Plus Bundle Price Increase?

[ozbeachbabe]

So what is the new pricing for booking JQ flight via the QF website now? Is it still a bit higher than booking via JQ website with a plus pack? If so then surely a non plus pack JQ fare purchased via the QF website should now include earning.

Just had a play around with SYD/BNE bookings on the QF website. If you are doing a one way booking and select eg JQ820 SYD/BNE on Qantas - flights to Australia, New Zealand, Africa and Asia. Book airfares at qantas.com. it will automatically redirect you to Cheap flights | Jetstar to make the booking so you can only book a JQ marketed flight via QF if you also have a QF marketed flight on that same pnr eg JQ820 SYD/BNE and QF541 BNE/SYD.

Selecting JQ820 via QF it came up with the Starter fare of AUD116.00 that includes a 20kg checked baggage allowance hen twhen it redirects you to JQ, the cheapest airfare on offer for that exact same flight on the same date is a 'Hot Fare' of AUD79.00 so if you were to add 20kg checked baggage (to compare apples with apples) it costs AUD17.00 so a total of AUD96.00 so it appears that same flight still costs AUD20.00 more simply by booking on the QF website before any cc service fees are added.

The only way to earn ff points & SC by booking a JQ flight through QF is to book the Max fare which costs AUD310.00 which gets you points, SC & 20kg baggage so AUD196.00 more to book an earning fare through QF compared to AUD114.00 (AUD79.00 Hot Fare plus AUD35.00 bundle for points, SC & 20KG luggage) via JQ.

But wait, there's more. If you need to make changes to the Max fare you need to call QF which would attract addtional phone service fees as it can't be done online like when you change plus bundle fares on the JQ site, so the message is loud and clear - if you want a JQ earning fare book on the JQ site and pay the plus bundle.

 

[medhead]

Just had a play around with SYD/BNE bookings on the QF website. If you are doing a one way booking and select eg JQ820 SYD/BNE on Qantas - flights to Australia, New Zealand, Africa and Asia. Book airfares at qantas.com. it will automatically redirect you to Cheap flights | Jetstar to make the booking so you can only book a JQ marketed flight via QF if you also have a QF marketed flight on that same pnr eg JQ820 SYD/BNE and QF541 BNE/SYD.

Selecting JQ820 via QF it came up with the Starter fare of AUD116.00 that includes a 20kg checked baggage allowance hen twhen it redirects you to JQ, the cheapest airfare on offer for that exact same flight on the same date is a 'Hot Fare' of AUD79.00 so if you were to add 20kg checked baggage (to compare apples with apples) it costs AUD17.00 so a total of AUD96.00 so it appears that same flight still costs AUD20.00 more simply by booking on the QF website before any cc service fees are added.

The only way to earn ff points & SC by booking a JQ flight through QF is to book the Max fare which costs AUD310.00 which gets you points, SC & 20kg baggage so AUD196.00 more to book an earning fare through QF compared to AUD114.00 (AUD79.00 Hot Fare plus AUD35.00 bundle for points, SC & 20KG luggage) via JQ.

But wait, there's more. If you need to make changes to the Max fare you need to call QF which would attract addtional phone service fees as it can't be done online like when you change plus bundle fares on the JQ site, so the message is loud and clear - if you want a JQ earning fare book on the JQ site and pay the plus bundle.

The bolded bits gets to my point. Previously, based only on my recollection from numerous comparative searches, a JQ flight via the QF website (yes, with a QF flight on the booking as well) cost roughly the same as buying the flight from JQ with added luggage; with either option being roughly equivalent - i.e. flight plus checked luggage, no earning.

Under the new system, based on your single example as bolded, the cost of a JQ fare with plus is roughly the same as a JQ fare from QF with checked luggage. I would suggest that means the bog standard, non-max, fare from QF needs to earn now. (Yes, I know that's not going to happen. But this remains my view of what needs to happen to maintain internal consistency across the Qantas group)

 

[ozbeachbabe]

The bolded bits gets to my point. Previously, based only on my recollection from numerous comparative searches, a JQ flight via the QF website (yes, with a QF flight on the booking as well) cost roughly the same as buying the flight from JQ with added luggage; with either option being roughly equivalent - i.e. flight plus checked luggage, no earning.

