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

[ComeFlyWithMe]

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

Not really. T&Cs say they can be booking on line with out incurring a fee. They get around this by the fee free phone number. T&C or footnotes say ASA can include classic award fares, but at a higher cost - as per the last sentence you quote.

However, removing availability of classic award entirely would be a change to the T&Cs and should require 3 months notice. Reading the current clause 15 suggests there should be wholesale changes if this situation was to change.

Bait and switch - online vs free call is actually a change to the T&Cs. If it states online and they cannot be booked online, that is a breach of their T&Cs. Not that they care much about them as a general observation however.

They changed them earlier in the year with no notice, so I have no confidence in them any longer.

The website was also fraudulently representing a supposed backdating of the T&Cs earlier in the year, with changed terms appearing with an old effective date.

 

[TheInsider]

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

So is it confirmed???

Can you still book for example - TSV-BNE-DRW albeit via the telephone?

Or is this now unavailable even by phone?

You can book it via the phone, only if the classic award level is available.

 

[equus]

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

Is it this simple? If so, apart from inconvenience associated with making a call then I don't really have an issue with this. The best status run option for me is ADL-BNE-TSV return so should be easy enough to book.

It will depend on how far the "illegal" itinerary designation extends. Reports so far indicate that some very exotic combinations are no longer being allowed, instead requiring multi-sector bookings with associated costs.

Those situations where a direct flight is not possible leave the definition as to what connections will be allowed up to the call centre operator. Hopefully the straight forward and logical connections (as per your example) will remain as is, but I suspect that some of the more creative (and lucrative from a SC perspective) indirect routines may no longer be valid options.

Point to point (via call centre) appears unchanged (for now). "Simple" connections where point to point does not exist, ate likely to be unaffected. Exotic connections have probably been enhanced.

 

[medhead]

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

Funnily enough, not listed here:

Frequent Flyer - Award Bookings - Award Types



Perhaps you missed this:

"All bookings made using Points Plus Pay are treated as an Any Seat Awards and Any Seat Award fare conditions will apply"

Points Plus Pay | Qantas

:mrgreen:

Besides "treated as" is not the same as "is".

As an example: use of sensitive information is treated as insider trading; vs use of that information is insider trading.

 

[medhead]

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

Bait and switch - online vs free call is actually a change to the T&Cs. If it states online and they cannot be booked online, that is a breach of their T&Cs. Not that they care much about them as a general observation however.

They changed them earlier in the year with no notice, so I have no confidence in them any longer.

The website was also fraudulently representing a supposed backdating of the T&Cs earlier in the year, with changed terms appearing with an old effective date.

But the bit about online is mainly focused on incurring a fee. The lack of punctuation leaves it open to interpretation as you suggest. But it isn't clear cut.

 

[Flashback]

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

On the phone tpo QF now Last Night Mel-SYD-Alice was 48000 points and $339.00 as a JASA Today it is 216000 points and $1330.00 WTF

This is not what I was told yesterday by Qantas Staff.

If this is the way that ASA is going to be then Virgin here I come atleast we can pool status credits and points making maintaining Status easier.

There has been too many changes to the QFF programme and taxes are excessive on redemptions but this is the LAST STRAW for me

Perhaps we should start a thread with a vote to see how many are reviewing loyalty to QF and considering changes.

NOT HAPPY QANTAS

So .... what did you do before ASAs were introduced?

 

[Limewood]

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

I'd love to see a poll here about these changes, how about it mods?.

 

[medhead]

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

I'd love to see a poll here about these changes, how about it mods?.

Start your own.

 

[Newk]

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

Given the refundable nature of MOST JASAs I took out insurance, twice I have done it now based on members info, thanks to those members! It really was a no brainer for me despite not having a DSC offer.

