Qantas Frequent Flyer overhaul: how the changes will affect you
By David Flynn, March 28 2014
A drastic overhaul of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program will change the way that Qantas travellers earn frequent flyer points and status credits – and how many they earn – based on the cost of their ticket.
The changes are sweeping and potentially confusing, so here's what you need to know.
Cheaper tickets, fewer points
Discount economy tickets will earn fewer frequent flyer points than the more expensive 'flexible' and full-fare tickets.
Qantas will also move from a miles-based system where travellers earned one point per mile flown, to a zone-based system where the network of Qantas and its partners is divided into 22 flight regions such as Domestic Short, Medium and Long flights and East Coast Australia to Asia.
In turn, each of those zones comes with its own unique number of points and status credits based on the type of ticket you buy.
Click here to see how many frequent flyer points and status credits you'll earn in Qantas' new zone-based system.
For example, a flight from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to New Zealand encompasses the following earning rates:
- discount economy: 1,000 points and 20 status credits
- standard economy: 1,375 points and 25 status credits
- flexible economy: 1,750 points and 40 status credits
- business: 2,500 points and 80 status credits
While Sydney-Melbourne, Sydney-Brisbane and Melbourne-Brisbane flights are still covered by Qantas' minimum point guarantee based on their relatively short distance, that minimum or discount economy fares drops from 1,000 points to 800 points.
However, the more expensive flexible economy tickets will see a bump from 1,000 to 1,200 points, with business class notching up from 1,250 to 1,400 points.
Already booked a flight past July 1? Qantas says it will honour the current earning rates for tickets already purchased for travel in July and beyond, although the airline warns it might take up to one month after your flight to see the full serve of points appear.
New ticketing tiers
Qantas will also expand the current five ticket categories – also called booking classes or 'fare buckets' – to eight core groups:
- Discount economy
- Economy
- Flexible economy
- Premium economy
- Flexible premium economy
- Business
- Flexible business
- First
The number of points and status credits will be aligned across those eight groups, making it more important then ever to check what type of ticket you're actually buying if you want to maximise your points and status credits.
Here's how those fare types and their associated 'booking class' codes play out.
Cabin bonus turfed, status bonus tweaked
Travellers will still earn extra points if they're sitting in a 'premium' cabin – this covers premium economy, business and first class – and also depending on their Qantas Frequent Flyer status.
However, the new scheme does away with the current and confusing 'cabin bonus' in favour of an increased baseline of points for those better-than-economy cabins.
Bottom line: you'll start with more points in your pocket.
The additional side serving of points known as the 'status bonus' has been capped at the flexible economy rate for premium cabins, rather than the current system of a flat 50% bonus for Silver, 75% for Gold and 100% for Platinum calculated against the distance travelled.
So if you're in premium economy, business or even first class, your status bonus will be counted against the number of points issued for flexible economy ticket.
Because the status bonus is applied onto the baseline of frequent flyer points according to your ticket, and that baseline has gone up for the more expensive seats, it's good news for travellers at the pointy end but bad news if you're in the cheap seats.
For example, a Gold-grade frequent flyer travelling Sydney-Singapore in business class will today earn 8,793 points including their 75% status bonus, but from July 1 the total jumps to 11,700 points.
But a Platinum frequent flyer doing Sydney-Los Angeles in economy will see their haul slashed from 14,982 points to 9,000 points.
But more status credits up for grabs
Despite the outcry over these changes to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, this cloud has a silver lining – or, to be more correct, a gold and platinum lining.
The number of status credits earned on Qantas flights will in many cases increase under the new zone-and-fare-based system, while the majority of route/ticket combinations which don't get a bump in status credits remain the same as today.
As a result, relatively few frequent flyers will be worse off in the status credits stake after the new system kicks in on July 1.
In particular, business travellers making long-distance international trips on flexible fares will find it much quicker to climb up the status ladder.
Read: Status credit surprise: many Qantas frequent flyers better off
Fewer status credits with Oneworld partners
If you're flying with one of Qantas' partner airlines from the Oneworld family you'll earn up to 50% fewer status credits depending once again on the type of ticket you have.
For example, a trip with Cathay Pacific from Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne to Hong Kong will see your status credit earning halved across the board – going from 120 to 60 in business, 60 to 30 in premium economy or full economy, and 30 to 15 in economy.
