What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

[Aenveigh]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

Minor OT querry:
What does BFOD stand for.

Best Fare Of Day.

It's common in the public service, for instance, and basically requires you must choose the cheapest flight in your travel window (ie it's not actually the best fare of the day, but more best fare when it's reasonable for you to travel.
Unfortunately it tends not to account for useful benefits in a specific fare, like meals/lounge access or greater/lesser baggage allowances. However it does serve a reasonable purpose so can't complain.

 

[notzac]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

Thanks Alanslegal. We're cognisant of the need to exceed Qantas' benefits just to be perceived as equal. My first thoughts are that the difficulty in implementing this suggestions is not so much the cost but the risk of overcrowding the Lounge and needing to extend much sooner than planned. Maybe something we could do for a limited time - anyway will pass it on to the team looking at tier benefits.

cheers

CrazyDave98

Adding my two cents... things I think that would be helpful for Velocity to add:

DJ Gold able to use domestic lounge on arrival. Anytime lounge access is nice in theory, but not necessary. The main reason I value anytime access is so I can grab a shower after a flight -- and now that's been taken away from me as a WP.

Confirm that DJ Silver still gets priority check-in. Pretty obvious really.

Add priority check-in to the "The Lounge" program. Another obvious one - what QF taketh away, DJ giveth back.

Change everything to a mileage-based earning system, with a multiplier depending on fare class. Having different airlines earn in different ways is a PITA to try keeping in memory, plus if it's mileage based then you're possibly going to attract those that don't actually pay for their fare (and thus have no influence over how many miles they earn).

Also, 25% mileage earn on VA for deeply discounted whY sucks. It makes sense for you guys, but QF aren't doing it and it's definitely a detractor.

Add upgrade credits for every x many miles flown on DJ/VA metal. Mostly because it would piss QF off that you're bringing back something from an earlier QFF "enhancement"

Oh yeah, that would mean actually offering upgrades to begin with

I've already mentioned a bunch of stuff to you in previous threads and PMs as well.

~~

Also, if you're going to do the lounge run -- take us on an AFF tour of the DJ lounges!
Actually, I'd be really really really interested in something like what the Delta folk are doing for the Delta Flyertalk members ... hosting a DO and doing tours and talk sessions, etc.. I can find the thread if you're interested.

 

[yohy?!]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

Given that the changes to QFF may in turn lead to more people transferring business to DJ I would have to say that now would be a good time to improve the food offering in The Lounge.

Visiting the PER Lounge last Thurs I was disappointed to see that the food offering is identical to every other DJ lounge I've been to in the last 2 years, namely:

-same bland ingredients at the salad bar (along with supermarket bread for sandwiches and packet ham)
-same disappointing hot choice (aka any Continental brand pasta/soup base that can be prepared in a rice cooker), in this case 'minestrone' soup.
-same bar snacks

I know there are monetary limits to what can be done but surely it is possible to change things up a bit, it would be great to see some rotation to what is available. Compared to QP food options I think there is a fair way to go for DJ to catch up in this aspect.

I have to say all other aspects of my visit were outstanding: very friendly welcome at front desk and bar, good shower facilities and general ambience. SYD lounge is still my favourite though for the runway view

 

[Australian]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

BFOD - Best Fare of the Day. (Used by some corporations who dictate that their staff need to travel on the cheapest fare)

only "some"?? seems to be pretty much the standard these days

 

[samiam]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

I would also think some sort of status match or challenge (eg AA's Platinum Challenge) targeted at QFF elites thinking of making a change might push them in that direction. And some sort of priority for seat selection?

I certainly find the idea of a status match appealing; this would be enough of an incentive for me to choose DJ for my next 3 - 4 DOM flights (usually MEL-PER) over the next couple of months, in order to 'try before I buy'.

If I don't like the product offering, I revert back - nil material loss.

 

[AnonymousCoward]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

I certainly find the idea of a status match appealing; this would be enough of an incentive for me to choose DJ for my next 3 - 4 DOM flights (usually MEL-PER) over the next couple of months, in order to 'try before I buy'.

If I don't like the product offering, I revert back - nil material loss.

DJ already offers a day-pass option to the lounge. Just buy that if you want to try it out.

Status match does have consequences: you could keep using things that you wouldn't otherwise be entitled to (e.g. you might stick with DJ, but not fly enough to be entitled to their top-tier status).

I think this would just annoy those loyal DJ customers that have legitimately earned their status the hard way (given that it costs about $9/k to become DJ Gold if flying domestic only)

 

[haydensydney]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

Change everything to a mileage-based earning system, with a multiplier depending on fare class. Having different airlines earn in different ways is a PITA to try keeping in memory, plus if it's mileage based then you're possibly going to attract those that don't actually pay for their fare (and thus have no influence over how many miles they earn).

I disagree notzac - this is my favourite part of the DJ program! The way I look at it is as follows: If I spend $600 on a return SYD-BNE-SYD journey (often at short notice), on QF I would only get 2000 points for the return whereas on DJ, I would get 3600 (based on a silver earn rate).

Pax should be rewarded for spending more with the airline, not lump them with the same amount of points as someone on a $90 red e-deal.

 

[Flashback]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

I disagree notzac - this is my favourite part of the DJ program! The way I look at it is as follows: If I spend $600 on a return SYD-BNE-SYD journey (often at short notice), on QF I would only get 2000 points for the return whereas on DJ, I would get 3600 (based on a silver earn rate).

Pax should be rewarded for spending more with the airline, not lump them with the same amount of points as someone on a $90 red e-deal.

So the SQ (PPS) method, rather than the QFF method..

