QFF Ideas & Suggestions

[medhead]

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.

Welcome to AFF

I believe the current situation is that Qantas club members are getting the tags despite what it says on the website. Of course I could be wrong, again.

 

[warpspeed]

Welcome to AFF

I believe the current situation is that Qantas club members are getting the tags despite what it says on the website. Of course I could be wrong, again.

Cheers, thanks. I've been a lurker for a while

I certainly hope that is the case, it'd be nice if they did decide to give the tags to QP members. Especially in absence of priority checkin.

 

[samh004]

Welcome to AFF

I believe the current situation is that Qantas club members are getting the tags despite what it says on the website. Of course I could be wrong, again.

I also believe this to be the case as I thought a QP member, can’t remember who, received the tags recently.

 

[BOSTON08]

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.

Hi Red Roo- DITTO. The few perks we paid for have been taken away, yet there have been absolutely no énhancements' for QP Bronze members. The value of my membership has been devalued.

 

[drewbles]

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

That said, the sandwiches (steak in F and made to order ones in J/Y+) a very good

There's always the CSD, where none of the letters stands for anything you'd expect, nor i could type on here (a certain flight attendant comedian uses this one ).

 

[lsmi4126]

My first post - forgive my naivatiy.

While agreeing with most points already made, as a International Y traveller for business on my own $ (consultant) mainly to the US and only minimal Domestic, Qantas would see me more often on trans-pacific flights if International SC earn vs $ spend was aligned with that possible on Domestic travel. An example:

SYD - MEL, Discount Y (Super Saver - second lowest Y fare)
SC earn - 10 per leg
Std price - $201 per leg

Total spend for Silver attain - $6,030
Total spend for Gold attain - $14,070

SYD - LAX, Discount Y (Red e-Deal - second lowest Y fare)
SC earn - 45 per leg
Std price - $1,100 per leg (avg)

Total spend for Silver attain - $7,700 (30% more than Domestic)
Total spend for Gold attain - $17,600 (25% more than Domestic)

If all the Sale fares (lowest Y) are gone SYD - LAX on QF, I will almost always book a VA flight as a significantly lower fair will be available for my travel dates than the Red e-Deal fare on QF - I can book a couple of domestic ASA flights to make up the SC not earned.

So why would I then take the e-Deal instead of VA? It would bump me for PS to WG, something that I see value in and worth a few e-Deal fares, but isn't currently attainable on my schedule and the SC earn rate.

Just my two cents.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

My first post - forgive my naivatiy.

While agreeing with most points already made, as a International Y traveller for business on my own $ (consultant) mainly to the US and only minimal Domestic, Qantas would see me more often on trans-pacific flights if International SC earn vs $ spend was aligned with that possible on Domestic travel. An example:

SYD - MEL, Discount Y (Super Saver - second lowest Y fare)
SC earn - 10 per leg
Std price - $201 per leg

Total spend for Silver attain - $6,030
Total spend for Gold attain - $14,070

SYD - LAX, Discount Y (Red e-Deal - second lowest Y fare)
SC earn - 45 per leg
Std price - $1,100 per leg (avg)
.

Welcome to AFF lsmi4126,
Can l ask why you buy SuperSavers on the SYD-MEL legs? Is it for upgrades?
Super Savers are around 60% to 100% more than a Red eDeals.

Maybe buying 5 Red eDeals, the savings on the 5th would be enough for a J Class seat (if you book in advance).

View attachment 1485

View attachment 1486

 

[lsmi4126]

I don't - it was purely illustrative - I was using the SYD-MEL Super Saver as it's the comparable fair bracket to the SYD - LAX Red e-Deal.

If you do the same analysis with SYD-MEL e-Deal vs SYD-LAX Sale fares you get the same result.

 

[lsmi4126]

My first post - forgive my naivatiy.

Apparently you have to forgive my spelling too.

 

[dfcatch]

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 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.

Well said as always JohnK

My point was more aimed at the issue of "earning status". Ie. Those who mainly fly down the back but still manage to earn status have done it a harder way than those who get to fly premium all the time thanks to someone else paying.

My point was simply that the self-funded status member is no more or less loyal (or potentially loyal), than the member who has status thanks to a few Int F returns thanks to work.

 

[drron]

Well said as always JohnK

My point was more aimed at the issue of "earning status". Ie. Those who mainly fly down the back but still manage to earn status have down it a harder way than those who get to fly premium all the time thanks to someone else paying.

My point was simply that the self-funded status member is no more or less loyal (or potentially loyal), than the member who has status thanks to a few Int F returns thanks to work.

Though some of us are self funded pointy end travellers who may not have done it as hard but pay a lot more for the status.
I dont think any program can make everyone happy.

 

[dfcatch]

Though some of us are self funded pointy end travellers who may not have done it as hard but pay a lot more for the status.
I dont think any program can make everyone happy.

Oh nothing wrong with that drron.

I wish I could afford more self funded pointy end, but alas, the credit limit doesn't extend that far.

I'm not being critical of the program here, just acknowledging those who do it the hard way, get there, but maybe only scrape through.

These are the loyal pax (who like you have invested their own money significantly), many of whom might be adversely affected if the required SC rates were to change, for example.

 

[JohnK]

My point was more aimed at the issue of "earning status". Ie. Those who mainly fly down the back but still manage to earn status have done it a harder way than those who get to fly premium all the time thanks to someone else paying.

My point was simply that the self-funded status member is no more or less loyal (or potentially loyal), than the member who has status thanks to a few Int F returns thanks to work.

