Ok, so why does everyone continue to bag Qantas?

[JohnK]

There is an easy way for Qantas to limit the problem with the large points balances earned by frequent debting rather than frequent flying. Just set an annual limit of 50,000 points transferred into any QF FF account. That should cover any reasonable personal spend. Perhaps make it coughulative so that if not used one year you get the remainder added to the next year's 50K limit.

Great suggestion.

Another possibility would be to limit the number of credit card points, percentage wise, that can be used towards award flights. e.g If 60,000 FF points is required for an award redemption SYD-HKG return in WHY then you will be only allowed to use 15,000 FF points from credit card points.

 

[jasonja3]

I think both NM's and v8statesman's suggestions have merit. I also believe the points coming from CC spend have driven the "enhancements" and the lack of good award seat availability to the QF FFP.

To what extent I could only guess, but the FF points earnt on CC must be a fairly good income stream for QF, so structuring (enhancing) the program to take advantage of all the CC points around could/would be perceived by QF as a good move. Although, what they are essentially doing is rewarding Joe citizen instead of QF's regular paying clients. I guess that fine line of how far can we test the loyalty of our existing clients, to gain other business..... The trouble with that is that it is detrimental to most of the people on this BB (and many others).

 

[NM]

Great suggestion.

Another possibility would be to limit the number of credit card points, percentage wise, that can be used towards award flights. e.g If 60,000 FF points is required for an award redemption SYD-HKG return in WHY then you will be only allowed to use 15,000 FF points from credit card points.

It would be hard to determine how each point was earned (flying, partner such as hotel stay or car rental, CC transfer, or family transfer. That is why I suggested a limit on the transfer amount (CC, family and other programs such as Starwood).

It would also be in QF's financial benefit to do that as it would encourage people to transfer from CC into QFF each year instead of maintaining their CC points in the CC account until they want to use them. QF only gets paid for the points when the CC company makes the transfer, so by encouraging annual transfers QF will get the financial benefit of selling the points while delaying the expense of providing the award flight.

I have a large Amex points balance (almost 200K may not be big for some, but its all household/personal spending) that I am maintaining in my Amex account for now. That was earned over about 4 years since I last cleaned it out prior to making a large QF FF award redemption. I keep it in Amex because that gives me best flexibility in the future with the option to transfer to Starwood->AA, Hilton Honors, or VS or just spend on Amex awards. If there was an annual limit on transfers into any of those programs I may be tempted to transfer annually to ensure I don't find myself in a situation where I need say 60,000 more QF FF points for an award but can only transfer 50,000 in the year.

 

[dajop]

Going back to a much earlier post I'd have to agree with KiwiFlyer that QF are not a bad airline just not the top of the tree. On the international side, it is probably an unfortunate quirk of where QF lives in the world, but they're competing with a raft of top quality Asian or Middle Eastern carriers (except across the Pacific) If they were in the US, South America or even Europe then I think they would be at the top of the tree. I'll just share a few small examples, based on my experience in the J cabins on my last three international flights SQ, CX and QF.

Hanging coat/jacket- CX as soon as I took it off. SQ - flight attendant couldn't get to me due to stream of Y pax going past (on a 777), my jacket was fairly old and wrinkled anyway so just put in in overhead locker (which I usually do with that jacket anyway). When stream of passengers ceased, FA came up to me an offered to hang it! That's service. QF - it sat on my lap for 5 mins before I asked someone to hang it, then it took them another 5 to come and get it.

Drinks - SQ - they came and took order before takeoff, and drink was there minutes after takeoff. Then another one. Then a third with the meal (and they were coughtails which QF don't offer either) (this I might add also happened to me in economy) QF - had to wait for the meal to get the drink. CX came around after takeoff to take orders, and then were back within a few minutes.

Meal - With main meal on SQ/CX get offered fruit, then cheese, then dessert. QF- you get offered a choice of fruit, cheese OR dessert (of course you can ask).

OK so these aren't the sorts of things that make an airline bad, just make a difference especially in the J cabin where you are paying for a good seat and good service. (OK I may be being a little precious, but I have done and still do my fair share of time in the Y cabin, I just that expect it to be a little special ("all about you") when travelling up the front).

