With limited flying happening at the moment, you can’t really blame Qantas for trying to diversify its business. So far this year, Qantas has had great success selling everything from care packages to used Boeing 747 bar carts. But some frequent flyers believe Qantas’ latest expansion into branded T-shirts, sweaters and tote bags costing between $150 and $425 each may be pushing things a little too far!
Qantas believes the limited-edition “athleisure-wear” range will be “incredibly popular with customers”. The products are designed by Martin Grant, who is the Australian fashion designer that created the current Qantas staff uniforms and First Class pyjamas.
“Qantas Frequent Flyers have a great fondness for our brand and heritage. Having our iconic logos appear in such a beautifully designed collection will make this range much sought after for people with a passion for both aviation and fashion,” Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth said.
But given the lofty price tags – $150 for a t-shirt, $250 for a sweater or $350 for a beach tote bag – most Australian Frequent Flyer members say they’ll pass on the “classic range of wardrobe staples for everyday wear” inspired by Qantas’ history.
Qantas-branded hoodies are also available for $275, and cashmere sweaters for $425.
“Good on ’em for the idea, but I don’t think I’ll be buying,” one AFF member said.
Other frequent flyers were slightly less kind…
$150 for a t-shirt? Sheesh. Makes the $450 cashmere sweater look a bargain.
Who needs an airline when you can flog T-Shirts for $150 a piece
Are they also going to be selling some of the QF branded crack that they must be smoking?
The merchandise is available for sale on the Qantas Rewards Store. It can be purchased using either cash and/or Qantas Frequent Flyer points. The beach tote bag, for example, costs $350 or 60,860 Qantas points.
To put that into perspective, that’s more than enough Qantas points to book a return Qantas Business Class ticket from Brisbane to Adelaide or Cairns. Or, you could buy one tote bag.
In fairness to Qantas, these are surely very good quality fashion products and they’re a limited-edition range to celebrate the airline’s centenary. At least one AFF member did decide to purchase one of the cashmere sweaters, although they got a 25% discount as a Platinum One member.
Still, $150 for a t-shirt does seem a bit steep…
Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: Wear the airline
