Loyalty. A bit of a one way street.

[FBS1960]

Had a situation recently where I had to delay a business flight to HKG by one week (27th May to 5th May. That flight would have tipped me into platinum if I had left on my original planned date. (Status credits expired on 31st May)

Considering I arrange international flight schedules for not only myself but also my work colleague and have all my family signed up as QFF, plus all domestic travel is QF, thought my request was reasonable.

Rang QFF and explained situation, however response was "sorry" no can do. After 10 years as QFF loyal member, was a bit peeved. I guess Loyalty is a one way street these days.

Now seriously looking at QF competitors for domestic and internation flights.

FBS

 

[nlagalle]

QF have never comped someone up a level before (that i know of anyway). They are very strict on gaining that level, but show my leeway in retaining.

Had they changed the booking on you then you would have probably been in luck. Them's the breaks though

 

[Simo]

If it was me I would be writing a letter telling them what has happened.

The other thing what was your current status before.

 

[FBS1960]

If it was me I would be writing a letter telling them what has happened.

The other thing what was your current status before.

I was and still am gold. Have been Platinum in past, before GFC. Now back travelling more frequently

 

[muppet]

QF have never comped someone up a level before (that i know of anyway). They are very strict on gaining that level, but show my leeway in retaining.

I'm not sure they're that strict, they throw around double status credits to heaps who fly way less than I presume the OP does. (You're right though, they are strict on the threshold - they just make it easier for infrequent less-loyal travellers)

I include myself in less frequent and less loyal, not double credits but have used JASA (about 400 credits worth) to get me over the line.
m.

 

[serfty]

QF have never comped someone up a level before (that i know of anyway). They are very strict on gaining that level, but show my leeway in retaining. ...

I'm not sure they're that strict, they throw around double status credits to heaps who fly way less than I presume the OP does. (You're right though, they are strict on the threshold - they just make it easier for infrequent less-loyal travellers) ...

Anecdotal evidence posted here and elsewhere shows no reports of QFF promoting a frequent flyer to WP unless they make the 1400 SC mark. There are rare reports of "comping" but these are based on other (non SC) criteria.

Had they changed the booking on you then you would have probably been in luck. ...

This possibly would have been in line with a request for "Original Routing Credit".

.... I guess Loyalty is a one way street these days. ...

QFF have their rules, it's unfortunate that your flight was changed. The SC for Business SE OZ to HKG are at least 120 or nearly 10%. If that's what you missed by it's reasonably significant.

.... Now seriously looking at QF competitors for domestic and international flights. ...

As one should generally do in any case. The "grass may (or may not) be greener"; it depends on your circumstance; but if you don't look, you'll never know.

 

[nlagalle]

I'm not sure they're that strict, they throw around double status credits to heaps who fly way less than I presume the OP does. (You're right though, they are strict on the threshold - they just make it easier for infrequent less-loyal travellers)

I include myself in less frequent and less loyal, not double credits but have used JASA (about 400 credits worth) to get me over the line.
m.

But the double SC is a promotion for a target group only. I'm a frequent traveller and got it this year as well. So it doesn't go across the board.

It happened to me a few years ago, was silver and would have made gold, except a work trip was moved to the following month and my new FF year.. had to wait another year..

 

[goldy]

Sorry to hear about your situation but I have to agree with everyone else. Qantas have to draw a line in the sand and despite everything you've mentioned, you simply didn't cross it in time. I too would be peeved, but to suggest that loyalty is a one way street is IMO a bit rich. Better luck next year.

 

[Archphoto]

But the double SC is a promotion for a target group only. I'm a frequent traveller and got it this year as well. So it doesn't go across the board.

It happened to me a few years ago, was silver and would have made gold, except a work trip was moved to the following month and my new FF year.. had to wait another year..

I agree the Double SC is a bit "hit & miss" - you are in a lottery. I've been offered it once (about 4 years ago) when I was WP, and have not had it offered since. A great pity as it would help with my SC count greatly now that I'm spending a lot more time flying in Asia.

 

[drron]

Mrsdrron got a different inducement last wek.She is less than halfway to requalifying WP and her year ends on 30/11.She will make it easily with a Circle pacific trip in Oct/nov.But although booked that is not yet ticketed.
So she got an email from QFF offering a bonus 50 SCs if she booked and paid for a trip within 2 weeks.Well she is not one to look a gift horse in the mouth so booked her DPO flights to visit me next month.

 

[Zippy7]

Sorry to hear of your situation, but I think you're being a bit harsh.
Yes, I can see that you'd be disappointed, but you know the rules.
You failed to meet the criteria for WP by a few SC.
I've been in that boat before. But, if you really wanted it that badly, you should have got it in the bag earlier.

If you had missed out retaining it in your circumstances, then perhaps I would consider it a bit rough.
I know they're quite strict about the 4 flights on QF flight numbers too.

Think about it this way, you got a good start to this new membership year! (Especially now they've increased the status bonuses for SG)
Hopefully you'll time your trips right next time.

 

[JohnK]

Not sure I would call Qantas not offering Platinum status outside the qualification period strict.

How far outside the qualification period would be acceptable? 1 day? 5 days? 21 days? 2 months?

Personally I think the system works fine as it stands. You wouldn't want to try earn top status on Finnair or Cathay Pacific.