Under the new system, based on your single example as bolded, the cost of a JQ fare with plus is roughly the same as a JQ fare from QF with checked luggage. I would suggest that means the bog standard, non-max, fare from QF needs to earn now. (Yes, I know that's not going to happen. But this remains my view of what needs to happen to maintain internal consistency across the Qantas group)

If that bog standard non-Max fare on JQ (booked via QF) did then earn SC and points and given that it already includes 20kg checked baggage, then QF may as well scrap the Max fare because you would then get the same inclusions on the Starter fare for much less.

It's simpler to not combine JQ & QF fare types on the same pnr as both flights automatically assume the more restrictive of the two fare conditions which I found out the hard way when we did a multi-city booking comprising a (refundable) JASA BNE/SYD on QF8 with a (non refundable) Starter SYD/MEL on JQ35 then SO had to cancel due to work.

 

[whatmeworry]

Couple responses from JQ in regards to the change.

We've recently changed our plus and max bundles based on some research we've done into what our customers value most in the bundles. Things like checked baggage are now automatically included in a Starter Plus fare which is why it's a bit more expensive than before.

Our Plus and Max bundles have recently changed. Effective 16 July from 18:00 AEST, the plus bundle now includes checked baggage. These inclusions should be visible on the 'select flights' page when the bundle information is visible.

I'm sorry to hear you're disappointed with the booking experience and inclusions in our Plus Bundles. As a low cost carrier, we give our passengers the choice to adapt their fare to best suit their needs and you can select not to add various add-ons if you don't need these.

We appreciate you taking the time to let us know your feedback regarding the Plus Bundle inclusions as we're always looking for ways to improve our service and offerings.

 

[Pablo]

Who'd have thought... Jetstar slowly approaching Qantas prices on otherwise Qantas specific routes. Or was that the plan all along?...

On NTL-BNE QFlink is almost always cheaper now, except if it's very last minute.

 

[medhead]

If that bog standard non-Max fare on JQ (booked via QF) did then earn SC and points and given that it already includes 20kg checked baggage, then QF may as well scrap the Max fare because you would then get the same inclusions on the Starter fare for much less.

It's simpler to not combine JQ & QF fare types on the same pnr as both flights automatically assume the more restrictive of the two fare conditions which I found out the hard way when we did a multi-city booking comprising a (refundable) JASA BNE/SYD on QF8 with a (non refundable) Starter SYD/MEL on JQ35 then SO had to cancel due to work.

I wasn't really considering utility of the fare, just the pricing consistency between the old and new pricing. My impression was that the prices were roughly consistent under the old system. Whereas this is no longer the case. Just to note, MAX fare earns as full Y not discount Y.

There are limited situations were having QF and JQ on the same booking can be beneficial.

Couple responses from JQ in regards to the change.

I'm sorry to hear you're disappointed with the booking experience and inclusions in our Plus Bundles. As a low cost carrier, we give our passengers the choice to adapt their fare to best suit their needs and you can select not to add various add-ons if you don't need these.

We appreciate you taking the time to let us know your feedback regarding the Plus Bundle inclusions as we're always looking for ways to improve our service and offerings.

Oh, ok then. How exactly do I select to earn points/SC, and not add checked luggage or a meal voucher, to best suit my needs?
That would be my reply. They've bundled all that cough together, there is no option to not have useless add-ons.
Do these corporate knob jobs have any clue at all about the business?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I've seen a number of respondents reply that they may as well fly QF, so can I ask.....What's the benefit if you're still on JQ metal? (I understand the benefit by changing to QF metal)

My particular JQ flight is only available on JQ and is priced with a Max bundle of $279. To buy from QF, the way I see it is I'd still only get the JQ product with Max bundle, but it's priced on the QF website at $348. So what benefit am I failing to see, by booking QF?

