Qantas flags more seats, lower fees for frequent flyers

By David Flynn, June 20 2019
Qantas flags more seats, lower fees for frequent flyers

Qantas has unveilled a raft of changes to its frequent flyer program and we've got all the details.
* more 'reward seats' set aside for frequent flyers to buy with points
* reduced carrier charges, in many cases around 30-50% lower
* an increase of up to 15% for points-based premium economy, business class and first class bookings
* a drop of up to 10% for international economy reward seats
* an increase in the number of points needed for upgrades
* new award partners in Air New Zealand, Air France and KLM
* and at long last, Lifetime Platinum status
 
 
Click here to read our full wrap of the Qantas Frequent Flyer changes and how they’ll affect you.
 
PREVIOUS | Qantas has promised to ramp up the number of seats available to frequent flyers, "particularly on international flights," as part of a broad set of changes to its loyalty program.

More seats on each flight, from tip to tail, will be set aside for points-based bookings before being offered for general sale.

Overnight updates to the Qantas booking system are also showing a marked reduction in the ‘carrier charges’ levied on international points-based bookings – albeit only in economy, for now – with some key routes to Singapore, Hong Kong and Los Angeles dropping by 40-50%.

These are shaping up to be cornerstones of what Qantas is promising as "the biggest overhaul to the airline’s loyalty program in its 32 year history."

Full details will be revealed at a Sydney press conference called for 10.30am today, Thursday June 20, to be hosted by Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce and Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth.

Qantas Frequent Flyer and its parent Qantas Loyalty group remain a reliable river of gold – if not platinum – for the airline.

In the first six months of the 2018 financial year Qantas Loyalty posted a $175m profit, more than twice that of the airline's international flying and contributing almost 25% of that period’s group-wide pre-tax earning of $871 million.

David

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.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

18 May 2011

Total posts 233

If they make it harder to earn status I'll scream.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

05 Oct 2016

Total posts 110

Agree!! This sounds ominous...

24 Apr 2015

Total posts 128

it's all getting too hard, chasing points, when so many deals when pay cash not credit cards. Show me a traddie who won't give you at least 20% discount if you pay him/her cash no receipt. If it's for PPR don't need receipt & not my problem if he/she doesn't pay his/her GST. Qantas only really wants those people who fly frequently on higher fares. They make it too hard & many will stop chasing points earned with credit cards, which is where a lot of revenue is earned for QF ff programme, so it might come back to bite them. With the recession really starting to kick in now & only going to get worse, a lot worse, cash will agin be king. Been to a few businesses lately, who only take cash, no cards whatsoever. Even Aldi charge extra to pay with a card.

I’m sure this’ll be voted down, but it actually is your problem if they don’t pay their GST...lost tax revenue has to be made up from somewhere, the government don’t simply ‘spend less’...

27 Apr 2017

Total posts 39

That doesn't sound good. Switch to a revenue-based model? Hope not!

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

05 Apr 2012

Total posts 57

Lifetime Platinum is a lifetime dream ..

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

12 Jul 2016

Total posts 3

Would take most of us two lifetimes just to earn

02 Nov 2017

Total posts 34

Get ready for an enhancement! The cynic in me is anticipating a spend-based status system. That is the direction FF schemes are going.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

02 Apr 2017

Total posts 132

Hate spend based systems.

“Because you fly with us so often, you can have a reward, but only if you give us even more money”. Is the opposite of what a loyalty program should be.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

06 May 2016

Total posts 33

I think they will target significant changes on platinum members and make it harder to reach. It is so easy to reach platinum during the DSC period.

QFF

16 Nov 2014

Total posts 15

I think this is right. Using DSC I was able to get from gold to platinum in 6 months July-Jan19 figuring that would likely be my only chance of getting to Platinum, effectively for 18 months as my year starts in July. Depending on the announcements ("enhancements"??) this may well be bae once only platinum. I have 12 months now, then likely return to Gold, which is enough really for the lounge access. Its a privilege not a right after all.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

05 Oct 2016

Total posts 110

As much as I sincerely hope that you are wrong, I somehow feel that's likely!!

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

15 Aug 2017

Total posts 116

Platinum seems to be the new gold the last few years that’s for sure. Sometimes seems half a 737 SYD-MEL is platinum. I really cringe when I hear of this type of thing Qantas let’s see how they spin it. It will never be better for us That’s for sure. The famous “enhancements”.