The changes send a clear signal that for Qantas, 'loyalty' now means loyalty to the Flying Kangaroo first and partners second.
Qantas will also introduce a new points table for partner airlines in the coming weeks, which is expected to see a similar tumble in the number of frequent flyer points earned.
Read: Qantas slashes status credits on Oneworld partner flights
'Marginal Any Seat Awards' axed
Qantas will also remove Marginal Any Seat Awards, saying they "represent a short cut to tier status and add a significant cost without the revenue in return."
Read: Qantas axes 'marginal' Any Seat Awards for business, first class
A full rundown is now live at Qantas' new Fairer Flying web page.
Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter: we're @AusBT
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
QantasFF Platinum
16 Feb 2012
Total posts 152
Fantastic way to keep Govt / Corporate travellers flying with Qantas. Especially when Virgin just announced "Corporate and government travel is a high yield market, we've got some of that and now we're going to be going harder to get more of it" Borghetti predicts.
1000 minimum points per flight was one of the things still going for Qantas.
Good decision from a business financial sense, but I wonder if they thought it weighed on keeping customer loyalty? hmm...
17 Feb 2012
Total posts 121
Fact check: Government/Public Servants don's earn points or status credits on Qantas. Nice attempt at a slag at QF.
05 Feb 2014
Total posts 29
Oh yes they do... They just don't tell anyone...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Aug 2012
Total posts 2199
Erm, they also fly on full-fare, so they're going after it.
17 Feb 2012
Total posts 121
Fact check: Government/Public Servants don's earn points or status credits on Qantas. Nice attempt at a slag at QF.
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1250
No points... they still get status
17 Feb 2012
Total posts 121
You are right hutch, my mistake. I just know every time public servants book my flights I don't seem to get anything :( But then I do get the status credits buddy :)
17 Feb 2012
Total posts 121
You are right hutch, my mistake. I just know every time public servants book my flights I don't seem to get anything :( But then I do get the status credits buddy :)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Mar 2014
Total posts 73
Are they booked in a special booking class on a GDS or is it just a different way to book their flights altogether? Curiosity.
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1250
I assume Gov departments use QBT, so they have some system set up
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 732
hutch: Indeed we do. Full status credits, no points. It's not a separate fare code though.
Also, we don't travel on flexi fares unless we can justify it.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
25 Feb 2014
Total posts 28
So this is how AJ is going to save QF...secrew the airline, staff and finally the FF. I am appalled given I do not use QF fro long haul international..Mainly CX and MH and given that you loose 60 SC on each return flight to HK it is not longer worth Keeping the old platinum...Yet another brilliant move by John B and guess what he did not even have to do anything..Now only if they join up with Star and offered Status match! David presuming you will do some comparisons in the next couple of days...who would be the best OW to sign up to given we all live in Aus? CX/AA I am sure if you can convince them, they will SC match...Not Happy AJ...reward the frequent spenders who do not care about SC's...so this is how you get a few extra dollars when you float it...
17 Feb 2012
Total posts 121
Have fun getting Virgin to HK... Fact check: Virgin won't fly to HK from May 5 and lets not indulge your fantasy scenario on joining star, not worth the effort.
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1250
Not too good on the 'Fact Checks'... Virgin Australia already do not fly to HKG. Virgin Atlantic do - not the same thing.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Nov 2011
Total posts 121
Actually, Virgin Atlantic won't be flying SYD-HKG in the not too distant future...
Thai Airways International - Royal Orchid Plus
15 Jan 2013
Total posts 461
That sucks.Cathay Pacific means nothing to us Velocity Members in terms of point earning.
Thai Airways International - Royal Orchid Plus
15 Jan 2013
Total posts 461
That sucks.Cathay Pacific means nothing to us Velocity Members in terms of point earning.
17 Feb 2012
Total posts 121
Fact Check: Virgin Atlantic do until May 5. Virgin Australia don't and have never. Was using Virgin as a generic brand as it wouldn't be in their commercial interest for both brands to be competing against each other. Am sad that I have to explain that.
