Qantas FF announcement 20 June - "biggest overhaul" in program history

[DC3]

Any point in having status if you don’t fly?

 

[trippin_the_rift]

<snip>

QF have basically thrown the doors open to their lounges for anyone and everyone.

There's a strong argument that it's worthwhile...

Any point in having status if you don’t fly?

Clearly, you don't go to enough dinner parties

 

[lovetravellingoz]

It's still called the Qantas Frequent Flyer program (although it hasn't been Qantas Frequent Flyer points for some time).

And QANTAS also has not been a Queensland and Northern Territories Air Service for some time either. Plus people "dial" numbers on their mobiles despite there being no dial etc etc

Things evolve and change. Qantas is going to follow the money.

 

[dajop]

Many credit cards are starting to offer Priority Pass - either membership, membership with small number of visits, or membership with a larger number of annual visits. Amex have also opened up their own lounges in SYD and MEL international terminals. That to some extent diminishes the value of status - particularly flying internationally where there is more access to PP lounges. It also makes it less compelling to be loyal to one airline. I can fully understand why QF might want to provide some status related perks (such as lounge access) on limited basis to those accruing points via credit cards, especially given the tendency for QF to have direct sweep cards. (Do any of the direct sweep cards, provide Priority Pass memberships? I have no idea)

 

[amaroo]

Many credit cards are starting to offer Priority Pass - either membership, membership with small number of visits, or membership with a larger number of annual visits. Amex have also opened up their own lounges in SYD and MEL international terminals. That to some extent diminishes the value of status - particularly flying internationally where there is more access to PP lounges. It also makes it less compelling to be loyal to one airline. I can fully understand why QF might want to provide some status related perks (such as lounge access) on limited basis to those accruing points via credit cards, especially given the tendency for QF to have direct sweep cards. (Do any of the direct sweep cards, provide Priority Pass memberships? I have no idea)

BOQ

 

[VeniVidiVici]

Any point in having status if you don’t fly?

I fly a few times a year and save points for family trips, so not a frequent flyer but I do fly and for me status would be helpful if it meant a few more reward seats were available or if it lifted my international upgrade percentage from 0 to anything over 1. I'm also Q Club so would be in the lounge anyway, at my own expense.

If there are people that don't fly and gain status then presumably it shouldn't be an issue given they'd rarely be competing for reward seats or upgrades nor clogging up the lounges.

 

[dairyfloss]

Many credit cards are starting to offer Priority Pass - either membership, membership with small number of visits, or membership with a larger number of annual visits. Amex have also opened up their own lounges in SYD and MEL international terminals. That to some extent diminishes the value of status - particularly flying internationally where there is more access to PP lounges. It also makes it less compelling to be loyal to one airline. I can fully understand why QF might want to provide some status related perks (such as lounge access) on limited basis to those accruing points via credit cards, especially given the tendency for QF to have direct sweep cards. (Do any of the direct sweep cards, provide Priority Pass memberships? I have no idea)

BOQ

+ Citibank - I have it on a 'Fee Free for Life' Visa Signature card. Covers membership and 2 visits annually for the cardholder; it's about all I need to use

 

[jonboixxx]

Many credit cards are starting to offer Priority Pass - either membership, membership with small number of visits, or membership with a larger number of annual visits. Amex have also opened up their own lounges in SYD and MEL international terminals. That to some extent diminishes the value of status - particularly flying internationally where there is more access to PP lounges. It also makes it less compelling to be loyal to one airline. I can fully understand why QF might want to provide some status related perks (such as lounge access) on limited basis to those accruing points via credit cards, especially given the tendency for QF to have direct sweep cards. (Do any of the direct sweep cards, provide Priority Pass memberships? I have no idea)

BOQ Specialist (targeted) provides a Priority Pass with unlimited visits; so they are out there.

 

[Jacques Vert]

Not sure why some are getting excited about status via the Points Club.

The press release stated "including lounge access and bonus status credits".

The way I read it, that could be one lounge invitation and 10 status credits.

We will need to wait for some details to emerge before getting too excited or upset.

 

[33kft]

I read that more as earning bonus status credits, ie a 10% additional award of SCs on paid flights, but who knows.

Turning points hoarders into revenue flyers is likely the point of this exercise so I expect strings to be attached rather than a handout of benefits.

 

[oz_mark]

I read that more as earning bonus status credits, ie a 10% additional award of SCs on paid flights, but who knows.

Turning points hoarders into revenue flyers is likely the point of this exercise so I expect strings to be attached rather than a handout of benefits.

I suspect this will be the case - the bonus SC will in one form or another be tied to actual flying.

 

[p--and--t]

Turning points hoarders into revenue flyers is likely the point of this exercise so I expect strings to be attached rather than a handout of benefits.

My take on the "Big announcement" was that QF are keen in a slowing economy to increase load %s, satisfy a latent demand for Y reward seats for points collectors, & simultaneously generate demand to accumulate even more points.

Spin offs will likely be families with not enough points for all who will buy additional revenue seats and pay the additional taxes & charges.

 

[AFF Editor]

@trippin_the_rift joined me on this fortnight's episode of the AFF podcast to talk about the Qantas Frequent Flyer changes.

The podcast is available here for anyone that's interested: Podcast Episode 14: Qantas Frequent Flyer Changes

 

[DC3]

Why redeem points for flights, when you can get a toaster?

Email from QF: "... Rewards Stores Flash Sale. We have some amazing deals for you ... So why wait? Treat yourself today! Be quick, offer ends 30 June 2019.

Includes 30%-off Breville toaster.

 

[p--and--t]

Why redeem points for flights, when you can get a toaster?

Email from QF: "... Rewards Stores Flash Sale. We have some amazing deals for you ... So why wait? Treat yourself today! Be quick, offer ends 30 June 2019.

Includes 30%-off Breville toaster.

I like people who buy toasters with their points.

1. Qantas stays profitable
2. One less seat taken out of the limited reward pool

 

[DC3]

I like people who buy toasters with their points.

1. Qantas stays profitable
2. One less seat taken out of the limited reward pool

Same here. They are the salt of the Earth.

 

[p--and--t]

Same here. They are the salt of the Earth.

Actually should encourage buying dishwashers and the like - there's an extra J RTW reward available for me.

https://www.qantasstore.com.au/p/bosch-serie-6-under-bench-dishwasher/1018330

 

[JohnK]

But as you pointed out, with the absurd carrier charges, you’re in effect using 50,400 points to save $100.....

Use them for Business JohnK .... we beg you

Can't use for business. Don't earn points quickly enough as 3 x 60,000 points is 2 years earn for me.

The Oneworld award looks good value now and if 30%-50% off promotions continue then point to point become much better value with reduced surcharges. Currently BNE-BKK return for December is ~$1200. Yes that may change with sales but using points can be good value.

 

[2PAXfly]

Very good detective work, however have you factored in the other enhancements yet to come.?

In a word - 'no'

 

[earlyriser]

There mustn't be too many people trying to use their points before the changes come into effect. Just locked up a classic rewards return in J to the US in November with some help from Expert Flyer alerts.

All of the gift card bonuses from Woolies and Red Planet surveys have paid off!