United Airlines - Mileage Plus

13 Sep 2018

Total posts 4

Couldn't agree more - the queues for Gold/Plat/QC/etc entry on some of those flights are often way longer than the non-status ones.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

03 Oct 2016

Total posts 20

I am expecting dynamic pricing of reward bookings and status based on spend.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

08 Jun 2014

Total posts 168

Krisflyer here I come!

United Airlines - Mileage Plus

15 Apr 2019

Total posts 2

Might be rolling out EQD, EQM like the American carriers.

17 May 2012

Total posts 80

It might be the biggest changes in 32 years but there have been plenty along the way. Qantas have for years perfected the FF double whammy to the point its an art form. Devalue the currency (points) and inflate the earning rate. Beautiful. Fancifull if you believe you are going to be better off after the announcement!!!

Etihad - Etihad Guest

22 Apr 2019

Total posts 4

yep and you don't earn interest on your points balance either so triple wammy.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

14 Oct 2016

Total posts 65

As an individual who is holding out for the next (potential) DSC promotion to book a tranche of flights for Q4 and Q1, the thought of upcoming enhancements has me somewhat concerned.

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1201

I'm sure it will be "revolutionary"

05 Dec 2018

Total posts 145

Maybe the recognition of spend with Qantas over a spread of Qantas products hotels, insurance, credit cards, sign up points bonuses.

With big data they have on allot of members they can better evaluate the '$ worth' of each member.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

18 May 2011

Total posts 233

I think you're right.
There have been surveys around plans to 'reward' customers who earn huge point balances via credit cards, hotels, etc.

05 Dec 2018

Total posts 145

Yeah it makes sense, if the profit from flying is now secondary, it will now be about Qantas’s share of your wallet.


They may need to one day drop the ‘frequent flyer’ part of the name as it’s so much broader now and in the future.

i heard that they are going to reduce the points needed for classic rewards by 10%, but triple the taxes.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

02 Jul 2011

Total posts 1374

That would be more expensive than a cash fare then

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

08 Jul 2017

Total posts 26

The taxes are already comparable to buying a retail ticket.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

01 Nov 2016

Total posts 130

Looks like a busy week for Qantas with many media performances.

Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer

24 Aug 2018

Total posts 112

Just my luck sitting on 1330 SC and in ‘ dispute’ with QFF for not awarding me Gold and the bonus for passing through 1000 SC. Seems loyalty only extends one way. Sad really if one believes in supporting Aussie businesses

22 Aug 2015

Total posts 9

It's been mentioned before - double status credits don't count to loyalty bonuses.

American Airlines - AAdvantage

13 Jul 2015

Total posts 273

From personal experience I can absolutely say they do - I used the double SC promotion previously, which took me over 500 SC to trigger the loyalty bonus (which got me over the line to gold). I had booked a one way MEL-SIN in Biz during the double SC bonus earlier this year. I think it got me 240 vs 120, but it did give me the loyalty bonus.

22 Aug 2015

Total posts 9

Sorry, I meant to clarify that certain DSC promos do allow loyalty bonuses while some don't.


The most recent promo in 2019 does not allow DSC to earn loyalty bonuses unfortunately. It's mentioned in the ausbt article.

27 Sep 2011

Total posts 36

What's the 'dispute' exactly? Have you not done your four eligible sectors?

Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer

20 Jun 2019

Total posts 10

Would like to hear more about this.

Etihad - Etihad Guest

18 Jun 2019

Total posts 1

Bugger. I am 5 status credits from Platinum this week!

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

14 Dec 2016

Total posts 2

Should there be a change to earning/attainment rates for SC it'll be interesting to see when this would be phased in and if based on calander year or financial year for any implimentation.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 Jan 2015

Total posts 71

Time to plan the next 4-5 RTWs in Business... and spend it in time for the devaluation...? “Oh and by the way, we’ve enhanced lifetime gold requirements to now be 50000 SCs”

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

05 Oct 2016

Total posts 110

Maybe it's just time to switch to someone else. Like QRs scheme.

British Airways - Executive Club

28 Mar 2014

Total posts 70

Or AY? Supposed to be very generous...

In all seriousness, if I could make the 4x segments easily, I’d go for status with BAEC. Have held it before and already have some lifetime tier points, but don’t live in SYD, so can’t take the one BA operated flight to/from Aus easily enough!