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1250
They already effectively compete - with VA putting Aust based customers onto EY and SQ into LHR. VAus is only 10% owed by Virgin Group, who only own around half of VAtlantic. The only thing they share is the Virgin name - they have completely different strategies.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
25 Feb 2014
Total posts 28
Love how they promote even easier to keep your status...not if you fly other OW carriers...at least those flying BA an CX will get equally screwed as flying QR and MH now...I think it is time to make a call to AA....
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Sep 2011
Total posts 180
Well and truly screwed when travelling CX or BA. Time to switch. I wouldn't mind the changes if there was a realistic option in the west but after May there won't be. Plus the fact that QF and EK now see my to be massively more expensive than CX from Perth or BA from Sydney. AJ has force dot he hand of many of his customers and it won't end well at all.
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 732
As far as I can figure out, the only people earning more status credits on this table are people on flexible business fares. And anyone flying on those even semi-regularly is probably going to wind up platinum under the old system anyway.
Anyway, it all makes me very glad I credit my rare Qantas flights to AA anyway.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Aug 2012
Total posts 124
The quote from the SMH this morning said it best.
"Maybe it's time Frequent Flyers should change its name to Premium Purchasers, because, at the end of the day, Qantas is not rewarding your loyalty or how far you fly, but rewarding the premium price you pay for tickets."
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Aug 2012
Total posts 2199
Yeah, but the funniest part was David's remark about golden handcuffs.
QFF
12 Apr 2013
Total posts 1564
And who really expect that life became easier? I personally try to rid of my points ASAP – they honestly said “terms and conditions can be changed without notice”.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Aug 2012
Total posts 2199
It's a devaluation, alright, but I don't think it's the end of the world. Qantas is the only airline I know of that offers a Minumum Points Guarantee, and the 1,000 minimum was generous. While I certainly don't pretend not to resent the drop to 800 for Discount Economy, I respect the increase to 1,200 for Economy.
Regardless, I think this isn't as much of a worry to anyone except those who fly largely in Discount Economy on very short sectors. It definitely is a sting compared to 2013, when $89 flights earning 1,000 points were standard on the Triangle, but it isn't the end of the world.
QFF
12 Apr 2013
Total posts 1564
No, it is definitely not the end of universe, but AJ pick whatever he can to reduce red ink usage in his balance sheets. Honestly I do expect more severe actions.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
AA also offers minimum points/miles guarantee for a selection of airlines but only 500 miles.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Sep 2011
Total posts 180
It's a significant devaluation and it started a long time ago when they started offering points at Woolworths. The writing was on the wall back then.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
25 Feb 2014
Total posts 28
Serg never about the points it is the SC's and given QF only fly's to half a dozen desitnations it is a devluation of SC's in any case...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Mar 2014
Total posts 73
True, 1000 points was very generous for what may have only been 150 mile flights. Fast way to accumulate points for those folks. And it was discount economy as you said.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Sep 2012
Total posts 131
My flights are nearly all on QFi, and long haul.
Looks like my earn and status will increase from SYD to LHR and to LAX/DFW?
Am I reading this right...?
07 Feb 2013
Total posts 19
Me too... and that's the way I read it!
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 732
That's a good question: is DFW counted as "East Coast USA" or "West Coast USA"? And why did they come up with this silly table that classifies the entire US into two coasts when they operate to a city bang in the middle?
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
07 Sep 2012
Total posts 146
The usual rule in the USA, when talking about East Coast and West Coast in business terms, is to divide the country along the Mississippi, so DFW would count as a West Coast destination.
QFF
13 Mar 2013
Total posts 8
I just went through the Partner Airlines table regarding the SC & have the following finding. Please correct me if I get it wrong.
1. If there is a direct competition against the EK/QF code sharing flights, sorry you earn NOTHING. E.g. Routes to UAE/Dubai & most routes between Australia & Singapore.
2. If the competition is only against QF, you are lucky you will earn 50% of what you are currently earning.
3. For the rest it seems similar to the current system.
My naive conclusion: QF successfully becomes the little brother/subsidiary of EK.
QFF
12 Apr 2013
Total posts 1564
“My naive conclusion: QF successfully becomes the little brother/subsidiary of EK.” – I believed in this statement since day one of their “partnership”. I like much more if QF get along with BA.
01 Feb 2012
Total posts 371
Hi dutheflyer, I saw the same thing yesterday, but I looked at the website again today and it looks like its been changed. Now if you fly to Middle East, instead of getting 0, you get 50% of what you use to.
