Likelihood of a DSC offer in early 2023?

[tdimdad]

What might be the likelihood of a new DSC offer around Feb/Mar 2023? It seems to have been a constant pattern from QF to have an offer available annually early in a year (and a targeted one to some customers later in the year).

Given the forward bookings might still be quite good from QF's viewpoint, what might be the likelihood of a new offer?

 

[Anna]

Dunno, but I do know that DSC offers rarely coincide with any sales.

 

[mviy]

I’m hoping there will be one, and think they probably will, but we will see.

If QF doesn’t do one I’ll probably drop back to SG and then think about levelling back up to WP again when they next do a DSC promo.

 

[RooFlyer]

Dunno, but I do know that DSC offers rarely coincide with any sales.

Yes, in fact a DSC offer will more usually follow a sale.

 

[levelnine]

My current guess would be early next year on the basis that:
a) forward bookings may start to dip by early next year as more routes and aircraft come back online from both QF & competitors;
b) depressed business travel spend means large numbers of status passengers will be set to drop in the second half of 2023 (ie when the first round of status extensions end) and QF want to encourage them to push for renewal; and
c) the heat of post-lockdown travel begins to diminish and leisure travel heads back towards pre-COVID levels, especially with inflation biting into discretionary spend.

 

[Sprucegoose]

I’m hoping there will be one, and think they probably will, but we will see.

If QF doesn’t do one I’ll probably drop back to SG and then think about levelling back up to WP again when they next do a DSC promo.

You don't need to be captive to QF, you can consider alternatives for example VA\SQ/BA status?

 

[Steamrollersam]

Speaking of DSCs, qantas glitch credited me DSCs for a European trip in September for flights booked without a DSC offer. Non-QF flights on same itinerary did not get the DSC credit as expected.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Speaking of DSCs, qantas glitch credited me DSCs for a European trip in September for flights booked without a DSC offer. Non-QF flights on same itinerary did not get the DSC credit as expected.

Yes the criteria is quite clear with Non QF flights ineligible.

My understanding is DSG is only earned on Domestic and International Qantas operated flights with a 'QF' flight number in all cabins where Status Credits are usually earned

 

[mviy]

You don't need to be captive to QF, you can consider alternatives for example VA\SQ/BA status?

I am trying to get to LTG on QF. If/when I reach that I will then probably reevaluate my options.

DSC helps to make faster progress towards that goal.

 

[Sprucegoose]

I am trying to get to LTG on QF. If/when I reach that I will then probably reevaluate my options.

DSC helps to make faster progress towards that goal.

That makes sense, how far away are you?

 

[mviy]

That makes sense, how far away are you?

Still probably a number of years, but I do have LTS now so I am over half way.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Still probably a number of years, but I do have LTS now so I am over half way.

Ok an inspirational sweet spot.

Let's say you need 7000. I think I would budget a minimum of $15k for 3600, so as a minimum say $30k to go.

That's a theoretical calc, the reality is probably around $50~$60k, especially if there is reduced supply capacity in the market as there is presently.

Onwards and upwards......

 

[levelnine]

That's a theoretical calc, the reality is probably around $50~$60k, especially if there is reduced supply capacity in the market as there is presently.

I agree. I'd say $8/SC is a pretty reasonable figure over the long term — some will be under that, but many will not.

So I'd say mviy is looking at about $56,000 to get to LTG.

 

[Steamrollersam]

Yes the criteria is quite clear with Non QF flights ineligible.

My understanding is DSG is only earned on Domestic and International Qantas operated flights with a 'QF' flight number in all cabins where Status Credits are usually earned

Sorry I wasn’t clear. The trip in September was booked in late July with cash. The point I was trying to make is that there were NO DSC promos at the time and I had no personalised offers. The trip was treated as if it was booked under a DSC offer. Itinerary had QF flights that had double SCs (activity statement said DSC promo) and EK flights that received normal SCs.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Sorry I wasn’t clear. The trip in September was booked in late July with cash. The point I was trying to make is that there were NO DSC promos at the time and I had no personalised offers. The trip was treated as if it was booked under a DSC offer. Itinerary had QF flights that had double SCs (activity statement said DSC promo) and EK flights that received normal SCs.

Yep I got all that. My only hope is you need the Status Credits!

 

[mviy]

I’m hoping that as things go back to normal some good offers like NZ early this year will come up again, which would make obtaining LTG more affordable than presently. ~$1000 for over 500SC was excellent.

If VA both offered lifetime status and flew to LHR from MEL they would be a more interesting alternative.

 

[exceladdict]

Hoping so, to make some points club bookings for next year.

 

[tdimdad]

Yes, in fact a DSC offer will more usually follow a sale.

I had a recollection of the other way round. DCS first and within a few weeks also a sale. A nice way to score those status runs to NZ, if you need/want one.

 

[Sprucegoose]

I had a recollection of the other way round. DCS first and within a few weeks also a sale. A nice way to score those status runs to NZ, if you need/want one.

My recollection is hazy, but if you want to benefit from a DSC, don't you have seven days or something like that to book them?

 

[tdimdad]

My recollection is hazy, but if you want to benefit from a DSC, don't you have seven days or something like that to book them?

This is usually mentioned in a quieter voice: The DSC is tied to when the respective PNR is created. In earlier years, the rules for DSC allowed them to be granted also if you buy a gift voucher during the promo period. This creates a PNR for you. You can then redeem the GV into a real booking during a sales period. This way you can maximise the value gained. Whether this remains in the T&C's in the future is anyone's guess. And whether it makes any sense to do in your circumstances is equally a 'YMMV'.