How many Qantas Club life self funded members out there?

[THE TRIMMER]

How many self funded Qantas Club life members are unhappy about the changes to your priviliges i.e domestic checkin.By paying out of my own pocket it shows my loyalty Qantas.I personally think that showing my loyalty to Qantas they could allow paid life membersthis benefit. I would like to know how others feel.

 

[samh004]

I’m surprised this has only been posted now, but as the full changes haven’t come into effect yet, I’d think it might be best to wait and see, before asking for additional comments.

 

[tuapekastar]

How many self funded Qantas Club life members are unhappy about the changes to your priviliges i.e domestic checkin.By paying out of my own pocket it shows my loyalty Qantas.I personally think that showing my loyalty to Qantas they could allow paid life membersthis benefit. I would like to know how others feel.

I'm not QC life (I do have a paid 2 year membership on hold whilst I try and maintain Plat/Gold), but I'd be annoyed if what I consider a significant benefit (and priority checkin is certainly that in my book, almost up there with lounge access) was removed, and should I drop back to bronze, which is quite possible, then I guess I'll find out all about it.

I suppose the Next Gen Checkin is 'supposed' to make all non-priority checkin smooth and efficient, but have not experienced it yet and TBH I don't even know all the details re how it works, so I'll refrain from posting any more opinion until I do.

 

[nlagalle]

I’m surprised this has only been posted now, but as the full changes haven’t come into effect yet, I’d think it might be best to wait and see, before asking for additional comments.

Why? Couldn't we then say the same as removal of the WP anytime access thread don't you think?

 

[codash1099]

I'm QP Life (out of my own pocket as was my GW life ) and while the changes don't affect me greatly, I strongly dislike the continued watering down of benefits under the guise of "enhancements".

I know QF defend the changes as at worst slight, but it's a bit like water dripping on a stone. From the very earliest days until now, we have seen a slow decline of value until we are at the point where I would seriously question joining under today's conditions. That in turn would mean that I have no reason to continue to fly QF or its partners and *A would probably be the beneficiary.

Sure I may suffer a bit on the domestic scene until DJ get their new brand up and running, but most of my travel is J international, where I would have much wider choice and less difficulty constructing a RTW ticket.

 

[samh004]

Why? Couldn't we then say the same as removal of the WP anytime access thread don't you think?

The changes were announced at the same time as removal of WP anytime access, or thereabouts, so I would have expected a thread and questions to be raised then, and I’d expect discussion to take place after the policies come into effect, but starting this thread now seems out of place as we’re roughly halfway between the announcement and the commencement and nothing has changed.

In 2 months time (I think from memory) when the changes do happen, I expect a lot to be said about it, and ~2 months ago when they were announced a lot was said too.

Right now it’s just the same old stuff floating around and no one actually knows how this is going to change things.

Oh and as for any personal connection, I’ve so far paid for a total of 3 years of QP, but it’s on hold with my recent status promotion of Gold. I don’t think I’ll hold Gold forever, so of course it upsets me, more so as I’ll have to pay for it again in the future knowing full well some things are missing but I’m paying the same, if not more. But right now, nothing has changed, it’s still the same old when I go to the airport (other than recent promotion) and thus I think it’s premature to say the changes are drastically worse.

 

[medhead]

The removal of priority check in for QC members was mentioned a bit in relation to the recent enhancements and has come up a few times. I also have a few years of QC membership on hold. I think it (removing the benefit not my Qc membership) might have been mentioned here:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ts/what-else-burning-members-about-25785.html

and also the thread I've linked below.

IMO priority check in was a significant benefit and if that was a significant part of the reasons for buying the QC membership (it was for me) then I believe that the T&C allow one to get a refund of remaining fees (condition 4.4). I'm not sure how a life time membership would be calculated so I'll leave that alone. IIRC someone on AFF may have already got a refund. (I could also be dreaming this memory)

The Qantas Club Terms & Conditions

More discussion here:
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ments/qc-benefits-about-change-can-25798.html

I'm still considering asking for a refund, as priority check in was a major part of my intended use of the QC membership and I have maintained it for a long time, when flying infrequently, because of the on ground benefits.

