Some ideas to enhance QF FF prog for PLATINUMS

[trippin_the_rift]

Since the benefits for Platinum have remained relavtively unchanged for almost 10 years now, and given the program is now a frequent spender program, I thought it might be time QF added some real enhancements that benefit Platinum in a new way.

This would give plats a new incentive to want to stay top-tier without QF sacrificing any real cash.

Here's what I came up with:-

- 20% bonus on points that come from CC spending.
- Bonus 5,000 points for every 100,000 points credited.
- Ability to use points/anytime seats on oneworld partners.
- 200% bonus on points when flying in a premium class on an international QF flight#.
- Ability to transfer points into SC without needing to fly (EG: 1m points might get you 1,000 SC)

Any other ideas besides the usual, more free upgrades?

 

[dajop]

How about starting with the basics - what about providing Express cards for immigration clearance to platinums travelling in economy inbound to Australia as well as outbound?

 

[trippin_the_rift]

How about starting with the basics - what about providing Express cards for immigration clearance to platinums travelling in economy inbound to Australia as well as outbound?

Most platinums have a wad full of these cards, if not an APEC card already.
Plus, I've never ever given over an express card and they don't seem to care anyway.

What would be best is express customs since that's where the bottleneck is.

 

[dajop]

Most platinums have a wad full of these cards, if not an APEC card already.
Plus, I've never ever given over an express card and they don't seem to care anyway.

What would be best is express customs since that's where the bottleneck is.

Sentence 1) is true I have heaps of cards, doesn't mean I ever remember to take them with me on a trip, nor should I have to. I also have APEC card and epassport so waiting for immig is not an issue (which is why I never bother taking them with me). There are however a number of platinums that get their status solely in whY so not everyone will have a wad full of the cards.

Sentence 2) At SYD last week they were definitely taking express cards at customs ... of course an APEC card does not work for that express customs clearance. So an express card would have come in handy for a change. Hence my comment. (CSM used to hand them out to WP's in flight).

 

[bossreggie]

I have heaps of the express cards both arrival and departure. I also have never had to hand one over. I have also found that at certain times the "normal" lanes are less frequented so I will join one of those. I probably only have checked baggage 1 or 2 times per year and I find customs is usually fairly quick.

 

[Febs]

How about starting with the basics - what about providing Express cards for immigration clearance to platinums travelling in economy inbound to Australia as well as outbound?

They don't seek you out in the Y cabin and give you one? They (almost) always have for me, and when they haven't, I ask nicely and am always given one.

Not that I need them (I use my APEC card), but they're nice to give to family and friends, or fast-track though Customs where the APEC card doesn't work.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Start by looking at the AAdvantage Program, reputed to be one of the best FFP's around, at the moment.

Upgrade vouchers per qualifying year, like a lot of airlines do now days.

Receiving double points on all the OneWorld network, not just for flights on BA, AA and QF.

Get rid of the CL tier, or reducing CL members and upgrading more QF WP's.


However, l don't agree on the points transfer into SC as it will degrade being a QF WP, like the AA program where you can attain AA Plat without even stepping foot inside a plane. People with a very large CC spend could be QF WP's without flying, l don't think would be good and could possibly dilute the WP base even more than it is now.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

However, l don't agree on the points transfer into SC as it will degrade being a QF WP, like the AA program where you can attain AA Plat without even stepping foot inside a plane. People with a very large CC spend could be QF WP's without flying, l don't think would be good and could possibly dilute the WP base even more than it is now.

You can already do this with the anytime seats, however you actually need to fly! What about a premium so that you didn't need to fly? Burning 1m points for 1,000 SC is a hefty fee.

 

[Dave Noble]

I don't see why they would feel a reason to make any changes; Platinum , gold and silver have all been pretty unchanged so why would there be a reason to make a change to Platinum.

Unless significant numbers of people see what other schemes offer and start migrating away from the scheme , I can't see them adding anything

Dave

 

[moa999]

I don't see a bonus on credit card spending happening (given paid by the credit card company)

On the upgrade - the previous Certificates were replaced by the 5,000 pts bonus, which can then be used by ODUs. Would like to see more avaiability for ODUs provided - many times I have requested an ODU and been told not available yet the business cabin is not full.

