Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour)

[concorde71]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

Except that when I move into a position where I make the decision about who the company flies with, I'll be taking my business to QF, because they've recognised my loyalty even when I might not have spent as much with them (mind you I've still spent a significant amount of money with them over the years - and I'll pay up to 50% more for a flight with QF than JQ or DJ any day).

I'm not saying they shouldn't reward for spend - any business who doesn't do that will lose customers. But I am saying "today's low spend customer could be tomorrow's high spend customer", so rewarding loyalty as well as spend is important.

:shock::shock: WOW obviously price is no issue where you work.... Seriously, can anyone really justify 50% more for a domestic short haul flight???? I dont think that makes business sense does it? Maybe 100% more over Tiger, but really, does anyone honestly beive QF is that much better than DJ??? Give them a shake up I say, it will happen, QF will feel the pain on this one if DJ can get their lounges / International lounge access sorted, which I feel will happen very soon.

 

[JohnK]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

As for the acronyms, that’s been discussed many a time, but legend has it that the original acronyms were decided in a QP meet… so surely a Lounge meet would be appropriate.

Do we really need more silly acronyms? Gold and Silver work just as well if not better.

whY+ is a joke on the short haul fleet; I think it's fair to suggest that you should wait until the J cabin arrives before criticising their premium cabin service.

Are people actually losing sleep waiting for DJ's domestic business class offering? Is domestic business class really that popular and what makes people think that DJ is going to do it better than QF on the 737's?

 

[notzac]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

Are people actually losing sleep waiting for DJ's domestic business class offering? Is domestic business class really that popular and what makes people think that DJ is going to do it better than QF on the 737's?

Well, I'm not QF have arguably one of the better short haul premium cabins going, so I think it will be interesting to see how DJ responds. Maybe it will be better? Who knows.

 

[samh004]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

re people actually losing sleep waiting for DJ's domestic business class offering? Is domestic business class really that popular and what makes people think that DJ is going to do it better than QF on the 737's?

The fact that they’re later to market should mean they will be able to learn from all QF’s mistakes and provide a better product. Now is the time to wait and see.

 

[russ]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

Except that when I move into a position where I make the decision about who the company flies with, I'll be taking my business to QF, because they've recognised my loyalty even when I might not have spent as much with them.

Err, don't you have a duty to choose what is best for the company?

 

[JohnK]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

The fact that they’re later to market should mean they will be able to learn from all QF’s mistakes and provide a better product. Now is the time to wait and see.

Let's not go back and look at all DJ's mistakes including Premium economy and E190's.

I know QF did not have domestic premium economy but what DJ offered was, and still is a, very poor premium economy solution alround.

Anyway don't want to jinx DJ in any way but in my opinion they need to fix up their economy offering before concentrating too much on the business class offerings. The way the global economy is going business class may not be around for too much longer.

 

[Moopere]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

:shock::shock: WOW obviously price is no issue where you work.... Seriously, can anyone really justify 50% more for a domestic short haul flight???? I dont think that makes business sense does it?

Its common enough. People want as much certainly of flight/service as they can get. Business users are generally not travelling for fun and need to arrive at their destination in good shape, both physically and mentally.

I've yet to work at an establishment where any employees get sent anywhere via DJ. The fares are not even compared, the Travel departments or agents (depending on the company) are directed to use certain airlines which comply with the companies perception of how they want/need their people to arrive at destination.

We could doubtless argue about the merits of this till we all fall asleep but I think its a pretty common thing. I suspect this leaning is well known by DJ and is probably one of the reasons prompting them to try and change their image.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

You only have to look at a handful of airlines in Star Alliance (which has 2 levels, Silver and Gold) that offer a level above Gold. These include Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, United. Could DJ do similar, of course they could. Would they? Who knows.

Then there is the ""Top Invite Only Tier" to snag the corporate market to look at.
Examples;
BA - Premier
QF - Chairmans Lounge
EK - I/O

They could also create a super-top tier that is achievable (Singapore PPS, United GS, LH Hon), like a DJ Platinum.

 

[LiamR]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

So we have WP, SG, PS, QP and NB status acronyms for Qantas.

