Upcoming Qantas Frequent Flyer Changes
May 16, 2011, 11:39 pm
#16
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Wellington
Programs: QFWP (LTSG), NZ (Jade), TG ROP (Forgotten), OZ (Silver), AA (Cardboard), EK (Lowest of the Low)
Posts: 4,669
I have noticed the changes to COS were only for Qantas and Jetstar and assumed that other partners will not change.
The Status Bonus is also up only for Qantas and Jetstar flights and I assumed that AA and BA would remain the same not that they would disappear like other OW parnters.
I missed the loyalty bonus to be within membership year and limitations eg 4 times to be a major degradation.
to me the changes to JQ are the biggest negative news eg. Discount Star Class and price increasee have turned me off JQ.
The Status Bonus is also up only for Qantas and Jetstar flights and I assumed that AA and BA would remain the same not that they would disappear like other OW parnters.
I missed the loyalty bonus to be within membership year and limitations eg 4 times to be a major degradation.
to me the changes to JQ are the biggest negative news eg. Discount Star Class and price increasee have turned me off JQ.
May 16, 2011, 11:59 pm
#17
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: SYD
Programs: QF Platinum (LTG), OW Emerald, Accor Platinum; Hyatt Explorist.
Posts: 2,165
QF are sounding more like a government budget: give with one hand , take away with the other and to add insult to injury dress it up like we are all winners. Very patronizing I have to say.
May 17, 2011, 12:01 am
#18
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Brisbane
Programs: QFWP1+LTG,TG-Silver, SQ-Silver,HHonors-Diamond,Marriott Rewards-Silver,SPG
Posts: 36
The change to loyalty bonus is overall a degradation.
It is based on a membership year's earn. i.e. Earn 490 SC's in you year and you get nothing. You "loyalty" count is reset to zero just like your 'status' SC counts expire and you'll need to earn another 500 SC's to get the 8K bonus the next year.
There may be a loss of Cabin bonus earn on AA and BA flights; the revised airline earning table does not indicate any cabin bonus on these carriers for bookings made after 17th May (this may be an oversight).
It is based on a membership year's earn. i.e. Earn 490 SC's in you year and you get nothing. You "loyalty" count is reset to zero just like your 'status' SC counts expire and you'll need to earn another 500 SC's to get the 8K bonus the next year.
There may be a loss of Cabin bonus earn on AA and BA flights; the revised airline earning table does not indicate any cabin bonus on these carriers for bookings made after 17th May (this may be an oversight).
If this is correct then last years 40,000 point earn in loyalty bonus's becomes only 32,000 this year without the carry over
The new WP+ tier will need to have significant benefits to fix the leakage from WP(lite)....these new enhancements seem a little hollow!!!
Perhaps I have misread the email...or the second page(with the real benifits) is missing?
May 17, 2011, 12:01 am
#19
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: OOL
Programs: VA Plat, QF LTS, UA MM, Hilton Diamond, Rydges Black, ,Le-Club Gold
Posts: 3,659
No great significance to any of these changes...
... now Red Roo if that was the good news, what is the bad news?
Is this going to be an opportunity to slip thru a miles-devaluation?
... now Red Roo if that was the good news, what is the bad news?
Is this going to be an opportunity to slip thru a miles-devaluation?
May 17, 2011, 12:03 am
#20
Company Representative - Qantas Airways
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: Qantas Airways
Posts: 72
QF P1?
May 17, 2011, 12:08 am
#21
Company Representative - Qantas Airways
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: Qantas Airways
Posts: 72
May 17, 2011, 12:10 am
#22
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Brisbane
Programs: QFWP1+LTG,TG-Silver, SQ-Silver,HHonors-Diamond,Marriott Rewards-Silver,SPG
Posts: 36
May 17, 2011, 12:11 am
#23
Company Representative - Qantas Airways
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: Qantas Airways
Posts: 72
Hi Red Roo,
I booked and ticketed a couple of Jetstar Starclass fares prior to 17th May but travel will be in the 2nd half of this year with the last ticketed flight to be taken in Dec. Some of these fares were the promotional fares with now fall under the "Business" category rather than "Business Max". I am QF Gold, will I get QF lounge access when I take these flights and more importantly, will I get the status credits?
Cheers, Gerald
I booked and ticketed a couple of Jetstar Starclass fares prior to 17th May but travel will be in the 2nd half of this year with the last ticketed flight to be taken in Dec. Some of these fares were the promotional fares with now fall under the "Business" category rather than "Business Max". I am QF Gold, will I get QF lounge access when I take these flights and more importantly, will I get the status credits?
