Qantas approach to sales

[under the radar]

i suppose the OP could seek legal advice and let us all know if there's any legal implications to QF having 'back to back' sales :idea:

 

[tuapekastar]

ISTR at least one US airline (yes, I know they're not necessarily the paradigm) was refunding the difference to people who bought fares, and then the price dropped prior to them flying.

 

[RWJ777]

I'm not really sure what the fuss is about here: yes, if subsequent sales sell tickets for lesser prices, it can be a bit galling if early puchasers bought the ticket earlier at a higher price but there is a reason for this price differential.

First, the person who has bought the ticket earlier has the surety of the good, ie that they've bought a ticket that can be used for a flight of their choice on a date of their choice. Second, the lower latter price is a mere reflection of the fact that the market has not absorbed spare tickets and so QF is selling them at lower prices to attract people -- but this is risky for late buyers as this may not happen and they could have no tickets left (or at a much higher price).

This scenario exactly affected me for travel in a couple of months' time. I bought two Y+ tickets in a sale last year with BA but, low and behold, closer to Christmas I could have got them at even a better price. I was entirely sanguine about that because I had the benefit of certainty having purchased earlier at a good price including that I was able to select from a good range of available accommodation at good prices.

 

[JohnK]

Isn't it all supposed to be about keeping customers happy not about who we can fool today?

 

[lovetravellingoz]

there is no coverage for price changes (like some cards offer) because I'm not looking for a refund or an extended warranty...

Geeze you would have to be a pretty game CC insurance to offer that as a large proportion of fares would drop at some stage.

I mean you could just book a full fare ticket, and then when a sale eventually happens claim the discount.

 

[RWJ777]

Back in those days, status was truly privileged. Unlike today where any teenager can get SG lol.

Provided that said any teenager has done the requisite number of flights, which could be as high as 70 in the qualifying year!

 

[CaviAck]

Provided that said any teenager has done the requisite number of flights, which could be as high as 70 in the qualifying year!

Starting to think lots of cheap SYD-AVV on JQ if 70 sectors was required... Although managed it in 21 netting 760SC last year xD Might have to be 22 sectors and only 620SC this year though... (unless a nice juicy DSC comes along and Platinum will be my aim lol)

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Isn't it all supposed to be about keeping customers happy not about who we can fool today?

nope, it's definitely about fooling the customer.

they are out to get us all.

 

[CaviAck]

nope, it's definitely about fooling the customer.

they are out to get us all.

-puts on tinfoil hat-

 

[samh004]

Starting to think lots of cheap SYD-AVV on JQ if 70 sectors was required... Although managed it in 21 netting 760SC last year xD Might have to be 22 sectors and only 620SC this year though... (unless a nice juicy DSC comes along and Platinum will be my aim lol)

Qantas DSC offers don't usually apply to Jetstar, I thought.

 

[Conrad_S]

Maybe if petrol goes down tomorrow I should be entitled to a refund.
This could open up an entirely new service industry (remember you saw it here first) . Keeping track of things that were more expensive yesterday. Wouldn't Apple and Samsung look forward to that.

 

[The Rok]

Maybe if petrol goes down tomorrow I should be entitled to a refund.
This could open up an entirely new service industry (remember you saw it here first) . Keeping track of things that were more expensive yesterday. Wouldn't Apple and Samsung look forward to that.

Petrol is the perfect example! Some people are loopers!

 

[BAM1748]

While some people aren't pleased, I'm really pleased as was about to book a ticket I can now do as a sale fare.

I think OP needs to accept he accepted the fare on offer as a reasonable price for him to pay.

win some, loose some.

matt

 

[greenfrog86]

I'm happy with the price I paid and yes it's a bird in the hand...

It was more a comment that back-to-back sales are an interesting tactic where you drop prices further.

It should be noted that I wasn't 'looking' but rather got a sale email and had it rubbed in my face when visiting qantas of my own accord (ie not because of the email).

Interesting debate and clearly a few different views... I'm not sure that we need to go as far as accusing me of wanting regulated pricing however...

 

[elbarto]

I bought some bottles of Gatorade in Woolworths the other day and went to Woolworths today and found those same bottles of Gatorade were now on sale.
Do I:
A) Suck it up
or
B) Complain about it on the internet?

I'll go with option A and put it down to bad timing. Neither of us had a crystal ball to foresee the future.


You could always suggest that Qantas starts a program like Supercheap Autos Club Plus where you get a credit if a fare goes on sale soon after your purchase. But I have my doubts about how far you'll get with that.

 

[CaviAck]

Qantas DSC offers don't usually apply to Jetstar, I thought.

I was referring to the 22 sectors I've got planned for this year, most are on QF. The JQ part was for cheapest and most BIS way to get SG in Oz.

 

[samh004]

I was referring to the 22 sectors I've got planned for this year, most are on QF. The JQ part was for cheapest and most BIS way to get SG in Oz.

Ahh, gotcha.

I'd take the JQ options, if points (for me) credited without a lot of prompting and phoning.

Alas, it's not to be, but QFLink does very well

 

[hummel]

Slightly OT but two weeks ago I purchased some new pants from the Nordstrom Online store that were on sale, only around $40. I noticed this morning they had since been further reduced to $28/pair and thought bummer, then realised I could contact Nordstrom (Through their fantastic online chat!) and ask for a refund of the difference.

Not a problem at all from Nordstrom, this kind of service will keep me going back.

 

[love_the_life]

I agree that you "pays your money and takes your chances" as they say but the OP's post was about the fact that Qantas had a sale (where he/she booked) and then followed it immediately by another sale. One would generally expect that a sale is a discrete occurrence i.e. prices would revert to normal (whatever that is) at the conclusion of the sale. I don't think there was any indication of wanting recompense but just pointing out that what they did was a bit "off".

 

[Conrad_S]

Enjoy your trip greenfrog. You have the tickets and a great trip ahead of you. Maybe there should be a thread on the best $150 spent while travelling.