Rockpool Bar and Grill Lunch with QFF confirmed attendees

[Brettmcg]

Not my exact questions but I was interested if there are plans to encourage loyalty with JQ and what those plans might be. Would like to know what was said about emirates tie up.

Nothing of significance mentioned in regard to JQ, in fact the only reference was during a discussion on fleet planning and network growth. It was the same old line about the 787-8s heading to JQ and the hope that by the time the 787-9's come online that QFi is in the midst of its resurgence. Certainly no questions about a JQ loyalty scheme or anything of that nature - may have been questions asked at the tables during lunch though??

In terms of the EK JSA, there were a few questions asked. First and foremost whether QF might be concerned that the incentive to book the QF code is not sufficient and that the JSA will see them bleed custom to EK. Essentially the response was that they believe the new combined network will open up so many new redemption and earning possibilities (and as such will be adequately attractive) that FFs will want to stick with QF, and for that non FFs are more concerned about getting to their destination with as few stops and hassles as possible - something the JSA brings to QF's European/African/ME network. Interestingly, there was no follow up on if the QF codeshares will become more "financially" attractive post final approval by the ACCC.

One question I raised personally with Justin was whether QF had any plans to adjust the qual/requal levels for WP based on the requirements of the new Skywards Platinum level. The answer was no, definitely not. The reason being that the hardcore FFs of the respective airlines are mostly doing different types of flying (long-haul, high rev on EK; short-haul, domestic Y on QF) and accordingly QF believe the current requirements are adequate.

Also, I mentioned that among some groups there is some angst that EK's scale and QF's precarious position internationally might possibly mean EK pressures QF into "enhancements" which may not actually be in QF's interest. There was the suggestion (from one of the QF reps) that in fact it had been QF who had been taking the lead on this JSA as it is the entity with the most experience in developing these kind of partnerships.

There were various questions regarding Chauffeur Drive and whether it extends to domestic connections - the answer being yes, assuming that the DOM connection is booked on the same ticket as the international trip. This was in line with the fact sheets which had already been published.

 

[samh004]

I think the points and fees will be a big point of negotiation. QFF see Cash as a revenue source, and that would mean the issuer paying for the points you accrue. Therefore they need to charge fees to load and convert currencies to get some value. My experience with the NAB card would suggest you need to manage your float of currencies actively to avoid nasty surprises!

In my case, I'll mainly be using it domestically *gasp* as every day-to-day purchase I make currently earns me nothing... so I understand they need to make money out of it, and my points cost something. I'm interested to get value out of it, as I have no value right now.

 

[Skyring]

Thanks to everyone for attending today, we hope you had as much fun as we did!

Likewise. It was a valuable learning experience, a great way to explore that shared community we look at from different angles.

it went pretty much as I expected - good food, good discussion and so on. One thing especially surprised and delighted me. Neil Perry's passion when he spoke about cooking and the obvious pride he felt in his work with Qantas. I think that that relationship cuts both ways, and we as customers, especially when flying up front, savour the experience.

Thank you, Red Roo. It was a generous offer, multiplied twenty times over. I am very glad I was chosen to attend, and I look forward to the next one. Whether I attend or not, it will be a pleasure either way, because if I'm not there in person, I'll be riding along with the posts and the tweets and the blogs of those who are.

And now, I guess, we'll listen with extra interest to the reports of those attending the various regional gatherings Qantas is organising. Maybe the food won't be as high a standard, but the sense of community, the shared passion, that will resonate.

 

[djfuzz]

I think thewinchester will probably be posting a very thorough write-up once he gets back, so I'll just sum up a few things that come to mind.

