Originally Posted by
Red Roo
Hi Everyone,
I’m from Qantas Marketing and wanted to make a few points in regards to the latest changes to Qantas Frequent Flyer and specifically for our Platinum Frequent Flyers.
Welcome to FT and the QF forum,
Red Roo (isn't the roo white?)!
Always good to have an official post here.
Originally Posted by
Red Roo
On balance, we’ve received good feedback on the changes overall, .
I have difficulties believing this. So all the QC members are happy that they don't get priority checkin anymore? Especially the onces who have spent thoursands of $$ for a life membership?
And the Platinums are happy about the increase to 2400SCs, removal of anytime lounge access and the fact that there is not much of a difference between Platinum and Gold anymore?
Or everyone is happy about the steep increase in fees especially when you have to use the call centre as many awards can't be booked online?
And last but not lease, we are all happy about the fact that you didn't give the required notice you had to give under your own T&Cs.
Originally Posted by
Red Roo
however it’s fair to say that there has been some vigorous discussion on the change in Platinum lounge access policy. The challenge we face is striking a balance between offering reasonable lounge access, whilst not overcrowding the lounges. .
This is indeed a balance. But you guys must have the data but among the frequent flyers here it seems as if removing this benefit will do very little to improve the lounge situation. Having said this, in most of my flying the lounge situation doesn't need any improvement as it usually is okay.
Originally Posted by
Red Roo
One issue we see is when Members use Qantas lounge facilities and then fly with competitors on the same day. This increases crowding for Members who are flying with us on the day and also gives our competitors a free kick. As you know, anytime lounge access is a particularly unique feature within our program.
Well, it
was a particular feature. So this means in the past, your most loyal customers could use the QC for the occisional flight on Virgin. Big deal. Most Platinums would usually only fly Virgin if QF is not a viable option for whatever reason. Its not that we all become Platinums and then fly Virgin all the time.
Now with Gold and Platinum being very similar I can see that many frequent flyers will drop down to Gold and actually start flying Virgin more so they get lounge access with them as well.
Originally Posted by
Red Roo
However, we have taken your feedback onboard and are happy to make adjustments to this policy and we’re also pleased to let you know about it first!
From 1 February 2011, to access Qantas Domestic or International lounges, Platinum Members must be travelling the same day on a flight that shows on a Qantas (QF), a Jetstar Airline (Jetstar (JQ), Jetstar Asia (3K) or Valuair (VF)) or a oneworld® flight number on your ticket. Other lounge access conditions apply. See Qantas Club Terms and Conditions.
In doing so, Platinum Frequent Flyers will continue to be welcome to use our lounges to freshen up or whilst waiting for colleagues or friends arriving on other flights. We have also specifically noted Jetstar Asia (3K) and Valuair (VF) as included carriers in the definition.
We believe this is a good outcome for our Platinum Frequent Flyers. I understand that this may not fully satisfy all, however we feel this is fair and reasonable overall. Qantas.com will be updated later today with the revised policy.
Thanks for flying with us.
Red Roo.
While the wording is not entirely clear, this is better than nothing. But really, you should have just left it as it was before. It worked well, didn't cost much and everyone was happy.