Tier Matching at DJ - Oct 2010 [Offer closed]

[oz_mark]

re: Tier Matching at DJ

Sure, but DJ has two elite levels and QF has three. I maintain that DJ Gold is the functional equivalent of QF Gold.

Good comparison. Mind you, to listen to all of the QFF platinum bleatings, you'd think that QFF platinum was the functional equivalent of QFF gold :mrgreen:

 

[JohnK]

re: Tier Matching at DJ

Due to everyone having to PM DJ insiders to get there status match actioned quicker, suggests that many other people in the real world have noticed the QF changes

Has DJ advertised status match outside of frequent flyer forums?

 

[serfty]

Good comparison. Mind you, to listen to all of the QFF platinum bleatings, you'd think that QFF platinum was the functional equivalent of QFF gold :mrgreen:

I have bleated very little as the changes have only minor effect for me.

My Velocity date is end of October as well.

As for status matching; I see them as a once thing. If such exists for DJ when I may see a need then I'll give it a go.

FWIW, I have status matched only the once (with AirNZ). I was considering an ICH PC Plat match later this year but it seems I'll make it without.

 

[medhead]

Tier Matching at DJ - Process

Has DJ advertised status match outside of frequent flyer forums?

I'm pretty sure that Markis10 called the DJ number and was advised about the status match process. While not advertised, certainly it is publicly available information outside these forums on that basis.

In relation to the ethics of taking a status match I'm certainly doing this on the basis that I can requalify not just taking a freebie in the short term.

 

[markis10]

re: Tier Matching at DJ

I'm pretty sure that Markis10 called the DJ number and was advised about the status match process. While not advertised, certainly it is publicly available information outside these forums on that basis

Spot on, there is also a very public listing on the ACCC site where DJ sought to have an exemption from anti trust laws for such a scheme.

 

[JohnK]

re: Tier Matching at DJ

I'm pretty sure that Markis10 called the DJ number and was advised about the status match process. While not advertised, certainly it is publicly available information outside these forums on that basis.

So you are basically saying that DJ has been inundated with requests for status match.

I find that hard to believe even though there may well be a lot of Platinums unhappy with the latest QF changes. Not all of them are going to switch to the opposition. At a guess I would say that a very small minority (from frequent flyer forums and from word of mouth) is going to take their business to DJ.

I see absolutely no reason to switch my business from QF to DJ where the pricing is almost the same but the service is inferior. So I lost anyitme access. I am unhappy but I will get over it. I shall assess the situation again when QF Platinum and QF Gold are one and the same or when DJ enters a world wide alliance.

In relation to the ethics of taking a status match I'm certainly doing this on the basis that I can requalify not just taking a freebie in the short term.

Ethics should not enter the equation. Take what you can get....

 

[medhead]

Tier Matching at DJ - Process

So you are basically saying that DJ has been inundated with requests for status match.

I find that hard to believe even though there may well be a lot of Platinums unhappy with the latest QF changes. Not all of them are going to switch to the opposition. At a guess I would say that a very small minority (from frequent flyer forums and from word of mouth) is going to take their business to DJ.

I see absolutely no reason to switch my business from QF to DJ where the pricing is almost the same but the service is inferior. So I lost anyitme access. I am unhappy but I will get over it. I shall assess the situation again when QF Platinum and QF Gold are one and the same or when DJ enters a world wide alliance.

I don't think I'm saying inundated. But I do think it will be more than just forum people and I think the delays mentioned in this thread support that. If it really was only the handful of people in this thread then I would expect little or no delay.

In terms of the benefits I think you fly international more regularly than me and hence platinum still offers tangible and useable benefits over gold. For my flying I don't see that difference.

Also I've found DJ service to be as good as and sometimes superior to QF. I certainly cannot agree that it is inferior. I did have a good run with fares on qantas this year but I see that as changing. Qantas have pushed up the ADL-SYD standard base fare and seem to be holding it. They also have my regular flights holding at $50 higher than that base non sale fare even during sales. All this makes DJ price competitive.

 

[markis10]

re: Tier Matching at DJ

Hi guys,
There has been a small backlog to clear up, but I've been told this is being worked on now.

So you are basically saying that DJ has been inundated with requests for status match.

There was enough of a surge to result in the process taking over a week to be actioned. While anytime access is not too big a deal for me, the baggage system is, at times when I need to hit the road for an event and carry 3 or 4 pieces of light luggage.

I also suspect the recent changes to trans tasman operations with the removal of widebodies from QF timetables has not been greeted well, the tie up with AirNZ and a status match with DJ may help on that sidel, especially given the new equipment being put on the ditch legs, it was reported yesterday that two of the biggest opponents have changed their minds on the alliance, so its by no means dead in the water (or ditch as the case may be).