05 Feb 2014
Total posts 29
The rich get richer and the poor get poorer, always seems to be the way things go...
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1250
In general terms, these are not good changes. Someone on discount economy to the USA currently gets close to 15,000pts, they will now get 9,000. Once I reach 280K, that'll be me done for QFF
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Mar 2014
Total posts 73
Is it 280,000 RTW One World J class?
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1250
Yeah, sort of. It's a mile based award in J, which you can make RTW or just several sectors in J (with at least 2 other OW carriers other than QF)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Sep 2011
Total posts 180
What's the best way to use QFF on other OW airlines in my just hatching disposal plan? Even just a one way flight to LHR will do amd then start my point of origin in the UK shifting my loyalty to CX, MH or QR?
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1250
I'll be looking to switch to AA advantage. Where it is competitive priced I'll still fly Qantas, but when I can get a better deal elsewhere I'll fly that airline (which means no more QFi).
01 Feb 2012
Total posts 371
hutch, was thinking of the same thing as you (joining AAdvantage and cashing in all my QFF points).
I feel like there's an old ausbt article about the merits of joining AAdvantage vis a vis QFF.. if not there should be now!
I've heard the 280 figure quoted in the past but realise this is not a oneworld business ticket. How do I book it? What are the limitations? Is it as flexible as a normal RTW ticket?
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1250
It essentially is just like a multi-stop classic award booking... so I doubt it's as flexible as a RTW ticket. But it works out pretty good value if you find the flights. I'd search the QF multi-stop site for availability and then you need to call QF as their booking engine is horrible.
14 Sep 2013
Total posts 14
Thankfully I don't really rely on flying to get any of my points (shopping and credit cards) and have never been a status chaser, so these changes don't impact me that much, but once again its all heading in one direction...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Nov 2013
Total posts 475
I'm yet to really understand these changes as I've not been able to block out a few hours to read into the detail.
My greatest concern is that I am a loyal Qantas flyer - I don't like Virgin, I won't fly Jetstar or Tiger. I fly domestically every week and internationally 15+ times per year (NZ, Singapore, US).
Here's my issue... My clients and employers all demand I book lowest available air fare. This is a commerical reality - just as Qantas is seeking to drive down costs so too is every one else...go figure!
Whilst I have some wiggle room, I've been able to argue that Qantas is best value. I personally don't care much for the points - its the status credits I'm interested in.
I'm not understanding the story - has Qantas changed the SC earn on low cost fares? This is a potential game changer...
I know Qantas values the CL customers, the Platinum 1 customers, and contract customers...but I spend a lot of time in Qantas metal, the last few years have been north of 140 sectors per year.
Am I now facing an even greater mountain to climb in terms of status? Is it worth it? Or do I resign myself to trying to gain uber-bogan status on Virgin?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Aug 2012
Total posts 2199
The SC earn doesn't appear to be going down across the board - I've skimmed over the material and found that most of them are about the same, but some routes have been coerced into a zone and now earn less. You'll need to inspect the changes to your specific routes, but retaining status should not be so much of an issue.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Nov 2013
Total posts 475
Hi Watson,
Yes, I just clicked through the numerous web links and it would appear that 'points' are going down, but generally 'status credits' are maintained.
Clearly deeper analysis is required re these changes
mark
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 732
Generally maintained, except in a whole bunch of cases where they're not.
A few specific cases:
1. Short AA hop (<250 miles) now earns you half what it used to.
2. Flying first class on AA between 600 and 750 miles would previously earn you a rather nice 90 status credits. Henceforth: 40.
3. Here's a big evil one which affects a lot of people: East coast Australia to Europe in discount economy on BA or CX or MH? Previously 70 status credits (possibly more/less depending where you broke your journey). Now? A mere 35. Hands up who wants to fly SYD-LHR twenty times to get QF gold?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Aug 2012
Total posts 2199
I wouldn't be surprised if people begin to throw their hands up and buy QP - which is probably what QF wants us to do!
19 Jul 2012
Total posts 13
Mark, It's a great pity that you start off asking some great intelligent questions, raising valid points about the treatement of FFer's by Qantas, but then ending by having a go at not only Virgin, but also the Virgin Status holders who are enjoying all the benefits of flying with Virgin. Perhaps you and your attitude should stay at Qantas.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Nov 2013
Total posts 475
Efzed
How are my final comments any different to those on this forum who do the opposite?