I would like to see the Plat bonus actually getting you value on SYD-MEL, SYD-BNE flights (ie above the 1000 point minimum)

 

[notzac]

Having more generous classic award availability for premium cabins online (even if only for SG and WP). Have all partners and available routes show in the online award search. Confirmed upgrade redemptions for WP would be nice.

Personally, I don't see bonus points for CC spend or conversion of points to SCs to be of value.

 

[samh004]

I would like to see the Plat bonus actually getting you value on SYD-MEL, SYD-BNE flights (ie above the 1000 point minimum)

Perhaps the Plat bonus on 1000-point minimum flights should be doubled then, that really shows some status. Gold could even have a 1.5x rate, so 1500-points. Of course that’s not taking into account what happens if you’re in J.

 

[Leumas]

Points are so easy to earn now, and by nature of WPs, they should already have tons of points. Giving WPs more points isn't going to do anything, it's just going to annoy people when they can't spend it. I spent about 1m points about 2 years ago, now I've already gathered 300K+. Earning points is not difficult.

Transferring points to SCs is going to dilute the programme too, as mentioned.

The purpose of the programme is to encourage you to fly. To be honest, I don't really see that many changes required. The only thing is confirmed upgrades for interationals. If QF insists on the current lottery system (at least lottery from the view of the customer), give WPs x number of confirmed upgrades or even SGs 1 per year.

While the old Upgrade Credit system was nowhere near perfect, it's still better than what we have now.

 

[drewbles]

Sentence 2) At SYD last week they were definitely taking express cards at customs ... of course an APEC card does not work for that express customs clearance. So an express card would have come in handy for a change. Hence my comment. (CSM used to hand them out to WP's in flight).

As of OCT last year they still were. On my first Long Haul as a WP I had the CSM come and offer them to my friend and I (travelling in whY). No need to ask.

I believe if you ask they're not likely to have a problem either. Most non-status Pax wouldn't even think to ask.

 

[JetLagged]

Have all partners and available routes show in the online award search. Confirmed upgrade redemptions for WP would be nice.

I agree with that view entirely - it is not a matter of the number of points, but being able to use them when and how needed that is of my main concern.

Also, would like to see OneWorld recognize that a Platinum flyer for one airline (and hence OW Emerald) gets the same opportunity to use their points and SC across the system - so whatever airline we book, we can use points to upgrade as well as ODUs. Then I would think we would really have both an alliance and also more people participating.

 

[david870mdg]

I agree with that view entirely - it is not a matter of the number of points, but being able to use them when and how needed that is of my main concern.

Also, would like to see OneWorld recognize that a Platinum flyer for one airline (and hence OW Emerald) gets the same opportunity to use their points and SC across the system - so whatever airline we book, we can use points to upgrade as well as ODUs. Then I would think we would really have both an alliance and also more people participating.

a la the Star Alliance?
But would you want AA FFers who as has been pointed out dont even have to step on an aircraft to earn status taking your opportuinited for upgrades of QF, swings and roundabouts - i suppose it goes both ways.
Re O.D.U I can't see the logic in being told that an ODU isn't available (other than on ineligible fare classes, which in my case it wasnt) only to find upon boarding that the person in front of me has been opped up at the gate into a half empty business cabin; just part of QFs chook lotto.
Perhaps the option of INTL ODUs although most WPs would either hope for op up or already have a points request in.

 

[JetLagged]

Re O.D.U I can't see the logic in being told that an ODU isn't available (other than on ineligible fare classes, which in my case it wasnt) only to find upon boarding that the person in front of me has been opped up at the gate into a half empty business cabin; just part of QFs chook lotto.

Last year I was NOT impressed to have been declined and ODU with the comment 'So sorry but the cabin is full, Sir' to then find out that three of the people were family of the Chief Steward (wife and two teenagers) and were flying on sub-load. Twisted priorities on the part of QAN, or just sour grapes?

