New Next Gen Card and Bag Tags have arrived!

[samh004]

On a related topic, as I am also a Corporate Pub Member, does this mean that the QP card will also have a Q Chip and be issued shortly?

Yes, and no. There are reports of new QP cards being spotted, but none from members here. The original rollout called for QP and PS members to get their new card and tags early next year, but it seems the schedule is moving along faster.

That being said, Qantas can probably see you have some status, so might not send you a QP set until you’re up for renewal, as they don’t need to. Who knows?

 

[Red Roo]

Just to clarify a few points regarding the Q Bag Tag - there have been a few comments about its size.

The size is driven by the need to house the RFID technology and antenna within a durable structure. In addition to durability, one of the key considerations is for the RFID signals to be able to read reliably within the baggage system at various angles and positions.

We've been testing this technology extensively over the last year across different ports, journey types (e.g. point to point vs multi-sector) and on different types of baggage. Across our domestic baggage systems, this technology allows us to identify tier and priority associated with your booking for your checked baggage.

The Q Bag Tags contain no personally identifiable data (other than whatever you choose to write on the rear of the tag). Essentially your booking data and frequent flyer tier is linked via our systems to each baggage piece, which is what determines the priority status of your bag, rather than the colour of the Q Bag Tag.

 

[samh004]

The size is driven by the need to house the RFID technology and antenna within a durable structure. In addition to durability, one of the key considerations is for the RFID signals to be able to read reliably within the baggage system at various angles and positions.

Have you tested placing the tag in an outside pocket of a fabric suitcase? Does it still read fine?

 

[JohnK]

My pack with the new tags arrived sometime last month while I was overseas. When I got home mum had already opened it and told me there was a package from Qantas. I opened the case and looked it for around 30 seconds and closed it again.

See how long I can go trying to avoid this new system.

Card and tags arrived today...card looks nice and sleek but baggage tags "so-so".

I tend to agree with you. In my opinion the tags are nothing special.

Just checked with the J Lounge staff and they said you will be able to buy the new tags in vending machines down near check-in for $50 a piece.

Is QF trying to be funny again? There is no way I am paying them $50 if the tags are stolen, lost or broken during baggage handling.

 

[samh004]

There is no way I am paying them $50 if the tags are stolen, lost or broken during baggage handling.

If the tags are stolen or lost during baggage handling chances are your bag will be lost too, so it’ll be the least of your worries

 

[Sprucegoose]

If the tags are stolen or lost during baggage handling chances are your bag will be lost too, so it’ll be the least of your worries

A letter explaining that you will be considering your legal options will follow swiftly. $50 for tag replacement I am sorry is just too cute by half.

 

[serfty]

..
See how long I can go trying to avoid this new system.

...

It's going to be tough do do so and use your status.

Both in MEL and BNE these days the QP/PS/SG/WP/J check-in queues are lumped together. I'm not sure about SYD or PER.

Checking my Clubs in at MEL last month took 25 minutes - that's lounge time I'm missing. :-|

 

[oz_mark]

The Q Bag Tags contain no personally identifiable data (other than whatever you choose to write on the rear of the tag). Essentially your booking data and frequent flyer tier is linked via our systems to each baggage piece, which is what determines the priority status of your bag, rather than the colour of the Q Bag Tag.

My experience with the old paper Priority Tags is that they sort of worked most of the time. My experience so far with the Q Bag Tag priority system is that is sort of doesn't work.

(Mind you baggage handling in MEL was garbage on Sunday night as it was (45 mins from touchdown to first bag appearing!) - but when the bags did come out, all the paper priority tagged bags came out first. The Q Bag Tag bags came out later)

 

[JohnK]

If the tags are stolen or lost during baggage handling chances are your bag will be lost too, so it’ll be the least of your worries

Are you saying that it is not possible for the tag to be damaged or disappear during baggage handling? The number 1 reason for damage to luggage and luggage tags is conveyor belts. What if the baggage handlers (or anyone else for that matter) decide to steal the tag and re-sell it on e-Bay for profit?

Also I have 4-5 different bags (including golf bag) that I may use for domestic travel and these will be checked-in the majority of the time. I may misplace the tag, I may forget the tag, I may lose the tag etc.

I am not spending $50 to replace (extortion by another name) the tag. Does this mean I cannot fly QF anymore?

 

[TheInsider]

See how long I can go trying to avoid this new system.

.

Sorry but that just sounds stupid, would you really rather wait in the 'premium' service desk queue to be checked in by a person for up to 1 to 20min+ or more easily just drop off your bag at the bag drop taking on average 15sec to do.

 

[oz_mark]

I am not spending $50 to replace (extortion by another name) the tag. Does this mean I cannot fly QF anymore?

Nope - you'll just need to line up with the Bronze and the once a year flyers.

Actually the new kiosks ask if you want to print the paper tag to attach yourself (as long as you answered yes to the question about having checked luggage).

 

[TheInsider]

I am not spending $50 to replace (extortion by another name) the tag. Does this mean I cannot fly QF anymore?