 

[eastwest101]

I've seen a number of respondents reply that they may as well fly QF, so can I ask.....What's the benefit if you're still on JQ metal? (I understand the benefit by changing to QF metal)

My particular JQ flight is only available on JQ and is priced with a Max bundle of $279. To buy from QF, the way I see it is I'd still only get the JQ product with Max bundle, but it's priced on the QF website at $348. So what benefit am I failing to see, by booking QF?

I can't speak for others but my comments were along the line of QF metal flights being available, you are right, sometimes the QF metal isn't available - or is a 1 stop trip instead of direct (e.g. SYD-TSV direct JQ vs SYD-BNE-TSV on QF) which brings in pricing and timing differences. Then it comes down to time and money and if departure/arrival and transit times suit you or not.

Your example of paying a lot more money to get the JQ metal experience on a QF flight number is a fair enough comment and agree with you in your example, but its not what I was referring to in my posts. You can see in my example of TSV-SYD pair it makes no sense to pay Max bundle on JQ for me because VA also fly SYD-TSV and you can fly direct on VA cheaper than JQ and earn SC, choose seating, maybe get lounge access etc etc. Every case is different of course depending on fares, timing, cost of bundles etc etc.

 

[TomVexille]

I've seen a number of respondents reply that they may as well fly QF, so can I ask.....What's the benefit if you're still on JQ metal? (I understand the benefit by changing to QF metal)

My particular JQ flight is only available on JQ and is priced with a Max bundle of $279. To buy from QF, the way I see it is I'd still only get the JQ product with Max bundle, but it's priced on the QF website at $348. So what benefit am I failing to see, by booking QF?

So you get screwed most of all?

 

[Altair]

Interesting replies on this thread. IMO the addition of baggage and therefore a price increase goes against everything JQ was supposed to be.
For me it is not the length of the flight that dictates whether or not I do HLO or CIL but the purpose and duration of the trip.
More importantly to me I also note that they have changed from the voucher system for onboard purposes to meals or snacks. Now I did like the voucher system, I never really used the full value but it allowed me to order what I wanted from the menu. Now I have no idea what I am going to get onboard so not that happy. Does anybody know what is a "snack" on short domestic operations?
Overall I am not happy with this change, not that I fly JQ much but it is the only option for QFF travelling domestically in NZ and will make me consider flying NZ now.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

All jq dom fares in nz include a small amount of points by default... no need to add plus bundle

 

[Altair]

All jq dom fares in nz include a small amount of points by default... no need to add plus bundle

Starter fare gives same QFFP as Plus but you need to upgrade to Plus to gain SC.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Its 400 points but no SC. Still better than nothing. Id like to see that in Australia but don't think it will happen

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Couple responses from JQ in regards to the change.

We've recently changed our plus and max bundles based on some research we've done into what our customers value most in the bundles. Things like checked baggage are now automatically included in a Starter Plus fare which is why it's a bit more expensive than before.

Our Plus and Max bundles have recently changed. Effective 16 July from 18:00 AEST, the plus bundle now includes checked baggage. These inclusions should be visible on the 'select flights' page when the bundle information is visible.

From the responses posted previously, I note the JQ responses says both plus and max have changed but then only speak about the plus. What were the max changes?

 

[eastwest101]

From the responses posted previously, I note the JQ responses says both plus and max have changed but then only speak about the plus. What were the max changes?

That would require checking with the old Jetstar Max Bundle benefits page to the new Jetstar Max Bundle benefits. I was looking at the current Jetstar page where they describe what the benefits are for the different bundles:

http://www.jetstar.com/au/en/planning-and-booking/fares/fare-types

Once you strip out all the spin, and the benefits that have been removed, here is a list of things you only get by having the Max Bundle that you cannot get by having a Starter or plus Bundle or are included in the basic fare or by being QC/WP/SG etc and having lounge access.

