Be Aware! Qantas double points Trap ["Discount Economy is 'not' Economy"]

[oz_mark]

What utter nonsense.

I'd start at the Airline Consumer Advocate first.

It will never get to court though. Qantas will settle before then....

 

[Athleticfrog]

What utter nonsense.

I'd start at the Airline Consumer Advocate first.

It will never get to court though. Qantas will settle before then....

Thanks for suggestion, will try as well.

 

[Athleticfrog]

Not sure if it is coincident or targeted offer system are getting really smart, there is privacy concern as well, I spent a few days searching different route options for my trip, I was about to book United then received this targeted offer, picked Qantas because schedule wise it was slightly better while it was not as planned, from Sydney to Dallas, there was one hr delay and I missed connection flight, on the way back, it was delayed 13hrs initially then extended to 25hrs+ from SFO to SYD.

 

[eastwest101]

I hope the OP goes all the way and that the airline is stupid enough to try to fight it all the way through the courts, because without the specific and visible exclusion of those fare classes during the booking process and with no information on the airline booking sites about what fare classes you are actually getting this is an open and shut case of deceptive conduct and bait and switch consumer law. The email from the airline resorting to a previously undisclosed/hidden fare class table is actually more harmful to the airlines case than almost anything else in contention and raises the spectre of unfair terms in contracts that the OP may be able to breeze through.

As another poster said - the simple open brackets (discount economy fare ineligible for double points promotion) at the time of booking exclusion - if fair and transparent in the booking process would have given the airline some protection, but either through omission, or deliberate bait and switch intention they chose not to do this according to the OP.

Just like the way that downgrade compensation to a lower cabin is calculated - we need a judge to set a precedent to reign in these hidden ridiculous T&Cs so no one ever has to fight this battle again, airlines have been getting away with this rubbish for years, and its about time the law stepped in and started enforcing some transparency about terms of carriage and airline contracts with some consumer rights.

 

[Athleticfrog]

Compensation of delay/cancellation for Australia airline is also significantly worse than others, per Qantas website it is 200AUD plus 50AUD meal a day.

I hope the OP goes all the way and that the airline is stupid enough to try to fight it all the way through the courts, because without the specific and visible exclusion of those fare classes during the booking process and with no information on the airline booking sites about what fare classes you are actually getting this is an open and shut case of deceptive conduct and bait and switch consumer law.

Just like the way that downgrade compensation to a lower cabin is calculated - we need a judge to set a precedent to reign in these hidden ridiculous T&Cs so no one ever has to fight this battle again, airlines have been getting away with this rubbish for years, and its about time the law stepped in and started enforcing some transparency about terms of carriage and airline contracts with some consumer rights.

 

[Austman]

I've been sent the double points to the USA in Economy offer too, but for different dates. Here are the T&Cs in my email:

​

Important information ​

​

You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points and Status Credits. Membership, Qantas Points and Status Credits are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions. *This Bonus Points offer is valid when you register and make a new eligible flight booking between 12.01am (AEST) 20 April 2019 and 11.59pm (AEST) 26 April 2019 for travel between 30 April 2019 and 20 April 2020. An Eligible Flight for the purpose of this promotion means a Qantas operated flight with a QF flight number on your ticket between Australia and the USA in Economy where Qantas Points are normally earned. For full details, see terms and conditions. Qantas Points and bonus Qantas Points will not be earned on some fare types and booking classes including Classic Flight Rewards. Any flight with a QF flight number on the ticket which is not operated by Qantas including Jetstar, Jetstar Asia, Valuair, Jetstar Japan, Jetstar Pacific and other partner airlines are not eligible for this offer. See Airline Earning Table for details. All Eligible Flights will earn 100% more Qantas Points than the standard Qantas Points earned. This bonus Points offer applies to travel taken by the recipient of this email only regardless of other passengers in the same booking. This offer is not transferable. If you qualify and register for multiple bonus Qantas Points offers for the same flight, the highest value bonus Qantas Points offer will be applied to each individual qualifying segment. For example, if you qualify and register for a 50% more bonus Qantas Points offer and a double bonus Qantas Points offer on the same flight, you will receive the double bonus Qantas Points offer as it will result in the highest total number of bonus Qantas Points. Bonus Qantas Points are based on the Base Rate which applies, or the Minimum Points Guarantee if applicable and for the purpose of this promotion does not include any Status Bonus that may apply for tier members. Only one Qantas Points offer can be used per individual qualifying segment of your itinerary. Bonus Qantas Points may be earned on multiple eligible flight bookings made during the promotion period. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer by Qantas. Bonus Qantas Points may take up to six weeks after completion of travel to be credited to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account. Flights are subject to availability and any applicable fare conditions. Flights can be booked via the Qantas website, a travel agent, SMS 0477 QANTAS (0477 726 827) or Qantas Contact Centres. For any assistance or queries regarding your booking, you can interact with one of our Consultants 24/7 by SMS on 0477 QANTAS (0477 726 827) within Australia. Fees and charges may apply. Your Qantas Frequent Flyer membership number must be recorded at the time of registration and booking to earn Qantas Points. Flight gift vouchers purchased during the promotion but not redeemed for an eligible flight booking during the promotion period will not earn bonus Qantas Points. Full or part travel of an itinerary is eligible only if you book (regardless of payment date) and travel within the promotional dates as listed above. If you cancel your initial qualifying booking or change it to be outside the promotional period, this bonus offer will not apply. In accordance with Commonwealth policy, this offer is not available to you if you are travelling for Commonwealth purposes. QAZN112​