Cheers, Gerald
May 17, 2011, 12:15 am
#24
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: Qantas WP, LTG , Delta, SPG, Priority Club
Posts: 303
Qa
Red Roo
Thumbs up to Qantas for making changes in response to feedback. ^
I am intrigued to see what the "improved upgrade experience" actually means.
I also received an email last week with a frequent flyer survey which I filled out and in which I complained about the last round of changes. Just wondering what the point of that was, if these new changes were already well in the works?
Thumbs up to Qantas for making changes in response to feedback. ^
I am intrigued to see what the "improved upgrade experience" actually means.
I also received an email last week with a frequent flyer survey which I filled out and in which I complained about the last round of changes. Just wondering what the point of that was, if these new changes were already well in the works?
May 17, 2011, 12:17 am
#25
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 202
Qantas Frequent Flyer and Jetstar did a bit of work on this back in February and it seems to have improved posting times significantly. You might find this discussion of interest.
EDIT: The phone agents also mentioned that JQ points seemed to be taking extraordinarily long times to post recently.
Last edited by Brettmcg; May 17, 2011 at 12:26 am
May 17, 2011, 1:14 am
#26
Company Representative - Qantas Airways
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: Qantas Airways
Posts: 72
May 17, 2011, 1:18 am
#27
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: QF LTG, TG *P, IHG P
Posts: 290
From: Qantas Frequent Flyer [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday 17 May 2011
To: Subject: Exciting news about your membership
Dear Mr ….
At Qantas Frequent Flyer, we are committed to the continued improvement of the program and to responding to the needs of our members as we work to enhance your experience.
The following exciting changes are aimed at reflecting member feedback, with extra benefits and privileges available when you fly and bringing you new ways to earn points.
Flight benefits and changes
Increased Cabin bonuses
From 17 May 2011, we are increasing Cabin bonuses to give you even more points when you fly Qantas: your Cabin bonus will increase from 10% to 25% in Premium Economy, from 25% to 50% in Business and from 50% to 100% in First when you fly Qantas (with a QF flight number on your ticket).
Platinum One - Exclusive extra benefits for our most frequent flyers
Many of our members earn more than triple the Platinum retain level of 1,200 Status credits a year, which equates to many hours in the air. When airports and our aircraft are your second home, we want to do even more to ensure your journey is as smooth as possible. We'll soon introduce extra benefits for members who earn over 3,600 Status credits within their membership year, including a dedicated team to look after your travel needs every step of the way.
An improved upgrade experience
In late 2011 we plan to roll out a smoother, more convenient points upgrade request and notification process, including SMS confirmation of upgrade requests (for eligible Qantas flights with a QF flight number).
Changes to the Loyalty bonus
From December 2011, you will earn a Loyalty bonus of 8,000 points for every 500 Status credits you earn within a single membership year - up to a maximum of four Loyalty bonuses per membership year. This will replace the current bonus of 5,000 points for every 450 Status credits. For details visit qantas.com/latestnews.
Changes to using points for surcharges, fees and taxes
Due to ongoing volatility in fuel prices, from 1 July 2011, when using points for surcharges, fees and taxes on eligible Australia and New Zealand Domestic Classic Award flights, the points required will increase from 3,000 to 4,500 points per segment.
New ways to earn points
Earn points and Status credits on new Jetstar fares
From 17 May 2011, you can be rewarded every time you travel on an eligible Jetstar flight, with the option to add points, Status credits and other benefits to your base fare for an additional cost. Members who select to add a Plus or Max bundle to their Starter or Business fare on Jetstar will earn points and Status credits. For details visit qantas.com/jetstar
Optus to join Qantas Frequent Flyer
Optus and Qantas have announced plans to create a loyalty alliance that will allow Qantas Frequent Flyer members to earn points across Optus Consumer and Small Business services. The planned alliance, further details of which will be released in the coming months as agreements are finalised, is set for launch later in 2011 and unites two of Australia's most recognised brands. To register your interest and to be informed of any further developments - click here
epiQure by Qantas Frequent Flyer: New wine and food community exclusive to members
Coming soon: Enjoy the finest of wines, recipes from Neil Perry and another way to earn points. Qantas will shortly be launching epiQure by Qantas Frequent Flyer an online community for members passionate about food and wine.
For further details please visit qantas.com/latestnews. Thanks for joining us on our journey.
Kind regards,
Sid Gokani
Head of Loyalty Operations
* Saving does not apply to points or cash required for surcharges, fees and taxes. For selected travel dates between 18 July and 16 September 2011. Other conditions apply.
Sent: Tuesday 17 May 2011
To: Subject: Exciting news about your membership
Dear Mr ….
