Retaining Qantas Platinum - Help!

[ACF]

I have been a QFF Platinum for many years and recently had this withdrawn back to gold despite having over 1800 status credits (needed 1200) - because I only flew 3 eligible sectors during the year (I am based in London so don't often get to fly QF, usually have to use BA). Have been a QFF for 17 years.

Have written to them to explain that I tried to get the 4th sector twice but couldn't because of lack of availability (once because the A380s were out, the other because it was a last minute business trip). Have also said that I spent over A$9k with them during the year.

I could have flown four economy domestic sectors for less than A$400 and they have downgraded me after spending A$9k on three business sectors (and tens of thousands of dollars more with oneworld partners).

Is there anyone with experience of this situation, or ideas on how to resolve it?

Thanks.

 

[dajop]

IHave also said that I spent over A$9k with them during the year.

The rules are the rules. Isn't there a message in all of this for you? Perhaps look for greener pastures on other airlines?

But it does seem a tad unfair that someone can spend as little as $220AUD on QF flights (4 flights in the current $55 QF link sale) and keep platinum, but spending $9K on QF does not cut it. I guess they need to draw a line in the sand somewhere, but I would feel aggrieved.

Lots of ways of getting caught too - someone flying say LHR-BNE return would get the four squiggles yet someone doing LHR-MEL return (on the "direct" flights) for same fare probably would only get two unless they wer concious of the fact. It would seem more reasonable to have a minimum of 40 SC's on QF than 4 sectors.

 

[gumpy]

Ouch that's a bit painful... I'd feel pretty sad if they did that to me... Hope they reconsider as the 9k you spent on them would have been quite valuable...

In saying that I'd support QF pushing the flight requirement to 20 but that's a different discussion.

 

[docjames]

I agree with dajop - I'd be a bit cheesed if i'd spent that amount of money and they couldnt make a one-off exception.

One wonders if a minimum QF SC earn would be the way to go (vs number of flights) to stop this happenind again. About 100SCs would be my thought on threshold.

 

[Jobu]

In saying that I'd support QF pushing the flight requirement to 20 but that's a different discussion.

Why on earth would they do that when they are happy to let you qualify for Plat with 3 return trips (12 flights if you count changeover in Singapore) to London?

 

[gumpy]

Why on earth would they do that when they are happy to let you qualify for Plat with 3 return trips (12 flights if you count changeover in Singapore) to London?

This is a good point, yeah the number 20 wasn't the best thought out number...

just from a different thread on the value of customers for QF...

 

[simongr]

I do sympathize with the OP - it is very hard but I guess the rules are there for a reason. I am not sure a straight SC earn would be fair either as you could say require 600SCs on QF and that is 30 return trips on QF SYD-MEL.

Maybe a better balance would be an either or situation flights or SCs.

This was well publicized (well we all coughed and moaned about another enhancement) though and I guess in a way knowing that you were in high risk position by having less chance of flying QF that you coould planned better. I know that is harsh but this is a game we all have to play.

 

[Zippy7]

I agree this is quite harsh. In your case, one could expect to get comp'ed a year, given your expenditure. However, not sure you will get anywhere whinging to them - they have the knives out for WP as it is.

Perhaps they want you to take your business elsewhere?

 

[JohnK]

Lots of ways of getting caught too - someone flying say LHR-BNE return would get the four squiggles yet someone doing LHR-MEL return (on the "direct" flights) for same fare probably would only get two unless they wer concious of the fact. It would seem more reasonable to have a minimum of 40 SC's on QF than 4 sectors.

Under the current rules that is a little harsh but personally I believe the current minimum flight requirement of 4 QF flights is too low. Something like 10 or 16 QF flights would be more appropriate. Sure there will be less QFF Platinums overall or from overseas but in a way I think that will be good as there may not be that many "enhancements" to benefits as regualrly as occuring now. But I am getting off-topic....

 

[dajop]

Under the current rules that is a little harsh but personally I believe the current minimum flight requirement of 4 QF flights is too low. Something like 10 or 16 QF flights would be more appropriate. Sure there will be less QFF Platinums overall or from overseas but in a way I think that will be good as there may not be that many "enhancements" to benefits as regualrly as occuring now. But I am getting off-topic....

If there was a fly on QF minimum, surely it should be related to number of status credits on QF not the number of flights? Like NZ Gold Elite. Otherwise its just magnifies the problem - someone with 10 x $75= $750 spend on QF becomes eligible but someone who does 4 returns in J class from SYD to LAX (ie $32K) is not?

 

[JohnK]

It is only my personal opinion but as with any suggestion or "enhancement" QF cannot please everyone.

As for dollar spend it is never going to be fair. Spend >$10,000 for a SYD-LHR return in business for ~500 SCs or spend ~70,000 QFF points + a couple of $'s on any seat awards for roughly the same amount of SCs. :shock:

 

[Stealth]

Does anyone know for certain if Cobham (aka National Jet) flights earn points/credits? They have a page on their web site for claiming lost QFF points. If they do then that will help me retain my WP. I could ring them, but info from the forum may be the better source of information.

 

[Jacques Vert]

If it is Cobham flying as QantasLink then it will be fine; if it is something else it probably won't. Note that it is not points that you need, it is SCs.

For example, Brindabella pay QFF points but no 1,000 point minimum and NO STATUS CREDITS. If you are trying to re-qualify for status you need to confirm you will get the SC's; not just points.

JV

 

[Stealth]

Should have been more specific in my question, it was SCs that I had in mind. Does anyone have actual knowledge of Cobham?