 

[dfcatch]

I think the reason we haven't seen "as much" about the devaluing of QP membership/PS status is because the changes haven't kicked in yet.

Yes, you could say the same about anytime access, but perhaps WP's have their finger on the pulse more than QP members do. Which makes sense simply by the higher level of BIS time.

I know that as a WP I pay much more attention to these things now than I did as PS or QP level.

 

[nlagalle]

The changes were announced at the same time as removal of WP anytime access, or thereabouts, so I would have expected a thread and questions to be raised then, and I’d expect discussion to take place after the policies come into effect, but starting this thread now seems out of place as we’re roughly halfway between the announcement and the commencement and nothing has changed.

In 2 months time (I think from memory) when the changes do happen, I expect a lot to be said about it, and ~2 months ago when they were announced a lot was said too.

Right now it’s just the same old stuff floating around and no one actually knows how this is going to change things.

Oh and as for any personal connection, I’ve so far paid for a total of 3 years of QP, but it’s on hold with my recent status promotion of Gold. I don’t think I’ll hold Gold forever, so of course it upsets me, more so as I’ll have to pay for it again in the future knowing full well some things are missing but I’m paying the same, if not more. But right now, nothing has changed, it’s still the same old when I go to the airport (other than recent promotion) and thus I think it’s premature to say the changes are drastically worse.

People join the forum at different times so it isn't unreasonable the question will get asked at any point. I don't see a problem with that either. It's how a forum works! There is no set time when a question should be asked!

For the OP, if I had life QP membership I would possibly be annoyed about priority checkin, However as I used it only on INT flights it's unaffected.

I've still got over 12 months of QP on ice, I'm fairly confident I won't be needing it for many years if at all.

 

[munitalP]

People join the forum at different times so it isn't unreasonable the question will get asked at any point. I don't see a problem with that either. It's how a forum works! There is no set time when a question should be asked!

For the OP, if I had life QP membership I would possibly be annoyed about priority checkin, However as I used it only on INT flights it's unaffected.

I've still got over 12 months of QP on ice, I'm fairly confident I won't be needing it for many years if at all.

Hey nlagalle - it will be interesting at JQ 35 to compare all the BP's and get a photo of all the Platinum and Golds on one table...!

 

[Flying Fox]

I used to be a self funded Golden Wing Life member.....

Shame, I really missed that lounge. Always thought that it was nicer that QF Club or it could have been the friends that I made there where very generous with the perks that they used to provide me.

 

[moa999]

Are we talking Dom or Int here?

On Dom if QC Life get the tags then in my book they still have priority.
They can use the pole and then the bag drop, and don't have to use the print tag machines.

 

[medhead]

Are we talking Dom or Int here?

On Dom if QC Life get the tags then in my book they still have priority.
They can use the pole and then the bag drop, and don't have to use the print tag machines.

The question of tags doesn't seem clear yet, but the consensus is that QP members will have to pay for the bag tags.

 

[Kendall Roy]

I purchased QP life back in 2005 for around $4200.

Personally, it's one of those things that doesn't bother me at this point in time (as a SG), but the reality of having to queue with the punters at a non-NGCI airport will surely hit home one day when I drop down the status tiers

 

[samh004]

On Dom if QC Life get the tags then in my book they still have priority.
They can use the pole and then the bag drop, and don't have to use the print tag machines.

The question of tags doesn't seem clear yet, but the consensus is that QP members will have to pay for the bag tags.

Perhaps by making the RFID tags a separate purchase, the concept of priority checkin at NGCI ports becomes an extra charge, so long as you’ve bought the tags, though only for the injectors. Supposedly the pole will be a faster checkin process anyway.