At Qantas Frequent Flyer, we are committed to the continued improvement of the program and to responding to the needs of our members as we work to enhance your experience.
The following exciting changes are aimed at reflecting member feedback, with extra benefits and privileges available when you fly and bringing you new ways to earn points.
Flight benefits and changes
Increased Cabin bonuses
From 17 May 2011, we are increasing Cabin bonuses to give you even more points when you fly Qantas: your Cabin bonus will increase from 10% to 25% in Premium Economy, from 25% to 50% in Business and from 50% to 100% in First when you fly Qantas (with a QF flight number on your ticket).
Platinum One - Exclusive extra benefits for our most frequent flyers
Many of our members earn more than triple the Platinum retain level of 1,200 Status credits a year, which equates to many hours in the air. When airports and our aircraft are your second home, we want to do even more to ensure your journey is as smooth as possible. We'll soon introduce extra benefits for members who earn over 3,600 Status credits within their membership year, including a dedicated team to look after your travel needs every step of the way.
An improved upgrade experience
In late 2011 we plan to roll out a smoother, more convenient points upgrade request and notification process, including SMS confirmation of upgrade requests (for eligible Qantas flights with a QF flight number).
Changes to the Loyalty bonus
From December 2011, you will earn a Loyalty bonus of 8,000 points for every 500 Status credits you earn within a single membership year - up to a maximum of four Loyalty bonuses per membership year. This will replace the current bonus of 5,000 points for every 450 Status credits. For details visit qantas.com/latestnews.
Changes to using points for surcharges, fees and taxes
Due to ongoing volatility in fuel prices, from 1 July 2011, when using points for surcharges, fees and taxes on eligible Australia and New Zealand Domestic Classic Award flights, the points required will increase from 3,000 to 4,500 points per segment.
New ways to earn points
Earn points and Status credits on new Jetstar fares
From 17 May 2011, you can be rewarded every time you travel on an eligible Jetstar flight, with the option to add points, Status credits and other benefits to your base fare for an additional cost. Members who select to add a Plus or Max bundle to their Starter or Business fare on Jetstar will earn points and Status credits. For details visit qantas.com/jetstar
Optus to join Qantas Frequent Flyer
Optus and Qantas have announced plans to create a loyalty alliance that will allow Qantas Frequent Flyer members to earn points across Optus Consumer and Small Business services. The planned alliance, further details of which will be released in the coming months as agreements are finalised, is set for launch later in 2011 and unites two of Australia's most recognised brands. To register your interest and to be informed of any further developments - click here
epiQure by Qantas Frequent Flyer: New wine and food community exclusive to members
Coming soon: Enjoy the finest of wines, recipes from Neil Perry and another way to earn points. Qantas will shortly be launching epiQure by Qantas Frequent Flyer an online community for members passionate about food and wine.
For further details please visit qantas.com/latestnews. Thanks for joining us on our journey.
Kind regards,
Sid Gokani
Head of Loyalty Operations
* Saving does not apply to points or cash required for surcharges, fees and taxes. For selected travel dates between 18 July and 16 September 2011. Other conditions apply.
May 17, 2011, 1:18 am
#28
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,550
Overall it is a negative impact for me , since I do have plans to use JQ Starclass and the cost of refundability ( key requirement ) has increased. The removal of Status Credits on starclass basic fares does make sense though sicne I have never thought it makes sense to have, what I would class, a premium economy product which credits and markets as business class . Earning 140 SCs for a $1250 HNL-SYD hardly seems logical to me. I would have thought a PE earning and charging would be more appropriate
Since I will drop back to gold ( since I only now use QF generally for domestic travel and use other carriers for international travel ) the 75% bonus as LTG will reduce the impact of the drop for those flights I cannot credit to AA
Upping COS bonus for PE to 25% , business to 50% and 1st to 100% makes a small benefit, but overall seems to be changes that are neutral for most platinum members and beneficial to all gold and silver members
Since I will drop back to gold ( since I only now use QF generally for domestic travel and use other carriers for international travel ) the 75% bonus as LTG will reduce the impact of the drop for those flights I cannot credit to AA
Upping COS bonus for PE to 25% , business to 50% and 1st to 100% makes a small benefit, but overall seems to be changes that are neutral for most platinum members and beneficial to all gold and silver members
May 17, 2011, 1:23 am
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,991
Cabin bonus for BA and AA appears to listed in the "Up to 17 May" column with no entries listed for post 17 may.
May 17, 2011, 1:26 am
#30
Company Representative - Qantas Airways
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: Qantas Airways
Posts: 72
It's worth noting that last year we introduced a set of benefits at 2400 Status credits, one of which was a 50,000 points option.