Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

[Deleted member 9370]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

Calling all Tax Lawyers on AFF! If my employer used Aquiire Points to upgrade my cabin class on my company paid business flight would it be subject to FBT?

 

[Fruitcake]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

I see nothing to lose for the moment unless QF devalues benefits sometime in the future. Maybe I should expect Virgin to come up with similar or better soon. VA may be fine-tuning their secret weapon.

"Similar or better" is in the eye of the beholder, but VA offers small to medium companies direct cash rebates based on spend level:
https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/experience/corporate-travel/accelerate/

Although with a $20k limit at the lower end it probably doesn't capture the part-time-business-holder-with-an-ABN crowd who could "double dip" under Aquire.

 

[Bofter]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

Calling all Tax Lawyers on AFF! If my employer used Aquiire Points to upgrade my cabin class on my company paid business flight would it be subject to FBT?

I am not a tax lawyer but I would be looking at the otherwise deductible provisions for FBT. If a cash upgrade was available, would it be a legitimate company expense? If so, then my understanding is that other payment forms should be also.

 

[markis10]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

Calling all Tax Lawyers on AFF! If my employer used Aquiire Points to upgrade my cabin class on my company paid business flight would it be subject to FBT?

Given the benefit derived is part of a legitimate business expense, its no more liable to FBT than a paid cash J fare IMHO (not an accountant or a lawyer)

 

[kevrosmith]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

A bit like family pooling as I have a small business.

All my family will be linked to it.

So, would any AFF'ers who regularly book QF and don't have an ABN like to become "employees" of my business...? I'd be humbly willing to collect your Aquire points. :mrgreen:

Seriously though, I'd hate to see all those points go to waste, so PM me and I'll send you my ABN.

 

[Anna]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

Can't believe QF launched Aquire at Rockpool without inviting AFF to lunch Nevertheless I have registered my business. Will have to start an office re-education program about never booking a classic award without checking for a mASA first

I wonder if the Aquire points will be the same regardless of the FF status of the pax.

 

[Happy Dude]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

What's to stop someone creating a shelf company and providing that ABN to all and sundry (as kevrosmith is suggesting)? I'll certainly be giving my wife's ABN to friends and family.

Surely there's now going to be more roosters in the upgrade/reward henhouse, so I can't see how this isn't a downer for someone hoping to upgrade or get a reward ticket.

 

[docjames]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

Is the annual membership fee waived in perpetuity if someone joins in the first 6 months, or only for the first year? The wording isn't clear, although given this is Qantas, I'd suspect it's the latter.

Clause at end of the email I received (tiny print T+Cs at the bottom).

[TABLE="width: 580"]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]Important Information[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][TABLE="width: 581"]
[TR]
[TD="width: 581, colspan: 2, align: left"]The annual membership fee will be waived for the first year for businesses that register for Aquire within the first six months from launch of the Aquire program[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[Red Roo]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

Red Roo, will Aquire fall in line and in conjunction with the "Qantas Business Direct" login portal or will it be something separate...? Just wondering how many login's will be required, hopefully it is included in the business direct console

When the Aquire website launches, signed-in Business Direct users will be able to link directly to the Aquire website, however once they arrive at that site they will have to login again. Please note the booking process used today will not change. Customers should continue to log into Business Direct at qantas.com to make their Qantas bookings. The entry of the ABN during this booking process will also facilitate the earning of Aquire Points.

 

[Pushka]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

As far as creating an ABN for this purpose, the ATO is no longer handing these out at at will. You need to have/be starting a genuine business.

 

[infinity]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

HI Red Roo

Can I get Acquire points when making a Classic or Marginal Any Award Seat??

 

[doctau]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

As far as creating an ABN for this purpose, the ATO is no longer handing these out at at will. You need to have/be starting a genuine business.

That's true. You can now incorporate single-member limited liability companies, which would get you an ABN, but they cost several hundreds of dollars to incorporate and involve more work so probably aren't worth it unless you have a lot of flights to pump through Aquire. IANAL IANA Tax Advisor blah blah

 

[doctau]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

Given the benefit derived is part of a legitimate business expense, its no more liable to FBT than a paid cash J fare IMHO (not an accountant or a lawyer)

I'm not one either, but that would be my expectation too. If they upgraded your personal flights that would obviously be a different situation.

 

[MelUser]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

Doesn't this devalue the program by handing out millions of points to people who wouldn't otherwise have them and chew up award flights, upgrades etc?

 

[drewbles]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

So, would any AFF'ers who regularly book QF and don't have an ABN like to become "employees" of my business...? I'd be humbly willing to collect your Aquire points. :mrgreen:

Seriously though, I'd hate to see all those points go to waste, so PM me and I'll send you my ABN.

Why wouldn't someone simply become a sub-contractor and obtain their own ABN? I have my own already and have for years, but anyone can get one if they intend to go into business.

 

[scheps]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

+1 to above..... so whats the catch?

 

[Deleted User]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

I have an ABN, but I don't know why anyone would apply for one just to earn a few 0,000's of points...? I know us AFF'ers are a curious bunch, and understand that we all have a points addiction to feed , but applying for an ABN just for a few points, I'm not sure...? But I know some will try

For me, this change will mean that I will generally book more flights for my business associates on Qantas metal, but price will still be the major factor on who gets the revenue...

 

[TheRealTMA]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

I think so. Other airlines already do this - eg Etihad.

Yes, Emirates have had this for well over a year so it now balances the double-dip we used to get with them if we fly QF code shares.

Good idea Qantas. (And about time-

 

[FlyboyAl]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

I've just registered my wifes, and my business, so we will see what comes out of it

 

[JohnK]

re: Qantas launches "Aquire" business frequent flyer program.

So, would any AFF'ers who regularly book QF and don't have an ABN like to become "employees" of my business...? I'd be humbly willing to collect your Aquire points. :mrgreen:

Seriously though, I'd hate to see all those points go to waste, so PM me and I'll send you my ABN.

LOL!

So I have an ABN. Does this mean I can register and start booking all my flights with my ABN and then earn Aquire points at time of booking as well as SCs and QFF points when taking the flight?