QFF Ideas & Suggestions

[codash1099]

This suggestion will no doubt attract howls of protest, but directly addresses "what changes to the FF program would make you fly QF more" (albeit, a "fly QF more in preference to our OW partners").

As I see it, the current method of gaining status via SC is not so much a QF loyalty program, as a OW loyalty program - as for the most part (excepting some non-earn fare classes at the bottom end), the SC earn is the same on a OW partner as on QF. If there is a choice of QF or BA/CX/AA etc, then there is little incentive from the FF program (other than the status bonus FF point earn, which doesn't apply to NB anyway), to choose QF.

To encourage more flying of QF rather than OW partners, then perhaps differential SC tables should be established for QF and OW (with less SC awarded for non-QF, say around a quarter to a half, but doesn't need to be the same ratio for all bands).

Earning more SC on QF (but still earning on other OW) would provide more encouragement to use QF, but still acknowledges the alliance and the fact that QF don't fly everywhere. This would also tie in with better correlating status with QF earning from the travel (rather than extensive use of YUP or KUP on AA for example gaining status on QF), removing the need to fiddle with the number of QF sectors required etc., which has been suggested previously in this thread.

Making QFF status more directly (but not exlusively) related to QF loyalty rather than OW should enable the continuation (and increase) of benfits such as anytime access, since getting the status would necessarily imply a much greater QF share of the travel to achieve it orignally (for probably a significant proportion of higher tier members), but also an ongoing incentive to travel QF where possible.

While I don't agree with this proposition, the only way it could function is if there was always a QF alternative to the OW partner. But this goes against the whole idea of an alliance - to supplement your own network.

 

[JohnK]

Why? It is mostly an embarrassment of self interest with very few objective suggestions.

Should we have suggested ways for QF to make more profit by further diluting benefits? Would QF be any different to a LCC then?

.... but I'm amazed that for some people, their hobby is literally collecting SC's.

And I am also amazed that some people require constant internet/email access or obsessed with texas hold'em poker etc.

Is it so bad? Some people like to build model aircraft, ships etc while some people travel without actually going anywhere....

 

[dfcatch]

Might have the opposite effect-I can earn the same status on AA flying QF as with AA.So if QFF did this maybe more people would jump ship to other FF programs and hence not care whether they flew QF,CX or JAL out of Australia.

I agree.

I accept what you are saying in your suggestion - but simply put - QF doesn't fly everywhere, and they are in an alliance. The whole point of the alliance is to be a seamless process. "The next best thing to having an airline that DOES fly everywhere".

The key issue is - given the alliance - why be a QFF rather than a BA FF, or an AA FF..?? The key concern here, is that people may be earning QF status by giving revenue to other airlines, but QF is bearing the cost of providing the FF benefits (as they are members of the QFF program).

The solution is to encourage members to be FF members of the program which they direct the bulk of their $ spend. That is the idea in the first place. So I honestly believe that if that problem needs solving, the simplest and most effective way is to increase the required QF segment level. That ensures that QFF status benefits are only provided to those who actually direct a significant spend on QF metal.

The fact that a number of people fly QF primarily, but are members of other programs (ie. AAdvantage) is proof that there are significant shortcomings of the QFF offering.

One last point - remember that if an AA status member is taking advantage of lounges etc on QF - this is actually billed to the AA program and vice-versa.

 

[oz_mark]

People are not logical beings (which is both a good and bad thing) and Qantas now realise that and hence they are asking their customers what carrots they want. When they have trawled their way through this thread (at least they're getting paid to do so) they will work out which incentives may have the best ROI and these will be the ones that are considered for inclusion.

Of course. The question asked could also have been - 'What do we need to do so that we can maintain our price premium relative to the competition?'.

Perhaps there is a recognition in Qantas that cost-cutting has taken them so far, and now they need to look at how they can maintain their pricing premium. People will always be self-interested when asked what carrots they want.

 

[Hvr]

An idea which wont cost much and benefits QF.

How about an automated email when a member gets to an increased status level?

I went from SG yesterday to the hallowed level of WP. It would have been really nice to receive an email from QF to congratulate me on reaching this level and explaining the extra benefits I will now receive.

Also, a note on how long until I receive my new card/tags would let me know they are on the way. I know they are but a little recognition from QF would be nice.

How does it benefit QF? Well it shows that they consider attaining the level important enough to contact me (even automatically) and that by retaining this level things will continue to be good between us.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

An idea which wont cost much and benefits QF.

How about an automated email when a member gets to an increased status level?

I went from SG yesterday to the hallowed level of WP. It would have been really nice to receive an email from QF to congratulate me on reaching this level and explaining the extra benefits I will now receive.

Also, a note on how long until I receive my new card/tags would let me know they are on the way. I know they are but a little recognition from QF would be nice.

How does it benefit QF? Well it shows that they consider attaining the level important enough to contact me (even automatically) and that by retaining this level things will continue to be good between us.

