Upcoming Qantas Frequent Flyer Changes

[zeiron]

And people can exercise with their feet and fly another carrier.

so do it.....that is your and every FF's choice and right. If any FF thinks that QF are going to kiss their backsides to prevent them from flying another carrier, they are kiddign themselves.
QF know that very few, if any FF's will actually leave, despite their protests to the contrary. Only when/if people actually did, might QF listen as I cant help but feel they are too arrogant for their own good.

 

[oz_mark]

Indeed. It would be nice to be allowed to get on with making that decision as well as providing feedback as requested. No need to present the QF perspective here, we can read T&C ourself and QF are big enough to present their perspective without help.

If people are going to post views/opinions on a forum, then they should be prepared to have those views/opinions challenged. Just because someone is expressing opinions contrary to the herd, and pointing out that sometimes emotional reactions are out of all proprotion to what actually happened, does not mean that it is a QF perspective.

 

[nlagalle]

so do it.....that is your and every FF's choice and right. If any FF thinks that QF are going to kiss their backsides to prevent them from flying another carrier, they are kiddign themselves.
QF know that very few, if any FF's will actually leave, despite their protests to the contrary. Only when/if people actually did, might QF listen as I cant help but feel they are too arrogant for their own good.

Well here you are wrong. Many WP's have already shifted their flying over to other airlines. you only have to read the threads here as a start.

BTW we aren't asking for QF to "kiss our butts", but as you haven't been around that long and noticed of late QF have been all take take take, many have had enough.

At the end of the day what is better for QF? keeping WP's happy (and thus their business) or getting them flying other carriers so they only have Gold (which we all agree is the "sweet spot") and spend the rest of their time flying another carrier?

 

[markis10]

you attract more bees with honey......

... which more often than not will sting you .

 

[zeiron]

In YOUR opinion I don't deserve WP status with QF? WTF? I played the game according to QF's rules and earned 3,200 SC last year. QF says YES I did earn WP and earned it by a BIG margin, so who are you to question it?

This year I will also play by their rules and easily retain WP as well as high ranking FF tier status on many other airlines.

Bottom line is QF could have had 2 to 3 times MY dollar spend on QF/JQ metal flights this year. QF changed how they view my WP business and I changed who I will spend MY money with. That OK with you?

OMG, I really cant believe how unrealistic you are being with this whole situation.

That example was not a reflection on your particular circumstance. It was a generic example highlighting the flip side of the coin. I have no opinion on wether you deserve WP status or not as i do not know you or your travel patterns. If QF think you are deserving, then that is all that matters.

I think you are deluded in expecting them to implement changes that suit you and your specific travel patterns. The FF program primarily needs to suit QF and then a large percentile of the members. It cannot suit every single member as they would like it. last year, you played by the rules, this year, you will need to play by the new rules.

Why you feel the need to convince me that QF has made a mistake and has somehow personally targeted you with these negative changes is beyond me. If you are not happy with the new rules and can offer suggestions as to how they can be improved, great.

If you feel the need to remind everyone of how much money you spend with QF and how much more you would spend with them if they changed the rules to suit you tends to fall on deaf ears. You need to try and understand that the FF program is not about you, not about me and not about how much money we spend.

Each status level can be achieved in a number of ways. Less premium travel, or more economy travel can yield the same result. Why you think that your WP status should somehow entitle you to some sort of volume discount on your travel is ridiculous. QF is in the business of making money and the only way they can do that is by charging more than it costs them to provide it.

I have always found your opinions to be very interesting so please, by all means voice your concerns about the program, and the so called "enhancements" and please please please, offer your suggestions for improvements, but save us the reasons behind your dissatisfaction, as we all have them and it does not contribute to the arguments for or against.

If people are going to post views/opinions on a forum, then they should be prepared to have those views/opinions challenged. Just because someone is expressing opinions contrary to the herd, and pointing out that sometimes emotional reactions are out of all proprotion to what actually happened, does not mean that it is a QF perspective.

Thankyou oz_mark. Thankyou very much.

 

[epsc]

We are being lectured again. What is almost as bad, the argument has become circular. Is it time to close the thread for a bit, moderators? If not, then many of us would appreciate the avoidance of personal criticism - calling people 'deluded', and saying that what they say is 'ridiculous', is insulting and unhelpful.

 

[zeiron]

I'm sorry, but to me is just sounds like a lot of selfish WP's. Gold got something extra, so certain people on this forum feel they are entitled to something new aswell.

I'm a Platinum, and yeah, I didn't get something new, but so what? I still get access to the J Lounge, and a better earn/burn rate for points.

