The Unloved WP Thread

[connieguy]

Well...... I am hoping +1 will be among the first to attain Platinum 1.

Currently 2,580 SC's, with 1,080 booked in the next 4 weeks. I will post anything we get from QF here on the forum.

I think P1 is a good thing. WP has become so easy to get through SR's in USA etc, that pretty much anyone can get it.

I guess time will tell.

My QF year just ended this April, and I wiped off 3,200 SCs which could have been +3,800 SCs as I moved some flights to after my QF EOY. I expect to do the same or more this current year.

As I will do a lot of AA travel in the US, Canada and South America this year, I was shooting to get both WP and AA EXP this year. IF I knew what the WP1 benefits were, I may go for WP1 and not the AA EXP. But with QF saying it will not be until 4th qtr 2011 until they roll out WP1, well I just can't wait as I need to start placing miles with AA now. Doing that will still re-qualify for WP but not gain WP1.

So I'm at a hard place. Wait for the WP1 details and get that or go for AA EXP and WP. My heart says go for WP1 but my head says go for WP and AA EXP. Damn I wish QF had never mentioned WP1 without releasing the details.

AARGH.

Reggie any info you get and can post will sure be of value. Thanks.

 

[nlagalle]

Poor poor platinums. Better book in a visit with your therapists this week.

I think that is a pretty short sighted comment.. although some of the changes may not bother you, if people don't voice concerns dislikes, it'll happen again. next it may be something taken away that you don't like. will you voice your dislike then? or book in to see your therapist and jump over to Virgin?

 

[oz_mark]

But then DJ's FF program is only based on how much you spend and has far less to offer than QFF.

Back in October, in the no more ATA thread, I suggested that the WP's here huffing and puffing a lot, but wouldn't change. I'm predicting the same again.

 

[straitman]

Now such decisions apparently need to be made in conjunction with [-]copious[/-] reasonable [RSA] quantities of HP [or equivalent], generally in a QP. Also, it was an FT QP meet at BNE meet where these terms had their conception.

I propose a meet of "unloved WPs" and other AFF and/or FT members to shortly to discuss this and other released issues.

Just need to set a date and a QP for it.

Maybe those going to Oz Fest could have a practise run in DRW :!:

 

[connieguy]

But it is also QANTAS' program, and it's their business. They can introduce or take away what they like.

Yup. But as Red Roo has stated QF are asking for and listening to our opinions, well it is our duty to supply them what they seek.

For the record I like being a QF WP and enjoying the service and benefits QF offers over the route it flies QF metal on. What I dislike is not knowing the WP1 benefits are as I need to make decision about going for WP1 or going for WP and AA EXP. Why AA EXP? Because I will be doing a lot of travel in Canada, the US and South America in this current QF year that started 1 May.

I can make WP1 this year or I can make WP and AA EXP but not WP1 and AA EXP. So I'm annoyed QF announced WP1 without announcing the WP1 benefits.

Oh BTW it is my $ I spend, so I do try to stretch it out and to gain max advantage. Like QF I also own and run a business.

 

[JohnK]

I'm of the belief that by actually enhancing (in the true sense of the word) PS and SG, they are in effect de-valuing WP.

Is WP worth flying twice as much (based on SC earn only) than SG? Hell no. And when PO/SP/Whatever we'll call it comes in, what will happen then?

Totally agree. I dare anyone, including QF, to even remotely justify how Silver is worth half the status bonus points of Platinum? Sure the status bonuses have changed but I did not see any justification..

And yes I know it is their FF program but all they have done is nail another nail in their coffin.


The FF program has been constantly enhanced for the worse and Platinum benefits have been diluted in the last 5-6 years as well.

• New zones introduced
• Ugrade credits removed
• More QFF points required for awards
• Ability to request exit rows on international flights
• Pre-allocating seats (everyone and their dog can do it now)
• Anytime access to lounges

And now the insult of increasing status bonus for Silver and Gold bringing them both closer.

But then DJ's FF program is only based on how much you spend and has far less to offer than QFF.

QF is extremely lucky there is no *Alliance presence in Australia. If, and unfortunately I cannot see VA going that way, there was I do not see QF lasting very long.

It is OK though. It is best that QF keeps nailing those nails into their own coffin....

 

[TheInsider]

Yup. But as Red Roo has stated QF are asking for and listening to our opinions, well it is our duty to supply them what they seek.
.