Should we be utilising these across the forum for Velocity as well? Considering the tiers are different (ie. top tier on Velocity is Gold whereas Qantas it is Platinum - or Chairman's Lounge if you count that) should the acronyms be adjusted accordingly, eg:

Gold = WG (w***ker gold)
Silver = SS (scum silver)
Red = PR (Pleb red - that has a nice ring to it!)

Or, if the rumour I hear the other day is true, assume that Virgin will introduce a Platinum tier? Then we'd keep the same terminology across both programs with WP, SG and PS, and then instead of NB have NR (nuthin' red)?

Oh yeah, while I'm at it - has anyone else heard that rumour about Virgin introducing Platinum? Haven't seen it mentioned anywhere, but I could have missed it.

With respect to the OP, hasen't Virgin said many times they are not trying to turn into Qantas? By making a platinum level they are doing just that. The four tier system is mostly unique to OW airlines. (Forgetting CL ect...)

Just as they say, by making the same abbreviations for Virgin is just turning them into Qantas. Which is the last thing they want to be. TBH I never liked the current QF Acronyms, they aren't very true I've found...

LR

 

[newmarket]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

Its common enough. People want as much certainly of flight/service as they can get. Business users are generally not travelling for fun and need to arrive at their destination in good shape, both physically and mentally.

A one or two hour flight on virgin blue can leave you physically and mentally broken?

 

[Moopere]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

Its common enough. People want as much certainly of flight/service as they can get. Business users are generally not travelling for fun and need to arrive at their destination in good shape, both physically and mentally.

A one or two hour flight on virgin blue can leave you physically and mentally broken?

Haha. Yes I know. I worded my post carefully. I'm not showing my own hand in that statement just saying this is how its been at my various workplaces.

I'm aware that we could easily argue the pro's and con's of this type of policy literally forever.

Only speaking from my own experiences, its generally true that the airfare component of having employees 'in the field' is only a relatively minor component of the daily cost. Certainly a few hundred dollars of difference is almost imperceptible. Grief from said travelling employees however can really become a problem if things start to unwind.

Not saying personally that any particular airline is better or worse at this, but there is a perception out there and this must have been generated somehow, rightly or wrongly.

 

[pshepvic]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

:shock::shock: WOW obviously price is no issue where you work.... Seriously, can anyone really justify 50% more for a domestic short haul flight???? I dont think that makes business sense does it? Maybe 100% more over Tiger, but really, does anyone honestly beive QF is that much better than DJ??? Give them a shake up I say, it will happen, QF will feel the pain on this one if DJ can get their lounges / International lounge access sorted, which I feel will happen very soon.

If you go back and read my posts again, I was actually saying for personal travel I would spend 50% more to fly QF than DJ (admittedly I could have been a little more explicit as it has been since interpreted that I was referring to business travel).

For work my company does specify that we fly DJ! They've done a very good deal and are getting a better price for all fares than I could publicly (from Blue Savers right through to Corporate Plus - we are generally on the full Y fares as we are frequently booking travel at the las minute).

But based on my experience so far, that is why I will always pay more for personal travel. I've had 8 DJ flights this year - out of those I've had two cancellations, plus 7 delays. How does that work? The flights I was moved to for the cancellations were both delayed as well. So despite what the official statistics may be, my experience has been 25% cancel rate and 12.5% on time departure.

QF on the other hand, out of my last 8 flights only 1 has been delayed.

 

[pshepvic]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

Err, don't you have a duty to choose what is best for the company?

I'd say the priority when you consider work/life balance and health & safety that I'd need to choose what's best for the employees - on time departures, better seating, less stress.

 

[Moopere]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

I'd say the priority when you consider work/life balance and health & safety that I'd need to choose what's best for the employees - on time departures, better seating, less stress.

Its my view that ultimately this is also whats best for the company. You don't want to be churning through your road warriors if it can be avoided.

 

[pshepvic]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

With respect to the OP, hasen't Virgin said many times they are not trying to turn into Qantas? By making a platinum level they are doing just that. The four tier system is mostly unique to OW airlines. (Forgetting CL ect...)

Just as they say, by making the same abbreviations for Virgin is just turning them into Qantas. Which is the last thing they want to be. TBH I never liked the current QF Acronyms, they aren't very true I've found...

LR

Yes but what DJ say and what they are doing appear to be two different things. Just like AJ says he's not trying to turn QF into JQ, but there are some pretty strong opinions around here on that!