British Airways - Executive Club

28 Mar 2014

Total posts 70

Your 4 flights don't need to be on BA metal. They just need to be codeshare flights with a BA number. So if you book a AA IB AY etc flight via the BA app, that will be ok. :-)

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

18 May 2017

Total posts 39

Just like the other contributor named "Strange" commented, may be it is a good time to move over to QR. I've heard a lot of great things about Qatar Airways.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

05 Oct 2016

Total posts 110

They just won best airline and best business class again for 2019. And I have used them many times to Europe; I promise you they're the best, and for always much cheaper than QF business class anyday. Oh if only QF was in bed with them instead of Emirates... Given they're OW. Yes not as many SCs as QF (only half) but I still got to platinum using them...

British Airways - Executive Club

28 Mar 2014

Total posts 70

I'm travelling to EBB in December with EK, despite the ow alliance. £500 cheaper, free chauffeur car to airport, and free hotel in DXB as 8hour plus layover. My first EK experience so will be interesting to compare with QR. :-)

13 Feb 2015

Total posts 70

One thing guaranteed: the changes won't be for the benefit of customers

American Airlines - AAdvantage

13 Jul 2015

Total posts 273

I don't believe I recall any changes to any FF program in recent years which has benefitted customers, if ever. This is one of Qantas' most profitable areas and they're confident that they won't lose many customers and will be able to push the profits even higher. Shame.

23 Aug 2011

Total posts 65

Lifetime status axed. I am LT Gold if they do that, then and I am off to SQ. Ironically I would probably still get Gold status but it would be the principal.

24 Dec 2013

Total posts 97

Rather than a minor devaluation I hope they get too greedy and do a major devaluation, enough to finally set me free from Qantas loyalty.

25 Oct 2010

Total posts 24

Never in the history of QFF has as change to the program meant good news for us. I mourn the loss of anytime lounge access, of equal status credit earning on partner airlines, of once a year guaranteed upgrade credits, etc etc etc. Remember when they "streamline" it means things they used to do, we now have to do (think "streamline the way check in works") and when they say "more efficient program" they mean more points needed per FF reward (think "we are introducing an update to classic reward bookings to improve program efficiency).

05 Mar 2015

Total posts 412

"Never in the history of QFF has as change to the program meant good news for us." Not even the creation of the Platinum One tier?

QF

04 Apr 2014

Total posts 209

There is too big a jump from platinum to platinum one, and not enough of a jump from gold to platinum. The tiers are unevenly spaced.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

21 Jun 2017

Total posts 38

Having been a P1 now for 4 years, it’s not that brilliant. The smoke and mirrors (and addiction) qantas generates to make this so brilliant is more classic qantas spin. No additional earning rates, no additional tiering on than platinum on one world services. You just get to sit in row 4/5 easily on domestic 737’s. Whoopee for 6.5 return business class trips to nyc / London a year. Someone will no doubt technically pull these comments apart and outline point bonuses, but you still can’t easily redeem. Anyway... let’s see what gets devalued, but given how full lounges are I’m thinking that will be front and centre here. My tip is they’ll improve AA earning rates given recent deal. AA is often already better than BA rates so they don’t mind differentiating between one world partners. Would love to see status on emirates but then no one would fly qantas metal to Europe. Also think they’ll increase qantas loyalty generally vs oneworld as their hard product continues to fall behind market. Yes upgrades are coming but today the skybeds and no wifi really do stick out in the market. Anyway... just my views...

Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer

24 Aug 2018

Total posts 112

OK, thanks H2SO4, understand that, but find that 1330 SC ought to comfortably get me to gold. Credits were generated on double SC only on QF journeys and just single SC on BA flights, so will continue to negotiate with QFF. Unless SC generated by OneWorld flights , like BA also do not count despite the promotion that these flights will help to reach next tier levels?! Nice to have a forum for gripes as communication with QFF is sporadic at best.

22 Aug 2015

Total posts 9

If what you're saying is true, maybe another criteria isn't being met? Have you got your 4 Eligible QF flights?


Your QFF profile should show what is missing for you to reach Gold.

QF

21 May 2014

Total posts 24

I am sure it will be confirmed here, but the majority of the recent DSC promotions have limited the eligibility to QF flights only.


If you are negotiating to get DSC on your BA flight, you are out of luck

05 May 2016

Total posts 616

Hope this doesn’t affect my progression towards annual/lifetime status.


If QF axed lifetime status then I’d have every incentive to try flying their competitors as there’d be no reward for long term loyalty flying QF.

29 Nov 2018

Total posts 4

Poor loyalty program and dreadful value award chart. About to get worse...

14 Oct 2016

Total posts 110

Since they are having a media event, I don't think it will be all bad. I do see maybe an introduction of differing levels of Frequent Flyer Classic Redemptions like other airlines (ie Saver, Flex). The might also offer extra SCs for sale. The key thing is Qantas probably wants to increase revenue, so look for measure that increase revenue.