It's like if you're an iPhone user - you're expected to sit back and quietly take crap from Android phone junkies who want to take any and every opportunity to pour scorn on those who like or prefer the iPhone...
I also have tier status with VA (not obtained via a status match I will add) - so maybe I need to give myself an upper cut for having a go at myself..?
I have limited if any loyalty to VA - they've tried to buy my loyalty, they've done nothing to earn my loyalty; but I have loyalty to Qantas - so I'll continue to wear my attitude on my sleeve; at least you know where I stand on the issue!
mark
01 Feb 2012
Total posts 371
Very unhappy about this.
1. No more status runs in the US flying cheap first class.
2. No more flying partner airlines. Honestly this is ridiculous and breaches what I consider a key tenet of oneworld. If I want to fly to HK with CX or Europe with MY or finnair, I can't expect the same status credits now...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
25 Feb 2014
Total posts 28
Spinoza looks like EK have a say in these changes..really pulling QF away from Oneworld..SC' have in effect been halved when not flying QF..so not sure how it is easier to keep status considering you would have to spend twice as much with OW partners or about 30% give QF usually charge a premium to the OW partners...
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1250
Yep, I was looking at a few first class US flights later this year! That is a real drain. I will have to see whether it works out putting these towards AA advantage.
01 Feb 2012
Total posts 371
I too was looking for something later this year.. Found flights from HNL to STT that was about 700$ for 340SC.
Guess its worth looking into. Its a bit fuzzy.. Looking at website's section on partner airlines, at the bottom there's "All Other Flights". If those apply, then maybe it still looks ok. Might be a bit less SC's, but in principle you can still do a run.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
05 Feb 2013
Total posts 54
I currently have sufficient status for lounge access on OneWorld, Star Alliance, SkyTeam and Virgin, but now my flying is reduced I need to concentrate on one program to maintain status. I had decided that I'd concentrate on Qantas, but the massive reduction in status credits for partner airline flights to Asia and Europe means I'll need to find another program. So it will either be another OneWorld program or switching back to Star Alliance or Virgin. And if I'm going to change programs, I'll need to change credit card too.
Which Australian credit cards are best for points transfers to Star Alliance carriers? Any that would allow transfers to Asiana?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Sep 2011
Total posts 180
Another kick in the teeth for QFF. Time to change to another OW airline for all international business with better onward connections and simply use QFF for domestic flights only where I don't care about the lounges or even upgrades using points amd am happy to pay for the over wing exit if I need the extra room.
I had had a quick look at the status earning table and it appears to me that AJ is again punishing us Western Australians by reducing the status credits earned on partner airlines with no QF international out of Perth after May.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Aug 2012
Total posts 124
Why doesn't Qantas just leave the one world alliance? Their actions seem to suggest they have turned there back on the alliance members.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Aug 2012
Total posts 124
Why doesn't Qantas just leave the one world alliance? Their actions seem to suggest they have turned there back on the alliance (airline) members. I'm going to use most likely 80% of my remaining points in the next few months, as I'm concerned Qantas may dither the value even further, as their financial troubles continue unabated.
30 Aug 2013
Total posts 438
I wonder if EK want QF to leave OW?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
27 Jun 2013
Total posts 40
I have stood by for a long time, all of my friends and colleagues have made the switch to Virgin and haven't looked back. I hung on, paying more for each flight - often paying the difference out of my own pocket as my employer wouldn't share my QF enthusiasm - and today they throw out this absolute garbage!
It was ok though, I could earn enough qf points to subsidise my Platinum membership on better fare buckets - and in July you take away my flexibility. You absolute wankers!
I am absolutely dumbfounded! Hurry up Virgin, status match my QF Platinum before I can no longer qualify under this new scheme!!
the best part - I only need 800 status credits to maintain Platinum on Virgin instead of 1200 with Qantas!
11 Jan 2012
Total posts 11
I think QF have a dogy atlas, ADL-BNE is 2hr20min and 950 flight miles, but is worth less than MEL-BNE which is same flight time, but actually less miles.
No more direct international flights, and now this. Yep push me towards another carrier - no problem.