 

[NM]

I'll just share a few small examples, based on my experience in the J cabins on my last three international flights SQ, CX and QF.

Hmm, now why could I picture exactly what you were describing as if I was there .

OK so these aren't the sorts of things that make an airline bad, just make a difference especially in the J cabin where you are paying for a good seat and good service.

Too true, too true.

 

[JohnK]

It would be hard to determine how each point was earned (flying, partner such as hotel stay or car rental, CC transfer, or family transfer. That is why I suggested a limit on the transfer amount (CC, family and other programs such as Starwood).

Yes I know. Just a suggestion not a foolproof plan.

Being a computer programmer/systems analyst it is possible to set up, and maintain, a customer master file with FF points in buckets (columns) for the main ways of accumulating (earning) FF points, eg from flying, credit card transfer, car rental, hotel stay etc. When using FF points for an award then a certain number of FF points must come from the flying bucket. Again not foolproof but also not difficult to program this logic into the software.

 

[wandering_fred]

Please don't get me wrong. QF have some very nice aircraft and most of the time the crew are fine.......

Based in PER there are quite large add-ons to the cheap SYD-USA Y fares. And given the miles earned in the QF program by CC $$ (not mine I should point out) the opportunity to inexpensively see a J seat to the USA on QF is mostly speculation.... So the addition of JAL to OW will make the routing PER-SIN-NRT-DFW even more attractive. And with a little planning a J seat on the NRT-DFW/ORD/LAX legs can be a reasonable expectation.....
And when the cost is a great deal less than for QF......
And when you consider that WT+ on BA SIN-LHR-Canada isn't that much more expensive than economy through SYD..... And I admit the QF flight PER-SIN is just short enough to be comfortable in Y.

Well you get the idea. What could QF do to change my mind.....and routing?
1. Change the way international upgrades are granted.
4 days in advance for QP - 3 for SG - 2 for PS - 1 for NB
The $$ still talks but the people flying get some benefits/privileges
2. Make certain the A380s have premium economy Oz to the USA

It would be a great deal easier for me to maintain Ow Sapphire on QF than on AA. but the other benefits aren't worth it. Nothing basically wrong with the QF airplanes and actually flying. just the FF program responding to the source of the $$ rather than the people who actually fly.

End of soap box........

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[NM]

Being a computer programmer/systems analyst ...

Ahh, that explains it.

 

[garyjohn951]

dajop described my last 2 flights on CX and QF. Went CX, HK to SIN, lunch flight, then SIN to LON QF9. The meal on CX was so much better than the "supper" on QF. Only that I had to meet up with a guy in SIN I would have gone CX from HK to LON.

 

[rhjames]

As platinum and lifetime gold I've done my share of flying - mainly international. In recent years mainly Qantas/AA, but often with other airlines in US, South America, Europe - actually a lot of places. Overall, I have few complaints with Qantas, and I rate them highly. The sky beds are good for the long haul. I get great service when I ring Qantas for any reason. I've had my share of delayed luggage etc, but that happens with any airline. I get annoyed when I hear people say "I'll never fly Qantas again - my luggage was lost" They probably do one international flight every 5 years, and were unlucky. If someone complains about an airline, I expect them to fly enough to do a fair comparison, and not complain about one incident.

I was annoyed recently about a lady I spoke to who thought she was the authority on all subjects just because she did a flight to Europe business class - complained about the food. Currently with about 1.2 million FF points with Qantas I consider I've had reasonable experience. Not once have I had a need to complain about the food. Domestic flights aren't much, but nor do I expect much. I consider serving a meal on a 1 - 2 hour flight a waste of money - I'd rather pay less for the ticket.

Let's be clear on this - an airliner is primarily a way to get from one place to another - not a restaurant. Why do people expect a gourmet meal? I think the airlines do a brilliant job of feeding so many people with what I consider to be very acceptable meals.

However, it's not all roses. I have lost a lot of upgrade credits because I couldn't use them due to no seats allocated to upgrades (even though I could see empty seats). I usually try to save up 5 points so I can upgrade to 1st class on the long hauls. I should have used some yesterday on Syd/Mel rather than see them wasted. On the other hand, I've had my share free of upgrades to 1st when boarding, so can't really complain. However, have others had this problem?