I really feel that this is the main point of contention. "They" got something and I, as an X status who is more important, didnt. Sad really.
And Liam, nice to see a WP cop the changes on the chin, not take them personally and appreciate the benefits that still do exist and you can continue to enjoy.

 

[TonyHancock]

I'm sitting back and waiting now. :-|

I have a lot of sympathy for those who do the hard yards in Y to get to WP, and maybe something good on the upgrade front might be a half decent reward. Of course I'd like to see 125% status bonus, but if changes to upgrades for WP's are favourable then I'll be pretty happy.

In reality increasing the earn rate is a bit like printing more money. Unless there are more benefits available there will just be more people chasing the same rewards, with an increase in costs for those rewards the inevitable conclusion.

It could be argued that this inflation scenario is the real dilution of the WP offering. More newly rewarded SG's and PS's chasing the same limited rewards. Overall I'm pretty ambivalent about this though because QF can adjust the rewards price at will so I think the outcome is relatively neutral. :-|

After some thought I'm also relatively ambivalent about the status credit reset at the end of the membership year. It will have a bigger impact on NB's and PS's.

I'm still keen to hear about the WP1 offering. Changes in my travel in the next 18 months, mean I have an outside, and I mean outside, chance of hitting that in my next membership year. (Unlikely ever again though!!) I only hope that, when it kicks in in Q4, and is 3600 SC's, that my SC's from the start of my new year (1st Aug) will count.

I have been an outspoken critic of QF management and their use of these forums, so I'd like to say thanks them and to Red Roo for the interaction in this thread. I reckon it is a no win job for Red Roo so credit where credit is due.

......and please, please, please QF will you sort out priority domestic boarding. It is an advertised benefit and at best it is being inconsistently implemented. :evil:

 

[medhead]

If people are going to post views/opinions on a forum, then they should be prepared to have those views/opinions challenged. Just because someone is expressing opinions contrary to the herd, and pointing out that sometimes emotional reactions are out of all proprotion to what actually happened, does not mean that it is a QF perspective.

True. But they only need to post their opinions once to be heard. Constantly going on about how wrong people are to have their opinions is not appropriate, especially when the challenge has been made and rejected by those being challenged. It is especially galling to be told that we need to assess our situation, something that many are trying to do, but labelling those posts as a whinge from someone with a sense of entitlement. You're right that presenting a challenge doesn't make it a qantas' perspective, but I would questionthe need for someone to get on here and tell us they are trying to present the qantas perspective.

I would question that it is appropriate to challenge other views in a thread that started with request for feedback. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, they don't need to be harassed for stating that opinion.

 

[YQY]

Qantas Frequent Flyer changes | Virgin Velocity

Reference to AFF in the article.

 

[zeiron]

We are being lectured again. What is almost as bad, the argument has become circular. Is it time to close the thread for a bit, moderators? If not, then many of us would appreciate the avoidance of personal criticism - calling people 'deluded', and saying that what they say is 'ridiculous', is insulting and unhelpful.

no one is calling anyONE deluded. it is an opinion that they are trying to convince others of that is. As for the ridiculousness of certain statements, what else would you call them? or do you agree that WP status benefits should be designed to offer you a discount or save you money on your future travel? im sorry, but i just dont see how it can be anything but...


BUT, in that particular members defence, i totally agree with his displeasure at his increased travel costs. a recent check of trans pacific J fares clearly shows that QF is basically TWICE the price of DL or UA, and whilst some might argue that you cant directly compare them, i do not in anyway think QF can justify the price they charge. But complaining on here will not change anything. all people can do is either pay QF what they charge, of fly with another airline and pocket the difference. That decision is up to each and every individual and does not need to be conducted in public. Expecting a discount on your fare due to X status is unrealistic at best and does not form a part of the FF changes discussion.

 

[epsc]

I'm sitting back and waiting now. :-|

I have a lot of sympathy for those who do the hard yards in Y to get to WP, and maybe something good on the upgrade front might be a half decent reward. Of course I'd like to see 125% status bonus, but if changes to upgrades for WP's are favourable then I'll be pretty happy.

In reality increasing the earn rate is a bit like printing more money. Unless there are more benefits available there will just be more people chasing the same rewards, with an increase in costs for those rewards the inevitable conclusion.

It could be argued that this inflation scenario is the real dilution of the WP offering. More newly rewarded SG's and PS's chasing the same limited rewards. Overall I'm pretty ambivalent about this though because QF can adjust the rewards price at will so I think the outcome is relatively neutral. :-|

After some thought I'm also relatively ambivalent about the status credit reset at the end of the membership year. It will have a bigger impact on NB's and PS's.

