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

[markis10]

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

The QP wifi has been doing that on weekends for a while now, I suspect its now been enhanced to be a Citiflyer service, that is weekdays only.

 

[AnonymousCoward]

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

It's not an addition, Qantas rep. That benefit always existed. Don't pretend you're doing Platinums a favour.

Always? I don't think so - it got added (I can't understand why they'd do this - I wasn't complaining at the time) - and now it's been refined.

This is debatable. And with Silvers now getting a bigger slice of the pie, there's even more frequent flyers trying to get their hands on the very limited seats.

The bit you were replying to was priority for upgrades - not award seats. Plats still priority over Silvers (and Golds) for upgrades as far as I'm aware.

So when you take out the hyperbole and the propaganda and the spin-doctoring, Qantas rep, Platinums are indeed left with very little.

-100% miles bonus
-J (dom) and F lounge access
-Upgrade priority
-Y seat booking
-Additional luggage allowance

Seems like more than "very little". Maybe people in Perth are a bit disadvantaged compared to others. However I suspect that there are more Plats in Sydney and Melbourne. Can't really blame QF for putting resources where they'll get the most bang-for-buck

 

[Danger]

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

Always? I don't think so - it got added (I can't understand why they'd do this - I wasn't complaining at the time) - and now it's been refined.

Okay. Fair point. Perhaps I should have been more specific. Rathern than saying "always existed", I should have said "existed prior to the 'enhancement'".

The bit you were replying to was priority for upgrades - not award seats. Plats still priority over Silvers (and Golds) for upgrades as far as I'm aware.

Okay. Fair point.

-100% miles bonus
-J (dom) and F lounge access
-Upgrade priority
-Y seat booking
-Additional luggage allowance

Seems like more than "very little". Maybe people in Perth are a bit disadvantaged compared to others. However I suspect that there are more Plats in Sydney and Melbourne. Can't really blame QF for putting resources where they'll get the most bang-for-buck

The domestic J and international F are limited (exist only in a limited number of ports). I acknowledged the double status bonus. The additional luggage allowance is, I agree, valuable. The Y seat booking (I assume you're referring to the guaranteed availability of a full Y seat 24 hours or so before flight) isn't so valuable (ie. I would assume very few people avail themselves of the 'benefit' and it's still a great expense, having to pay the full Y fare).

Upgrade priority: if you mean ODUs then I don't how this is a benefit in that as far as I know it's first in, best dressed. If you mean op-ups, they're few and far between and, personally, I'm not sure that Platinum would always trump Gold.

 

[Audir8]

The QP wifi has been doing that on weekends for a while now, I suspect its now been enhanced to be a Citiflyer service, that is weekdays only.

Just joined FF. My frustration with qantas points is I have been trying for the past 4 weeks to book 2 business class seats to Europe Sept 2011. The response seems to be not much chance! Unfortunately all points have now been transferred to qantas. Have never had problem with Amex.

 

[Hvr]

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

have they turned off the free wi fi access in the QP now? I'm in the BNE QP and the login screen is asking for cc details or mobile number to access the www.

it was working when I was here on Monday last week ...

Same problem in the CBR J lounge this afternoon as well. The problem was exacerbated because the Apples in the lounge are also on wi fi and some of them weren't working either.

 

[JohnK]

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

Just joined FF. My frustration with qantas points is I have been trying for the past 4 weeks to book 2 business class seats to Europe Sept 2011. The response seems to be not much chance! Unfortunately all points have now been transferred to qantas. Have never had problem with Amex.

Welcome to AFF.

To be fair you are searching during peak season (school holidays) and are looking for 2 award seats on a premium route.

I don't know what dates you are after or your travel dates but I have just had a quick look on the QF website and I can see business class availability for 2 people from SYD-LHR on 11-14 September, 18-23 September, 25-30 September and 1-10 October. Out of 30 days only 4 days do not have availbility.

Not bad to be honest....

 

[bigjobs]

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

Same problem in the CBR J lounge this afternoon as well. The problem was exacerbated because the Apples in the lounge are also on wi fi and some of them weren't working either.

i asked in SYD lo9unge just now and they said it was down

 

[medhead]

I acknowledged the double status bonus.

however, it is only really a 50% bonus as this started off as a discussion of the difference between platinum and gold. For me the bonus points are a minor extra benefit of being platinum especially given the points earning opportunities on credit cards.

