New Zealand Changes

[serfty]

Several NZ changes including the (to be expected) closing of the Domestic QP's on Dec 4th.

Brand New Qantas Aircraft across the Tasman
Next month, Qantas will begin introducing brand new aircraft on trans-Tasman services, starting with our 737-800 aircraft on selected services between New Zealand and Australia. The new aircraft will feature new seating and inseat inflight entertainment in all cabins.
Jetstar

Great benefits from increased Jetstar services
As you may know, Jetstar has started operating domestic flights between Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown with 84 weekly return services to choose from - all at the everyday low fares offered by Jetstar.

Don't forget our 1,000 points Minimum Points Guarantee also applies to selected Jetstar flights - even on the shortest trip. Plus, until 31 December 2009, you can also earn Status Credits* on all Jetstar fares (including JetSaver and JetSaver light fares).

...

Domestic Qantas Club lounge changes
Now that all New Zealand domestic flights are operated by Jetstar, domestic Qantas Club lounges in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington will close Friday 04 December 2009. Jetstar will shortly announce their plans for new pay per use lounges in New Zealand.

Where lounges are operated by Jetstar or a third party associated with Jetstar, ongoing complimentary lounge access will be available to Chairmans Lounge and Platinum members once these new lounges have opened.

International Business Lounge changes in Christchurch
From 1 September 2009, Qantas will be moving to an Associated lounge in Christchurch.

The Associated lounge is a shared lounge available for Qantas Club members, and Platinum and Gold Frequent Flyers when travelling on a Qantas or Jetstar flight#. You will also be able to access to the lounge if you are travelling on a Qantas flight in Business.

The new Associated Lounge offers:
- complimentary gourmet food and beverages
- a range of breakfast cereals and snacks
- private work stations with complimentary broadband, computers, printing, and faxing
- shower facilities

Our International lounges in Auckland and Wellington will be unaffected, and will remain as Qantas operated lounges.

Qantas Club members will continue to be welcome at more than 130 Qantas Clubs, Qantas Business Lounges, Partner airline lounges, and Associated lounges around the world.^

 

[Flashback]

It's interesting that WP/CL will have complimentary access to the JQ lounges; but no one else.

 

[v8Statesman]

It's interesting that WP/CL will have complimentary access to the JQ lounges; but no one else.

As a WP, It is happy news.

 

[medhead]

It's interesting that WP/CL will have complimentary access to the JQ lounges; but no one else.

I'd flag this as the possible starting point for the eventual demise of paid QC membership, (with some grandfathering of LT QC members) following on from the jetstar OOL lounge. Merely a prediction, for the future, of this as the "thin end of the wedge".

a probably next step is that CL and WP get access to the gold coast lounge....

 

[v8Statesman]

I'd flag this as the possible starting point for the eventual demise of paid QC membership, (with some grandfathering of LT QC members) following on from the jetstar OOL lounge. Merely a prediction, for the future, of this as the "thin end of the wedge".

a probably next step is that CL and WP get access to the gold coast lounge....

I would have thought paid QP would be a very good money earner for QF.

 

[medhead]

I would have thought paid QP would be a very good money earner for QF.

I also believe that it is a good money earner. but I think other factors are at play, in particular the preception that lounges should be reserved exclusively for the high status pax, because they fly heaps and in part this would help reduce overcrowding. As many may be aware, I do not at all agree with this line of arguement; But I do think that the powers that be might be convinced by it. Hence my prediction.

Perhaps I reading to much into these developments.

 

[v8Statesman]

I also believe that it is a good money earner. but I think other factors are at play, in particular the preception that lounges should be reserved exclusively for the high status pax, because they fly heaps and in part this would help reduce overcrowding. As many may be aware, I do not at all agree with this line of arguement; But I do think that the powers that be might be convinced by it. Hence my prediction.

Perhaps I reading to much into these developments.

Maybe QP is only available for purchase if PS

 

[moa999]

Maybe QP is only available for purchase if PS

On a simple revenue per expense base, I would have thought the FF who doesn't make PS is very profitable as a QC member.

They/ or company pays $2-500 per year. They make an average of say 10 flights a year and consume say 10 beers, 5 wines, a few sandwiches, a plate of crackers and some beer.

Versus the WP on which the QC gets no 'direct' revenue, visits 40-50 times a year, including to Business Lounges and First lounges with some lengthy stays.


Now I acknowledge that all of this is complicated by the profit on the actual flight, but I would have thought that QC is a bit like a gym - you can generate sgnificant profit from members who sign up in advance but dont take full advantage of the services.

 

[simongr]

Its not just the beer etc, it is the space and other services (J check in etc.) that contribute to total cost that might take this over a "tipping point"...

 

[medhead]

Personally, I take the view that all the cost considerations are built into the overall system. That is the average cost of operating the QC is probably around the $200 to $500 mark. Given that the paid members are going to be on the low side of the average then, yes, I think they are pretty profitable.

Of course, I also believe that someone who flys to Gold, is deemed to have contributed enough to airline profit to cover the average cost of $2-500. And platinum more so as they get an extra guest.

But i would note that the cost of renting the lougne space is fixed. The maybe easiest way to get savings is by reducing consumption and use of services.

Anyway, it'll be interesting to see where this goes.

 

[munitalP]

... First lounges with some lengthy stays.

...

huh? oh! duh!!



Mr!

 

[kiwitripper64]

Yaaaaay, thanks Qantas for getting rid of those pesky NZ QP. Its not as if we need anything to do while we wait for the Jetstar flight that is routinely >30+ min late in NZ. And the public waiting lounges always have plenty of room. Reluctantly thinking of changing airline

 

[JohnK]

Yes I know we cannot not do anything about the changes but still extremely disappointing....

 

[anat0l]

Reluctantly thinking of changing airline

For me, the change was a no brainer. From now on, the majority of my NZ domestic flying will be on Air NZ. Their fares can be just as cheap as JQ, so more service for the same price. OK, it also helps that I got comped NZ GE.

Trans-Tasmans are still on the red Roo, except:

• When and if SCs aren't needed
• QF prices are extortionate (and don't say that happens all of the time - at least QF Red e-Deals fares give points and status, cf. NZ Smart Savers give only status with no airbucks...)
• No F Lounge from departure point
• LA is a better option

 

[samh004]

It's interesting that WP/CL will have complimentary access to the JQ lounges; but no one else.

That sucks a little. Hopefully a little backlash will develop and that changed in time to allow SG/QP.

a probably next step is that CL and WP get access to the gold coast lounge....

I'd have to imagine it's coming, otherwise would seem a little odd. Wanna bet they'll wait until the first NZ JQ Lounge opens before changing the rules at OOL!