An interesting part is:

Bonus Qantas Points are based on the Base Rate which applies, or the Minimum Points Guarantee if applicable and for the purpose of this promotion does not include any Status Bonus that may apply for tier members.

Base Rates vary according to the earn category. They are different for "Discount Economy", "Economy" and "Flexible Economy".

Odd to include that statement if only the "Economy" earn category applied.

 

[Athleticfrog]

It is pretty much the same, I also had such offer a few yrs ago and got double points, didn't even pay attention to fare type.

I've been sent the double points to the USA in Economy offer too, but for different dates. Here are the T&Cs in my email:

​

Important information ​

​

You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points and Status Credits. Membership, Qantas Points and Status Credits are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions. *This Bonus Points offer is valid when you register and make a new eligible flight booking between 12.01am (AEST) 20 April 2019 and 11.59pm (AEST) 26 April 2019 for travel between 30 April 2019 and 20 April 2020. An Eligible Flight for the purpose of this promotion means a Qantas operated flight with a QF flight number on your ticket between Australia and the USA in Economy where Qantas Points are normally earned. For full details, see terms and conditions. Qantas Points and bonus Qantas Points will not be earned on some fare types and booking classes including Classic Flight Rewards. Any flight with a QF flight number on the ticket which is not operated by Qantas including Jetstar, Jetstar Asia, Valuair, Jetstar Japan, Jetstar Pacific and other partner airlines are not eligible for this offer. See Airline Earning Table for details. All Eligible Flights will earn 100% more Qantas Points than the standard Qantas Points earned. This bonus Points offer applies to travel taken by the recipient of this email only regardless of other passengers in the same booking. This offer is not transferable. If you qualify and register for multiple bonus Qantas Points offers for the same flight, the highest value bonus Qantas Points offer will be applied to each individual qualifying segment. For example, if you qualify and register for a 50% more bonus Qantas Points offer and a double bonus Qantas Points offer on the same flight, you will receive the double bonus Qantas Points offer as it will result in the highest total number of bonus Qantas Points. Bonus Qantas Points are based on the Base Rate which applies, or the Minimum Points Guarantee if applicable and for the purpose of this promotion does not include any Status Bonus that may apply for tier members. Only one Qantas Points offer can be used per individual qualifying segment of your itinerary. Bonus Qantas Points may be earned on multiple eligible flight bookings made during the promotion period. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer by Qantas. Bonus Qantas Points may take up to six weeks after completion of travel to be credited to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account. Flights are subject to availability and any applicable fare conditions. Flights can be booked via the Qantas website, a travel agent, SMS 0477 QANTAS (0477 726 827) or Qantas Contact Centres. For any assistance or queries regarding your booking, you can interact with one of our Consultants 24/7 by SMS on 0477 QANTAS (0477 726 827) within Australia. Fees and charges may apply. Your Qantas Frequent Flyer membership number must be recorded at the time of registration and booking to earn Qantas Points. Flight gift vouchers purchased during the promotion but not redeemed for an eligible flight booking during the promotion period will not earn bonus Qantas Points. Full or part travel of an itinerary is eligible only if you book (regardless of payment date) and travel within the promotional dates as listed above. If you cancel your initial qualifying booking or change it to be outside the promotional period, this bonus offer will not apply. In accordance with Commonwealth policy, this offer is not available to you if you are travelling for Commonwealth purposes. QAZN112​

An interesting part is:

Bonus Qantas Points are based on the Base Rate which applies, or the Minimum Points Guarantee if applicable and for the purpose of this promotion does not include any Status Bonus that may apply for tier members.

Base Rates vary according to to the earn category. They are different for "Discount Economy", "Economy" and "Flexible Economy".