I agree 100% and drron also bought this up in one of his posts as he is AA Exec and his partner is QF WP. When drron re-qualified (please feel free to correct me), he got an automated response from AA letting him know of where he stood. This may be a small thing, but l feel it goes a long way.
I have also asked this question on members achieving QF LTG. You get a 1 page "dull" letter congratulating you. QF can do much more on this issue l think. The only cost will be setting up the new letter heads and getting the system to pop your name into the blank field, ie, "Congratulatons OneworldPlus2 on regaining WP this year, we look forward to your custom...." Even on your welcome screen once you log into QFF website would be a nice, but small touch.

 

[simongr]

The key issue is - given the alliance - why be a QFF rather than a BA FF, or an AA FF..?? The key concern here, is that people may be earning QF status by giving revenue to other airlines, but QF is bearing the cost of providing the FF benefits (as they are members of the QFF program).

The solution is to encourage members to be FF members of the program which they direct the bulk of their $ spend. That is the idea in the first place. So I honestly believe that if that problem needs solving, the simplest and most effective way is to increase the required QF segment level. That ensures that QFF status benefits are only provided to those who actually direct a significant spend on QF metal.

Actually a number of the carriers provide different benefits to their own equivalent members so QFF are already trying to skew people to fly QF over BA/CX/JL. You get better baggage allowances being a QFFer.

I have also seen first hand changes in seating allocations domestically moving from AA EXP to QF WP - row 15 to row 6 on comparable flights.

 

[dfcatch]

Actually a number of the carriers provide different benefits to their own equivalent members so QFF are already trying to skew people to fly QF over BA/CX/JL. You get better baggage allowances being a QFFer.

I have also seen first hand changes in seating allocations domestically moving from AA EXP to QF WP - row 15 to row 6 on comparable flights.

Yes, it goes to show that you do get the most out of your top status when you fly on your home airline.

 

[WWTFC]

It seems to me that those who are FF will have a different viewpoint to those like me that fly once or twice in Australia and once or twice o/seas per year.

In my 16 or so months using Amex and woolies plus a couple of flights my wife and i now have 150,000 points.

We can have ff return flights to Singapore, Japan, Hong Hong or one way ff flights to Europe or USA.

Means an extra o/seas holiday for us paying accom and meals only.

Yes we also got Qantas Club for $435 so with another holiday (full paying) next year we'll use that gain more points and have a freebie in 12 months time.

We have always flown Qantas but never thought we'd gain from FF - with cards, woolies and now a bit more flying makes sense for us and we reckon is OK for us and what we will achieve.

I guess the real proof will be in when we try to get the ff paid flights etc.

Cheers
Col D

 

[el_rooto]

I wonder when we'll see some real enhancements .

 

[dfcatch]

It seems to me that those who are FF will have a different viewpoint to those like me that fly once or twice in Australia and once or twice o/seas per year.

In my 16 or so months using Amex and woolies plus a couple of flights my wife and i now have 150,000 points.

We can have ff return flights to Singapore, Japan, Hong Hong or one way ff flights to Europe or USA.

Means an extra o/seas holiday for us paying accom and meals only.

Yes we also got Qantas Club for $435 so with another holiday (full paying) next year we'll use that gain more points and have a freebie in 12 months time.

We have always flown Qantas but never thought we'd gain from FF - with cards, woolies and now a bit more flying makes sense for us and we reckon is OK for us and what we will achieve.

I guess the real proof will be in when we try to get the ff paid flights etc.

Cheers
Col D

Col,

Many of us have been in your exact situation not too long ago.

Not everyone is lucky enough to fly in the pointy end on someone else's dime.

Congrats on earning enough points to be able to have an extra vacation.

IMHO, there is nothing wrong with frequent spenders and occasional flyers making the most of the program. I don't think anyone here would disagree with you on anything.

The main thrust of peoples' views on this thread is simply that if you have flown enough to earn decent status, then by rewarding that loyalty sufficiently, then QF keep those customers loyal in the long-run.

When it comes time to redeem your points, remember to book as early as possible, and be flexible.

Good luck

 

[WWTFC]

Totally agree dfcatch - at our level they certainly have our loyalty we have had nothing but very good service from Qantas whenever we've traveled. I do think those who are always on the go do deserve higher recognition but look after the little guy too - should be able to keep us all happy and thus loyal customers

The way we are going may even get to a premium economy return to singapore for our ff trip if we wait to 2012 to cash in our points!

Col D

 

[kiwitripper64]

where is red roo?
Lots of discussion and tangential escapades going on here.
What do I like about being QF gold? It is great being able to check in faster using the business lane, have a wine in the lounge that is still reasonably comfortable. Getting a seat towards the front with no one next to me is nice. Being greated and offered a surplus newspaper by CSM in Y, great. Getting priority luggage off quickly and escaping airport is also good. Having a separate phone number for any issues is nice. The phone staff have always been professional and helpfull. And I appreciate the extra points gained by flying as gold.
These are the good things that Qantas can do well. Unfortunately they are not always up to standard. Some lounges do need a revamp, some flights are crewed by staff who think we are intruding on their holiday time, priority luggage is last off and now gold can only have 1 item of luggage. And I hate surcharges for fuel, credit cards, helpdesks........And Jetstar, no status points, no recognition, rude or innatentive staff and no connection facilities with QF.
Most of us have flown other airlines and have experienced a wide variety of experiences, some appalling and others to cherish. But this gives us a basis to evaluate the QF product with itself and other offerings.
So what would I like changed. Bagagge, surcharges, service fees and Jetstar.
What would I like improved. Consistency in service, lounges and luggage

 

[justin23]

Should we have suggested ways for QF to make more profit by further diluting benefits? Would QF be any different to a LCC then?


