Creating Atmosphere

[yogi]

VA are revamping their frequent flyer program and some of us had some ideas.

The background to this thread is here.

So, if you have some ideas, put them below with suggested levels and I will update this header post. The broad aim of this task is for it to be an overview and how the levels of the program might work, rather than specific numbers of this and that.

For the sake of our exploration, I am going with the name Atmosphere and it will take 5 levels (the 5 layers of the earth's atmosphere) - the first being a really basic entry which may or may not even involve flying, the last is either the proposed platnium or taking a trip on Virgin Galatic. The first level should be super easy to get into, the second, a minor challenge and so on as flying increases. We will of course adapt however needed once we start pulling things together.

All ideas are totally welcome, whether you are a rare or frequent flyer. Think about other programs or things you think about airlines and we can work something out. Think about ideas that may initially seem totally abstract.

Come play!

===========================================================================================
Atmosphere - Fly Higher.
The flying program of Virgin Austrlia.

* Troposphere
Level 1
Colour - White
Current approximate equivalent level - n/a

This is really basic level of membership and you may or may not even need to fly. Free to join and minimal benefits. You may not even get a physical card? You get a cool email newsletter and um, a couple of other things. Inclusive, broad and somehow might encourage someone to fly or fly VA for the first time.


* Stratosphere
Level 2
Colour -
Current approximate equivalent level - Red

This level is not too hard to reach and has some modest benefits.

Maybe have to actually physically fly to reach the next level - maybe you get it automatically after your first flight?


* Mesosphere
Level 3
Colour -
Current approximate equivalent level - Silver

This level does require flying at least occaisionally.


* Thermosphere
Level 4
Colour -
Current approximate equivalent level - Gold

This level is pretty frequent flying.


* Exosphere
Level 5
Colour - Violet / Blue Violet / Magenta
Current approximate equivalent level - Platinum (to be introduced)

This is like you sometimes think you live at the airport.

The super uber frequentest of frequent flyers. Personalised, Virgin Galatic service at every turn.


I had toyed with a Level 6 as like a super elite elite elite something, but I think the highest level should actually be achievable and accessible by any particular person who happens to fly a lot.

 

[Misha]

So we've both started 'come and play' threads about Virgin!!!! Virgin are succeeding - they are engaging their pax and getting us excited

FWIW I don't like the idea about atmosphere - sorry

Reason being is that as Australians people will inevitably refer to your status as "Strato", "Exo" or "Tropo" or something and that doesn't gel with me.

Also, I think an airline would be setting itself up big time using the name atmosphere - people would quickly jump on the 'smog' bandwagon re: Pollution of the Atmosphere: I could see the mock ups of the ads: VA jets flying with plumes of brown smoke behind them....

How about a system based on the "Virgin" concept

Could go (based on your 5-tier system):

Frigid,

Prude,

**** Tease,

Free Spirit

skan_

I like the idea of top-tier people being called skan_s - we kind of do anyway

:mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen:

 

[yogi]

So we've both started 'come and play' threads about Virgin!!!! Virgin are succeeding - they are engaging their pax and getting us excited

FWIW I don't like the idea about atmosphere - sorry

And I don't fly much to start with! Maybe I will be more soon.

I just saw your thread, you can do the platnium stuff if you want and I will do the general program as a whole. I am going to keep an eye on your thread even though it's unlikely I will ever get to it.

I totally get your point about the name and the usage of the word Atmosphere. I like it a lot but am happy for it to just be used as a draft name only, at the end of the day it is just a placeholder. I had totally considered that people would drop the sphere and yeah "Go Tropo" does make me cringe a little too and perhaps not in line with the new vibe they are going for.

 

[pshepvic]

As I mentioned in the other thread, I personally don't care too much about what colour the card is, or what the levels are called, but I do care more about what goes into the program.

My wish list for Platinum status (in no order of preference, and I will probably add more as well as time goes on):

- Arrivals lounge access (anytime isn't a big deal for me, but others may want it)
- Platinum level to be around 750 SCs to qualify, and 600 to retain (in line with 250/200 silver and 500/400 gold) ... although I think it will probably be closer to 1000/800
- Points and Status Credit earn on Any Seat Awards (and Reward seats too if they can manage it )
- A nice metal card
- A nice personal greeting when I check in at the airport ... "It's nice to have you with us again Mr Bingham" (and I think I would choose that very greeting, even though it's not my name! lol)
- Automatic upgrades to any available PE or J seat that is un-sold or not used with a points upgrade (and if there are still any left over after the Platinums, automatic upgrades for Gold members as well - maybe have to base it on Fare paid or something if there are more Golds than seats) - for both domestic and international
- A bunch of bonus points for achieving/maintaining Platinum (20k reasonable? and maybe add in 10k for hitting Gold too?)
- A few guest passes each year that I can give out to people even when I'm not traveling, so they can see what they're missing with the new lounge
- More availability of Reward seats for Golds & Platinums
- Seating zones - eg. first row of economy blocked for Platinum (it pains me to say this in case I don't qualify!), second and third rows blocked for Gold, and exits available to both Platinum and Gold ... with no blue zone charge
- Premium check in like in Sydney for Gold and Platinum ... at BNE, ADL, PER and MEL airports

Have I missed anything?!