• We really only got a taste of what's to come with Qantas Cash - some key details like earn rates are still TBC, but the 9 currencies and locking in exchange rates at the time of purchase are definitely great features. It's Mastercard Debit with Paypass, so it literally can be used as an every day transaction card too. Since MOCI I've mostly stopped carrying my FF card to try and reduce clutter in my wallet, but I think it would almost certainly make a return once this is implemented.
• Justin spoke a little bit about the Emirates partnership, and underlined that the two driving factors were giving passengers the flexibility to earn on QF code through to European, Middle Eastern and North African destinations and experience benefits to a similar level as they would on QF - and that they were working together on bringing the experience into parity. Justin also confirmed that the Qantas Chauffeur service would be available to all First and Business class passengers, including passengers on award redemptions (!).
• The most controversial to-and-fro seemed to be motivated by a discussion as to how everyday back-of-the-bus flyers could be recognised in a different (better, I guess) way to people who get status by flying at the front a few times. The point that some high status flyers actually prefer no recognition was also raised. Naturally there were differing opinions on this around the room - I probably agree with Stephanie who suggested that "Loyalty comes in all shapes and sizes". Lesley also mentioned that she believed the data / analytics that Qantas has about their customer base is second to none, and that they are continuing to look at ways to use that to improve customer experiences.
• Lesley stated in no uncertain terms that there are no plans to spin-off the frequent flyer business.
• There was some discussion as to more interesting ways to use points, sparked by Lesley saying that she had used some of her own points to get her husband the flight simulator award for Christmas as it was something special you can give to people who 'have everything' that money can't really buy.
• Paul and Justin were very receptive to suggestions as to how to improve the awards booking engine, and admitted it was something they were working on improving.
• When asked about the state of the international network (additions, losses) Lesley said that they were happy with the state of the network as it currently stands, and if anything they would be looking to use the 787-900s to service even more destinations. She also said that the 787-900s are definitely going to QFi and not to JQ, who will be getting the 787-800s.
• Paul was asked to go through some of the ways that Qantas Loyalty made money - he went through a list of the revenue streams, all publicly disclosed to investors through qantas.com, including the time value of points accrual, margins on redemptions and breakage / expiry - which he said they were proud to have at below 10%, while acknowledging that it was nevertheless a source of revenue.
• Interestingly, Lesley mentioned that there were "3 million Bronze Frequent Flyers" out of 9.1 million members in the program - before anyone had a chance to start extrapolating anything from this, Stephanie said that this referred to "active / flying Bronze members" and didn't include the many inactive / non-flying Bronze-level members, so it wouldn't be a useful guide to determining the number for other status tiers.
• I didn't get a chance to raise this on the floor, but after talking about unrelated matters I was reminded to ask Justin about whether they might be looking at matching some of the program flexibility that Virgin has with family pooling and parental pauses. Justin and Kate both said that they were looking at ways to better cater to customers changing needs, and that they'd be happy to take it on board. I don't necessarily expect any immediate results, but I'm glad they at least took the ideas under advisement and were keen to see if it or something similar might work for them.

Anyway, that's about all I can think of right now. Very much enjoyed the experience, thanks again to Lesley, Stephanie and the entire team who were there - who were all lovely and very open to all the ideas we suggested - and to get to meet some of the faces behind all of the handles here. The special lounge invite at the end was a nice touch (though I do regret not trying to upgrade my return flight as despite my best intentions the long lunch, lack of sleep, and a packed bus on the flight home made for a bit of an unpleasant end to the day).

Again, thanks to all - lots of fun, and a great day!

PS. Thanks to thewinchester for (amongst other things) setting up the Uber deal as well - despite the troubles some had on Monday night due to the shortage of cars, the experience in the morning was a revelation. Really great service, will almost certainly use it again.

 

[Brettmcg]

Also, Lesley and the team were asked if they would divulge rough stats on the breakdown of member numbers in the respective tiers of the program. Not surprisingly they wouldn't/couldn't/didn't, however apparently there are 9.1mil in total, of whom appr. 3mil are "active NBs" - ie. earn points and SCs from flying.

Time for a new acronym for the non-active Bronzes? Any suggestions?

 

[Deleted User]

I'm pretty sure that I made both Justin and Paul of QF acutely aware of the feelings of ADL pax.

"Wrapped up in paper, tied with ribbon and presented to SQ" is how I believe I might have put it at one point. :shock:

I also asked both of them if QF regards ADL as part of "rural and regional Australia".

Lesley is having a FF function in ADL in the near future so there will be more opportunity then for people to make their views known about being the collateral damage in the QF EK tie-up.

So glad you brought this up Anna...

Perhaps Lesley would care to book a spot & join us on the "Farewell QF 81/82 run SYD-ADL-SYD [Sat 13 -Sun 14 April]" and we can discuss face to face how the withdrawal of QF international from ADL is pushing my loyalty, I'm still loyal...not sure about Qantas though...I guess they only want domestic flights from me from now on...?

http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/april-2013/farewell-qf-81-82-run-47307.html

 

[Princess Fiona]

A photo of the sample Qantas cash cards.

I had a great time at the lunch, enjoyed meeting some new faces and catching up with some old ones too.
The QF team ( including the very charming Neil Perry) were energetic, enthusiastic and passionate about their company.
The question and answer sessions were light-hearted and entertaining.
Didn't learn any earth-shattering news but I didn't expect to.
And yes there was a camera there and interviews conducted by the charming Stephanie Tully. Look out You-Tube

 

[medhead]

Nothing of significance mentioned in regard to JQ, in fact the only reference was during a discussion on fleet planning and network growth. It was the same old line about the 787-8s heading to JQ and the hope that by the time the 787-9's come online that QFi is in the midst of its resurgence. Certainly no questions about a JQ loyalty scheme or anything of that nature - may have been questions asked at the tables during lunch though??