If it was all bad i'd imagine they would just drop the news on a Friday afternoon.

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1201

I assume it will be one of those things where the headlines sound great but the fine print will have quite a few gotchas.

15 Feb 2013

Total posts 163

Agree, they would just send an email about enhancements and hope it goes un-noticed if it was all bad. I assume there will be revamping to reward spend (as most other programs have done, including VA), and I doubt they'll remove lifetime status (I can't even see how they could remove from anyone that already has it) but they may change the qualifying rate for future, given it's getting easier with double SC offers. I got to platinum the hard way 9 years ago, when there was no such thing as a DSC offer. For someone to be able to achieve Platinum with 2 long haul return trips in business on DSC offers effectively means you can get Platinum for the same price as Gold a few years ago.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

05 Oct 2016

Total posts 110

This is a very valid point. You can be sure if it was really bad AJ wouldn't face the music.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

07 Aug 2013

Total posts 248

I’ve always been curious how much qantas and other airlines for that matter lose when people constantly sign up for credit card bonus points and redeem their flights this way without earning their status on buying commercial fares. And the constant news stories out there making it seem like it’s a secrethack to sign up to CC bonus point schemes - seems like every man and his dog these days are doing it...

24 Dec 2013

Total posts 97

I'd say credit cards are a win for airlines. It's the banks that lose when they buy those points from the airlines only to give it away to credit card applicants.

24 Apr 2018

Total posts 13

The banks aren't losing on this. They know which customers are likely to be particularly profitable (i.e those that will pay some interest on their balances) and they induce them with some QF points, a cost they largely recoup with the annual fee payable in year 1.

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Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 May 2017

Total posts 84

Exactly, I actually signed my dog up for a Westpac Altitude card just a few days ago!

Etihad - Etihad Guest

22 Apr 2019

Total posts 4

Does your dog have a taxable income?

346
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Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 May 2017

Total posts 84

Yes, he has featured on a few Television adds as well as Home & Away on occasions.

15 Feb 2013

Total posts 163

Those people using points are not earning status, unless they use them at massive redemption rates on any seat awards, which QF would be making a fortune from. If they are using for classic awards, they wouldn't be able to use much given availability is lower unless you're gold or platinum, QF are still making money from them, and they're not getting status. The bonus points are bought from Qantas by the banks.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

10 Nov 2011

Total posts 128

It's not quite the 'hack' it seems ... alot of those articles are from the US where I gather it's not such an issue to keep applying for cards, but here it will hae a negative impact on your credit rating.

Quite the opposite. It’s profitable for Qantas and any other airline as every point allocated from credit card switching and spend, Woolworths points etc is purchased from the airline. Frequent flyer programs have complete control over the available seat inventory and the rate for redemption. So where a flight is likely to fly with empty seats then why not make them available to frequent flyers and when commercial demand is high there is no need to offer redemption awards. And from the customers point of view as in any loyalty program - once you burn the points, you want to re earn them..... and the cycle continues....

05 Dec 2018

Total posts 145

Qantas make money from sign up bonus’s. They sell the points to the financial institutions.

Olympic Air - Travelair

16 Oct 2017

Total posts 6

Is the card in the picture meant to illustrate that the QFF program is going to become more backwards and twisted than it already can be??

25 Sep 2013

Total posts 1242

Or, wringing the value out of the programme for its members.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

21 Jan 2014

Total posts 319

I think it will be more about getting people to spend their points on things other than flights, it’s a big negative on their balance sheet and they need to encourage spending other than flight rewards which people wait years to get. Judging by some of the emails I get I would also envisage some sort of status for hotels, health insurance, wine, that sort of thing as they try to diversify away from just being an airline.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

20 Aug 2014

Total posts 166

I agree. Judging from surveys I am asked to complete, I think status credit earn will be expanded to many partners. Virgin already have status credit earn at the supermarket.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 Oct 2016

Total posts 11

I must admit to being slightly amused by those comments on here where people say they will stop using QF and send their business to another airline as a result of these changes, whatever they might be. Don’t you think QANTAS know there will be blowback? Doesn’t anyone think QANTAS would have researched this impact to death?