Starter Fare + Max Bundle:
- "free" extra room and up-front seating in economy class (but its not free because you are buying a Max bundle!)
- origin and destination changes permitted (for a fee)
- Status Credit earn at Y levels (so you are essentially "buying" SC as I consider QFF points almost worthless)
- QF lounge access (except where JQ are not located in a common terminal with QF or the QF/OW Lounge in conveniently closed for whatever reason, worthless to QFF Golds and better as they already have Lounge access thanks to their status anyway)

Business and Max Bundle
- Status Credit earn at J levels (so you are essentially "buying" SC as I consider QFF points almost worthless)
- Refundable fare (with a fee)
- QF lounge access (except where JQ are not located in a common terminal with QF or the QF/OW Lounge in conveniently closed for whatever reason, worthless to QFF Golds and better as they already have Lounge access thanks to their status anyway)


Yes - the JQ responses to whatmeworry's questions don't seem to want to pitch the advantages of Max Bundles. As far as I can tell the Starter Max and Business Max bundles are unchanged except for maybe price, less benefits and the opportunity to still get hit by the usual array of fees for Inflight entertainment etc?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Yes - the JQ responses to whatmeworry's questions don't seem to want to pitch the advantages of Max Bundles. As far as I can tell the Starter Max and Business Max bundles are unchanged except for maybe price, less benefits and the opportunity to still get hit by the usual array of fees for Inflight entertainment etc?

Thanks, I'll have a better look when I have time, but I though max fares could be cancelled as well. I've been looking at the price for a few months and I don't think the route I'm looking at has changed.

 

[serfty]

...
Do these corporate knob jobs have any clue at all about the business?

yes ... that's why baggage is now included.

They make more money that way ... it's what NZ did when they brought in "seats to suit" .. that's why VA now include luggage on all domestic fares ... you pay more even if you (like me) never use it.

 

[basso]

From the responses posted previously, I note the JQ responses says both plus and max have changed but then only speak about the plus. What were the max changes?

From a baggage perspective, plus went from having no luggage allowance to having a 20Kg allowance. Max went from 20K to 30Kg. There were also some changes around meal inclusions (e.g. trans tasman the bundles now get a 'meal')

 

[medhead]

A follow up to my earlier ramblings about the comparison between buying a JQ flight from the Qf website, and buying from JQ with a plus bundle. While investigating options to do the Qantas Retro Roo flight to LRE, the only suitable flight to get me home the same day is JQ770 SYD-ADL.

On the JQ website, Starter with plus bundle this is $144. Inclusions: SC/points, 20kg check luggage and $5 credit for BoB.
From the Qantas website it is $145 (upfront) but going to payment page the total price drops by $5. Inclusions: 20kg luggage, no credit, no SC/Points.

So for the same price I get less, especially no earning. Potential I could be paying $1 more to get less. But more probably $5 less to not get a $5 BoB credit and for no earning.

 

[eastwest101]

A follow up to my earlier ramblings about the comparison between buying a JQ flight from the Qf website, and buying from JQ with a plus bundle. While investigating options to do the Qantas Retro Roo flight to LRE, the only suitable flight to get me home the same day is JQ770 SYD-ADL.

On the JQ website, Starter with plus bundle this is $144. Inclusions: SC/points, 20kg check luggage and $5 credit for BoB.
From the Qantas website it is $145 (upfront) but going to payment page the total price drops by $5. Inclusions: 20kg luggage, no credit, no SC/Points.

So for the same price I get less, especially no earning. Potential I could be paying $1 more to get less. But more probably $5 less to not get a $5 BoB credit and for no earning.

Interesting observations medhead - I can only assume that Jetstar are now comfortable enough to just assume that the 'mug punters' just make the assumption that for any given flight that JQ will always be cheaper than VA or QF mainline so they don't feel the need to be cheaper than QF. Or more succinctly - they are hoping that people just automatically go to the official JQ web site to book flights without shopping around and seeing what else is out there and at what price. I think thats also the reason for the proliferation of bundles, hiden fees and add-on costs that we see. By having these hidden - airlines such as JQ and TT can have the lowest 'headline price' in comparison web sites - such as Expedia and Webjet etc etc and then pick up the revenue through the ancilliaries later on.

The last thing that JQ want is transparent apples vs apples pricing, because then price sensetive shoppers would choose TT (or price beat TT on JQ) and the value shoppers would think - "Hmm for $5 more or the same price then why not fly VA/QF?"