 

[pauly7]

Tier Matching at DJ - Process

There was enough of a surge to result in the process taking over a week to be actioned. While anytime access is not too big a deal for me, the baggage system is, at times when I need to hit the road for an event and carry 3 or 4 pieces of light luggage.

LOL surge... I actually suspect that was because the handful of people here were emailing a generic email and the process wasn't ironed out from the entry point plus a week is a pretty short amount of time for DJ/any company really to get back to you about anything.

So the bags drove you out, that's a bit more rational than just being annoyed! Hope DJ don't enhance their system then.... Anything's possible...

I also suspect the recent changes to trans tasman operations with the removal of widebodies from QF timetables has not been greeted well,

That's not correct - QF still flies wide-bodies on trans tasman. Flew one Tuesday myself

Not greeted well by who?!?

Loads for QF/Jetconnect have been excellent (Too excellent in my opinion! Planes always packed!) since they added frequency and the new next gen metal, the feedback on the next gen 73H fleet has been 'extremely positive' according to our rep and they have more of them arriving early next year to put on the ditch run. They also told us to expect a couple more services as well from Jetconnect.

Thought you might be interested in hearing that

Usually I'd prefer a 2 aisle plane for a TT 3hr flight but the fact that I'm compensated for this with much better schedules and true international standard AVOD - means I'm a big fan of the new birds... (plus I always get row 4 meaning J class legroom!!)

 

[Oneworldplus2]

re: Tier Matching at DJ

Sure, but DJ has two elite levels and QF has three. I maintain that DJ Gold is the functional equivalent of QF Gold.

QF Gold is once again the sweet spot at the moment.

I was going to bring this up the other day in a post, but thought that it would ruffle a few feathers (WP feathers...lol)

QF Gold gets DJ Gold
QF Plat gets DJ Gold

...I shall assess the situation again when QF Platinum and QF Gold are one and the same or when DJ enters a world wide alliance.

Johnk, l put exactly the same question (numerous times) to Crazy Dave in another thread.

Crazy Dave reply -DJ is teaming up with an Asian Carrier (?) and a Middle East Carrier (Etihad) and a few others. DJ is NOT interested in joining Star Alliance or Sky Team. (I will have a dig for the thread and his exact reply).

 

[pauly7]

Tier Matching at DJ - Process

I see absolutely no reason to switch my business from QF to DJ where the pricing is almost the same but the service is inferior.

Completely agree - if by 'service' you mean a range of things like metal offering, FF program, lounge standards, meals onboard etc not just face to face 'customer service'.

DJ have a long road ahead of them, refitting their fleet will take a year / more! Alot of the changes they need to make are capital intensive and involve hard product... Will take time!

Ethics should not enter the equation. Take what you can get....

LOL. Quote of the year!

But again I agree, I was trying to make a similar point earlier about emotion driving some peoples decision rather than fact.... It is business!

If DJ step up and offer decent comparative competition at some point then I will clinically reassess and make a call. Not there yet.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Crazydave98's response to DJ joining Star or ST

JohnK, found it for you

Enjoy!

Oneworldplus2

crazydave98

On the alliance bit, we think that between DL, NZ & EY and an Asian carrier or two we would have all major global destinations covered. The trick will be to ensure consistency of frequent flyer benefits and lounge access to match an actual alliance offering. Problem with * is then members would have to fly United and Air China:shock: (having done the last one recently I swore to myself to do everything possible to prevent us having anything to do with them. Mabe a TR is in order - worst long haul experience of my life.)

Upgrade certs - let's just say we recognise that upgrades are a very highly valued benefit and that things that QFF have dropped are opportunities for us.

Meals on trans-con. Can't comment sorry but we are very well aware of deficiencies in our trans-con product and the A330 annoucement was only the first shot on that front.

Lifetime recognition - like upgrades we see that this is valued.

http://www.australianfrequentflyer..../what-else-burning-members-about-25785-9.html

 

[pshepvic]

re: Tier Matching at DJ

I earned my DJ Gold the long hard way back a few years ago. I eally enjoyed the quiet of being in a lounge that was not over crowded, and a checkin line that was all mine.

I would prefer that all you QF folks that have not changed over yet don't... stay away. Stay right where you are.
...
But anyway - please stay away, dont change. I have seen an increase in patronage of the lounge that I am not happy with, and yes I am greedy and would prefer it all to myself..(went to the QF pub recently, and considered seeing if I could go wait in the DJ lounge because it was so crowded)

Fair point, but not doing my status match wouldn't have made a difference to the number in the lounge. My new job was going to pay for membership anyway - so the only extra benefit for me with the Gold status is the extra points. My new boss might also be happy I saved them the annual fee

 

[oz_mark]

re: Tier Matching at DJ

Johnk, l put exactly the same question (numerous times) to Crazy Dave in another thread.