Personally, it's one of those things that doesn't bother me at this point in time (as a SG), but the reality of having to queue with the punters at a non-NGCI airport will surely hit home one day when I drop down the status tiers

Assuming you don’t lose your tags or card in the future, a lack of status shouldn’t mean that you wont be able to use NGCI and injectors, as they should still work after you drop your status.

I have a question, I’d read in the past that when you hit Gold or Platinum with QP membership, it notes you have so many months or years left of your QP membership on hold somewhere, yet since hitting Gold I can’t find any reference to having my QP on hold. Where should I be looking?

 

[awilcockson]

I have a question, I’d read in the past that when you hit Gold or Platinum with QP membership, it notes you have so many months or years left of your QP membership on hold somewhere, yet since hitting Gold I can’t find any reference to having my QP on hold. Where should I be looking?

It was showing in your QFF status page for a couple of days/weeks, and then it disappeared.

I know I have around 18 months of self funded QP that was suspended once I hit SG and then WP, I'm sure that once my work travel cuts back it will need to kick back in. However, I think I've got a good cause for breach of contract due to the cutback in benefits and will consider asking for a refund if/when the time comes around.

 

[medhead]

Perhaps by making the RFID tags a separate purchase, the concept of priority checkin at NGCI ports becomes an extra charge, so long as you’ve bought the tags, though only for the injectors. Supposedly the pole will be a faster checkin process anyway.

I think OLCI remains the fastest process, provided you don't have checked luggage. Basically it can be done at your leisure and you just turn up to the gate and scan your FF card.

I have a question, I’d read in the past that when you hit Gold or Platinum with QP membership, it notes you have so many months or years left of your QP membership on hold somewhere, yet since hitting Gold I can’t find any reference to having my QP on hold. Where should I be looking?

I thought my gold letter might have also mentioned that QP membership being put on hold and the remaining time.

 

[FuzzyAUS]

I purchased QP life back in 2005 for around $4200.

Personally, it's one of those things that doesn't bother me at this point in time (as a SG), but the reality of having to queue with the punters at a non-NGCI airport will surely hit home one day when I drop down the status tiers

I too purchased QC Life back in 2005 as i thought it was good value if i continued to travel for the rest of my life, i made WP last year (and this one already) so i haven't really noticed anything yet as everything is based of WP Status..

The time will come for me too sometime in the future where i will drop down status, my only hope is i have made LTG so it wont be as bad. My goal for 2011 is LTS which i need 2400'ish credits for, gut feel is i wont make it until 2012, but I'm going to give it a go with 2 trips to the USA planned and will use YUPP/KUPP fares which i have never in the past, that should help a little.

i do plan on sending something to QF when these changes come in saying that i think Life membership should be at a higher level of benefit as there is/has been a long term commitment to Qantas that isn't being reciprocated.

Cheers
Fuzz

 

[THE TRIMMER]

With regards to sending notification of my dissapointment to Qantas Club changes,I received their standard reply from customer care stating that we have taken it onboard & probably it went straight to rubbish file.I agree that paid life members should be entitled to the benefits that they paid for,so if enough paid QC life members shout out loud then maybe they will listen,

 

[ric_melb]

It is not only life Qantas Club members this affects. It also affects those long term members who have been paying yearly, like myself.
I just missed out on Seniors Life membership as it was withdrawn before I turned 60!

When the proposed changes to domestic check in and baggage were announced, I got very excited, but then did an analysis of how they might affect me.
Given that I check in online I actually don't think I need to go to a premium check in desk to drop my bags off. And as I mainly use major airports, once NGCI is in that should be as easy as going to a premium desk. Of course it remains to be seen, and loss of premium status at smaller airports may be unpleasant.
In regard to baggage, I never travel with more than one suitcase, and certainly don't want it to weigh the permitted 32kg.

In regard to Qantas Club generally I consider the amenities have been relatively consistent, though overcrowding can sometimes be an issue.
I am finding that the new food selections are to my taste, plus I like the new Apple computers, even if I use them for Windows.

I took exception to paying for a NGCI tag, so am doing some status credit runs to get me to Silver, and will get them free!