Invited to participate in a QF Loyalty Virtual Focus group

[Mr H]

I'd echo the very first sentiment - get full access back for QR award seats.

Also - how about creating a new award like OWA that includes all OWA and partner airlines - could maybe pitch it at a 10% points premium (e.g. 350k for a J multi-stop award), but it would open up access to new routes/destinations within a reasonable cap.

 

[Seat0B]

@Seat0B Maybe a status hold benefit for serious illness could be relevant to you and worth suggesting, similar to what's offered already to new parents

Thank you that’s a great suggestion!

 

[RooFlyer]

No extras requested - just fulfil what they currently promise, efficiently and economically but not shaved to the bone.

 

[dylarr]

For feedback specific to Points Club Plus: I'd like to see something done with the Qantas Club membership for tiered members that already have lounge access - i.e. be able to 'gift' the membership to someone else or receive something else to replace it since it's literally no value to anyone Gold or above.

 

[Seat0B]

thanks everyone, keep the ideas coming. I have started a list and will present that shortly before the session. No idea if I will actually get the opportunity to raise all these points or if the focus group will be tightly controlled, but worth being prepared at least, I think.

 

[tdimdad]

@Seat0B , I wonder if you could present the list as a poll for us to vote on? If you get a chance in the meeting, you could then present them in the preference order.

 

[Seat0B]

@Seat0B , I wonder if you could present the list as a poll for us to vote on? If you get a chance in the meeting, you could then present them in the preference order.

Happy to give that a try. Not sure I know how to present a poll, but maybe you could give me a bit of guidance

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Have I been contacted/invited? - no.

Same boat as you. Unsure how they are sampling for this survey, but hopefully it's not just World Platinum and Platinum Ones who are asked to interview.

Tell them we want QR J award access like in the old days!

Big issue with partner award availability is it depends on what the airlines release for their partner which (aside from Singapore) by definition will be a subset of the award availability they offer their own frequent flyers. This is true not just on OneWorld but also on Star Alliance. For instance, it's much easier to find partner availability with United DollarsPlus than on Aer Canada Aeroplan. I will also point out that Qatar is not on good terms with Qantas to put it mildly. The only thing holding them together is that OneWorld alliance, but that's about it.

Call center call center! Australian call center!

It's not about the call centre being based in Australia, it's about ensuring the people answering the phones actually know what they are doing. I frankly have no problems dealing with a US based call centre, and would go so far as to say they may even be better equip to help travellers given the US culture places more of an emphasis on customer service.

-RooFlyer88

 

[ChrisMars]

Same boat as you. Unsure how they are sampling for this survey, but hopefully it's not just World Platinum and Platinum Ones who are asked to interview.

Big issue with partner award availability is it depends on what the airlines release for their partner which (aside from Singapore) by definition will be a subset of the award availability they offer their own frequent flyers. This is true not just on OneWorld but also on Star Alliance. For instance, it's much easier to find partner availability with United DollarsPlus than on Aer Canada Aeroplan. I will also point out that Qatar is not on good terms with Qantas to put it mildly. The only thing holding them together is that OneWorld alliance, but that's about it.


It's not about the call centre being based in Australia, it's about ensuring the people answering the phones actually know what they are doing. I frankly have no problems dealing with a US based call centre, and would go so far as to say they may even be better equip to help travellers given the US culture places more of an emphasis on customer service.

-RooFlyer88

100% agree. I am too lazy atm to write post longer than 20 words, so inevitably my post will be

 

[RichardMEL]

re QR rewards. There's an assumption here that it's ONLY QFF driving this lack of ability. I've no doubt that's part of it, but let's remember QR has driven much of the change here - from changes to earning on QF flights for their own members to the tie in with VA as a preferred partner. You can be sure QR is limiting availability to QF as part of this. After all, they'd much rather give limited availability to VA than QF - that much seems pretty obvious.

