Originally Posted by
SingaporeJoe
I wonder, though, if EK lost my business on those economy flights, which one would be worse off, myself or Emirates. I suspect that my view of my importance to EK is somewhat inflated and while they appreciate my business I don't think I'm worth going to a huge extreme to keep as a loyal customer. Besides, on my regular routes the options are QF and SQ so even if I wanted to jump ship, there isn't that much to jump to.
Originally Posted by
jackiedada
Individually, you may not be worth much to EK, but there are lots with flying patterns similar to yours. So, we collectively as a group is worth a lot to EK and I doubt they would want to piss us off...
One benefit to perhaps come out of all of this EK/QF wedding is that it will force EK to re-evaluate Skywards (or accelerate the reform which was supposedly already well under way). Personally, I think this is a good thing because the QF program is relatively advanced, versus Skywards. (ie Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Platinum One and Chairmans Lounge)
Dont believe for a second that a small group of committed individuals cant change the environment. The US airline industry has example after example where program rules have been changed as a result of some very vocal and loud objections from communities such as ours.
I have been fortunate this year to have spent most of my time up the front aboard EK so there isnt a whole lot more they can do for me product wise. But what I would like to see is:
- A truly dedicated phone number where I can speak to someone who understands the program and who is empowered to help me fix things then and there. I am tired of being routed to India, and having to repeat myself a million times over and over again
- Family guest passes (maybe 2 a year, that's all I need)
- better award inventory, or a dedicated amount of award seats for the 4th tier
- Highest priority on upgrades (in terms of using miles, and being added to an upgrade list)
All of these benefits I listed are available NOW to Qantas Platinum One members, so in a way, EK is going to have to at least meet or exceed these features.
We've just seen QF roll over and offer Chauffeur drive for all its own J&F passengers for flights more than 12-hours. So in a way, EK is going to be forced to deliver some (if not all) of these things if it is going to deliver on its commitment to the new partnership.
If it doesn't, why wouldn't a person simply switch to the QF program. Or to someone else altogether...