Heads up about program changes

[DC3]

... I'm on the second half of a DONE4 that will tip me over into Lifetime Silver, which delivers two of the biggest benefits I care about - checkin priority and additional baggage allowance ...

And we now wait for the Lifetime Silver enhancement.

 

[cmon0005]

I think we should start a thread similar to the 'MASA reference guide' thread except every time we book a flight with an airline other than QF due to these changes we should put it in a spreadsheet so we can show QF "because of these changes our members have collectively spent $xx_xx_xx on other airlines and subsequently forfeited this revenue."

Nothing speaks louder then facts!

If I can gauge peoples thoughts on this I might just start it up?

 

[robd]

Here are my thoughts on the changes:


The QFF program in its current form is actually extremely generous. Status credit and point earn rates are huge. Basically, earning and retaining status on Qantas is much is easier compared to some other airlines. I’ve done quite an in depth comparison between the Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas frequent flyer programs. I compared status (or tier credit, Q points etc etc) earn rates on certain sectors. For example, if I used a CX or QR FF number and flew other oneworld airlines in J, I would require almost double the amount of status credits, or Q points etc to move up the ladder (and therefore double the amount of flights) than I currently do with QF. In short, retaining my current Platinum level with Qantas is much easier, quicker and more economical than if I jumped ship to the CX or QR program and attempted to attain Emerald with them.


At the end of the day, status tiers are there to reward frequent flyers who actually fly regularly or spend large amounts of money on premium tickets, thus being “loyal”. Tier status should not be for those people who waste their time, money and points on “status runs” just to attain the next level so they can access the F lounge an expect a free upgrade on their twice yearly vacation to the US (for the purposes of doing status runs on AA….). The demise of MASA’s is sad but not surprising and in the long run, I think it’s best if top tier levels like Sapphire and Emerald are reserved for those who actually earn it, not “buy” it. Otherwise what is the point in having these top tier levels to begin with if they are easy to attain, thus making them less exclusive? Status privileges such as F lounge access, upgrades, priority seating should be reserved for those who actually deserve and earn the status, and fly regularly. Sorry, I know I have just severely pissed off more than half this forum.


So, I think considering the difficulties QF are currently facing, these changes make absolute sense. If that means I lose my Emerald status and have to downgrade to Sapphire because I no longer earn as many SC’s etc, then so be it. If I don’t meet the criteria to retain Emerald, then I should not be entitled to it. Those who travel consistently and regularly should be rewarded with privileges.
At the end of the day, entire frequent flyer program is a privilege, not a right. It’s free. When you book a ticket with Qantas, all you are really entitled to is a seat on the flight you paid for. Anything else such as free points which can be used to purchase more flights, products or services or SC’s rewarded to you are a essentially a free gift.
Once again, compare the Qantas Frequent flyer Program to other airlines and even with these changes, it’s still quite decent. I remember in around 2004 when United Airlines changed their Mileage Plus Program meaning that the minimum points earned for a flight was only 500 not 1000 (I think it’s even less now…?). Here we are 10 years later and Qantas have only just changed this. Maybe it’s not so bad after all!


As for all those banging on about going to VA – I hope that works out for you. VA suck. They tried to emulate and copy the QFF program and have failed. They will always be number 2.


By the way, I don’t work for Qantas and am not affiliated with them in any way. I’m just not going to get my knickers in a knot over changes (to a FREE program) that make absolute financial sense for a Qantas.

Considering your point of view then, what is the point of a FF program if not to entice someone who doesn't really care who they fly with to use them, by giving them an incentive to do it again?

If I was a once or twice a year flyer with QF, and gained WP or SG status by using MASA's just to get into the lounge for those two flights i took every year, QF should still have made money off me.

 

[SeatBackForward]

I'm struggling to understand who benefits from these changes. Certainly doesn't seem to be the frequent flyers who may want to make use of Discounted J fares, *or* those who want to use the OW network for the places that QF has decided not to fly to. "farer" ?

It would seem those who fly on the discounted fares will earn more than they would, and the only way to earn in equivalent rates to present is to buy the more expensive fares in each class, but who actually does that?

Who has paid for a full Y international? or a Full J?

 

[DC3]

Here are my thoughts on the changes:

..........................................
...................
.............

And Red Roo could not have put your thoughts any better.

Edit: Entire text not quoted to save re-quoting the whole post over again

 

[AdMEL]

I shall have to wander over.......

View attachment 26645

I think you're reading too much into that! I have a row 3 boarding pass in front of me for MEL-NTL which shows zone 2, so my guess is that it relates to the zone in the cabin (zone 1 for business and zone 2 for economy), not the zone of the flight!

 

[Robert K]

Have you worked that out?

i don't comprehend

 

[parsonstrish]

I'll be flying Dfw-Lhr with AA. It's 4751 miles, trying to work out sc in new format from July. Am I correct in new format in business it's 120 sc?
I'll be crediting to my QFF.

 

[Jimmy124]

Was wondering the same thing for ADL?? I'm totally confused - where does SA/NT fall in their geographic selection?

Unfortunately, there is no fairer flying for ADL...

Effectively, the goalposts in terms of what was previously known as zones have been moved.