Well done

Yes. I wish I'd spent my stash. I know others who did too.
Oh well. Shrug shoulders and move on.
When I return from Europe I'll see what I can burn with phone booked ASAs

 

[TheInsider]

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

Loving how members are now getting into 'legal terms' and finding words to try and catch Qantas out. What is that going to achieve?
ASAs are still available, just not at some fare classes over one booking medium, although it is available FOC via the call centre, that's it. Just like some fares that companies have are not available to the public.

 

[Ansett]

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

Ok so have finally received an email from QF and the key points are

[TABLE="width: 545"]

[TR]
[TD="align: left"]Any Seat Awards allow you to:[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][TABLE="width: 545"]
[TR]
[TD="width: 10"][/TD]
[TD]

[/TD]
[TD="width: 10"] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"]Book any available seat on a flight with a QF or JQ flight number[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 10"][/TD]
[TD]

[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"]Combine your Qantas or Jetstar flight with a range of flights on other selected airlines[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 10"][/TD]
[TD]

[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"]Earn Qantas Points & Status credits[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 10"][/TD]
[TD]

[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"]Request a Flight Award Upgrade using Qantas Points on eligible Qantas domestic and international routes[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 10"][/TD]
[TD]

[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"]Use points for taxes, fees and carrier charges[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 10"][/TD]
[TD]

[/TD]
[TD] [/TD]
[TD="align: left"]Use a mixture of cash and points to your liking with Points Plus Pay.[SUP]≠[/SUP] You can use Points Plus Pay on all Any Seat Award flights. Minimum points levels apply.

It would seem to me that what they have done is combined the ASA with points and pay to reduce the number of options available to consumers. I suggest that this could be a good thing however QF have once again missed a HUGE opportunity and have indeed taken the opportunity to screw over FF by enhancing the JASA at classic levels

Now had QF simpley incorporated the Points Plus Pay Option into the existing ASA system that would have been a positive enhancement allowing us to have fully inclusive JASA by paying more cash.

But No typical QF fashion lets screw over our Loyal Customers again [/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]

[/TABLE]

 

[will2rob]

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

I am sorry, but I have received the email from Qantas and I am no more wiser for it. If Qantas cannot explain the changes to its loyal and frequent customers - who then is writing the script. The requirement to book jasa flights by phone (although that is not clear from the email) is contrary to the way in which most customers would use it - ie search and match price with date and time and points. Looks like it has been designed by and for gen y. If Qantas is going to ditch the jasa awards - why the b-s. We hear enough spin from our Federal politicians - this nonsense from Qantas is well below the standard we have come to expect from them.

Assuming we got the same email, it is clear from the T&C at the bottom of the email:

Please note that from 26 June 2013 Any Seat Award bookings made in reservation classes X, Z, U or P cannot be made online at qantas.com. To make an Any Seat Award booking in these classes please call 1300 366 587 (dial in +61 2 8222 2430 from outside Australia) between the hours of 0900 and 1700 AEST on Mondays to Fridays. In most cases the points required for Any Seat Awards booked in these classes are higher than those required for a Classic Award in the same class of travel on the same flight. See qantas.com for more information and full terms and conditions

 

[equus]

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

Bait and switch - online vs free call is actually a change to the T&Cs. If it states online and they cannot be booked online, that is a breach of their T&Cs. Not that they care much about them as a general observation however.

I don't really think so. Saying it can be booked online without fee doesn't preclude booking by phone - it simply says no booking fee for online. It also doesn't guarantee everything can be booked online (clause 15.2.1)

The other thing that people seem to be confusing is that "any seat" refers to "if there is an available seat" but the existing T&C do not guarantee that any available fare bucket can be used to price that seat. Indeed, the terms specifically refer to some promotional fares not being available. The fact that classic inventory may not be able to be accessed for pricing an ASA via the website doesn't violate anything if the seat can be accessed via another fare bucket (which is almost certainly true).

In actual fact, if you want to be really picky, Qantas are violating clause 13.2.3 every time they don't charge a fee for booking an award via the phone - but I don't see anybody complaining about that.

 

[Ansett]

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

So .... what did you do before ASAs were introduced?

