Rex launches its own frequent flyer program (in October 2023)

[Sprucegoose]

Hope they join Star Alliance (just had to say it)...

Seriously they wouldn’t have them…..

Could be a tie up between RM Williams and Travelodge?

 

[Mattg]

Interline with DL launched today:

https://www.rex.com.au/BlobViewer/BlobViewer.aspx?attachtype=MR&filename=61687753446964342B2F4F455372373334625474427A396858334152796B45334176554869634C4A72632F5850576A3858576A4B796D43484250656574495978614E6D797878325071737A5067344C4F4464394638513D3D

Unless I'm missing something, this is literally just an interline agreement. Many airlines have these with many other airlines. Hardly groundbreaking stuff?

 

[henrus]

Interline with DL launched today:

A bit pointless really. You can't book this online via Rex or Delta's website with Delta still selling connections with VA via their website.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Unless I'm missing something, this is literally just an interline agreement. Many airlines have these with many other airlines. Hardly groundbreaking stuff?

You're correct, Matt, and in my experience reflects a corporate machine hunting for any 'good news' - dressing up operational agreements as the best news story will become wearing.

 

[Saab34]

So when is the FF program launching? I wonder if they will let you credit previous flights within a certain period. No doubt a feee status match for VA pax to stick it up the rest end.

Does Rex have Priority Boarding?

 

[Mattg]

No doubt a feee status match for VA pax to stick it up the rest end.

Does Rex have Priority Boarding?

Given the size of Rex's lounges and (lack of) ability to provide many elite benefits on a large scale, I actually don't think a free status match would be a wise move.

Allowing past flights to count towards earning points/status would be good though.

Yes, Rex does have priority boarding (currently for J pax).

 

[henrus]

Does Rex have Priority Boarding?

Yes...

"Rex is now boarding the 8 people we just found in the departure lounge and upgraded".

Given the size of Rex's lounges and (lack of) ability to provide many elite benefits on a large scale, I actually don't think a free status match would be a wise move.

What I think would work well is a status fast track.

 

[Saab34]

They will need a partner network outside of ZL/DL earning ability pretty quick. Will take quite a while to build up a point balance solely relying on Rex fares. The average fares are cheaper vs QF and VA so taxes plus points won’t be that attractive with many of the fares $80 already.

Fuel and Car Hire all seem to be contractually tied up. Doubt credit cards will be interested considering how small Rex is, non existent the network is. Supermarkets are both tied up.

 

[MooTime]

Fuel and Car Hire all seem to be contractually tied up. Doubt credit cards will be interested considering how small Rex is, non existent the network is. Supermarkets are both tied up.

Supermarkets - Aldi, IGA ?

Car hire - Rent-a-Bomb ?

 

[ANstar]

They will need a partner network outside of ZL/DL earning ability pretty quick. Will take quite a while to build up a point balance solely relying on Rex fares. The average fares are cheaper vs QF and VA so taxes plus points won’t be that attractive with many of the fares $80 already.

Fuel and Car Hire all seem to be contractually tied up. Doubt credit cards will be interested considering how small Rex is, non existent the network is. Supermarkets are both tied up.

Rex and DL have not even mentioned they will be frequent flyer partners. QF interline with all sorts like Lufthansa and Thai Airways... doesn't mean anything other than being able to sell the flights on one ticket and thus allowing you (and your bags) to be checked in all the way through.

 

[Mwenenzi]

Rex and DL have not even mentioned they will be frequent flyer partners. QF interline with all sorts like Lufthansa and Thai Airways... doesn't mean anything other than being able to sell the flights on one ticket and thus allowing you (and your bags) to be checked in all the way through.

Which is really just 1 airline being a travel agent for another airline to get a sale on its own flight with a tag on secondary flight (as TA)

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I noticed on the Rex home page under the loyalty program tab there’s now a new column titled ‘Rex Flyer’. Options to ‘join’, ‘benefits’ and ‘login’ are greyed out. The usual ‘Rex Business Flyer’ has the same options which are active links.

I wonder if this signals the imminent launch of the FF program?

 

[AIRwin]

I noticed on the Rex home page under the loyalty program tab there’s now a new column titled ‘Rex Flyer’. Options to ‘join’, ‘benefits’ and ‘login’ are greyed out. The usual ‘Rex Business Flyer’ has the same options which are active links.

I wonder if this signals the imminent launch of the FF program?

For the last 2 years:

Rex launches its own frequent flyer program (in October 2023)

Good opportunity to tie up with the Cheesecake Shop, O Porto and Red Rooster. 🤣 (Being cryptic here) Hmmm common thread: obesity related foods?

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[Sprucegoose]

For the last 2 years:

Rex launches its own frequent flyer program (in October 2023)

Good opportunity to tie up with the Cheesecake Shop, O Porto and Red Rooster. 🤣 (Being cryptic here) Hmmm common thread: obesity related foods?

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

The biggest hurdle they have (noting I have zero expertise in launching FF Programs) will be creating market share in a saturated market.

We all have one or two schemes on the go. The experts amongst us have probably five or six—flights, hotels, car holidays, fuel, food, clothing etc.

I try to keep it simple, and I seem to have cards for everything, so my willingness to sign up for another unproved scheme has little to no motivation.

I'm saturated with deals, which could be the biggest hurdle for our friends at Rex. Unless I have missed something, I can't see what knockout blow they can throw.

 

[dajop]

The biggest hurdle they have (noting I have zero expertise in launching FF Programs) will be creating market share in a saturated market.

Will be interesting. Probably the main tool they have at their disposal to differentiate is earn:burn ratios. Could come in cheap and devalue over time after building a member base. But I wouldn’t at all be surprised (and this would be disappointing) if they come up with an Accor / Southwest style program.

 

[Saab34]

A simple scheme miles/points and higher fare buckets/higher points is about all I can think of.

They are too small with no scope for any tiered status model.

 

[Scarlett]

Come on, this is Rex we’re talking about here.

The FF program will be launched in a press release that is mostly blaming QF for something. There will be no advertising campaign.

I actually wouldn’t be surprised if Rex Flyer is like a local-cafe coffee card where when you get five flights ‘clipped’ on your card (one each time as you board the aircraft), you get a free cup of coffee or tea…

 

[henrus]

I actually wouldn’t be surprised if Rex Flyer is like a local-cafe coffee card where when you get five flights ‘clipped’ on your card (one each time as you board the aircraft), you get a free cup of coffee or tea…

You joke but that's what the business flyer scheme used to be...

For every 18 flights flown the next 2 were free (just had to pay taxes). All fares were eligible except promo, community and resident tickets and the redemptions could be on any flight regardless of fare types remaining.

 

[dajop]

You joke but that's what the business flyer scheme used to be...

For every 18 flights flown the next 2 were free (just had to pay taxes). All fares were eligible except promo, community and resident tickets and the redemptions could be on any flight regardless of fare types remaining.

I used to be a member. Living in MEL I wpuld to often go to places such as MGB, WGA, GFF and MQL. My brother lives in MQL so found the scheme useful for quick visits to MQL and redeemed at least 2 maybe 3 such redemptions. With a more sophisticated network now and business class offering I’m sure they need a more complicated program than that.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Will be interesting. Probably the main tool they have at their disposal to differentiate is earn:burn ratios. Could come in cheap and devalue over time after building a member base. But I wouldn’t at all be surprised (and this would be disappointing) if they come up with an Accor / Southwest style program.

Yes, indeed, being a loss leader can chisel market share, but it is an unprofitable exercise, and the goal is to make a sustainable profit.