Well for the WP1 benefits, it's a commercial decision and just like DJ who said they will announce changes in the future.
RedRoo has stated that info but AFF/FT are not the majority of FFers, and probably a very small % of them.
Alot of people in here say that they prefer SC's over points anyway.
WP/SG complained about next gen check-in saying that they still want to speak to a 'person', yet they have and always had this benefit.
Members wanted another tier above WP, and this will be happening.
Members wanted priority security, this is happening.
Members wanted faster check-in, this is happening.
Members wanted to earn points/SC's on Jetstar group flights, this is happening.
Members wanted extra WP benefits (extra points/valet thing), they got it.
Members wanted more than 5000 loyalty points for the bonus, they got it.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

QF is extremely lucky there is no *Alliance presence in Australia. If, and unfortunately I cannot see VA going that way, there was I do not see QF lasting very long.

It is OK though. It is best that QF keeps nailing those nails into their own coffin....

QF already competed with a * Alliance carrier. The Star carrier went bankrupt 10 years ago.

 

[TheInsider]

QF is extremely lucky there is no *Alliance presence in Australia. If, and unfortunately I cannot see VA going that way, there was I do not see QF lasting very long.

It is OK though. It is best that QF keeps nailing those nails into their own coffin....

And yet you keep flying with QF? Why should an 'alliance' make much difference in comparison to DJ?
DJ have etihad connections and FF beneifts, DJ have VA, DJ will have NZ.

 

[nlagalle]

Well for the WP1 benefits, it's a commercial decision and just like DJ who said they will announce changes in the future.
RedRoo has stated that info but AFF/FT are not the majority of FFers, and probably a very small % of them.
Alot of people in here say that they prefer SC's over points anyway.
WP/SG complained about next gen check-in saying that they still want to speak to a 'person', yet they have and always had this benefit.
Members wanted another tier above WP, and this will be happening.
Members wanted priority security, this is happening.
Members wanted faster check-in, this is happening.
Members wanted to earn points/SC's on Jetstar group flights, this is happening.
Members wanted extra WP benefits (extra points/valet thing), they got it.
Members wanted more than 5000 loyalty points for the bonus, they got it.

Mind you AFF might be a smal % of fliers but they are the knowledgable ones. having said that their facebook page is getting a roasting over the "exciting changes".

Personally they should have left PG at 2100 and had the option of limo/points at 2400 if PG wasn't taken

 

[JohnK]

QF already competed with a * Alliance carrier. The Star carrier went bankrupt 10 years ago.

Sure but I believe circumstances are not quite the same today.

And yet you keep flying with QF? Why should an 'alliance' make much difference in comparison to DJ?

I keep flying with QF because they are cheaper and with status I still get a few benefits.

DJ have etihad connections and FF beneifts, DJ have VA, DJ will have NZ.

I have no interest in using Etihad anytime this century and the rest of their partners are ordinary.

 

[medhead]

I am not denying your rights gowatson. I am simply voicing my opinion too, or if it is not the same as yours am I not allowed to do so?

Well we are discussing unloved platinums here. Since you don't feel unloved, Im not sure your opinion is on topic.

Anyway, I have have moved to Virgin and I'm still Platinum. I haven't noticed the lounges being less crowded. Must be all those SGs.

 

[medhead]

Members wanted another tier above WP, and this will be happening.
Members wanted priority security, this is happening.
Members wanted faster check-in, this is happening.
Members wanted to earn points/SC's on Jetstar group flights, this is happening.
Members wanted extra WP benefits (extra points/valet thing), they got it.
Members wanted more than 5000 loyalty points for the bonus, they got it.

Members want priority domestic boarding, Still doesn't happen! And that is an existing benefit not something new.

.... QF don't have to offer a free program to reward frequent flyers, yet they do.
....
But then DJ's FF program is only based on how much you spend and has far less to offer than QFF.

Actually, I believe that the Qantas Program still costs $82.50 to join. At least that is what the website states.

As for DJ, they actually do have a lot to offer. As you noted earning on partner airlines that isn't spend related. They also do priority boarding for their top flyers, they are consistently friendly, helpful and pleasant. At least that is what I've experienced, since I double my flying with them. A few more aircraft to expand the timetable and I could even enjoy that experience even more.

Don't get me wrong there are many great QF staff. But not consistently great. I'm yet to have a DJ staff member throw something at me, or call me mate, or abuse a member of my family when I'm checking in.

 

[oz_mark]

Members want priority domestic boarding, Still doesn't happen! And that is an existing benefit not something new.

Maybe that's in the forthcoming getting the basics right enhancements. Hopefully they will sort baggage delivery at the same time :shock:

 

[nlagalle]

QF already competed with a * Alliance carrier. The Star carrier went bankrupt 10 years ago.