Previously

Status credits earned per one-way flight[SUP]^[/SUP]
Zone	One-Way Miles	Discount Economy[SUP]+[/SUP]
1	0-600	10
2	601-1,200	15
3	1,201-2,400	20

For discount economy, a short flight is now 0-750, mid 751-1500 - so the goalposts have been moved 25%

So for Adelaide:

Adelaide-Perth (1316 miles) - previously Zone 3 - 20 SC, is now a mid flight with 15SC

Sydney-Adelaide (724 miles) -previously Zone 2 - 15 SC, is now a short flight with 10SC

 

[Kefci2000]

Personally I have never used a points and pay, and reach WP through personally paid weekly discount Y and a work paid DONE4 each year.

from what I can see of the changes this will help me achieve WP each year (or are they going to change the qualification level)
and weekly J lounge and RTW F access is really what I am after (plus seat selection)

or am I missing something (yes I will lose 400 points a week)

 

[defurax]

I'll be flying Dfw-Lhr with AA. It's 4751 miles, trying to work out sc in new format from July. Am I correct in new format in business it's 120 sc?
I'll be crediting to my QFF.

Yes, you are correct 120 SCs. Might also be the perfect opportunity to start crediting to AA...

 

[woodborer]

QF lied. Obviously totally untruthful statement QF staff Just as "simpler" is a lie in Frequent Flyer - Fairer Flying

I wouldn't have called it a lie. I am sure it was the truth as they knew it to be at the time. As for simpler, I guess we can say they have enhanced the definition of the word

 

[Orca]

I'm struggling to understand who benefits from these changes. Certainly doesn't seem to be the frequent flyers who may want to make use of Discounted J fares, *or* those who want to use the OW network for the places that QF has decided not to fly to. "farer" ?

It would seem those who fly on the discounted fares will earn more than they would, and the only way to earn in equivalent rates to present is to buy the more expensive fares in each class, but who actually does that?

Who has paid for a full Y international? or a Full J?

I may be reading it wrong (but I'm fairly certain I'm not) but I benefit for my 2 discount J trips to LAX this year. Presently, as a WP I would earn 37456 per return trip. Under the changes I am going to pull in 49500 pts per return trip with no change to SC's earned. #winning!!!

 

[Orca]

I wouldn't have called it a lie. I am sure it was the truth as they knew it to be at the time. As for simpler, I guess we can say they have enhanced the definition of the word

I concur with the first part of your statement - people need to lay off Red Roo and perhaps take a bit of a reality check. Red Roo is not privy to absolutely every decision that QF management are ever going to make.

Also, I think it's a bit of a stretch for people to feel they've been "lied to" in a malicious context - QF is under the pump and changes needed to be made. More power to them and I hope it helps QF remain in the air in the long run

 

[cmon0005]

Just enrolled, never wanted or needed too, however now I think I need too!

 

[Archphoto]

this x a million.

You know for the longest time I've flown Qantas just to have the feeling of being 'home' when you step on board in a foreign country but these days you really can't find a Red Roo in sight.

Bye Bye QF.

I've always been in a similar position - fly QF whenever I can and if they don't service the region, I'll then choose OW. But as they're reducing where they actually do fly, it makes it even more difficult.

I fully appreciate they want us to spend our $$$ with QF, hence the reduction in SCs for OW carriers, but if you really have no other choice (QF doesn't service that route), it's hardly your fault, yet you're penalising us for selecting a OW carrier over *A etc.

Loyalty goes both ways - a great pity that seems to have been (all but) forgotten by the bean counters upstairs.

 

[Mattg]

Just noticed in the FAQs that the changes affect flights booked after tomorrow (Friday) - so if you want to book some flights before the reduced points/SCs comes into effect, you have until midnight tomorrow!

Q: What if I've already booked?
A: If you have flights already booked (booked and ticketed on or before Fri 28 Mar 14) for travel on/after 1 July 2014, you will earn the Qantas Points and Status credits that applied at the time you made your booking. The applicable Qantas Points will be credited to your Qantas Frequent Flyer Account approximately four weeks after the dates of the flight(s) taken.

 

[suparockin]

I may be reading it wrong (but I'm fairly certain I'm not) but I benefit for my 2 discount J trips to LAX this year. Presently, as a WP I would earn 37456 per return trip. Under the changes I am going to pull in 49500 pts per return trip with no change to SC's earned. #winning!!!

Nope - the way I read it is 37,200

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

Only an idiotic company would screw with the one part of the company that is actually profitable. How about they focus on their International non-standardised, sub-standard product offering, over-inflated pricing, and staff who need a severe attitude adjustment? Imagine the top (and therefore bottom) line impact that would have. I guess this has just confirmed that QF are doomed to failure, as poor decisions like this are just the nail in the coffin after their previous 'enhancements'.

LTG hardly seems worth pursuing any longer if the whole programme (or airline) collapses.

 

[Ansett]

I may be reading it wrong (but I'm fairly certain I'm not) but I benefit for my 2 discount J trips to LAX this year. Presently, as a WP I would earn 37456 per return trip. Under the changes I am going to pull in 49500 pts per return trip with no change to SC's earned. #winning!!!

So your J ticket is a full fare and not a discounted or sale price Business seat as if t is a sale fare you would earn less points and SC's based on my understanding,,,, But could always be wrong lol, Just like to QF Tables seem to be