To change the topic, I have often wondered if QAN (and other companies who come in for comment in these pages) actually monitor what is being said about their business. I know that if I was PR Manager I would certainly keep abreast of what people are saying openly: though mind you, their responses to complaints mentioned here seem to indicate a not interested attitude way too much.

 

[Paddy55]

I agree with that view entirely - it is not a matter of the number of points, but being able to use them when and how needed that is of my main concern.

Also, would like to see OneWorld recognize that a Platinum flyer for one airline (and hence OW Emerald) gets the same opportunity to use their points and SC across the system - so whatever airline we book, we can use points to upgrade as well as ODUs. Then I would think we would really have both an alliance and also more people participating.

Add my vote to the idea of having upgrades confirmed at time of booking a la domestic flights.

If travelling to, say UK, I'd rather hunt for a flight where I'm guaranteed an upgrade than present system of taking a punt and then being disappointed.

Paddy

 

[anat0l]

Here's what I came up with:-

- 20% bonus on points that come from CC spending.
- Bonus 5,000 points for every 100,000 points credited.
- Ability to use points/anytime seats on oneworld partners.
- 200% bonus on points when flying in a premium class on an international QF flight#.
- Ability to transfer points into SC without needing to fly (EG: 1m points might get you 1,000 SC)

Any other ideas besides the usual, more free upgrades?

Free upgrade vouchers is an interesting benefit. On the major airlines operating in the USA, it seems to be an elite staple (and people use it to full effect). But then look at something like NZ which gives two upgrade vouchers to Gold Elites. There are a good deal of reports of people not able to use these instruments on desired flights (and no one will upgrade a Trans-Tasman).

In saying all this, I still like the idea of guaranteed upgrades (i.e. you pay the points, but at least you are confirmed to fly the upgraded class rather than playing the lotto), but if it were allowed on international then I'd limit it to SGs and WPs, and make the number of guaranteed upgrades low. (Not like UA which gives 6 SWUs every time you turn 1K plus some more if you hit extra targets). A free upgrade (i.e. one where you are guaranteed and you don't have to pay anything for the upgrade) may be an idea for longer term milestones, e.g. past LTG.

If you want to mess around with the minimum points guarantee, then perhaps mandate that all WPs receive an upgraded minimum points guarantee of 1250 on Y and Y+ flights and 1500 on J and F flights. I still think that's a wee bit excessive.

If more premium availability was requested, how much more? WPs definitely see more than SGs, but they do not always see the seats they want. They can always try getting the seat through Platinum request (although that can incur a fee).

I mentioned before (http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com.../better-qf-ground-service-benefits-21432.html) that QF should consider offering a chauffeur service.

- 20% bonus on points that come from CC spending.
- Bonus 5,000 points for every 100,000 points credited.

I see no need for these.

- Ability to use points/anytime seats on oneworld partners.

Well, you can use your points on any oneworld flight. In some cases you need to call QFF. There's something: make more things available for booking online or waive the fee in cases where booking online is impossible.

What I think you mean to say is you want the ability to use an Any Seat Award to book something on any oneworld airline. Not sure how they would do this, plus at least for the premium awards, I'd expect them (too) to be sky high.

- Ability to transfer points into SC without needing to fly (EG: 1m points might get you 1,000 SC)

I don't like this. Dumb in principle, and no one would give up 1m miles for 1,000 SC. (FWIW you can get 1,000 SC with much less points with the new Any Seat Awards but of course you actually have to fly). I don't like the idea how in AA you can become an elite without having to set foot on a plane.

How about starting with the basics - what about providing Express cards for immigration clearance to platinums travelling in economy inbound to Australia as well as outbound?

I seem to get one all the time irrespective of my travelling class (both inbound and outbound).

 

[Oneworldplus2]

I mentioned before (http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com.../better-qf-ground-service-benefits-21432.html) that QF should consider offering a chauffeur service.

+1
A point that I totally forgot about and anat0l, thumbs up for reminding. Emirates already does this to J customers. I don't think that QF offers a limo to F Class customers. Just goes to show. Melbourne and Perth don't have a train line to the airport, so this would be pretty handy in some circumstances.