The bottom line is that QF doesn’t give a rats klacker what we say, what we will do or threats we make to take our business elsewhere. The reason being is that for most of us know already that loyalty with Qantas is a one-way street to their benefit. QF will ride this bump like all the others, knowing that any impact will be minor and short lived.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

07 Dec 2015

Total posts 54

Bit like when AMEX changed the FF transfer rates a few months ago. More huffing and puffing here than you can poke a stick at (myself included) but who ended up cancelling their card and taking their business elsewhere? I suggest very few ultimately. No different here and QF know it...

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

02 Sep 2018

Total posts 153

My predictions:

Introduce variable price on Qantas flights(not fully dynamic but a range). E.g. Sydney to Hong Kong for 55,000 to 75,000. They can claim its lower to redeem but in reality most of the time its higher.
Remove surcharges whilst increasing points requirement for QF flights
Increase partner awards to match their peak pricing
Domestic points earn based on dollar amount (match Velocity)
Increase points earn on expensive economy and business to look like its a net improvement

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

12 Dec 2013

Total posts 15

There’s a lot of negative comments here. A reflection on us as a society perhaps.


According to the article in the Aus - qantas loyalty just generated a record profit. If I was a CEO of a business making record profits then I would look at what was contributing to that and try to enhance it. I wouldn’t be looking to make cuts or changes that would negatively impact my customers during a growth phase.

Maybe - just maybe - it will be good changes.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

20 Aug 2014

Total posts 166

"Enhance" it?


Yep... Qantas love an "Enhancement".

Look at their last "enhancement".

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

12 Dec 2013

Total posts 15

I’m just not going to waste energy on something that may or may not happen. If it’s bad I’ll deal with it, if it’s good I’ll deal with it.


Normally negative news is leaked slowly and strategically- nothing this time??

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

02 Sep 2018

Total posts 153

I would expect to make a negative change and then backed up by a somewhat good change. Like the Krisflyer devaluation a while back where they got rid of taxes on their own metal but jacked up the points needed for a ticket.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

05 Oct 2016

Total posts 110

Agree efindlay, a lot are jumping to conclusions here, me included, and hopefully you're right that it could be great. It's just that we're somewhat justifiably cynical based on past history from QF!

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

26 Oct 2013

Total posts 33

I tend to agree efindlay... Downgrades would be sneaked thru. This is a managed announcement..

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

16 Jan 2017

Total posts 4

Hope they don't move the goal post for Lifetime Gold or remove it completely...


Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer

24 Aug 2018

Total posts 112

Mea culpa, Rebekah and H2SO4. Clearly forgot that my recent 2 month trip to OS only generated 2 eligible QF flights. Pity about the 2 internal BA flights; so much for oneworld membership benefits. Trip to NFQ ought to put my case on sounder footings, assuming the anticipated enhancements don’t throw a spinner in the works?!

22 Aug 2015

Total posts 9

Phew! Good to know what the issue was. With 1330 SC, you just need 70 SC and two more QF sectors to reach Platinum :)

27 Sep 2011

Total posts 36

You'll be fine, they have to give three months' notice of significant changes :)

abc
abc

14 Nov 2011

Total posts 23

5000 SC for Platinum One each year.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

09 Jan 2019

Total posts 7

It'd be great to see some of the following changes be made as per customer feedback for classic flight rewards

-More accessible and user friendly (that being full search options available through the app)
-Reduction in taxes and fees (we have one of the highest in the world)
-Reduction in points required across all classes for flights

28 Dec 2016

Total posts 73

Well they are not a charity... the question is what are you willing to give up to make the whole change a slight negative than what we have now

02 Jul 2017

Total posts 5

Have to love the customer centric "enhancements" rhetoric don't you. Platinum from the day it was introduced but realised loyalty was one way very early. Now accumulated 37,000SCs. No interest whatsoever in P1 and haven't flown long haul on inferior QF metal with inferior QF service for 15 yrs. JAL, CX, QR and AY are all infinitely better. Use QFF for my benefit, not a slave to game. Not flying longhaul on QF metal I still end up with 2200-2400 SCs every year. Every domestic flight is a Red E Deal so I reackon they will be after others like me. There is more chance of a Kamikaze pilots' reunion than Lifetime Platinum.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

31 Jan 2016

Total posts 89

Hmmmm, someone on this forum knows something, and they're not telling.....


10 Feb 2016

Total posts 9

I know of one announcement, but have been sworn to secrecy. Sorry.

11 Mar 2012

Total posts 315

I wonder how the Oneworld Award will be impacted?

02 Jul 2017

Total posts 5

Further to previous post, the most remarkable thing is that QF has my flight activity record and if they had the intelligence to look, could see all the revenue that is leaking from their airline. Not once during my Platinum membership term has anyone from QF called to inquire how they could earn my business or that of the organisation I lead. Wouldn't I love to be able to see exactly what slice of my customers' total spend was captured by my business.

