Qantas FF points for rail?

[Spongbob]

Given the current lack of ability to use QFF points for flying, would there be demand for using QFF points on luxury rail travel in Australia (The Ghan, Indian Pacific etc)?

 

[Mattg]

Absolutely! I'd be happy for the option, although I suspect that given the fares charged by Journey Beyond, we'd be looking at something in the order of ~400,000 Qantas points for a ticket on The Ghan.

An option to earn points and/or status credits for taking train journeys would be interesting though.

 

[Hvr]

An option to earn points and/or status credits for taking train journeys would be interesting though.

And if there was 'Bustitution'?

 

[NM]

And if there was 'Bustitution'?

Let's not mention the bus .... oops, sorry.

QFF points earning on long-distance rail may deliver benefits to QF (selling points), the rail services companies (potentially more ticket rails) and passengers/customers. Worth consideration I suggest.

 

[AisleSeat]

QFF: Qantas Frequent Flying Scotsman

 

[Spongbob]

I am guessing the points costs would be similar to long haul business for each day.
As The Ghan is a 2 day journey this would be about 250k-300k points per pax.
With 400k plus for the 3 day Indian Pacific journey.
And Journey Beyond "platinum" class would have a similar points value as QF first class long haul redemptions (or maybe even an upgrade from "gold" class to platinum).

 

[Mattg]

I think that we need to remember though that offering points and/or status credits incurs a cost to the business, and is used as a marketing tool/to drum up business. I don't think Journey Beyond is having any problems filling its trains (in general - obviously the current border closures will affect this) so they may see something like this as an unnecessary cost.

(That's not to say I wouldn't welcome it if they did partner with QFF!)

 

[Spongbob]

It is only speculation, but it would be an initiative of Qantas (rather then Journey Beyond).

 

[Mattg]

It is only speculation, but it would be an initiative of Qantas (rather then Journey Beyond).

I would have thought it would be the other way around?

 

[kookaburra75]

I think that we need to remember though that offering points and/or status credits incurs a cost to the business, and is used as a marketing tool/to drum up business. I don't think Journey Beyond is having any problems filling its trains (in general - obviously the current border closures will affect this) so they may see something like this as an unnecessary cost.

(That's not to say I wouldn't welcome it if they did partner with QFF!)

Maybe we could suggest we use @BAM1748 as a proof-of-concept/market test?

 

[trippin_the_rift]

It is only speculation, but it would be an initiative of Qantas (rather then Journey Beyond).

I would have thought it would be the other way around?

Qantas tend not to enter into points earn/burn relationship that they won't profit from.
Something to keep in mind

 

[UP4014]

Maybe we could suggest we use @BAM1748 as a proof-of-concept/market test?

Yes some study needs to made here I think. I did read of some private owners in the states pushing it as a safe covid way to travel. I’ll dust off the BAM and its friend.

And below, a couple of AFF’ers checking the drinks trolley.

 

[PineappleSkip]

Mrs Pineapple is on some QF survey panel. In a survey on things that one might burn points on, she was asked a number of questions about past/intended use of the Ghan. So it appears that the idea is being considered, possibly in the short to medium term as there was no mention of the not-running Indian Pacific. BTW we mulled a trip from Adelaide to Darwin on the Ghan, but passed it over, one of the factors being NT's annoying propensity to decree no-notice hotspots. Maybe another year.

Cheers skip

 

[Mattg]

Well it turns out this idea was not far-fetched at all. It's now a reality:

QF FF points now earned and redeemable on Railway journeys

https://beatthatflight.com.au/index.php/2020/12/09/welcome-aboard-the-train-qantas-members-can-now-earn-and-use-points-on-premium-trains/

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[FishFood]

I even earned 169 QFF points catching The Overland MEL-ADL