So asking QF to make more QR seats available may be not very helpful as it takes two to tango, and QR hasn't wanted to dance with QF for a long time now - they very reluctantly share the same dance floor as is (ie: via oneworld).

imo.

 

[Mr H]

re QR rewards. There's an assumption here that it's ONLY QFF driving this lack of ability. I've no doubt that's part of it, but let's remember QR has driven much of the change here - from changes to earning on QF flights for their own members to the tie in with VA as a preferred partner. You can be sure QR is limiting availability to QF as part of this. After all, they'd much rather give limited availability to VA than QF - that much seems pretty obvious.

So asking QF to make more QR seats available may be not very helpful as it takes two to tango, and QR hasn't wanted to dance with QF for a long time now - they very reluctantly share the same dance floor as is (ie: via oneworld).

imo.

We know the issue with QR seats is that QR is withholding them. What we (some of us) want is for QF to make peace with QR so we can get them back.

 

[Danger]

Same boat as you. Unsure how they are sampling for this survey, but hopefully it's not just World Platinum and Platinum Ones who are asked to interview.

...

Remind me again: What's "World Platinum"?

 

[RichardMEL]

We know the issue with QR seats is that QR is withholding them. What we (some of us) want is for QF to make peace with QR so we can get them back.

Akbar Al Baker is not known for his forgiving nature (just ask Airbus!). I think that ship has sailed and will take a lot more than Vanessa asking him to please be friends again and treat us nicely like the beforetimes. Plus there's that whole matter of QF/EK (again just extended) and QR has no real reason to walk away from VA right now.

Still, it would be nice... but I think aussies wanting reasonable shot at QR reward seats (and reasonable recognition etc) should consider VA rather than hoping the QF relationship will be patched up unfortunately.

 

[Mr H]

Remind me again: What's "World Platinum"?

I believe it is just @kangarooflyer88 being a bit of a World. Again.

 

[kpc]

Remind me again: What's "World Platinum"?

he already knows what it stands for but is being a .......

 

[Seat0B]

Remind me again: What's "World Platinum"?

Canadians are very polite!

 

[exceladdict]

How about some sort of % earning on the ground bonus for status members, the same way there is a 100% bonus points earn for WPs on QF, AA etc.

Would probably need limits but from an FFP perspective it could help to direct revenue to QF from corporate-funded flyers who don't bother earning on the ground because work pays for tickets.

They could even try to on-charge it to the merchants on the argument that it directs them "high value customers"

 

[RooFlyer]

Canadians are very polite!

Mostly, but have you ever been to a (ice) hockey game?

 

[am0985]

Access to QR J reward seats even with QR's own Avios has hugely dried up over the last few months. Thought initially this was a Euro summer availability thing, but it's continued throughout September 2024. So less than zero chance for QFF even if there was some miraculous easing of relations.

 

[Lynda2475]

Tell them we want QR J award access like in the old days!

That is entirely within QRs control nothing QF can do to force QR to release awards on their metal. If redeeming on QR is your ultimate goal best to join their FFP and credit all your OW flights there.

@Seat0B Maybe a status hold benefit for serious illness could be relevant to you and worth suggesting, similar to what's offered already to new parents

100% this! If you get seriously ill you can be in hospital for months undergoing treatment and then have to isolate or wait for clearance to fly. Obviously need some strict rules about proof, a GP letter shouldnt cut it all people will try and scam an extension; but a certified letter from oncologist would be a good start.

My main feedback would be:

1. To improve website and app so that users can self serve booking and making changes to complex itineraries and so that it supports being able to accommodate sufficient legs per OWA limits. An add leg button under MMB would be fabulous.

2. Call back feature for Premium line or guarantee if waiting on hold that status pax will get the onshore (or NZ) premium call centres. Of course bringing all call centres all back to Aus and NZ would be better; then all the bs lines from staff who dont understand reward offerings and fare rules would disappear in an instant. The offshore companies they use are woeful.