11 Jun 2013
Total posts 17
I see ADL-BNE and MEL-BNE as the same in the table. There is 50% reduction in SC for these sectors - 15 down to 10, 30 down to 20. Will take twice as long to achieve QF plat compared to VA plat due to lower SC per trip and higher threshold
11 Jun 2013
Total posts 17
Sorry, I retract my post above. The table provided by Qantas (https://www.qantas.com.au/fflyer/dyn/program/regions) is actually wrong - the example routes in both short and mid are exactly the same. Seems like the mid routes are correct and the short ones are wrong.
I should have searched the distances online.
11 Jun 2013
Total posts 17
Domestically I see losers for routes between 600-750 miles and 1200-1500 miles.
600-750: SC reduced from 15 to 10, 30 to 20
Example routes: SYD-ADL, BNE-TSV, ADL-CBR
1200-1500: SC reduced from 20 to 15, 40 to 30
Example routes: SYD-CNS, SYD-ASP
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
24 Mar 2013
Total posts 67
So many misnomers and so much bleating time to take a breath. The SC earn isnt changing significantly if at all so tier levels shouldn't be an issue the drop in points isn't that big a deal either. Looks to me that the only ones really inconvienienced are the tourist status climbers who need the points credits as they probably don't fly regularly enough anyway. Also Government Employees are able to claim both FF points and credits regardless of whatever scheme their employer has in place. If you dont know the workaround then think about it a little more it isn't that hard a task to do and it isn't illegal regardless of the employers code of conduct requirements. Why the surprise regarding MASAs are they supposed to keep offering seats at a loss just because a budget traveller would like a jaunt in the pointy end for nix. The MASA's were always something that (sadly enough) could never last forever. Dont expect other airlines to give away more than they can afford to, virgin can't even place lounges in some high frequency regional centres lest of all "cafe style" which wouldn't be that expensive to set up.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Aug 2012
Total posts 124
Lol ... Oh yes... Qantas are all over the "cafe style"... Just ask Neil Perry.
Qantas P1
18 Jan 2012
Total posts 73
Well said Sir. Join the minority with me!!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 May 2011
Total posts 233
This is funny, the content on https://www.qantas.com.au/fflyer/dyn/program/regions is wrong.
Brisbane to Melbourne is listed under both short haul and medium haul.
I guess it depends how far off course the plane flies.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 May 2011
Total posts 29
Far out!!! I know I'm sometimes greedy, but I'm P!$$ed about this!! With work, I can fly QF but it has to be "best fare of the day" for all domestic and Asia. This is going to have a bit of an impact on my points generation.
Maybe we have had it too good for too long, but I just think that AJ is looking at the QF customer data-base as being the "typical" JQ client. Don't make us mad and then expect that we will come back and forgive when there are some great fares out!!
Loyalty has to go both ways! I know its pretty minor changes, but still... I feel like we are getting the pointy end of the stick... again.
Happy Friday guys!!! :)
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 732
>Maybe we have had it too good for too long
QF was already far below par by international standards. Now it's wors.
Qantas P1
18 Jan 2012
Total posts 73
I don't see an issue with these changes. They reward those most loyal customers; (i.e.: those with the greatest spend).
You can't have everything your way. Do you want Qantas to be around in threeyears time so you can use your FF Points on a First Class return flight to LHR which you have been saving for? Then they need to make changes like this.
Additionally, the current Business Lounges (domestic) and First Lounges (international) are too crowded.
QF have probably done some analysis and know that by changing the status credit earn they can get rid of 10-20% 'marginal' Platinum FF who do just the bare minimum to keep status each year (probably, at a guess, $7k spend). Yet those 'marginal' Platinum FF's are the ones who get to the lounge half a day earlier to drink champange and eat good food.
So really this type of customer is costing QF money through a manipulation of the system. (There are groups of people who even do "lounge runs" by buying a cheap <$100 ticket on JQ and drinking many times their fare price in grog).
This new iteration of the scheme will help me and hopefully see standards raised back to where they were four or five years ago before all the Double Status Credit promotions when a lot of people got the bump up.
If it means less people in lounges (quieter lounges) and better quality service for those who are truly loyal then I am happy!