 

[pshepvic]

Oops I missed the other thread - can someone move my post over there?!

 

[LiamR]

Well, mine are a bit more simple, and I think Virgin have most of them covered. Note free upgrades aren't on my list. The second you put a benefit like that on paper is the moment you start hearing complaints.

I'll explain how I work at airports.

When travelling for work. I get there at 11:30 for a 12:00 flight (Lets assume 30min checkin limit) I usually don't stop walking till I reach the lounge.

I want to get through the airport without stopping as much as possible. This means:

Checkin at home/however I want. Walk up to a Kiosk, swipe a card and see a big button "REPRINT MY BOARDING PASS"

Priority security, or some sort of express idea where you avoid the masses.

Be able to walk into the lounge, find a spare table, grab some food and quickly eat it.
(In a perfect world I would like to flash my Admerals Club card at the door without stopping and hear a "Welcome back Mr Bingham")

I then want to be able to get from the lounge, to the departure gate, onboard the aircraft without walking. A priority boarding lane makes a world of difference.

A smile as I step onboard.
(Not the Qantas - I'm going to talk on the phone to the rear galley while I welcome people onboard and make it look like I'm inconviencing you because you have to stop talking.)

Something to eat onboard, for a Gold member. Even if its just a bottle of water. It means a lot to me. Preferably before takeoff, so I can grab it as I need to.

Be able to get off, if my transport is not ready, sit in the lounge, freshen up or get a meal.

Yes - They are simple demands, and Virgin has most of them. But can they consistantly deliver them? I don't want to have to fight for something I'm entitled to. (*Glances at Qantas*)

Oh - An Airline that listens to me, would be fantastic. Virgin have this covered here on AFF already.

Also - Some sort of forum, in selected capital cities, say anually? Where we get to meet and greet some of the people from Virgin, give them feedback, and just have a nice time discussing all things airline related. Its done in the US (Delta?) and works welll. Even throw in a tour of a sim, or behind the scenes of a airport. It goes a long way to show your customers that you care.

Hope your listening people from Virgin.

 

[Misha]

:shock::shock::shock:

...and all this from young Liam who constantly defends QF - and stands with his hand on his heart, tears streaming down his face when he sees a QF plane on an overseas tarmac - a reaction he said Virgin would never be able to get out of him as they weren't the flag carrier that QF are...

Things are looking VERY good for VA right now - treat your top tier pax well (esp those on AFF!) and your client base will grow massively.

Nice.

 

[LiamR]

:shock::shock::shock:

...and all this from young Liam who constantly defends QF - and stands with his hand on his heart, tears streaming down his face when he sees a QF plane on an overseas tarmac - a reaction he said Virgin would never be able to get out of him as they weren't the flag carrier that QF are...

Well, thats a bit over the top. But without offending Virgin. They'll never be Qantas. There is something special about the brand.

 

[Misha]

But without offending Virgin. They'll never be Qantas.

My dear Liam, I would imagine that VA are glad to hear that - they don't want to be QF - and we - the flying public - do not want to see them become QF!!!!

I do however, have to disagree with your comment saying there is something special about Qantas (if you mean that as a positive anyway)... reading your own post talking about VA it just shows how much catching up QF have to do.

Don't feel obligated to have some misguided loyalty to a company just because they are the main one (you don't have to be with Telstra for example, or deposit your salary into Westpac/CBA) - but base it on service.

Many people on here are super loyal to QF because they get what they need from them, and VA currently don't equal that (particularly international alliances and Asian hubs) - but to give them this almost spiritual reverence as the Holy Deity of the Red Marsupial from Dreamtime because they personally feel they deserve it, well that's just wrong

Even those members on here who will never leave QF and never board a VA plane will benefit from this as it brings long needed competition (and true competition at that) to Australian skies.

Oh... and QF is cough!

 

[yogi]

I don't really have much to add at this point in time.

There is certainly some "atmosphere" in here at the moment.

Oh, yeah, I do. VA PLEASE hire me to help run / facilitate your in person forums around the country. I'll throw some online community forums or feedback loop something for each level of benefiter as well, as part of the package.

 

[LiamR]

My dear Liam, I would imagine that VA are glad to hear that - they don't want to be QF - and we - the flying public - do not want to see them become QF!!!!

I do however, have to disagree with your comment saying there is something special about Qantas (if you mean that as a positive anyway)... reading your own post talking about VA it just shows how much catching up QF have to do.

Don't feel obligated to have some misguided loyalty to a company just because they are the main one (you don't have to be with Telstra for example, or deposit your salary into Westpac/CBA) - but base it on service.

Many people on here are super loyal to QF because they get what they need from them, and VA currently don't equal that (particularly international alliances and Asian hubs) - but to give them this almost spiritual reverence as the Holy Deity of the Red Marsupial from Dreamtime because they personally feel they deserve it, well that's just wrong

Even those members on here who will never leave QF and never board a VA plane will benefit from this as it brings long needed competition (and true competition at that) to Australian skies.


Oh... and QF is awesome!

Moved the discussion here:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....rogram/what-does-qantas-brand-mean-30607.html