 

[haydensydney]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

-same bland ingredients at the salad bar (along with supermarket bread for sandwiches and packet ham)
-same disappointing hot choice (aka any Continental brand pasta/soup base that can be prepared in a rice cooker), in this case 'minestrone' soup.
-same bar snacks

+1,000,000

As much as I love DJ, the lounge offering is just pitiful in comparison to QF. I think DJ could really dazzle with some funky offerings, rather than the gag-inducing pumpkin soup and "sandwich bar" that we are currently subjected to.

 

[docjames]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

+1,000,000

As much as I love DJ, the lounge offering is just pitiful in comparison to QF. I think DJ could really dazzle with some funky offerings, rather than the gag-inducing pumpkin soup and "sandwich bar" that we are currently subjected to.

Try BNE Intl.

QF's lounge is pretty average. DJ/VA dont even have one!

 

[notzac]

Pax should be rewarded for spending more with the airline, not lump them with the same amount of points as someone on a $90 red e-deal.

I'm hearing what you say, but for the regular BFOD traveller -- points based on spend doesn't work out too well.

Maybe bonuses for higher fare classes (read as: flexible whY)? I don't know what the perfect answer is, but am personally not a fan of the earning mechanism for DJ as it stands.

 

[AnonymousCoward]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

There has been some talk, but there’s not many here with even LTS. Basically, as far as LTS goes for QF, a lot has been lost

Given the proliferation of kiosks - is a priority checkin queue actually used by many people for domestic flights? I haven't flown a lot of domestic for the past 18 months, but prior to that (2-4 flights a week) I'd always be using the kiosks.

There's still a priority queue for international flights isn't there?

...provided QF doesn’t go belly up or leave OW, you still have all the OWR benefits of LTS.

True

 

[markis10]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

DJs lounge does need better hot food selections, how much would it cost for a pie warmer alongside the coffee machine for instance, but please no party pies, real man pies, I note the pie in *class was getting good reviews at one stage!

Inflight catering also needs some work, for instance how much would it cost to go to plunger coffee instead of instant, paid by cup, just hand a voucher when doing the trolley after collecting the money then do a run once its out of the way, same for tea. And while its been a while since I flew, I did suggest low carb beer last time I did fly DJ, for those of us who have had too many pies .

As for actual benefits for gold FF's, I cannot think of anything that has not already been mentioned, other than making the experience seamless for the business traveller and making sure they are informed about changes/delays etc.

On a selfish note, have a look at some of the aircraft schedules and how you can help business get the most out of their travel, I love the late afternoon DRW-MEL flight, how about one for DRW-BNE, same goes for PER-BNE, a 5 or 6PM departure means your home with the family in good time and still have a chance at some sleep when everyone else is sleeping.

 

[dajop]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

Maybe bonuses for higher fare classes (read as: flexible whY)? I don't know what the perfect answer is, but am personally not a fan of the earning mechanism for DJ as it stands.

A QF style minimum points earn, maybe 750 pts? That would bring status earning pretty much in line with QF. It would also be nice to earn VR points/status throuhg on board F&B spend as well!bb

 

[AnonymousCoward]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

I'm hearing what you say, but for the regular BFOD traveller -- points based on spend doesn't work out too well.

Of course it doesn't work well for BFOD travellers. But QF cares about profitability of a customer, not how many miles/KMs they sit in one of their seats...

Maybe bonuses for higher fare classes (read as: flexible whY)?

That is almost the same as a "status based on spend" system.

 

[beardoc]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

crazydave, the primary thing for me not going with Virgin so far is access to *A. Bring that in and you have me trying to attain SG with you from now on!

 

[samh004]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

A QF style minimum points earn, maybe 750 pts? That would bring status earning pretty much in line with QF. It would also be nice to earn VR points/status throuhg on board F&B spend as well!bb

I think 500 would be more on par, 750 is very generous considering some of their fares :shock:

Agree on Earning no board for purchases.

 

[medhead]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

On a selfish note, have a look at some of the aircraft schedules and how you can help business get the most out of their travel,

I'd also like the SYD-ADL schedule changed a bit. Currently the last flight is a 6pm departure, which is just too early for me to do a full days work and get to the aircraft. There was a 7pm flight earlier this year, but that disappeared.

Strangely, this is something that Tiger seem to have got almost perfect with a 7:30pm flight. Much more timely compared to 6pm with DJ or 6:25 or 8:45 with qantas.

 

[markis10]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

Strangely, this is something that Tiger seem to have got almost perfect with a 7:30pm flight. Much more timely compared to 6pm with DJ or 6:25 or 8:45 with qantas.

That 7.30PM flight does have a tolerance of + or - 2 days/weeks.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

re: What else is burning members about recent "enhancements" to QFF?

I would also think some sort of status match or challenge (eg AA's Platinum Challenge) targeted at QFF elites thinking of making a change might push them in that direction. And some sort of priority for seat selection?

Finally, as others have said, the alliance / partner benefits are a massive part of the appeal of QFF, and I imagine VA/DJ may need to do a bit of work to match this.

Fantastic post djfuzz and it's also good to see Dave from DJ getting some feedback from the QF crowd.

Also, l think that dajop's post on the first page pretty much summed it up. QF are "slowly" erroding benefits thinking that we won't notice. I wonder what is next?

For me to swap to DJ...

1) DJ to join *Alliance. (First priority)
2) DJ to have upgrade certs as a loyalty bonus, instead of QF's 5000QFFP's when 450SC is achieved.
3) Serve meals on Trans-con routes. Syd-Per and vv is long and on QF, they have meals, drinks and AVOD for pretty much the same price as DJ.
4) Lifetime recognition (Then again, QF LTS just got thrown back to the stone age).
5) Promo's like the recent QF Double SC Promo, or xONE's, eqivilant CX Runs, or AA Y/K Up's or Plat Challenges to get to higher status quicker.