Happy Friday and can't wait to cop of flogging on here from those 'marginal' Platinum FF's!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
27 Jun 2013
Total posts 40
HTC, I would call myself someone who has had to play the shuffle of points to SC to earn my qf platinum status - but I could easily pick up the Virgin Platinum without playing the shuffle and earning enough points for holidays instead!
Just because I don't get to travel in many classes other than discount economy doesn't mean that I should receive the raw end of the deal like I will on July 1.
It makes no sense to me why QF wouldn't value 100% of my business rather than accepting a partial loss - or even a total loss to Virgin. I would have thought that this is the time they need to keep me in their program? Maybe I am wrong!
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 732
Meh, those "marginal" platinums as you call them will probably just switch to a different oneworld program, earn their Emerald status more easily, and still clutter up the Qantas lounges.
Then they'll fly first class to London on points twice as often because AA points >> QF points any day.
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1250
Good luck to you. Lets not forget the one of area of the QF business that was going strong was QFF. Why you'd mess around with it when its the strong part of your business makes little sense.
Remembering that a key way of QF making money is through selling their points to partners (banks etc), if people leave QFF to another program, they may not be keeping their QF linked credit cards.
Qantas - P1 Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Apr 2013
Total posts 45
Wow, 'marginal platinum frequent flyers'. I had never thought to discriminate on those gounds. Soon it will be 'white' and 'not quite white'
PS I'm not marginal...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Nov 2011
Total posts 243
Hmmm - with these changes, time to work out options.
Funnel all flights with VA and their partner airlines.
Good choice for Oneworld FF Programs - AAdvantage, US Airways Dividend Miles, BA Avios (18 months inactivity will expire)
Bugger these other Oneworld ones - MH Enrich / CX Asia Miles / QMiles / JAL Mileage Bank / LAN Pass (because they have 3 years miles validity) - though MH and CX has really good deals/availability on seats
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Oct 2013
Total posts 92
This current QF management has always held contempt for its customers, but it was always vailed with another factor. The 2011 grounding was hidden through the guise of union/workforce problems. The more recent, absoutely-disappointing Cafe Breakfast-gate was a ridiculous cost-cutting measure hidden with the intention of "improving sleep experience". Now the dilution of QFF... they can't really hide their contempt this time.
I've always remained on the ethos that "loyality isn't cheap" and that the perks & service I've received from QF outweigh the negatives, and that's why I haven't jumped the bandwagon as of yet (plus I'm not really a fan of VA's product)... but they make it easier to push me over when they make more ridiculous decisions like these. AA challenge anyone?
05 Feb 2014
Total posts 29
I just can't fathom, why, at a time when they need to be doing everything they can to maintain loyalty they decide to make these silly changes and p@#$ a lot of people off??
I've been a QFF member for 18 years, a Qantas Club Member and Shareholder for just as long and I have never been so disgusted with Qantas as I am now. The fact that from mid-May there'll no longer be any international services out of Perth on a Qantas plane adds to my disgust. This will also mean there will no longer be a Qantas Club international for me to use, further diluting the benefits of my loyalty. I thought I'd at least still have my points and status credits to look forward to. How wrong could I be...
I've tried to be very loyal to the brand but this has just pushed me over the edge and I will now dump my association with Qantas.
17 Feb 2012
Total posts 121
The changes make complete sense. I am an SQ FF and I travelled on Thai First BKK to SYD and got 7000 miles and o - that is ZERO PPS Miles - so the other FF schemes are doing what Qantas is doing - not rewarding for travelling on other airlines. Some perspective here is required.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Mar 2014
Total posts 73
Glen
I signed my brother up to QFF when he began working in the Pilbara so he flies BNE PER rtn every 5 weeks. He gets to silver each year but too far off for gold.
At the moment he gets 2244 miles for each one way flight and after July this drops to just 1450 (or there abouts cause he is silver)
You make a great point about how QF most loyal customers are being treated unfairly with these changes so how on earth does Qantas expect to entice the next generation of travellers to join up?
If you fly a rtn cross continental trip 10 times a year and your points balance will now grow so slowly and you wont see benefits of higher status tiers, whats the point?