And I am also amazed that some people require constant internet/email access or obsessed with texas hold'em poker etc.

Is it so bad? Some people like to build model aircraft, ships etc while some people travel without actually going anywhere....

I was commenting that having collecting SC's as a hobby is not a bad thing. My point was more aimed at that you are not who Qantas are aiming benefits at. Most FF can't afford the time to fly just to get the necessary status up all the time. Sure I can do the occasional weekend getaway, but the notion of finding the best value for money SC's is not one most of the QFFer's have. While making suggestions that would benefit the SC hobbyists out there are great, they are much less likely to be beneficial to QF itself.

One of my hobbies is photography. I have a dSLR and too many lenses (as non photographers have told me). Now while I'd like the company to build this and that for me, I'm not really the main target of their advertising and marketing. I'm effectively hooked and while changing brands is possible, it not as likely as losing customers at the entry level. They want more new customers and more customers to be more heavily invested in their equipment. Sure some of it is maintaining their existing user base, but most of the effort goes to providing more and more entry level products that are cheap and that I don't want.

 

[medhead]

Photography is not a good analogy for flying. I don't keep my seat and reuse it everytime I fly. I have no investment to make me get back on a particular airline unlike owning a camera lens. Therefore an airline needs to invest more in keeping existing customers.

 

[JohnK]

I wonder when we'll see some real enhancements .

To the frequent flyer program or the frequent spender program?

I would not be holding my breath waiting for "real" enhancements to the frequent flyer program.

Not everyone is lucky enough to fly in the pointy end on someone else's dime.

Not everyone can fly in the pointy end. Someone has to fly down the back to keep the aircraft in the air.

I am quite happy to stay down the back as long as I get significant savings over the people who choose to fly at the pointy end.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Being greeted and offered a surplus newspaper by CSM in Y, great.

I haven't had those pleasures from the Chief Sandwich Maker yet.

 

[Briz.QffBoi]

.

This isn't strictly frequent flyer, but it would encourage more travel on QF - especially in the J cabin.

My suggestion is to bring the business class in the convertible 734s up to scratch with the rest of the fleet. These are plaguing CBR right now with a noticeable reduction in 738 services recently, and possibly other parts of the network.

Myself, and a few other people I know here in CBR all say that we would switch airlines the moment someone else launches a real business class product. I'm watching DJ very closely right now.

We're all private sector, and have the freedom to choose which airline we use (we do not have a BFOD policy). 99% of my travel is domestic with only a handful of overseas trips a year, and most of the remainder is on your convertible 734s.

Of course I don't expect much to actually happen, given the other demographic that outnumber us private sector folk.

As I don't have any family in CBR, and as I did not grow up here - a good chunk of my yearly travel is also personal. I have 11 personal flights in November alone.

There is nothing more disappointing than booking a J/D fare for a trip that you've paid for yourself on a 738 and then turning up to find it has morphed into a 734. That does not encourage loyalty to QF (and I've now started booking Y when it's a 734 for both personal and business travel, because row 6 has just as much leg room as row 5).

End rant

-Shaun

I know your pain Shaun!!

I fly to Mount Isa and Townsville almost weekly and more often than not its on a -400 and not on an -800. Personally, I dont mind the convertable seating in rows 4/5 - so long as the middle seat is free. On occassion I find the cushions in row 4 on the -800 almost non-existant and I start to slide out of the seat after a couple of hrs. Anyhooo........

As for rewards or QFF improvements, I agree that JQ should agree to a percentage SC earn for top tier QFF's to reward loyalty - even when flying in "light". Priority boarding could be considered but when boarding is from both front and rear I don't think much will be gained by having it.

 

[MissBurrill]

but I'm amazed that for some people, their hobby is literally collecting SC's.

I resemble that remark!

LOL
Good post, but, this is AFF, not knitting.com.au

And here I was debating whether to go to a knitting convention in San Francisco or Atlanta. Atlanta means I can check out the Lost Luggage Centre

Btw best online knitting community is ravely.com One of the current hot topics is a woman claiming the tsa stole her knitting needles from her checked bag.

 

[warpspeed]

Hi Red Roo,

As a QP Bronze member (I never manage to fly enough in one year to get off Bronze), I'm disappointed that Qantas have both removed domestic priority check in AND decided not to give RFID bag tags to Qantas Club Bronze members.

One or the other would have been nice. It's feels like a double kick in the guts. I don't fly often, but when I do, I enjoyed the benefits of priority check in. So I'm not very impressed that it has been removed AND if I want bag tags, I'll have to pay for them.