Qantas and Air NZ announce codeshare partnership

[RooFlyer]

Not at all. Star alliance operates almost exclusively on the basis of operating carriers. Star alliance gold members travelling on NZ codeshares operated by QF will get nothing - no points, no lounge access, no elite status miles and no priority anything. NZ members may get benefits, but members of other star alliance programs will not.

Come to think it isn't that also the way oneworld operates (with the exception of points and status accrual)? Generally, a oneworld member travelling on QF codeshare on China Eastern or Emirates get no in flight or at airport benefits either (with maybe a couple of exceptions to this rule).

Really? Did you notice I used the expression "global network" - nothing about status benefits . I was thinking of Star Alliance member pax being able to access Star Alliance network fares and products, such as their RTW, to wit:

In general, Round the World fares are offered on all Star Alliance operating and code-shared flight numbers including flights operated by regional partner airlines. Our member airlines do however have the right to exclude single flights from the Round the World fare.

(my bolding)

There is also the matter of being able to check-through baggage from one StarAlliance flight to the NZ code shares in Australia, and out again. I don't think Star Alliance had the stupid breakdown of checking-though between airlines that OW brought in (I think that was because of BA?).

Now, I haven't checked the specific T&Cs of the QF/NZ code sharing, and if the points made above can be nay-sayed, then I'll be the wiser and thank you for it, but on the face of it, if you are a member of a SA FF program, this tie-up will be of benefit to you, if you are travelling into and through Australia, utilising the SA network

 

[pauly7]

Well this explains all the chatter about NZ and QF getting closer.

Massive kick for QF domestic
Massive kick for NZ domestic
Massive kick in the guts for VA

Cut to NZ head office, can only imagine the giant and.....FU’s going around. This is the ultimate in a scorned lovers revenge... Riveting to watch this soap opera!

Suspect NZ drove all of this. Pretty well executed plan. And great for QF and NZ customers.

 

[dajop]

Really? Did you notice I used the expression "global network" - nothing about status benefits . I was thinking of Star Alliance member pax being able to access Star Alliance network fares and products, such as their RTW, to wit:

It will depend on fare rules, but unlikely. I note the following condition in the xRWSTAR1 product (as an example):

THE FARE COMPONENT MUST NOT BE ON
ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING
...
ANY NZ FLIGHT OPERATED BY AR
ANY NZ FLIGHT OPERATED BY CX
ANY NZ FLIGHT OPERATED BY EY
ANY NZ FLIGHT OPERATED BY FJ
ANY NZ FLIGHT OPERATED BY GZ
ANY NZ FLIGHT OPERATED BY MI
ANY NZ FLIGHT OPERATED BY TN
ANY NZ FLIGHT OPERATED BY US
ANY NZ FLIGHT OPERATED BY VA
ANY NZ FLIGHT OPERATED BY VS
...
ANY SA FLIGHT OPERATED BY QF

There's a huge list of exclusions, basically the codeshares by non star alliance partners. I suspect we will see "ANY NZ FLIGHT OPERATED BY QF" added to that list.

 

[serfty]

There's no *A - *A interline on separate tickets.

AirNZ won't even interline NZ - NZ on separate tickets.

 

[Deleted member]

How can this possibly be good for Trans-Tasman prices?

It’s NOT a TT agreement, just domestic routes only

 

[cambriamarsh]

There's no *A - *A interline on separate tickets.

AirNZ won't even interline NZ - NZ on separate tickets.

Really? that just seems stupid and petty

 

[moa999]

I wonder how long it will be before JQ NZ is wound up...

Totally different.
JQ NZ is an LCC - they don't like connections or baggage interline - adds costs
Suspect those flying QF over the ditch weren't that happy about ending up on JQ either

 

[dajop]

It’s NOT a TT agreement, just domestic routes only

I guess, the effect will be secondary effect on VA trans tasman routes. If it is enough to knock VA out of the marke (perhaps not) it could achieve a nice little NZ/QF duopoly across the Tasman, supplemented by JQ where needed.

 

[Pleb Status]

Totally different.
JQ NZ is an LCC - they don't like connections or baggage interline - adds costs
Suspect those flying QF over the ditch weren't that happy about ending up on JQ either

I was wondering if the NZ swap from VA to QF was 'aided' by a commitment by QF (unwritten of course) to 'reduce' competition on domestic NZ routes...

 

[TheRealTMA]

Good news for the new tie up. Means access to ANZ lounges in NZ rather than have to do Mickey Mouse status match with United. Also good that points and SCs will be earned on ANZ. Interesting.

https://www.ausbt.com.au/shock-qantas-air-new-zealand-alliance-will-take-on-virgin-australia

 

[Himeno]

It's surprising, yes, but it isn't as big a deal as some people are making it out to be. It's just a codeshare agreement. No different to what Qantas has with many airlines, like Westjet or Alaska.
You only earn points/SC on the QF codes.

 

[Melburnian1]

How can this possibly be good for Trans-Tasman prices?

Agree. It would be great if China Airlines (from Taiwan) resumed more Trans-Tasman flights (even though it would still be a minor player.)

Surprising that ACCC hasn't become involved as surely this means fares won't be as low as otherwise.

 

[AviationNZ]

Surprising that ACCC hasn't become involved as surely this means fares won't be as low as otherwise.

It's a straight codeshare so doesn't require ACCC involvement. There is no joint pricing, no joint scheduling, etc. Won't have any affect on fares as QF and NZ will still compete on the Tasman and other routes like they do now.

 

[Bugalugz]

Makes you wonder if the fare bundling survey the other day for trans Tasman only was for something bigger in the works.........watch this space I guess the codeshare could be the start.

 

[NZflygirl]

Awesome shock news!

But no codeshares to/from Hamilton it seems! Disappointing.

Are you talking about Hamilton - Wellington? I see it's not on the Ausbt map. But does seem weird it wouldn't be included. Maybe it's just an artistic mistake on the map? Air NZ doesn't fly Auckland - Hamilton. I think they dropped that a while ago.

 

[NZflygirl]

I wonder how long it will be before JQ NZ is wound up...

Can't really see that happening but the airline industry is such a dynamic one who knows. Jetstar spent so long establishing themselves in the market. They will still compete against Air NZ as they do now. Probably get less of a Qantas feed but there are other airlines like Emirates and Jetstar TT to Jetstar.

 

[Flyp]

As David Flynn said in The New Daily:

... the deal was “not what Virgin needs right now” and a “shame” given the airline’s contribution to create competition in the Australian airline market.

“Virgin is a good airline, they have good business class, they’re building up their WiFi network, they have good meals, cabin,” Mr Flynn said.

“Qantas has made changes since Virgin has been around, made improvements, and you do have to wonder, would Qantas have taken the initiative?”

Some good points about VA's contribution to the Oz airline market. QF's record not so good given the big hoopla around their various 'marriages' (the recent hookup with Emirates) only to see them falling by the wayside.
VA seems to have a more measured approach about jumping into 'bed' with anyone when it suits them and vastly more consideration given to the travelling public.

 

[Flyp]

Wow. VA right royally stuffed that one up.

how so???

 

[Virgin Bart]

Any news on whether QFF points will be redeemable on NZ domestically (with or without a TT flight)

 

[TheInsider]

Any news on whether QFF points will be redeemable on NZ domestically (with or without a TT flight)

If it wasn't mentioned in the Media Release, then I highly doubt it will be the case. This is purely a codeshare agreement, that's it.