Some people on AFF (who are lucky enough to be flown around the world in business and First regularly by a third party) seem to believe that self funded travellers who look for cheap ways to earn SCs are not entitled to have the same status as them.

A fact of life is that all travellers are important to an airline so if I happen to earn my status the hard way then I am entitled to have mainly the same type of benefits as the person who has earned status the easy way. The obvious exception is when it comes to upgrades, or AIR magazine, or introducing new levels above Platinum.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

My point was simply that the self-funded status member is no more or less loyal (or potentially loyal), than the member who has status thanks to a few Int F returns thanks to work.

I disagree a little bit here.
A SFSC has the "choice" to fly on whichever airline they are chasing status on. Some companies have a "contract/corporate account" with a airline, and you have no choice if employed by them (generally speaking).

FIFO in WA is a good example, with lots of people flying from the East Coast to KTA/ZNE/PHE etc etc... on QF. They don't have a choice because RIO/BHP/Woodside/FMG have a contract with QF, and that's it.

 

[Red Roo]

Good Evening AFF,

Thanks again for all of your responses, 454 posts so far, there is certainly no shortage of content here. Certainly interesting to see a few of the ideas and trade offs being debated and it's being fed through.

I know you're all very keen to hear from us and I'll update you where I can, but ask for your patience in the meantime. This discussion is being followed closely, rest assured, even if I am not posting, I'm certainly reading, as a few "Where's Red Roo?" posts have eluded to.

Once again, appreciate your thoughts and patience, and thanks for flying with us.

 

[bossreggie]

Thanks for the update Red Roo. Good to know you are still there!

 

[AusJF]

I am a relatively long term lurker (here and on FT) and this post has finally forced me to become a member and post something
It was also good to see RedRoo's recent post, as I debated whether or not to add anything to the 400+ other posts (for fear of it not being seen).
I don't really have any new ideas (that haven't been posted) - however thought I would add what is important to me as a QFF, especially considering previous comments that we are all different and therefore expect different things from a loyalty program.

Enough of the intro stuff - and into my comments.
About me: I am like some others that have obtained WP status (for the last 4 years or so) by exclusive Y travel (and most of that domestic, and heavily discounted). This generally translates to 100 sectors a year (some international thrown in) with a mix of business and personal (for the most part I can influence who I fly with for business travel).

What is important to me:
* Status Acknowledgement (like other comments - just having a CSM come up and say hello makes a difference). Business Domestic Lounges and International First lounge also makes a difference.
* Making travel easier (sometimes we forget the 'F' stands for Frequent). Specifically
- Priority boarding (agree that AA has a good model that should be copied)
- Consistent baggage handling (business/first class tags often don't mean much). I know that operationally this is a little out of the carriers control, however more thought should be put into this. NextGen teases some improvements here - will be good to see how it performs (and how long to roll out)
- Flexibility with carry-on baggage allowances (again more of a wish here - realise the practical issues)
* Upgrades!!! Definitely agree that although the AA model is not perfect, I definitely get jealous of the ability to easily upgrade (and upgrades included in highest tier status). I personally do not like to use points for upgrades (the cost/benefit does not stack up, compared to a 'free' economy international flight). The 2 Operational Upgrades I have received in the 4 years of being WP (both Syd-LAX, during the middle of the GFC) were unexpected and massively improved my (positive) opinion of the QFF program.
* Exit Row Charges: As I fly international in Y - I was very disappointed to see QF start charging for exit rows (I am over 190cm tall). It is not just the cost, but general availability of seats, given first in / best dressed (and my business travel often gets confirmed late). I do like the AirNZ strategy of having more legroom seats available to premium customers as well
* OneWorld: When I travel domestically within the US, I generally travel AA given OW. However - I have noticed that the "rules" (relating to baggage allowance, lounges - type of access, internet access, meals etc) are not well understood and importantly not consistently enforced by AA staff. Although not directly a QF problem, they should be doing more to encourage awareness, as these issues impact on my opinion of QFF (and QF likes to advertise it as a benefit, so they should make sure it actually gets applied).

I would also echo the other great comments that simply providing this forum for feedback is a great start. Next steps are to show you have listened (that doesn't mean implementing everything though!).

Feel like a weight has just lifted from my shoulders .......

 

[TonyHancock]

About me: I am like some others that have obtained WP status (for the last 4 years or so) by exclusive Y travel (and most of that domestic, and heavily discounted). This generally translates to 100 sectors a year (some international thrown in) with a mix of business and personal (for the most part I can influence who I fly with for business travel).

Are you me? :shock:

I'm with you all the way on your comments.

 

[el_rooto]

After seeing that virgin atlantic give a free silver membership to a nominee of your choice on reaching gold, could qf perhaps give ps tona nominee of your choice on reaching platinum. Its costs wouln't be huge (especially given the reduced benefits )

 

[ozavanti]

I've been following this thread and hadnt really been able to come up with anything new that wasnt already in the board..... until now.

One thing that i really miss in the Qantas Economy service is the pre-dinner drink after we have leveled out.

The first time i got one on my trip to LHR a few years ago, it was like coming home at the end of a long week, grabbing a bevvy, taking a deep breathe and chilling whilst watching a movie.

I had missed it in the service over the last 12 or so months and was reminded on my BA flight from LAX to LHR a few days ago just how good it is.

Seems to quell the hoarding masses in cattle too which cant be a bad thing.

I would love to see it bought back.