On top of all the other problems mentioned for getting a seat here, staff travel is also heavily restricted, and there are often embargos on popular routes if there is an expected upturn in commercial pax or cargo, or if history dictates it is a possibility. Embargos are often in place on routes such as SYD-LAX and SYD-LHR, and even SYD-MEL when there are special events (F1 is an example).

If I remember correctly, people flying on staff tickets are not to make this known to commercial pax, and are to an extent considered to be on duty (dress code is enforceable, and a few other rules and regulation). Also costs are requested to be kept down (i.e. do you really need the sleeper suit, do you really need those five bottles of plonk).

I know of people who work with QF who have simply bought market tickets for leisure travel more often than using staff travel rights, as time off is set, and not many employers like to be told that you need some holiday time, but you dont know how long for, or when exactly.