Why 'extortion' for? This is for customers who haven't got a free tag from qantas the opportunity to have a permanent bag tag for how ever long the system lasts. I reckon $50 for a permanent bag tag is very cheap.

 

[JohnK]

Why 'extortion' for? This is for customers who haven't got a free tag from qantas the opportunity to have a permanent bag tag for how ever long the system lasts. I reckon $50 for a permanent bag tag is very cheap.

What if the free tag from QF is damaged/lost/stolen and is no longer in my possession?

Does that still make it a permanent bag tag or do I have to spend $50 to acquire a replacement permanent bag tag?

 

[TheInsider]

What if the free tag from QF is damaged/lost/stolen and is no longer in my possession?

Does that still make it a permanent bag tag or do I have to spend $50 to acquire a replacement permanent bag tag?

I never made any comment in regards to a $50 fee for lost/stolen/damaged cards, i only made the comment of that there will be cards for purchase at the airport for a cost of $50.

 

[medhead]

What if the free tag from QF is damaged/lost/stolen and is no longer in my possession?

Does that still make it a permanent bag tag or do I have to spend $50 to acquire a replacement permanent bag tag?

There has already been a report of the new tag disappearing on it's first trip here. As well as significant damage reported by another.

This is my big concern that when the tag "lost" I'm going to have to fork out $50 if I wish to continue using the system.

Well done by qantas I guess switch from paying for paper tags to making the customer pay for tags that will probably have a 30 flight lifetime.

 

[Flashback]

QF: Hello, this is Qantas Premium. How may I help you?
Stealth: Hi yes, I need a new Q tag. Mine has been damaged.
QF: Sorry, sir. May I ask how it was damaged?
S: Err yes, my dog ate my tag...

Oddly enough that did happen to me! It wasn't my dog, but a former colleagues dog.

Has anybody who has their mailing address overseas received their new cards/tags? My renewal date was October but still got old card...

Nope, nothing here yet (UK).

 

[anat0l]

Some people here are taking this argument to stupid levels.

If a baggage handler wants to steal your Q Bag Tag there's nothing that can stop them more than they would want to steal your bag tag right now. For goodness sakes, what stops baggage handlers from tearing off the routing tag now, stealing your bag and later it is traced back as lost in transit? No different then, no different now, and frankly without considerable cost I'd like to hear how QF can mitigate against this (apart from full CCTV screening).

I am not spending $50 to replace (extortion by another name) the tag. Does this mean I cannot fly QF anymore?

Is this a wind up or are you being facetious?

Of course losing your Q Bag Tag is not going to preclude you from flying QF. What of all the Bronze and non-QFF members that fly QF, can they not fly any more due to NGCI? Honestly....

In fact, I would guess that there would be a process where Q Bag Tags offered to status customers can be replaced at nil cost, similar to lost bag tags currently. I was only supposing that the vending option more pertains to those who did not have a bag tag before and wish to purchase one. It is not intended for those who have lost their bag tag or had it stolen.

In saying all this, I'd like to hear what process QF has for lost/stolen Q Bag Tags for status customers. (For non-status customers, perhaps it won't matter as much, since they were never entitled to free bag tags, although one might make a case for those whose bag tags were damaged in transit).

And for those of you who are still so concerned, just use the new system and insist on the paper tags.

 

[serfty]

...
I'm sorry, but I may be tired but that is the most stupid question I have heard on this thread so far. ...

:shock:You must be tired. May I suggest "A Cup Of Tea, A Bex and A Good Lie Down".

As for tags breaking, never under estimate the power of machinery. I have had a many tags disappear off checked luggage. One double Gold Tag was completely severed, leaving about two bits of plastic, about 2cm held together by the eyelet and this all still attached to the bag by the plastic cord. Another time there was simply the eyelet and plastic cord, many times they simply had disappeared.

 

[medhead]

Some people here are taking this argument to stupid levels.

If a baggage handler wants to steal your Q Bag Tag there's nothing that can stop them more than they would want to steal your bag tag right now. For goodness sakes, what stops baggage handlers from tearing off the routing tag now, stealing your bag and later it is traced back as lost in transit? No different then, no different now, and frankly without considerable cost I'd like to hear how QF can mitigate against this (apart from full CCTV screening).

The concern is not about having the bag stolen. The key difference is that paper routing tags have no secondary value. Whereas the new tags have a nominal $50 value. That could make the tag itself an attractive target. Stealing a bag has a high risk and low payoff - hard to conceal, could be full of dirty underwear. The new tag - small, quick to remove, easy to conceal, worth up to $50 if a secondary market develops for them. Someone at the destination could just take them off and pop the bag onto the correct baggage claim.

 

[TheInsider]

Someone at the destination could just take them off and pop the bag onto the correct baggage claim.

The actual Q tag numbers on the back are related to your FF account incase these tags get lost or stolen. But has not relation to the person checking in your bags and their status etc etc.