I'm not trying to argue for them to bring in Platinum - I would be "worse" off with that (ie. I'm making an assumption that not being top tier FF would be worse off...) so in my view leave the tiers as they are. Others may think differently.

Agree with you on the QF acronyms used as well, but I guess they were decided by a group of people under the influence so what can you do?!

 

[pshepvic]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

Its my view that ultimately this is also whats best for the company. You don't want to be churning through your road warriors if it can be avoided.

Yes agreed. And if that means spending a little more on flights where the staff are a lot less stressed will pay off in the long run.

 

[pshepvic]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

A one or two hour flight on virgin blue can leave you physically and mentally broken?

Well, in a word, yes. The problem I've had with DJ, is often what's seen as only a 1-2hour flight, turns into a 5hour ordeal, by the time the first flight is cancelled, and then the next flight gets delayed. This is a regular occurrence - everyone I work with has experienced it almost weekly. Last Thursday I was booked on a 6:15 SYD-MEL. Due in at 7:45, in could have been home by 8:30. After that flight was cancelled, I was moved to the 6:45, which departed at 8pm (would have been 7:45 but another 15min was added when the two airhead FA's took 15min to sort out a double seat allocation). Then after the baggage handlers sent the luggage to the wrong carousel and took another 15min to work it out, I wasn't home until 10:30 - two hours after the original time. So I go to bed stressed, and therefore don't sleep well, when I would have got a good couple of hours to relax and wind down had I been flying QF.

Yes I know QF have delays and issues, but in my experience it is an exception rather than a rule like it is with DJ.

 

[pauly7]

Well, in a word, yes. The problem I've had with DJ, is often what's seen as only a 1-2hour flight, turns into a 5hour ordeal, by the time the first flight is cancelled, and then the next flight gets delayed. This is a regular occurrence - everyone I work with has experienced it almost weekly. Last Thursday I was booked on a 6:15 SYD-MEL. Due in at 7:45, in could have been home by 8:30. After that flight was cancelled, I was moved to the 6:45, which departed at 8pm (would have been 7:45 but another 15min was added when the two airhead FA's took 15min to sort out a double seat allocation). Then after the baggage handlers sent the luggage to the wrong carousel and took another 15min to work it out, I wasn't home until 10:30 - two hours after the original time. So I go to bed stressed, and therefore don't sleep well, when I would have got a good couple of hours to relax and wind down had I been flying QF.

Yes I know QF have delays and issues, but in my experience it is an exception rather than a rule like it is with DJ.

I don't quite agree it's the 'rule' with DJ although I appreciate you are just making a point

I do agree though that above all else, new metal, new names, new uniform, new J class etc one major issue DJ need to address is their cancellation rate - they are higher than every other airline in Oz and almost double that of Qantas.

It was actually a key part of why our business renewed with QF last time we tendered.

Something I'm sure JB has on his to do list if he is serious at picking up more corporates.

 

[LiamR]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

Agree with you on the QF acronyms used as well, but I guess they were decided by a group of people under the influence so what can you do?!

Hmm, you can't argue with a bunch of intoxicated FF'ers... You and I need to get together and work on something.

 

[pshepvic]

Re: Do QF Acronyms/Abbreviations work for Velocity? (Oh, and Velocity Platinum rumour

I don't quite agree it's the 'rule' with DJ although I appreciate you are just making a point

I do agree though that above all else, new metal, new names, new uniform, new J class etc one major issue DJ need to address is their cancellation rate - they are higher than every other airline in Oz and almost double that of Qantas.

It was actually a key part of why our business renewed with QF last time we tendered.

Something I'm sure JB has on his to do list if he is serious at picking up more corporates.

I'm a process person - if it happens > than 50% of the time then it's a rule! Less than that is an exception!

But seriously, yes they can do all they like to their planes, uniforms, lounges and so on, but they need to fix the cancels. And the delays too. The delay stats might look ok on paper, but the reality at peak times is very different.

All they need to do is get a few more planes (hopefully the A330's will allow some 737's to be released back to other segments) and increase their scheduled turnaround for aircraft by about 10min and it would go a long way to solving the problem. Maybe that's a bit simplistic, but it's a start.