What I did or didnt do before ASA is not relevant the fact that they are here and were a good option to use and now they are being enhanced is the issue.

 

[TheInsider]

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

What I did or didnt do before ASA is not relevant the fact that they are here and were a good option to use and now they are being enhanced is the issue.

Why, because you now have to call 13 13 13?

 

[EmilyHoward]

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

Then shouldn't that be agendum?

( My limited knowledge of Latin was gleaned from Yes, Prime Minister.)

You must be quite old if you can remember using Agendum or even Agendum est. LOL. Were you a Roman Soldier? Agenda in latin was a plural word but now is generally accepted in English as a "Singular" noun ie The Agenda.....

Agendas is now used as a plural.

The only item on MY Agenda however is "How the hell am I going to stay P1 now with these changes?" LOL

EH

 

[medhead]

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

Loving how members are now getting into 'legal terms' and finding words to try and catch Qantas out. What is that going to achieve?
ASAs are still available, just not at some fare classes over one booking medium, although it is available FOC via the call centre, that's it. Just like some fares that companies have are not available to the public.

Yes how dare people use the terms and conditions that qantas would enforce in any other situation. No one is using legal terms to catch out qantas. This is about understanding what rights we have under the conditions that we agreed to in using QFF. It is about knowing what we can expect as changes are made. In this case, there are a couple of changes that should require 3 months notice from qantas. For example removing classic fare classes from being available for ASA bookings.

Despite being available to book via the phone now you have clearly stated the plan is to remove that availability. It is worth knowing that 3 months notice should be provided before that can happen.

 

[RooFlyer]

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

Sorry, but that comment is out of order. I do feel for RedRoo in this situation, it has been mentioned that there is limitations as to what they can and can not say on AFF.
I for one have had great help from Red Roo in the past, and I know I am not re only one.

However, I am fully aware of the issues around the changes (to which I have my own thoughts), but I will comment on them further when I am away from the office.

Red Roo is Qantas here - the company rep here at AFF. Its not a particular person. Are you 'feeling' for Qantas then? The web site is a mess, with lots of non functionality; it doesn't even say about telephoning for ASAs (unlike the e-mail, it seems ... which I haven't received yet) - is that being honest with Joe Public; there's huge confusion afoot about what's allowed and what's not. I know what I feel about Qantas right now - its not a lot of love.

Don't you think the Qantas rep here might like to sorta be involved and help unpick some of the confusion? Don't you think as a corporation Qantas should have anticipated a bit of confusion / reaction and send Red Roo in with some prepared answers? Don't you think if the company rep had been pro-active in explaining the changes it might have de-amped things?

No, Qantas chose just to withdraw its company rep (except for 1 post) and just let the bushfire rage.

Why do you think that was?

Don't shoot the messenger comes to mind. I'm certain that the sentiment raised here will be relayed back to the appropriate QFF representatives by RedRoo.

Red Roo is anything but the messenger!

 

[drewbles]

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

Why, because you now have to call 13 13 13?

Actually its:

1300 366 587 (dial in +61 2 8222 2430 from outside Australia) between the hours of 0900 and 1700 AEST on Mondays to Fridays.

The sore point for me is the fact they can now 'quietly' get rid of the 'cheap' ASA's we used to know and love should they wish to (3 months anyone?). Not making them available online and providing a specific number you have to use to book them, enables them to simply cancel the number and remove the functionality, minimising their effort to enhance it out of existence.

 

[TheInsider]

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

Actually its:


The sore point for me is the fact they can now 'quietly' get rid of the 'cheap' ASA's we used to know and love should they wish to (3 months anyone?). Not making them available online and providing a specific number you have to use to book them, enables them to simply cancel the number and remove the functionality, minimising their effort to enhance it out of existence.

That phone number has probably been set up to gauge the amount of bookings being made. Otherwise the calls just go through to the general Qantas Frequent Flyer agents AFAIK, as all agents are aware of the change.