Really of the thugs listen it is only the lounges that are really that good and the J lounge is only a minor enhancement over the normal QP especially given the limited number of J lounge. Which really only leaves the F lounge that are again limited in their locations. but seem to offer a substantial benefit, if you travel internationally from MEL or SYD.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

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

-100% miles bonus
-J (dom) and F lounge access
-Upgrade priority
-Y seat booking
-Additional luggage allowance

Seems like more than "very little". Maybe people in Perth are a bit disadvantaged compared to others. However I suspect that there are more Plats in Sydney and Melbourne. Can't really blame QF for putting resources where they'll get the most bang-for-buck

IMO, to get QF WP, you need double to SC's. The above benefits in no way come close to x2 over Gold. The first 2 benefits are great and really show something over Gold, the last 3 don't effect me that much. I think that QF really needs to lift their game to give WP that "wow" factor it once had.

 

[david870mdg]

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

-Upgrade priority
Over what?? Chook Lotto?? QF Upgrade system is a complete joke...

-Y seat booking
Not a priority at all as already mentioned.

-Additional luggage allowance
Which will be eventually decreased anyway...

"enhancments"... hmmmm...

 

[dk4]

WP or SG???

-100% miles bonus
-J (dom) and F lounge access
-Upgrade priority
-Y seat booking
-Additional luggage allowance

It's funny once you see it written, because (like the others have said) now there’s so very little difference.

1) 100% bonus miles = move to AAdvantage after hitting SG (or even before:idea, and given AAs comparative burn rates, this equates to an earn at pretty much the equivalent of any QFF 100% bonus.

2) Sure a couple of F Lounges are "nice", and the domestic business lounges (where available) have fractionally better nosh, but in the end, a lounge is a lounge (maybe a quick nibble n a drink or email) so in reality a few minutes here or there doesn't give anything too much more spectacular than the SG level lounges.



3) Upgrade "Priority" - LOL OK, I’ll get specific.

• domestic, points, prior to departure = all levels equal, first in best dressed.
• domestic, points, ODU = if someone in revenue management got a bit last night, maybe so will we, otherwise QF most often happy to fly with empty J seats (or fill 'em with staff).
• domestic, OPUP = enough anecdotal evidence shows vary rare, and pretty random for all colours from NB-CL.
• international, points request prior to departure = sure join the queue, take a chance, but QF is still happy to fly with empty premium seats; there's more luck with a scratchy.
• international, OPUP = well at least with all the issues ATM there's a better than buckly’s, but, also a good chance of a downgrade too!

4) Y Seat Guarantee = really, I wonder how often this is of any use to anyone, blue moon type stuff.

5) Additional Luggage Allowance = well that’s just been enhanced to ****

LOL, maybe things might look good on paper when delivered to clueless CEOs and Boards... but seriously, I just can't stop laughing!

But the BIGGEST HIT - loyalty is a two way street! And I don't think that many really trust QFF anymore, what's next to be "enhanced"?

 

[Postcode]

Re: WP or SG???

But the BIGGEST HIT - loyalty is a two way street! And I don't think that many really trust QFF anymore, what's next to be "enhanced"?

I made the exact same point in September. QF, treat me well and I will do the same. Treat me like you don't want me and I'll do the same. Simple business sense but perhaps beyond the comprehension of QF management.

I'm at the stage where I'm not happy with chucking $$$$$ each year at QF for domestic and international Y and J flights. It's my money and it costs me.




A loyalty program is a two way street. If you were in a similar situation and see no value in a loyalty program that is not loyal to the paying customer what options would you consider and why?

 

[serfty]

re: WP or SG???

There's a little NEWS Ltd style bias here, just a few points:

...
2) Sure a couple of F Lounges are "nice", and the domestic business lounges (where available) have fractionally better nosh, but in the end, a lounge is a lounge (maybe a quick nibble n a drink or email) so in reality a few minutes here or there doesn't give anything too much more spectacular than the SG level lounges. ...

Suit yourself; some, such as me, like at least 2 hours in lounges before boarding commences - this is a personal issue and the F lounges are quite nice.

...
3) Upgrade "Priority" - LOL OK, I’ll get specific.

1. domestic, points, prior to departure = all levels equal, first in best dressed.
2. domestic, points, ODU = if someone in revenue management got a bit last night, maybe so will we, otherwise QF most often happy to fly with empty J seats (or fill 'em with staff).
3. domestic, OPUP = enough anecdotal evidence shows vary rare, and pretty random for all colours from NB-CL.
4. international, points request prior to departure = sure join the queue, take a chance, but QF is still happy to fly with empty premium seats; there's more luck with a scratchy.
5. international, OPUP = well at least with all the issues ATM there's a better than buckly’s, but, also a good chance of a downgrade too!