I'm still keen to hear about the WP1 offering. Changes in my travel in the next 18 months, mean I have an outside, and I mean outside, chance of hitting that in my next membership year. (Unlikely ever again though!!) I only hope that, when it kicks in in Q4, and is 3600 SC's, that my SC's from the start of my new year (1st Aug) will count.

I have been an outspoken critic of QF management and their use of these forums, so I'd like to say thanks them and to Red Roo for the interaction in this thread. I reckon it is a no win job for Red Roo so credit where credit is due.

......and please, please, please QF will you sort out priority domestic boarding. It is an advertised benefit and at best it is being inconsistently implemented. :evil:

Hear hear. Can Qf people such as Red Roo please respond about priority domestic boarding - some explanation as to what the current policy is would be a good start. It is a daily issue for us.

 

[OverrideServlet]

This thread is on the verge of outliving its usefulness.

 

[markis10]

please please please, offer your suggestions for improvements, but save us the reasons behind your dissatisfaction, as we all have them and it does not contribute to the arguments for or against..

On the contrary, members expressing their reasons for their dissatisfaction are often a move valuable source of feedback for companies than those that provide bouquets, such feedback is often rare in most cases, to say they should not be heard is against the rules and spirit of this community.

I would prefer us to be saved from posts that are hard to read with poor punctuation if we are going to be saved from anything . A point expressed in a clear and easy to read fashion is more likely to get the attention it deserves.

 

[TonyHancock]

This thread is on the verge of outliving its usefulness.

It is difficult to see where it can go until QF announces the further changes alluded to in the original announcement.:-|

 

[oz_mark]

Qantas Frequent Flyer changes | Virgin Velocity

Reference to AFF in the article.

Interesting, thanks for that!

It will be interesting to see what DJ comes up with!>

 

[nlagalle]

I really feel that this is the main point of contention. "They" got something and I, as an X status who is more important, didnt. Sad really.
And Liam, nice to see a WP cop the changes on the chin, not take them personally and appreciate the benefits that still do exist and you can continue to enjoy.

I'd be interested to see you 'cop it on the chin' if QF "enhance" a gold benefit...

 

[medhead]

so please, by all means voice your concerns about the program, and the so called "enhancements" and please please please, offer your suggestions for improvements, but save us the reasons behind your dissatisfaction, as we all have them and it does not contribute to the arguments for or against.

I suggest you read the original post again. I seem to recall it asked for our feedback not to have an argument for or against. Many suggest for improvements have been offerred and you seem to constant tell the people posting those reasons how wrong they are, it makes it very difficult to post suggestions in those circumstances. Maybe you could go and have your argument somewhere else and let us get on with posting feedback.

Once you post your opinion, of course

 

[markis10]

Interesting, thanks for that!

It will be interesting to see what DJ comes up with!>

+1, and nice to see a professional piece of writing that credits sources!

 

[jamesatfish]

last year, you played by the rules, this year, you will need to play by the new rules.

I know I'm quoting this a little out of content, but to me this is the biggest frustration with the announcement of this latest round of FF changes.

'Playing by the rules' of the FF program is exactly what I do when making a decision as to which airline to fly. I know, for instance, that when travelling with my wife and daughter that the layout of the F cabin with EK makes for a nicer trip than with QF, but I factor in the rules of the Qantas FF program and come to the decision that it is better for my needs to fly QF and earn WP status than to fly EK and earn status with them.

Unfortunately QF have chosen to announce new rules to their program (in the form of WP1) without providing all the information we need to make choices about the merits of this new offering. Worse, in the week since those rules were announced QF have already changed them (as it is now apparent that there will be a QF SC requirement as part of WP1 which wasn't stated in the official announcements or emailed notifications).

Up until last week my flight-selection decision was as follows:

•Fly with QF / oneworld up to 2400SCs as I value WP and PG.
•After 2400SCs fly EK where possible as I prefer their F offering over that of QF.
•Where not possible to fly EK, evaluate the costs and cabin comfort of flying with QF against those of the other airlines flying where I want to go.

If QF had been clear about the rules (benefits AND requirements) of the WP1 tier, then it would allow me to make a considered decision as to my flight preferences beyond 2400SCs. As it stands, after 2400SCs the situation now isn't as clear cut - do I fly QF to reach 3600SCs, and if I do will the benefits be worthwhile or indeed will I even meet the as-yet unspecified additional requirements for WP1?

As others have mentioned, the FF program is a business not a charity, and it forms a valid part of our own business decisions when choosing who to fly. Some are upset because the latest set of rules diminishes the value to them of flying with QF, others are happy as their value has improved. I am upset mainly because QF has changed the rules but hasn't told us about them in entirety, yet is asking us to continue to make those same flight decisions but with an incomplete set of rules.