11 Feb 2015

Total posts 3

They wouldn’t be bringing out the CEO for some random change so its likely the change will positively affect more people even if it really will be negligible in hindsight. People forget that there the majority of QFF members are bronze and silver members than Gold and above. They love points but don’t have the opportunity to earn higher status. So I assume it’s squarely a PR exercise targeted at them in order to keep the points addiction going (flexible seat redemptions), while keeping the carrot of higher status available. Of course the changes will mostly mask negative changes that will affect a smaller proportion (Gold, Platinum) of travellers won’t get that much media attention.

I doubt LTP is in scope considering VA don’t even have LTG.

@QF_ALT judging by your posting history you like to reiterate the same thing, and you hate everything they do. Hence your username I guess. I think you should just move on and cut your losses that way you then won’t have to waste your time trolling them. I’m sure QF will be okay.


14 Oct 2016

Total posts 110

Yeah i'm of the opinion that it won't all be bad as that news tends to be dropped rather than delivered in a media event. There will probably be some good benefits, but I wouldn't be surprised if they change to the AA EQM/EQD model (the bad news).


With Australia possibly heading to a recession soon, I don't think it would be too wise to squeeze your loyal passengers too much as this could have quiet undesirable effects.

23 Feb 2015

Total posts 260

Guesses


Status earn and retain levels made the same (at earn level), lifetime platinum introduced, family pooling introduced, and non-flight qantas spend (like store and wine) generating small status credits, like 1 SC per $250 or something.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

25 Nov 2016

Total posts 64

That announcement came out of the blue. Two days notice to informed parties. Most expect the worst as it's what big business does when announcing major overhauls. Me included, I'm very close to LTG. There will be some sugar but plenty of salt.

Etihad - Etihad Guest

19 Jun 2019

Total posts 1

Have a listen to this conversation. I am sorry to upset your "first world problems", but how about you stop worrying about yourselves and your perceived priveleges!

03 Nov 2014

Total posts 90

I live in the first world, so why not be concerned about first world problems....?

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

04 Nov 2011

Total posts 359

Expect the ultimate enhanc

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 Dec 2015

Total posts 11

I will be disappointed if the changes are negative to those of us who are serious frequent flyers as opposed to those who earn their points via third-party purchases (Woolies, credit cards et al.). As someone who has never sat on an Ansett (remember them!), Tiger, Virgin or Jetstar flight and flies only Oneworld airlines, I am 100% loyal to Qantas - I like being Platinum and the 'extras' it affords me. I would be disappointed if the changes suggested by others above are bought in. Loyalty is a two-way street and I would hope that Qantas recognise this and don't make too many changes to those of us who spend significant money on flights. Lifetime Platinum would be great and give us something to aim for - stopping at Lifetime Gold puts a glass ceiling on customer loyalty and does tempt some to join another alliance to 'double up' on service and programs. Anyway, let's not get too hyped about possible changes and let's see what is announced on Thursday - if it is bad news, then we can unleash the dogs of war! Happy flying. M

Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer

24 Aug 2018

Total posts 112

Spot on, MuzzH. I reckon we ought to close this forum on that positive note.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

26 May 2014

Total posts 465

Often see questions here about the benefits of lifetime gold, asking if there is anything to elevate it above normal gold. If QFF are listening to their customers they could throw in some additional benefits, which could work to maintain loyalty. Lower threshold for P is one that many have suggested.

As not so frequent flyer, I do hope the points will continue to be non-expiring (as long as one earns or burns) as every couple of years it’s a pleasure to redeem them without the worry (as is the case with SQ and TG) of them getting wasted.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

25 Mar 2014

Total posts 217

Seems a lot of nervous responses and a very gloomy outlook for the enhancement release.....


Man imagine if they didn't use the word enhancement

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 782

Unless a gate agent whacks people over the head with a stick as they board the plane, the same people will still fly QF. And the airline knows that. Get ready for the enhancements.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

25 Mar 2014

Total posts 217

Thats the truth.



I reached Lifetime Gold with Qantas some years ago, good value as far as it goes. Having recently started travelling frequently again, mostly to UK/EU, I have decided to go for Finnair Lifetime Platinum as I miss those First Class Lounges!😎

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

18 Aug 2014

Total posts 72

Qantas will screw you either way..

