[Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26] was 10April

[TheInsider]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Has it been confirmed that the fee will be waived.

.

Yes, it is waived.

 

[spentan]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

If ASAs can still be booked with the call centre, does this include flights which have been "requested and released" as is possible for WPs?

 

[kpc]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Is that the price when you ring for the "marginal" availability?

In Korea currently...so won't be calling QF!

 

[equus]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Given the flat out removal of them (phone bookings don't count - nobody likes doing anything via phone) my guess is someone semi-important has a personal issue with them and made them go away.

You may be getting a little paranoid here. When viable alternatives are either a conspiracy or incompetence, incompetence is the far more likely explanation, even if conspiracy is a more exciting theory.

Given the quality of execution of the change (and remember the delay in the roll out - speaks volumes for the likely technical issues just to get the current level of quality), I would suggest that trying to accurately code an ASA points cost based on the classic inventory in the context of the new approach to converting cash cost to points cost was deemed to be too hard for the web developers.

Likewise, the use of the term "marginal" to refer to these ASA booking may not be a synonym for "dubious" or "undesirable" as most seem to be assuming, but simply reflective that the calculation to price these involves using the standard price for the +++ being converted to points, adding the classic points + a "margin" applied to those points to reflect the addition of SC and points earn - that "marginal" factor being a unique requirement for pricing this type of ASA not present in the other calculations. Add in the other complexities (features or I intended consequences) of the previous online pricing engine (great circle vs segment distance etc) I am not really surprised that they didn't want to complicate the new web site attempt.

Review of "marginal" ASA may not be the sky is falling end of their existence that many seem to assume - it may be a rational review of the way the "margin" should be calculated, and how they should align to other options (e.g. whilst it would be disappointing, I would not be at all surprised to see the use of GC distance for multi-segment disappearing in favour of adding segment distances)

 

[markis10]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

In Korea currently...so won't be calling QF!

Fair enough, I called to check the JASA I booked yesterday to take advantage of the 3X offer expiring Sunday and costs have not changed and there is still availability, for an August flight.

 

[747800intercon]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Thank you for all your private messages and also the posts on here it is greatly appreciated. The original intention right from the beginning for this thread was to give a heads up to what QF were doing. The original dates of when it was meant to happen were all correct. Due to IT issues there delays so it may have looked like this was a deceptive thread meant to inflame members and mislead.

All I would recommend is when you get messages from QF saying "ASA are absolutely here to stay" when they denied that should ring alarm bells. Also when the official company spokesperson stays completely silent on such a massive post/thread that's another clue.

The "marginal ASA" as they like to call it is here to soften the blow when they will be removed completely in around 3 months time. After this date the P U Z X inventory will be used exclusively for classic awards. You will still have the option of using points to pay for fares based on normal commercial inventory. So my final advice is if you need to book the marginal seats, search for the classic award first then once you have the flights phone up ask it to be booked as "marginal ASA" but please note as already noted by other posters the rates for part cash has gone up quite a lot from today. This will stay in place for about 3 months then they will be gone forever - well that's the info I have today. It could change.

Thanks again and all the best to everyone.

 

[markis10]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

So my final advice is if you need to book the marginal seats, search for the classic award first then once you have the flights phone up ask it to be booked as "marginal ASA" but please note as already noted by other posters the rates for part cash has gone up quite a lot from today. This will stay in place for about 3 months then they will be gone forever - well that's the info I have today. It could change.

If you have not already done so book now!

 

[Ansett]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

If you have not already done so book now!

More Insider info Markis ?

 

[moa999]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Problem is we now have two posters saying different things about whether the cash component of marginal ASAs has increased or not.

 

[markis10]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

More Insider info Markis ?

Common sense, if you have nothing to lose........(at least with JASAs that have zero fees on refund).

 

[TheInsider]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Problem is we now have two posters saying different things about whether the cash component of marginal ASAs has increased or not.

I can't confirm or deny if the cash component has gone up or not.

 

[markis10]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Problem is we now have two posters saying different things about whether the cash component of marginal ASAs has increased or not.

Agree, and should clarify that my post was referring to the cost for points in total, did not think to inquire about winding it down and its cost as I was told the costs had not been changed, its possible thats true but what is in effect is the points + pay cost versus the cost previously used for non points plus pay.

 

[Ansett]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Problem is we now have two posters saying different things about whether the cash component of marginal ASAs has increased or not.

This is where some clarification from Red Roo would be good..

Also I have not received any information from Qantas about these changes which is very poor on Qantas behalf. Or is it QF practice to keep FF in the dark?

 

[moa999]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Which JASAs have zero refund fees.
From memory this was only ex-overseas ports?

 

[TheInsider]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Which JASAs have zero refund fees.
From memory this was only ex-overseas ports?

All domestic at least have zero refund fees.

 

[markis10]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Which JASAs have zero refund fees.
From memory this was only ex-overseas ports?

All domestic ones as per my post, checking the fare rules will give you an answer based on departing country but there are quite a few:

Help fare guide | Qantas

I do note they now have a few domestic exclusions that appear to have been added:

^ If this fare is booked as part of the Global Business Class sale, Domestic Business Companion Sale, Two or more Sale, the fare is non-refundable, two or more passengers must be booked and travel together, child discounts do not apply.

 

[blackcat20]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Has it been confirmed that the fee will be waived.

Yes, it is waived.

Website says no:

Make a booking by calling Award flight reservations; however an Award Assistance fee applies.[SUP]≠[/SUP]

 

[TheInsider]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Website says no:

It is waived once again...

 

[lovestotravel]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Below is a slide showing most of the changes, what is not covered in that slide:

1. "Marginal Redemptions" are only available by phone for both availability checks and booking, these are the cheaper seats that have a small cost to be reduced to classic award level.
2. "Marginal Redemptions" are not included as their future is currently under review.
3. The cost formulas for point conversions, so the value in using cash vs points is still there.

Thank you to Red Roo and the team for the (PRIVATE) briefing yesterday, the engagement with AFF is as always most appreciated.

My key takeaway, the best value is not yet gone, (but will be going I suspect), and is now harder to get, get them while you can!

I am pleased to say I have 9000 off QFF points left, I seemed to have spent a few last night!

Isn't that nice and convenient

Lucky for some I guess.....

 

[Steelo]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Not impressed by the way this has been handled by Qantas. Making such dramatic changes without providing information to their loyal customers is beyond belief. One of the components about loyalty is consistency and confidence in the tools you use to explore and book the product - such a sudden change unfortunately sends out a very negative message to customers who value loyalty. Do they realise that many of their loyal customers (including more mature customers who are not always tech savy ) take time to re learn how to navigate their way around a new way of pricing and buying a product - which on first observation sends out a very negative message - ie massive increase in pints required for asa awards.