Thanks. I thought I read somewhere about market research on what benefits would make people use JQ. Made me wonder if they were going to make some changes. I was also interested in my usual issue, but I'll let that go.

• I didn't get a chance to raise this on the floor, but after talking about unrelated matters I was reminded to ask Justin about whether they might be looking at matching some of the program flexibility that Virgin has with family pooling and parental pauses. Justin and Kate both said that they were looking at ways to better cater to customers changing needs, and that they'd be happy to take it on board. I don't necessarily expect any immediate results, but I'm glad they at least took the ideas under advisement and were keen to see if it or something similar might work for them.

This gets to my pet issue. All those benefits waste when earning status that can't be transferred to use with my family when on holiday. Anyway, I'll leave it there for fear of boring people.

 

[samh004]

View attachment 13840

A photo of the sample Qantas cash cards.

I seem to be the only one pushing for Qantas Cash details, and there's my name, well my first name at least, on the sample cards

I do like the fingerprint-esque style around the Roo.

Not sure about the 000's.

Want want want.

Thanks

Thanks. I thought I read somewhere about market research on what benefits would make people use JQ. Made me wonder if they were going to make some changes. I was also interested in my usual issue, but I'll let that go.

I recall that thread

 

[Deleted member]

Also, Lesley and the team were asked if they would divulge rough stats on the breakdown of member numbers in the respective tiers of the program. Not surprisingly they wouldn't/couldn't/didn't, however apparently there are 9.1mil in total, of whom appr. 3mil are "active NBs" - ie. earn points and SCs from flying.

Time for a new acronym for the non-active Bronzes? Any suggestions?

I recall ( as I asked the question) that maybe non flyers could be called NB and bronze members that fly be called
AB ( Active bronze)

 

[Anna]

I'd like to add my thanks to QF and Rockpool for a fantastic day. Great to meet fellow AFFers, and great to have the opportunity to engage direct with senior QF management.

 

[Deleted member]

I'd like to add my thanks to QF and Rockpool for a fantastic day. Great to meet fellow AFFers, and great to have the opportunity to engage direct with senior QF management.

Loved the catch up afterwards Anna.
Nice to meet you

 

[medhead]

I recall that thread

Not that issue

 

[Tooner]

I think most of us were surprised that the newly dubbed NBs (non-active bronze) have no interest in using points for flightz and use something called a store

 

[Princess Fiona]

I think most of us were surprised that the newly dubbed NBs (non-active bronze) have no interest in using points for flightz and use something called a store

And one of the QF team revealed that he buys gift cards with his points

 

[djfuzz]

And one of the QF team revealed that he buys gift cards with his points

To be fair, he also said that as most of his travel is duty travel, he didn't get much opportunity to earn points outside of CC earn etc or burn them on flights.

 

[cmon0005]

Any mention of the Asia revamp and onward connections?

 

[Anna]

Loved the catch up afterwards Anna.
Nice to meet you

Likewise!


And thanks also to our last minute attendee for saying exactly what I was thinking about SCs being more important than FF points.

 

[Pushka]

A big thank you to Leslie and the Qantas Team. It was a memorable experience. I was taken by the passion that Neil Perry demonstrated for the Qantas brand and his association with it and the respect he showed for the work of the crew in the conditions they had to work.

Happy Birthday to Anna too. I'm looking forward to catching up with many of you again and meet some new faces on the final QF81 roadshow.

I have a couple of photos of Neil in full flight.

One of the reasons given for trading points for gift cards was because he had a young family I recall.

Hmm, I'm now wondering how those interviews are going to turn out.

 

[Newk]

Likewise. It was a valuable learning experience, a great way to explore that shared community we look at from different angles.

it went pretty much as I expected - good food, good discussion and so on. One thing especially surprised and delighted me. Neil Perry's passion when he spoke about cooking and the obvious pride he felt in his work with Qantas. I think that that relationship cuts both ways, and we as customers, especially when flying up front, savour the experience.

Thank you, Red Roo. It was a generous offer, multiplied twenty times over. I am very glad I was chosen to attend, and I look forward to the next one. Whether I attend or not, it will be a pleasure either way, because if I'm not there in person, I'll be riding along with the posts and the tweets and the blogs of those who are.

And now, I guess, we'll listen with extra interest to the reports of those attending the various regional gatherings Qantas is organising. Maybe the food won't be as high a standard, but the sense of community, the shared passion, that will resonate.

regional?? Like the one in RAds mentioned earlier?