23 Mar 2018

Total posts 21

lifetime platinum did exist. 28000sc.
wonder how many got it.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

28 Dec 2018

Total posts 1

Hopefully they won’t need to catch a plane to the media conference...they could be late. “Qantas thanks you for your patience.”

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

01 Apr 2017

Total posts 30

If I had to guess one aspect will be doing away with set Reward Tables and move to dynamic points redemption system as other have moved to recently.... and tell us it's "to give more flexibility to our customers".


They would be silly (IMO) to kill the golden goose that's keeping them afloat... in the world of FF programs, they have a unique beast with a virtual monopoly in their home market and most customers not aware of the alternatives... or that they even CAN join and use the FF programs of other non-AU carriers.

Other airlines must look on with awe & envy at how lucrative the QFF program is for Qantas, and how they continue to get away charging customers ludicrously high "CARRIER FEES" when redeeming Reward flights.

07 Dec 2016

Total posts 37

If it is a scheme concocted by the Irish Village Idiot who thought it was a great idea to ask people to 'volunteer' to work over Christmas with no prospect of work, it will not end well.

“Irish village idiot”?? Racist much?

The CEO has done a pretty good job to date running a profitable airline, investing in new routes and aircraft and maintaining a great brand. Time will tell whether these changes are good or bad but I’m fairly comfortable they will have been thought through by someone more qualified that you or I.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

01 Apr 2017

Total posts 30

Will be interesting to see how much notice they are giving before "enhancements" become effective.

30 Aug 2017

Total posts 2

Yet again I have to point out the Air New Zealand scheme credits you with Air Dollars which can be spent on any AirNZ flight. None of this silly "no more Loyalty seats on this flight", if there are seats for anyone, you can use Air Dollars to pay for them.

Emirates Airlines - Skywards

07 Sep 2012

Total posts 146

Yes Selwyn, but the earn/redeem rates are rubbish. It's not for no reason that Air Dollars is consistently rated the crappiest FF program in the world....and I'm an ex-kiwi so I'd support it if it was any good.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

18 May 2017

Total posts 39

Qantas is going to screw us, one way or another. The points will be watered down even further, to the point where it is just easier to forget about reward schemes, and fly with the best and cheapest to our intended destination. All the negative comments here, including my own, indicate that everyone is expecting the worst from Qantas, and we are probably right to feel so pessimistic, given the track record of Qantas over the past 10 years...

26 Feb 2014

Total posts 14

Don't worry boys!..It's all good news! Qantas Frequent Flyer Program has been sold to a private consortium and it will be managed still by Qantas..with changes along the way too!

21 Aug 2015

Total posts 86

Let me guess, the CEO will get a huge bonus for achieving this sale!............

21 Aug 2015

Total posts 86

Based on past form QF will not do any favours for paying customers. Cut back earn rates, devalue existing points, make status harder to earn...............that is their history, all the while raking in huge profits.

Nothing will change...............QF treats customers like self loading cargo and exploits the loyalty of Australians with few options looking for a global FF scheme.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

15 May 2019

Total posts 29

Did anyone else get the FF survey a few days ago? There were a series of questions about how much you trusted Qantas not to devalue points and the credibility of the program on a series of metrics. It wouldn't surprise me if they were taking customers' temperature to generate data points prior to a move which will adversely affect those metrics. Obviously there will be a couple of low cost benefits as part of the announcement, but I suspect they will be window dressing for a series of adverse steps.

You wonder how many more of these unilateral changes to loyalty programs will go through before there is litigation over the removal of benefits. It seems a little ridiculous that a loyalty business which has a book value in the billions and turns hundreds of millions in annual profit is asserted to be based on the airline's good grace from a legal perspective.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

11 Nov 2015

Total posts 38

No. My guess is hat they were measuring their credibility against that of the card issuers. AMEX in particular, who have gone from a $1/QF Point, to now $2/Point... HALVING the value of a Qantas point. Qantas wont put up with that for sure.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

18 Jan 2017

Total posts 26

My insider tells me it's all good...

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

18 May 2011

Total posts 233

Is there anything else your insider said?

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

18 Jan 2017

Total posts 26

Essentially that the changes are positive for the members...

27 Apr 2017

Total posts 39

It is dynamic pricing. See the below image. Redemption rates for economy are lower but also said to be 'from ...'



