Terry McCrann has stated that the Qantas changes are an attack on their most valued clients.
I listened to the interview he gave on 3AW. His comment is based on the assumption that the most valued customers are those that book premium cabins using points. I think most of us would agree with this assumption. However in drawing the conclusion that Qantas are attacking these customers I believe he fails to take in two factors. These are the improvement in the business product over the years, and failing to take into account the reduction in fuel surcharges in this current change.
Whilst many have commented on the decline in meal standards on board I don't think anyone could deny that they prefer 1-2-1 seating on the A330 compared to 2-2-2 seating. And no doubt they appreciate the renovations to the BNE/MEL/PER domestic lounges. And internationally the renovations to the HKG lounge, even though the SIN lounge is a work in progress.
I looked at 2 examples of J rewards internationally.
MEL/HKG reward was 60,000 points and $183, now it is 68,400 points and $140.
You can dispute the value of a point but for this example lets take 1 cent.
Therefore the net points increase is 6.5%.
MEL/LAX reward was 96,000 points and $472, now it is 108,400 points and $352.
Therefore the net points increase is practically zero.
So on these examples I disagree with Mr McCrann, and also his general theory.