staff do read this forum and will no doubt see this thread. I'm sure they will have noticed how the majority of AFF members obviously feel about Classic Plus.

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

If Qantas were serious about looking after frequent flyers they would reinstate Red Roo.

 

[TheInsider]

If Qantas were serious about looking after frequent flyers they would reinstate Red Roo.

Frequent flyers does not equal just people in this forum.
A dedicated rep for a handful of people doesn't really warrent the cost I would think.