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

[PineappleSkip]

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

I'm really going to go out and get those last 45 SCs I need before the end of this month to get Gold

If you're only looking for 45 SCs, an e-deal SYD-CBR-MEL-ADE-SYD should get you that, or alternatively two return edeals SYD-ADL and SYD-<anywhere cheap>

Cheers skip

 

[notzac]

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

Moving lounges would require two lounges unless you move security.

It would be awesome if they could move security such that it was directly behind check in before heading down the stairs - to me it's kind of strange to have the lounges and shops before security (though i know it's not all that uncommon).

 

[markis10]

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

It would be awesome if they could move security such that it was directly behind check in before heading down the stairs - to me it's kind of strange to have the lounges and shops before security (though i know it's not all that uncommon).

That would stop a lot of people coming in from the ground floor (there used to be a great Ansett cafe at the base of the stairs that a lot workers used) given it would now be one way if security was put in place.

 

[Krispy78]

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

For me, one of the most annoying changes was buried deeeeeeep in the fine print -- a new $35 transfer fee for transferring points between family members. Even though this was strictly limited (once per year, per membership, I think) it was still a very useful feature. Now, the $35 fee means that it won't really be worth doing any more, unless you're transferring a very large number of points.

 

[serfty]

For me, one of the most annoying changes was buried deeeeeeep in the fine print -- a new $35 transfer fee for transferring points between family members. Even though this was strictly limited (once per year, per membership, I think) it was still a very useful feature. Now, the $35 fee means that it won't really be worth doing any more, unless you're transferring a very large number of points.

That fee is in effect from Dec 1 2010 and is only applicable if you call to do so. There is no charge for doing it on-line.

Award Assistance Fee - Transfer of Points to Eligible Family Members $35

For transfers made through the Frequent Flyer Service Centre. Amount must be paid at the time of making your transfer.​

 

[Krispy78]

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

That fee is in effect from Dec 1 2010 and is only applicable if you call to do so. There is no charge for doing it on-line.

Oh!! Glad you clarified that for me... that's a relief then.

 

[gumpy]

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

It just makes me sad that QF know that they've got most of the Aus corporate market and know they can charge more and give less.

When my platinum status drops off after all my work travel comes to an end I doubt I'll be sticking to QF. I can only hope that Virgin get to a footing where they are completing better with QF via better lounges and alliance kick QF back into shape...

Maybe Air NZ can try taking over some of the domestic routes in Aus... I do quite like them...

 

[markis10]

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

When my platinum status drops off after all my work travel comes to an end I doubt I'll be sticking to QF. I can only hope that Virgin get to a footing where they are completing better with QF via better lounges and alliance kick QF back into shape...

Maybe Air NZ can try taking over some of the domestic routes in Aus... I do quite like them...

Air NZ taking over domestic routes = Ansett Mk2

As for better lounges, I think most of them are there already, just need more locations.

 

[nonscenic]

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

It just makes me sad that QF know that they've got most of the Aus corporate market and know they can charge more and give less.

When my platinum status drops off after all my work travel comes to an end I doubt I'll be sticking to QF. I can only hope that Virgin get to a footing where they are completing better with QF via better lounges and alliance kick QF back into shape...

Maybe Air NZ can try taking over some of the domestic routes in Aus... I do quite like them...

Yes when you think back to the era of the Golden Wing lounges compared to today when at times the lounges are just crowded bars and you can do your work more quietly at the departure gate.

As the corporate sector uses videoconferencing more and more flyers drop back to silver or bronze I think Virgin have more chance of increasing their market share. After a couple of years at Gold I have been at Silver this last year (and will be again unless I miraculously clock up another 290 SC this weekend!). I took out a corporate QP membership but its not the same as SG overseas when OW and partner lounge dragons look at your QP and tell you where to go (ie not in the lounge). For even $200 a year, lounge membership will not be economic apart for the most inebriate

Also as Virgin flies into locations such as the Gold Coast and Hobart while Qantas leaves its followers at the mercy of Jetstar, Virgin should pick up further market share, provided it can prove its check-in software is reliable.

 

[melaus]

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

Does history show how often Qantas in the past have had a "second think" and not gone ahead with certain "enhancements"

Or are we to imagine that this is going to be a first, after Mr Joyce looks at this topic?

 

[Brassmad]

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

If there is a spin off to Virgin, they need to be acutely aware of their long held tradition of providing "better, friendlier service". Recent personal experiences at Sydney and Melbourne domestic Virgin Check-in indicates that it is now significantly faster to check-in at the airport rather than pre check-in and do the "Bag Drop". The most disappointing aspect is the attitude of some Virgin staff who are quite off-handish with responses.
Up until recently, my preference (subject to flight times out of Newcastle) was Virgin, even though I am a QFF with almost 500,000 points with Qantas.
I wonder if recent experiences, over time, will lead me to believe there is little difference between the 3 majors?

