Qantas / Emirates tie up (Partnership inc. Codeshare, Status)

[anat0l]

EK wouldn't want EK elites to switch to QF (as qualification is easier) IMHO QF will raise the requirements/re-qualification to 1800/1600 SC's. I concede this may be at the higher end of the spectrum for qualification, but i can't foresee the qualification bar not being raised.

I don't believe that 150k tier miles for EK Platinum is necessarily difficult compared to QF, at least to the point that it is much, much easier to qualify on QF rather than EK. Let's not forget that the better benefits on EK will usually only be afforded by being an elite on Skywards, not QFF. For example, I suspect that EK will continue giving rather frequent op-ups to its elites, and even more so for their Platinum members. I don't expect them to reciprocate that for QFF elites, and I don't expect QF to reciprocate this benefit on QF operated flights for Skywards elites (and I definitely do not expect an op-up priority list on QF to be (theoretically) organised such that EK elites rank higher than QFF members of the same rank).

It'll be a case of some cases where it's easier with EK and others with QF - this applies to both the barely-achiever as well as the premium flyer.


Still, for sure you've got a point that QF may still raise the bar.

 

[tm.smile]

I don't see how the EK flyer would switch to QFF for easier qualification. Dont you need to have a QF code on an EK flight in order to earn status credits? It would be an absolute pain for EK frequent flyers to have to book all their EK flights through Qantas particularly those not based in Australia. IMHO, I don't think many EK elites would switch to QFF because the qualifications would be easier. As for Simon Hickey saying they'll align everything, in context that's for benefits. Perhaps I'm too optimistic...

 

[YQY]

Another hypothetical,

EK WP's get PG as a benefit. Does this mean, EK WP aligns with Qantas WP at the PG level ie 2,400SC? This aligns with Simon's

we're aligning everything

statement.

Anything lower will not gain access to the EK F lounges,but will retain OWE lounge privileges.

 

[Deleted member]

Another hypothetical,

EK WP's get PG as a benefit. Does this mean, EK WP aligns with Qantas WP at the PG level ie 2,400SC? This aligns with Simon's statement.

Anything lower will not gain access to the EK F lounges,but will retain OWE lounge privileges.

Which means WP = EK Gold?

 

[JessicaTam]

Which means WP = EK Gold?

And WP1 or WP+PG = EK Platinum?

 

[Deleted member]

That's what I think may happen

 

[Pleb Status]

As EK operate the vast majority of their flights through one airport only (DXB), I think they may have deliberately set the qualification level for EK Platinum high enough to limit the number of people using the F Lounges at DXB. If every QF flight went through SYD (Int and Dom), imagine how big the F Lounge would need to be to hold all of the QF WP flying at any one time.

Looking from a 'half full' prospective, I do not believe QF will need to change the qualification levels for WP. As others have stated, EK platinum is really equivalent to QF WP+PG (or WP1), not WP. It should be noted that the EK/QF alliance is only a small part of the current EK business and changes that effect all EK customers (not just those to AUS/NZ) need to be looked at in the bigger picture.

If QF really want to thin out the current herd of QF WP, eliminate all double SC promotions and all 'comped' status immediately. If this does not work, remove the current four QF sector rule and introduce a 50% of qualifying SC must be earned on QF rule (700/600 QF SC to earn/retain WP). These changes would not effect most 'real' WP. Only after these changes are proven not to have worked should QF look at increasing the qualification levels. It would be stupid to increase the qualification level for WP to 1800SC and then have a DSC promotion straight afterwards.

 

[Awesom Andy]

Although the QF WP is probably one of the easiest to obtain if you fly in premium cabins. Personally, I fly a bit of Y, and a bit of J, and I would fly either program to be quite similar in terms of qualifying - with perhaps EK slightly more difficult. However, given my location (SIN), staying with QF means I can go to Europe on BA, AY, and EK with the benefit of status, if I moved over to EK, then I'm pretty much stuck with them. I also have intra-Asia flights with 3K, if absolutely necessary.

I would object to any changes to the 4-sector rule though. Not that it would make a difference for me, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to fly on QF given the ever shrinking network. I can't even fly non-stop on QF Group from SIN-ADL anymore. Well, at least have a reasonable network of codeshares before the implementation of such changes, I suppose.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Interesting that there are still no QF/EK codeshare options to NBO yet? I have been keeping an eye on this for several weeks but nothing has materialised. The only options that appears now is the QF SYD - JNB then SAA JNB - NBO, not even the Kenya Airways via BKK that used to appear so presumably BKK - NBO has ceased.

We currently have J tickets booked for SYD - JNB to do a safari in the Serengeti followed by sunning it in the Seychelles and I was looking to see if we could do SYD - DXB - NBO then SEZ - DXB - SYD. Maybe wishful thinking on my part that we would be able to do this!