Crazy Dave reply -DJ is teaming up with an Asian Carrier (?) and a Middle East Carrier (Etihad) and a few others. DJ is NOT interested in joining Star Alliance or Sky Team. (I will have a dig for the thread and his exact reply).

This is my understanding from some media articles as well. The Virgin Blue approach is to get the benefits of an alliance by having a number of individual agreements with select airlines. If they can put together a similar deal to Etihad with an Asian carrier, it would probably work for me.

 

[pshepvic]

re: Tier Matching at DJ

In relation to the ethics of taking a status match I'm certainly doing this on the basis that I can requalify not just taking a freebie in the short term.

Absolutely with myself as well - if there was no chance of requalifying, I wouldn't have worried.

 

[JohnK]

re: Tier Matching at DJ

There was enough of a surge to result in the process taking over a week to be actioned.

It does not make sense. I am guessing DJ has not allocated a dedicated person for this process and they have probably given the task to someone who is already snowed under with their own work that they do not have time to process the few requests from AFF/Flyertalk.

We do not have any facts but I would be extremely surprised if more than a few people outside of the forums have requested a status match. And by the way I do class people who lurk the forums but do not post or have a username as participants of the forums.

Johnk, l put exactly the same question (numerous times) to Crazy Dave in another thread.

Crazy Dave reply -DJ is teaming up with an Asian Carrier (?) and a Middle East Carrier (Etihad) and a few others. DJ is NOT interested in joining Star Alliance or Sky Team. (I will have a dig for the thread and his exact reply).

So DJ is not the FF program for me then. I am not interested in being tied down to a few airlines with limited schedules.

If QF "enhances" their FF program to the point where it is not worth it anymore then I will just look for best fare (within reason) whenever I travel and not worry about FF benefits.

Completely agree - if by 'service' you mean a range of things like metal offering, FF program, lounge standards, meals onboard etc not just face to face 'customer service'.

DJ have a long road ahead of them, refitting their fleet will take a year / more! Alot of the changes they need to make are capital intensive and involve hard product... Will take time!

Exactly what I meant and DJ does not have most of those things in place.

I prefer wide bodies as well and try to avoid single aisle planes even for short trips like SYD-BNE.

 

[markis10]

re: Tier Matching at DJ

It does not make sense. I am guessing DJ has not allocated a dedicated person for this process and they have probably given the task to someone who is already snowed under with their own work that they do not have time to process the few requests from AFF/Flyertalk.

Not sure why it does not make sense, I got the impression from the agent that I was not the first to ask the question and her response was instant. Changing benefits would force a certain amount of loyalty to be lost, and that segment is much more likely to pick up the phone or get their PA to inquire as to what the opposition is offering.

 

[Ozvirginuk]

re: Tier Matching at DJ

This is what I thought, but I sent my request off (I'm going to be QF WP this weekend) and I notice this evening my account is now Silver, and the benefits are valid till 31 Dec 2011. My partner (who joined DJ at the same time, and is QF SG) has been matched to DJ Gold and benefits until Nov 2012.

Strange. I've message Velocity Rewards to see if this is an error... Silver isn't going to make me switch anytime soon...

Cheers
Ozvirginuk

Update, I have now been upgraded to Gold thanks to the assistance of Velocity Rewards... Although, my partner still got an extra year than me... ;-) (he's gloating too...)

 

[Velocity Frequent Flyer]

re: Tier Matching at DJ

Although, my partner still got an extra year than me... ;-) (he's gloating too...)

The last thing we want is to get in the middle of a domestic!

will check it out.

 

[crazydave98]

re: Tier Matching at DJ

I am not interested in being tied down to a few airlines with limited schedules.

I think this assessment is up for debate.

Between Etihad, Delta, Air New Zealand, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin America and let's say Malaysian for example (don't read anything into this - you could substitute any or several of TG, SQ, KE, various Chinese airlines etc.) we will have our code to comparable number of destinations worldwide as QF with similar frequencies flying from Australia (with some give and take - better on trans-Tasman, not so good on trans-Pacific).

Also will have our code (with full status earning) on some destinations or more convenient itineraries than oneworld/QF - for example SYD-AUH-MAN/DUB instead of SYD-BKK-LHR-MAN/DUB

Sure we're not in an alliance with airlines such as Royal Jordanian, Malev and Finnair, but frankly bugger-all Aussies fly with these airlines. Our "few airlines" will cover the travel needs of the vast majority of Australians with same or better status benefits than delivered by joining a formal alliance.