 

[straitman]

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

If there is a spin off to Virgin, they need to be acutely aware of their long held tradition of providing "better, friendlier service". Recent personal experiences at Sydney and Melbourne domestic Virgin Check-in indicates that it is now significantly faster to check-in at the airport rather than pre check-in and do the "Bag Drop". The most disappointing aspect is the attitude of some Virgin staff who are quite off-handish with responses.
Up until recently, my preference (subject to flight times out of Newcastle) was Virgin, even though I am a QFF with almost 500,000 points with Qantas.
I wonder if recent experiences, over time, will lead me to believe there is little difference between the 3 majors?

Brassmad,

Welcome to AFF.

 

[obsgyn]

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

I am intererested to see people wanting to change to DJ when you are treated as a cash cow on board. You cannot even get water without havine to pay for it. The visual entertainment has to be paid for, check in luggage to be paid for. athe cabin spent most of their time as sales person trying to increase the ptofit to Branson. If they want premium passengers then they should change themselves to normal airlines before I wou;d travel with them. They asked you to go to the gate half an hour before departure time and the plane has not even arrived ftom the previoud flight. They are rying to squeeze too much out of the plane. The only time I have flown DJ is when i am forced by silly booking agents of the government. I am unhappy about the recent enhancements to QFF but it is still better thsn DJ flights.

 

[medhead]

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

I am intererested to see people wanting to change to DJ when you are treated as a cash cow on board. You cannot even get water without havine to pay for it. The visual entertainment has to be paid for, check in luggage to be paid for. athe cabin spent most of their time as sales person trying to increase the ptofit to Branson. If they want premium passengers then they should change themselves to normal airlines before I wou;d travel with them. They asked you to go to the gate half an hour before departure time and the plane has not even arrived ftom the previoud flight. They are rying to squeeze too much out of the plane. The only time I have flown DJ is when i am forced by silly booking agents of the government. I am unhappy about the recent enhancements to QFF but it is still better thsn DJ flights.

Those on board things are basically irrelavant to my flying which is mainly ADL-SYD. I can sit on an aircraft and not need to eat or drink for 2 or so hours. There is also the times when I fly, either 6 am or 8:45 pm. When I get up at 4am and get on a plane at 6 am I'm not really interested in the breakfast. I can get through with a coffee in the airport or a muffin and coffee in a lounge. At night time, Qantas serves a "snack" if you've ever had one of those they are a complete joke; it is no loss at all not to be given a "snack". I can't really have a drink at night because I have to drive at the other end. So while I can have 1 beer, I can also do without.

I get to the gate early anyway just so I can board early and not have to repack the overhead locker. I have shows on my phone to watch on the aircraft. the IFE on qantas domestic is rubbish anyway, mainly the news, which I might watch for the dirst couple of stories. But last night qantas had some 1 hour infomercial showing, good opportunity to get out the computer and do some work on that.

So those are the reasons that, for me, there is little tangible difference between qantas and VirginB.

 

[adl73x]

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

The loss of priority checkin for QP and Silver is painful. The baggage restriction is annoying. But I get that I'm not a HVC for QF. I am for NZ, BA, MA, AF, AS & BD.

So what's left at QF that makes it distinctive? Lifetime Silver just became a pointless goal. Lifetime Gold is something that neither BA nor NZ have. Will that be the next to go? Will DJ step up on that one?

 

[UP4014]

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

Re the original question - Virgins failure to capitalize on the QANTAS changes.

 

[pauly7]

Re the original question - Virgins failure to capitalize on the QANTAS changes.

I actually think DJ are waiting to see all the new QF changes in action before they relaunch themselves. If you think about it QF have revealed of late:

- New next gen domestic J And Y seats with AVOD (currently rolling t on A330 and 73H)
- New J lounge refurb and menus (currently rolling out)
- Next gen check in (with other bits like priority boarding coming soon)
- New J food on board plus improved PER meals (coming soon)

So I rekn they are being a bit strategic delaying all their announcements...! Having a good look see no doubt!

 

[oz_mark]

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

Most of the QFF changes haven't kicked in yet, so I doubt DJ see the need to respond immediately. In any case, they were probably already on a review process as part of the bigger changes within the company.

 

[dk4]

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

I actually think DJ are waiting to see all the new QF changes in action before they relaunch themselves.

I'ld say both airlines are probably working toward Feb '11, and a back2business launch.

BTW, Virgin Blue crew seem very excited at the moment with their new uniform fittings taking place! The best I've managed to get out of them, is that it is very slick-business-style, and nothing like the LCC uniforms currently in use!

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

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

Borghetti is good at this stuff. Knowing him, he will take time to get the DJ product and service right, then QF may be in a little bit of pain in the short term after having relaunched their new old product with a few frills only to be gazumped.