AN didn't go bankrupt because of QF it went bankrupt as Air NZ drained them (they should never have been allowed to buy them out).

 

[connieguy]

Personally they should have left PG at 2100 and had the option of limo/points at 2400 if PG wasn't taken

Yup, but like taxes and bracket creep, we get concerned as QF starts nibbling away at the benefits.

I suspect Joyce's recent statement that most of the butts on QF premium cabins seats were WP butts, should be taken the other way around. More like we have you and/or your companies hooked and we will work to reduce our cost to keep your butt in those premium seats.

Well my well traveled butt does not sit in a lot of QF premium seats. So Mr Joyce, don't ever take me or I suspect a lot of other WPs for grated. There are lots of ways to play the QF WP or WP1 game than by sitting my butt in QF premium seats.

 

[Keith009]

The comment about the irony of restoring Anytime Lounge Access to WP1ers got me thinking. It'll indeed be comical if all the benefits that have been stripped from WP and other tiers such as Upgrade Credits were restored to WP1ers. Wool over eyes and all that!

/conspiracy theories

 

[serfty]

... Members wanted another tier above WP, and this will be happening. ...

What members were they. Certainly not myself.

... Members wanted priority security, this is happening...

Sometimes, more often than not IME this is not operating or not being policed. I generally do not travel at peak times, but when trying to get through security at MEL Domestic on at 9 Apr 2, the single snaking queue was 250+ metres long.

... Members wanted faster check-in, this is happening....

Since when is that new; Faster check-in has been available for many years.

... ...Members wanted to earn points/SC's on Jetstar group flights, this is happening. ...

In Economy, at greater cost - don't get me started on the [nee] StarClass inflation!

... Members wanted extra WP benefits (extra points/valet thing), they got it. ...

ISTR a general complaint was that "Partner Gold" was useless to those without a Partner. There has now been a 15% inflation in the requirement with the new provisions.

... Members wanted more than 5000 loyalty points for the bonus, they got it.

Earning has gone up to 16 QFF points per SC for exactly 2000 SC's, earn any more and no more loyalty bonus. Not to mention the millions (I guess) plus loyal, but irregular Qantas travellers who may fly once or twice a year having their accumulated Loyalty wiped on Dec 1.

 

[connieguy]

The comment about the irony of restoring Anytime Lounge Access to WP1ers got me thinking. It'll indeed be comical if all the benefits that have been stripped from WP and other tiers such as Upgrade Credits were restored to WP1ers. Wool over eyes and all that!

/conspiracy theories

Fully agree.

Wonder if WP1s will get the 125% miles bonus that QF should give to existing WPs to maintain relativity to the other FF levels as well? I can tell you that if WP1s get a 125% miles bonus, I and other WPs will be just a little upset at being squeezed down in benefits to make room for new WP1 benefits. But hey QF may see the light and award WPs with a 125% miles bonus (25% added to our existing 100% bonus) and WP1s with a 150% miles bonus. But if every other QF FF tier gets a 25% miles bonus increase and WPs don't, well the S**T may just hit the fan.

As a WP, I can't remember the last time I was given a Express Pass on international departure or arrival without needing to ask for it. Please Red Roo explain why this is so hard to do?

Then there is the non existent domestic Priority Boarding. Sure the lounges are nice but when the boarding call is finally given in the lounge (much later than at the gate), you engage the 50 mtr long boarding queue. I guess to get real Priority Boarding you need to sit at the gate for 30 minutes before the boarding announcement. When I travel in the states, domestic priority boarding is always there. Come on QF, if AA can do it in the states, surly QF can do it in Australia. Again Red Roo, please explain why this has never been implemented, at least in my experience?

Then there is the PG change from 2,100 to 2,400 SCs (which by the way costs the 50,000 miles bonus at 2,400 SCs) and the capping of Loyalty Bonus miles at 20,000 per year. Sorry Red Roo but QF is sending out a strong negative message to WPs.

I suggest that QF needs to do what they claim they do for WPs before talking about more "Enhancements" to the benefits.

 

[Scrimo]

I am finding all of this very confusing! Not sure what to do about my FF status with airlines now....

Currently sitting at 3610 status credits with QFF but its due to expire 1st July so no idea if I will get WP1. If I don't get this I am thinking of moving all my travel over to CX as I have just been offered Marco Polo Club Diamond status from CX (Amex benefit) and it would not be that hard to keep this status.

Hmmm decisions to be made.