05 Feb 2014
Total posts 29
Yeah, it's so disappointing all round. Loyalty counts for nothing it seems...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Mar 2014
Total posts 73
Yep, but now they are encouraging people to pay for economy flex at twice the price to get benifits. By the time we've done that for 2 flights we could have bought QC membership and then fly discount economy for the rest of the year, or even JQ if we're game. All the lounge benifits while purchasing the cheapest tickets. Oh, did I say that too loud? See if QC lounge access is the next perk to go based on ticket price.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer - Chairmans Lounge
01 Sep 2011
Total posts 416
Incredibly disappointing. Kicked from pillar to post. The reduction of and difficulty of getting QF flight nos on code shares doesnt help. For what its worth, please rethink this QF. We have been loyal to the airline pay us back. This new scheme should be relevant to new memberships maybe or maybe exempt Plat, Plat1 and CL.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Feb 2013
Total posts 44
Something I realised a while ago...when the programs first started they were about frequent flyers, about people that fly a lot. The program still bears the title, Qantas Frequent Flyer (QFF).
Its no longer about flying frequently, its all about the type and class of ticket and now with Qantas how much you have paid (the only reason for stressing the flexible nature of the ticket = $$). Same flight, same sector/miles/zone...you fly more with a more flexible fare?
QFF = QF$
Ansett Golden Wing, now those were the days...
A few side notes...
I do find it a bit sad that Qantas is trashing its loyal customers - not just this recent stab in the eye, but over the last few years.
QF doesn't even fly to KUL, but fly there with MH (of which there are 3 flights a day from SYD) and the QF's SC and points are a joke. They sponsored MH into OneWorld, didn't get their way with the Asia project and have behaved like children since. The J seats in MH are a pain though...
This year I have flown a few times SYD-SIN with BA in J. I would never have flown SYD-SIN in the past that was not QF metal. But since QF1 now routes through DXB, the QF A330 just doesn't cut it. I avoid the A330 internationally with a passion becuase of the PE being passed as J.
I still don't get why QF flies x1 a day to HKG, but CX can fly 4. ADL can handle x2 SQ flights, QF 0. Also ADL x2 MH flights, QF 0. And now they strangle PER international flights.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Feb 2013
Total posts 44
"I still don't get why QF flies x1 a day to HKG"...ex-SYD.
A previous post about a 5 minute edit window after submission, would be great :)
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
21 Aug 2013
Total posts 138
Finally got my AAdvantage Platinum card literally two days ago, after waiting months for it to arrive. Completed my AA challenge just prior to Christmas for only $200 and locked in status until end of February 2015. All QF &/or OW flights will now credit to this account. Have already topped up some points in their recent bonus promo, as well as with a recently earned batch of 20,000 Starwood points (with a bonus 5,000).
Much happier, Jan!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Mar 2014
Total posts 1
I live in Perth and Qantas don’t fly internationally from here anymore. So I have to fly code share or fly to the east first. I can’t even use my FF points to upgrade on a code share. My loyalty goes to the airline that is loyal to me. Sorry Qantas, I tried.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Nov 2010
Total posts 20
You could always move from Perth ha ha to the real world, it's so far away man, I wouldn't fly there either if I owned an airline, it's a hideous place.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Sep 2011
Total posts 180
That's a petty statement. I don't think this is a forum for such childish statements.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Nov 2010
Total posts 20
Oh for goodness sake man, are you Australian? It was a joke man, a joke. Have a laugh for once in your life. What ever happened to that Aussie sense of humour? Too many years of Nanny State I am guessing under Rudd and Gillard. I am from Perth! Get a grip!!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Aug 2012
Total posts 2199
There is funny, and then there is crude.
American Airlines - AAdvantage
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 1
So much for 'loyalty' airline programmes. Drop or axe the benefits and see passengers fly away, QF. "What you reap is what you sow" -there's no way around.
I can foresee all three Gulf carriers taking over QF as the preferred long-haul airline (to Europe and beyond) and even EK breaking up with QF once their alliance is well established and EK is perceived as the logical replacement of the Kangaroo airline of yore.
'Worng' choices, QF.
05 Feb 2014
Total posts 29
For what it's worth, can I suggest people who are annoyed by these changes write to Qantas via their Customer Care email address. I did, and was sent a very bland and dismissive reply. Perhaps if enough people write in they might take notice of the fact people aren't happy with the changes. This, in addition to all the bad press might have some impact....
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Qantas Frequent Flyer overhaul: how the changes will affect you