27 Apr 2017

Total posts 39

SYD-OOL 6400pts+$27.58 Usually 8000pts

SYD-BME 18000pts+$53.39 Usually 18000pts

SYD-JFK 55200pts+$271.92 Usually 60000pts

20 Jun 2019

Total posts 1

I think the 6400 is for jetstar which is the cheaper option.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

07 Mar 2018

Total posts 5

meh. maybe it really is time to just get the cheapest ticket. use priority pass for the lounges.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 Jan 2015

Total posts 71

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 May 2018

Total posts 72

Does anyone on here actually know how many billions of FF points are on the Qantas books? I remember reading a few years back that one of the American airlines had that many FF points outstanding, that if they could be used, there would be over 14 months of non cash travel across their networks both domestic and international..

Something to ponder..

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

30 Nov 2017

Total posts 14

Interesting point.

They must sit on the balance sheet as a liability? At what point do the accounts factor that in as an overall financial risk to the business?
Over to you the accounts among us...

QFF Points is the second currency in Australia. It is massive.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

11 Nov 2015

Total posts 38

My mail is on Qantas starting its own Platinum/Amex worldwide replacement rewards system, with One World. Er, wasnt there a One World mtg very recently ?

All the card suppliers need the FF worldwide currency. Qantas and One World dont need them... there could make more money running your own card systems. Thats what FB is doing.

Oh, and dont the card issuers try and stand between the airlines and the card users. Middle men, ripe for disruption and extinction.

Just a Guess..
Austin

Im expecting an Amex like approach. Now that they made earning points so much more easily they will only be worth half as much as what they are worth now

01 May 2018

Total posts 10

Qantas Titanium status to compliment its Titanium credit card

01 May 2018

Total posts 10

Perhaps Lifetime Platinum for those who have been Platinum for 30 years. Lifetime Titanium as per my above comment for those who have been Titanium for 50 years.

Etihad - Etihad Guest

19 Jun 2019

Total posts 1

Looks like my lifetime Bronze status is about to become lifetime Nickel

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

16 Sep 2018

Total posts 2

Lifetime platinum is the ultimate required change to Qantas FF program

Emirates Airlines - Skywards

20 Jan 2018

Total posts 39

So why on earth do you people persevere with the little Q? Come on over to Emirates. Leave the Q in your dust

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

15 May 2019

Total posts 29

Domestic travel. If it wasn't for the stable domestic duopoly Qantas would've been abandoned in droves for carriers like Emirates with large networks and actual availability of upgrade seats. Also, Emirates' whole aesthetic is a gaudy tack-fest.

Emirates Airlines - Skywards

20 Jan 2018

Total posts 39

A pathetic, irritating and disappointing airline. The only way for Qantas from here is UP

Emirates Airlines - Skywards

20 Jan 2018

Total posts 39

They reward your misplaced loyalty by beating you about the head. I guess it feels so good when it stops.......

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

30 Nov 2017

Total posts 14

I think this is two fold,

1. Points sold third parties, credit cards, retailers etc and where Qantas Loyalty makes most of it's money.

2. Putting on additional capacity and growth for the airline and filling them with FF point customers - dynamic pricing.

Take American Express here in the US. You can now transfer you Amex MR points from ANY card product - not just Platinum - to QFF. With +90Million card members in the US and a $20trillion economy, Qantas must be licking their lips.

Combine this with Qantas' expansion in the US with direct flights between BNE-ORD/SFO as an example, as well as project sunrise. That's a lot of potentially extra capacity in both directions that needs to be filled.

QF

04 Apr 2014

Total posts 209

Let’s just wait a few hours and stop speculating.

QF

25 Feb 2014

Total posts 20

Here is the issue - i'm trying to book a reward flight LHR-MEL in First. Do i book it now before the press conference at 192K or do i wait and see what the changes are ...... but then QF may 'enhance' the redemption rate immediately and it will then cost me 250K - ARGH!

26 Feb 2014

Total posts 14

And this is another reason that there will be a major announcement ..see below..


11 Feb 2015

Total posts 3

According to the new QF promo video on YouTube, points can now be redeemed on (selected?) NZ, AF, KL, PG and CI flights.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

28 Sep 2012

Total posts 131

But have they reduced the cost of toasters on points?.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 Jan 2015

Total posts 71

Only outside of peak toasting periods. But according to a person familiar with today's announcements, the much anticipated Classic Toaster Upgrade Awards *will* be introduced. Upgrade your toaster from as little as 10,000pts or 20,000pts if the toaster was a Classic Toaster Award.

15 Feb 2013

Total posts 163

Few people having to eat their words now. Points cost up, but cash payment down. More reward seats. New partners. Lifetime platinum (although I’ll be 90 years old at my current travel rate to qualify). Not all bad really.


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