Status match, other goodies for Virgin members

[davidj]

I wonder if Qantas will do this following the instability on the other side.

As well as being a good marketing campaign to drum up business for Qantas, it may cushion the blow for many VA members who could potentially lose thousands of miles and their status. It could certainly be a helping hand for many affected members.

What could the offerings be?

Status match?
Free membership?
Bonus points for new signups?
Discount lounge membership?
1:1 points match (with a cap)?
Mile or status earn acceleration?

Thoughts?

 

[woodborer]

I imagine that most would already be members, but anyone can get a free membership to QFF with a few seconds and google.

 

[Flying Fox]

Its all possible but if QF find themselves in a monopoly situation, they probably will give away nothing because they don't need to.

 

[travel_bug]

I imagine that most would already be members, but anyone can get a free membership to QFF with a few seconds and google.

I find it so weird that technically there is a price to joining the Qantas program, particularly since it gets waived so frequently/free promo codes are everywhere.

 

[samh004]

I can't imagine they'll offer anything until things settle down a bit, not much point in status right now anyway, with all the lounges closed and (presumably) a blocked seat every time you fly

 

[Nathant123]

I would imagine existing higher status Qantas members wouldn't be too impressed with an influx of new Velocity members, especially if they're given free equivalent status. I'm Velocity Platinum and got there so easily with their family pooling benefits and I see Qantas equivalent tiers require more status credits. It would be nice but if Virgin don't pull through there would be no reason for them to do it.

 

[exceladdict]

If business travellers are spooked by VA, then a status match could be the thing to cement their transition to QF.

 

[jakeseven7]

I think some of the big international airlines (once they get going again) could match VA old status if VA disappeared. SQ for example.

 

[muppet]

.....
Status match?
Discount lounge membership?
.....

Good grief where would those people go? The lounges are already bursting!!

 

[GoldCanyon340]

If Virgin2 returns as an LCC then QF will be less inclined to offer status match/deals to VFF members as most will jump ship to QFF anyway if there are no lounges or perks with the new entity.

 

[odysseus]

Knowing Qantas, they'll probably offer a "free joining code" to their program with promo code "Virgin". And "the opportunity to gain status in QFF by accruing status credits on QF flights"... at the standard rate.

 

[travel_bug]

Knowing Qantas, they'll probably offer a "free joining code" to their program with promo code "Virgin". And "the opportunity to gain status in QFF by accruing status credits on QF flights"... at the standard rate.

Wouldn't be surprised if that promo code also triggered a "sorry for your loss" e-card being sent

 

[Spacetravel]

Hey guys, I'm one of those people looking to jump ship. Fresh out of the Virgin section where I have spent the last several years. Switched my earning cards to QF, so looks like i'll be coming for the ride over here for some time.

I'd LOVE for them to offer a status match as exactly am currently Platinum Velocity and it breaks my heart to be starting at nothing bronze? However like others mentioned with Virgin struggling to keep its head above the water QF have no reason to offer status match or anything else as I suspect I am likely one of many switching over.

 

[p--and--t]

Interesting question.

If the administrators do the heavy lifting VA could come out of covid lockdown blocks restructured and more fit for purpose for the new paradigm than QF.

QF might find itself very busy making the necessary changes and trimming to make itself competitive in a new world order.

In the short to medium term, FSC potentially could be quite a bit less full than before particularly in the domestic arena.

Will depend a lot on how many people with deeper pockets come out the other side able to pay the impost of a J type service or other frills and how many Covid damaged businesses will be focused on placing their business with the airline with the cheapest fares.

With much reduced schedules many will be glad of getting a flight at an appropriate time and a seat on airlines looking for every buck they can.

Wouldn’t be surprised if we see the rise of “Eurobusiness” in domestic planes.

QF will need to try and attract VA J loyalists but without it costing any real dollars.

Conversely, If VA2.0 decides its better off going a fair way down market, QF might not need to do much at all.

 

[GoldCanyon340]

Wouldn’t be surprised if we see the rise of “Eurobusiness” in domestic planes.

Which is what QF had on the 733 and 734 fleet prior to 1999 when there was domestic 3-class service. Two rows of armchair-like seats for F for rows 1 and 2 and then rows 3 to 9 with convertible J/Y seats as you see in Europe. The config was 8F/28J/108Y when maximum J was required.

 

[serfty]

Which is what QF had on the 733 and 734 fleet prior to 1999 when there was domestic 3-class service. Two rows of armchair-like seats for F for rows 1 and 2 and then rows 3 to 9 with convertible J/Y seats as you see in Europe. The config was 8F/28J/108Y when maximum J was required.

It was actually only back to row 7 with the convertible seats - I remember this as row 8 had foot rests. Another facit was often when travelling with awork associate (on the same booking) we would be allocated B/C or D/E and if in rows 3-7, we would negotiate the middle seat because, 1) "Middle" & 2) due to less use the seat cushion was harder and you sat higher in it. Back then you could not preallocate a seat easily.

Here's a seat map from 1996 Qantas timetable:

 

[travel_bug]

Hey guys, I'm one of those people looking to jump ship. Fresh out of the Virgin section where I have spent the last several years. Switched my earning cards to QF, so looks like i'll be coming for the ride over here for some time.

I'd LOVE for them to offer a status match as exactly am currently Platinum Velocity and it breaks my heart to be starting at nothing bronze? However like others mentioned with Virgin struggling to keep its head above the water QF have no reason to offer status match or anything else as I suspect I am likely one of many switching over.

I know exactly how you feel, I’m in the same boat!

I am taking some solace though in the fact that we’re not losing too much at the moment considering that flying has dropped significantly at the moment, and isn’t likely to increase too much even when people are travelling again for business and leisure.

At least we have this time to wait and see what happens with VA post VA and what kind of offering they’ll have - to me, what’s the point of a high level of status if they get rid of lounges or business class?

My household also comprises a QF gold and it’s not like he’s getting much value out of his status at the moment anyway

 

[flyingfan]

I'm quite pessimistic - in the event of a real or effective QF monopoly, rather than QF spending money and effort attracting customers, VA pax will have to cop a poo sandwich - inflated prices, worse service and deals, take it or don't fly (or drive).

My guess is many The Club members are already CL members too.

 

[jb747]

I'm sorry, but I don't understand.

Unless you're trying to poach, why would QF, or anyone else for that matter, 'status match'. Basically rewarding someone for not being a customer.....

 

[Daver6]

Here's a random thought. If VA do restructure and come out of this, I wonder if they might try poach QF status pax with a status match?