First class seats are looking a bit outdated, but are ok. Video systems have been behind the times for a few years, and this is now being addrerssed.

Anyway, off to Europe next week with Lufthansa - Qantas too expensive, so here's another chance for comparison.

I must admit it's nice to get on the big plane in US or Europe, be greeted in Aussie, handed the FIN or SMH and aim for home.

 

[SF&]

I am a platinum member with Qantas why don't they re-arrange the ff flyer program so it rewards the ppl who fly with them ; double points is fine but why not instead of 40,000 OW points for an upgrade SYD to HK why not say 20,000 for platinum, 30,000 for gold 40,000 for silver and 50,000 for bronze. or 40,000 for platinum for eco to first class. Not that i think first class is that much better than business these days.

Also for qantas clubs do a kids play room get sony or x box to put in their 2 0 or 30 ps2 or whatever like overseas lounges, cx has it star alliance has it. I think the international lounges the new one in Syd is average compared to CX and others i have visited.

In flight service is ok virgin might have the jump with the new tv's on board but they have that on one plane so far but i still choose qa over any other domestic operator in oz, Internationally qa is fine by me. Like the last post it's nice to get on the planebe handed the australian and hear a familar voice and know your going home

 

[jasonja3]

I must admit it's nice to get on the big plane in US or Europe, be greeted in Aussie, handed the FIN or SMH and aim for home.

One of the best parts of flying QF

 

[acampbel]

Hmmmm ..... can't say the accent or nationality of the flight crew matters a damn to me. In fact in some ways it feels like I am cutting the holiday short when I board the all too familiar craft!

Perhaps I don't get very homesick when travelling .... or perhaps I'm just not Aussie enough.


Cheers,

Andrew

 

[Skyring]

Not once have I had a need to complain about the food. Domestic flights aren't much, but nor do I expect much. I consider serving a meal on a 1 - 2 hour flight a waste of money - I'd rather pay less for the ticket.

There are still going to be a certain number of cabin crew on a flight for safety reasons, so they might as well have something to do. On the 50 minute flight CBR-SYD, there's barely time for a cup of coffee, but if it's a longer flight it's nice to have the opportunity for a meal, especially if I've missed one in packing and getting to the airport. Not always happy to fill up on fatty, salty, low-vege snacks in the lounges, either.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

the FA issue is one reason why NZ's layout of Q300 is missing 2 seats compared to normal config

 

[Skyring]

Hmmmm ..... can't say the accent or nationality of the flight crew matters a damn to me. In fact in some ways it feels like I am cutting the holiday short when I board the all too familiar craft!

Perhaps I don't get very homesick when travelling .... or perhaps I'm just not Aussie enough.

I don't go overseas to eat meat pies and drink Fosters. Perhaps if I travelled more I'd feel more comfortable with familiar things, but for me it's still exciting. An opportunity to learn and experience things that are difficult or impossible back home.

 

[NM]

I don't go overseas to eat meat pies and drink Fosters.

And I don't stay in Australia to drink Fosters either .

 

[Altair]

I don't go overseas to eat meat pies and drink Fosters.

When I backpacked ATW I actually had a great meat pie in London, they certainly do good pies over there. So much so that when the Mrs and I just arrived in London on Xmas night and the only thing open was room service, the Mrs wanted to order a &15 burger but I suggested her to get a pie instead, oh I had adopted non-meating diet by then. It was so good she still talks about it.
Regarding Fosters, well in the hostel in France on a hot day the only beer they had was bottled, so US swill or Fosters....it was the only time in my memory that I have ever seen Australians drinking Fosters....:shock:
Note: The writer of this post owns Fosters shares.

 

[rhjames]

In fact in some ways it feels like I am cutting the holiday short when I board the all too familiar craft!



Holiday - now there's something novel. I can understand that getting on Qantas signals the end of a holiday. To me it's 24 hours on a plane where even the blackberry can't reach me, and the chance to sleep next night in my own bed, and home meals again.

 

[SF&]

I agree with James

And those ppl should be happy they've been on a holiday.