...

1. All levels may or may not be equal depending upon individual circumstance. Qantas have the ability to vary availability depending upon status and have recently documented this.
2. It really depends on the lounge agents; I have seen them prioritize ODUs based on status.
3. Domestic op-ups are indeed rare; however I have had more as a WP then I ever did as an SG ... although I have less domestic flights these days.
4. As a WP I have only once in at least 20 requests failed to get an upgrade - and that was more than likely due to the temporary loss of a 744 due to an oxygen bottle.
5. I have generally been upgraded as a WP with oversold situations - this is the "Proactive Onload" list in action; revenue WP in these cases are generally higher on this list than SG.

...

5) Additional Luggage Allowance = well that’s just been enhanced to **** ...

Real news limited stuff there as what does **** imply?

The actual changes* are:

Domestic:    Now    June 2011

SG:          33Kg   1 piece up to 32Kg

WP:          40Kg   2 pieces up to 32Kg each

Inter-
national:    Now    June 2011

SG:          33Kg   32Kg

WP:          38Kg   64Kg

Certainly a greater difference with these changes between WP and SG.

*Allowances for Economy flights

 

[medhead]

Suit yourself; some, such as me, like at least 2 hours in lounges before boarding commences - this is a personal issue and the F lounges are quite nice.

I'm also the type that likes to be in the lounge early but I still don't think that the J lounge is twice as good as the QP.

[*]Domestic op-ups are indeed rare; however I have had more as a WP then I ever did as an SG ... although I have less domestic flights these days.

I realise that I am only a grasshopper but in 21 domestic flights since getting to WP I've yet to have an op up and a fair number of those flights have been full in Y with empty J seats. By comparison since getting gold with DJ 4 flights and 1 op up ( well an op up for DJ)

Real news limited stuff there as what does **** imply?

The actual changes* are:

Domestic:    Now    June 2011

SG:          33Kg   1 piece up to 32Kg

WP:          40Kg   2 pieces up to 32Kg each

Inter-
national:    Now    June 2011

SG:          33Kg   32Kg

WP:          38Kg   64Kg

Certainly a greater difference with these changes between WP and SG.

*Allowances for Economy flights

I assume the **** was a word starting with S and ending in hit.

Sure the baggage allowance is better but I have to question the value of such an allowance when it is mostly not going to be used. Very few people are stupid enough to try to carry 40 (or 64) kg. It has little practical benefit, besides being allowed 2 pieces.

 

[serfty]

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

...

I assume the **** was a word starting with S and ending in hit.

Sure the baggage allowance is better but I have to question the value of such an allowance when it is mostly not going to be used. Very few people are stupid enough to try to carry 40 (or 64) kg. It has little practical benefit, besides being allowed 2 pieces.

Obviously you have not travelled with SWMBO :shock:

Other than that, why even bring 'baggage' up thennot go into detail -simply implying something contrary to reaility even then.

 

[dk4]

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

Sure the baggage allowance is better ...

A year or so ago, I was able to check 5 bags - 2 is certainly not better for all!

 

[straitman]

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

A year or so ago, I was able to check 5 bags - 2 is certainly not better for all!

For the benefit of those of us watching this discussion you need to be a little more specific. (or maybe just for me)

How did you have a 5 bag allowance a year ago :?:

 

[medhead]

Obviously you have not travelled with SWMBO :shock:

Other than that, why even bring 'baggage' up thennot go into detail -simply implying something contrary to reaility even then.

yeah well true, but I can usual keep SWMBO under 25kg and she might even carry that herself sometimes.

Fair point about not going into detail.

For the benefit of those of us watching this discussion you need to be a little more specific. (or maybe just for me)

How did you have a 5 bag allowance a year ago :?:

There wasn't a piece limit a year ago only a weight limit. :?:

 

[dk4]

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

How did you have a 5 bag allowance a year ago :?:

A year or so, I can't remember exactly when the benefit was enhanced, as I didn't always use it, but I certainly did on a occasions -

Qantas Domestic

WP + 2bags extra (i.e. in addition to fare allowance)

J = 3 bags

3 + 2 bags = 5 bags

regardless, max2 bags, is certainly a downgrade from a former position of +2

 

[straitman]

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

There wasn't a piece limit a year ago only a weight limit. :?:

That makes sense though personally I cannot see why anyone would have 32kg broken into 5 X 6kg pieces.