I still think this will happen - if you go to Travel or Zuji you can get Qantas code share to Nairobi, just at double the price of booking same flights via Emirates. (Even choosing Qantas metal from Dubai). We are not going to Singita Grumeti until Sep 2014 so I have plentry of time to wait for prices to hopefully become more rational and allow me to book via Qantas, otherwise I will just book under Emirates (We are looking at F and the price differential is huge). I am assuming Africa is not a priority to sort out and it will appear at the Qantas site in the future and hopefully with a competitive pricing.

 

[Isochronous]

As EK operate the vast majority of their flights through one airport only (DXB), I think they may have deliberately set the qualification level for EK Platinum high enough to limit the number of people using the F Lounges at DXB. If every QF flight went through SYD (Int and Dom), imagine how big the F Lounge would need to be to hold all of the QF WP flying at any one time.

Looking from a 'half full' prospective, I do not believe QF will need to change the qualification levels for WP. As others have stated, EK platinum is really equivalent to QF WP+PG (or WP1), not WP. It should be noted that the EK/QF alliance is only a small part of the current EK business and changes that effect all EK customers (not just those to AUS/NZ) need to be looked at in the bigger picture.

If QF really want to thin out the current herd of QF WP, eliminate all double SC promotions and all 'comped' status immediately. If this does work, remove the current four QF sector rule and introduce a 50% of qualifying SC must be earned on QF rule (700/600 QF SC to earn/retain WP). These changes would not effect most 'real' WP. Only after these changes are proven not to have worked should QF look at increasing the qualification levels. It would be stupid to increase the qualification level for WP to 1800SC and then have a DSC promotion straight afterwards.

Don't give them ideas. Then I'd be stuffed!

 

[Flying mermaid]

And WP1 or WP+PG = EK Platinum?

I had a look at the number of F flights SYD-LHR I would need to do to qualify for EK top level vs WP and there is a huge difference. I think the WP + partner gold is more equivalent to EK's new top level. It will be interesting to see.... I don't care as I am likely to be travelling F any time I go through Dubai, but it doesn't seem to be in keeping with the original statement that no benefits will be lost. I guess if it is only Dubai and not other Qantas F lounges it won't be that bad for people?

 

[drross]

Don't give them ideas. Then I'd be stuffed!

Totally agree and couldn't have said it better!

 

[simongr]

Did I miss a meeting? Has EK WP been confirmed?

 

[Princess Fiona]

Did I miss a meeting? Has EK WP been confirmed?

Yes, all Skywards Golds received an email outlining the benefits at 150K Qualification on 8th Feb

 

[DrA]

Hopefully the right place for this question...

Hypothetically, being based in Perth, if I were to book PER-DXB-EZE (as an alternative to PER-SYD-SCL-EZE), would I get QFF miles/SC's for the DXB-EZE sector? Or just for the PER-DXB sector? I'm a little unclear as to how this tie-up works if you're not travelling from Dubai on to Europe.

Thanks in advance

 

[anat0l]

Hopefully the right place for this question...

Hypothetically, being based in Perth, if I were to book PER-DXB-EZE (as an alternative to PER-SYD-SCL-EZE), would I get QFF miles/SC's for the DXB-EZE sector? Or just for the PER-DXB sector? I'm a little unclear as to how this tie-up works if you're not travelling from Dubai on to Europe.

Thanks in advance

To earn QF SCs, you must have a QF marketed flight (i.e. the flight number is QF; it is irrelevant if QF or EK operate the flight).

Earning miles can be done on either irrespective of the marketing carrier, but earning rates vary.

Since there is no QF codeshare on DXB-EZE, you will not get SCs for DXB-EZE.

 

[DrA]

To earn QF SCs, you must have a QF marketed flight (i.e. the flight number is QF; it is irrelevant if QF or EK operate the flight).

Earning miles can be done on either irrespective of the marketing carrier, but earning rates vary.

Since there is no QF codeshare on DXB-EZE, you will not get SCs for DXB-EZE.

That's what I figured. Just thought I'd check though

What I wouldn't give for more direct flights from Australia to South America *sigh*

 

[browski]

To earn QF SCs, you must have a QF marketed flight (i.e. the flight number is QF; it is irrelevant if QF or EK operate the flight).

Earning miles can be done on either irrespective of the marketing carrier, but earning rates vary.

Since there is no QF codeshare on DXB-EZE, you will not get SCs for DXB-EZE.

Does anyone have the link to the full list of Qantas codeshares on EK?

 

[Flashback]

I love that the baggage system is changing again. QF seem to change it more often than their underwear!

 

[anat0l]

Does anyone have the link to the full list of Qantas codeshares on EK?

There's a link to the FAQ document somewhere here, but here it is again:

https://www.qantas.com.au/agents/dyn/qf/policies/QFEKfaqs120213.pdf

For the codeshare destinations, go the Schedule 1 near the back of the document.