Odd to include that statement if only the "Economy" earn category applied.

 

[opusman]

An Eligible Flight for the purpose of this promotion means an Economy Qantas operated flight with a QF flight number on your ticket between Australia and the USA where Qantas Points are normally earned

Was the flight in economy? Check.
Was it a QF flight number? Check?
Did you earn normal points on the flight? Check.

They don't have a leg to stand on.

 

[Athleticfrog]

Was the flight in economy? Check.
Was it a QF flight number? Check?
Did you earn normal points on the flight? Check.

They don't have a leg to stand on.

All checked while Qantas has different opinion and refused to respond, then all I can do is Fair Trading, good to know that everyone share same understanding on this promotion.

 

[Athleticfrog]

Just got another targeted offer for South America, still same logic.

------------------------

Before you traverse the glaciers of Patagonia, taste your way through the Chilean wine valleys and learn to dance the tango in Argentina, start your South American adventure in Santiago.

Book an Economy flight to Santiago and earn double Qantas Points on Qantas operated flights with a QF flight number.*

Simply register and book your eligible flight between 12.01am (AEST) 10 August 2019 and 11.59pm (AEST) 15 August 2019, for travel between 1 March and 30 June 2020.

Remember to include your Qantas Frequent Flyer number in your booking.

​ Important information​ ​ You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points and Status Credits. Membership, Qantas Points and Status Credits are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions. *This Bonus Points offer is valid for Qantas Frequent Flyer members who reside in Australia (with an Australian address in their Frequent Flyer Profile) who register and book an Eligible Flight between 12.01am (AEST) 10 August 2019 and 11.59pm (AEST) 15 August 2019 for travel between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020. An Eligible Flight for the purpose of this promotion means a Qantas operated flight with a QF flight number on your ticket between Australia and South America in Economy where Qantas Points are normally earned. The offer is valid for bookings originating in Australia. For full details see Terms and Conditions. Qantas Points and bonus Qantas Points will not be earned on some fare types and booking classes including Classic Flight Rewards. Any flight with a QF flight number on the ticket which is not operated by Qantas including Jetstar, Jetstar Asia, Valuair, Jetstar Japan, Jetstar Pacific and other partner airlines are not eligible for this offer. See Airline Earning Table for details. All Eligible Flights will earn 100% more Qantas Points than the standard Qantas Points earned. This Bonus Points offer applies to travel taken by the recipient of this email only regardless of other passengers in the same booking. This offer is not transferable. If you qualify and register for multiple bonus Qantas Points offers for the same flight, the highest value bonus Qantas Points offer will be applied to each individual qualifying segment. For example, if you qualify and register for a 50% more bonus Qantas Points offer and a double bonus Qantas Points offer on the same flight, you will receive the double bonus Qantas Points offer as it will result in the highest total number of bonus Qantas Points. Bonus Qantas Points are based on the Base Rate which applies, or the Minimum Points Guarantee if applicable and for the purpose of this promotion does not include any Status Bonus that may apply for tier members. Only one Qantas Points offer can be used per individual qualifying segment of your itinerary. Bonus Qantas Points may be earned on multiple eligible flight bookings made during the promotion period. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer by Qantas. Bonus Qantas Points may take up to six weeks after completion of travel to be credited to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account. Flights are subject to availability and any applicable fare conditions. Flights can be booked via the Qantas website, a travel agent, SMS 0477 QANTAS (0477 726 827) or Qantas Contact Centres. For any assistance or queries regarding your booking, you can interact with one of our Consultants 24/7 by SMS on 0477 QANTAS (0477 726 827) within Australia. Fees and charges may apply. Your Qantas Frequent Flyer membership number must be recorded at the time of registration and booking to earn Qantas Points. Flight gift vouchers purchased during the promotion but not redeemed for an eligible flight booking during the promotion period will not earn bonus Qantas Points. Full or part travel of an itinerary is eligible only if you book (regardless of payment date) and travel within the promotional dates as listed above. If you cancel your initial qualifying booking or change it to be outside the promotional period, this bonus offer will not apply. Flights between Santiago and Lima, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are operated by LATAM Airlines Group and passengers will be seated in Economy. In accordance with Commonwealth policy, this offer is not available to you if you are travelling for Commonwealth purposes. QAZN186​

 

[I love to travel]

This is where Qantas misses out by not having an active social media presence. In such a clear cut case, someone could have come and fixed it up quickly. Instead thise subscribed to it just keep getting the message that Qantas is dishonest.

 

[Austman]

Bonus Qantas Points are based on the Base Rate which applies, or the Minimum Points Guarantee if applicable and for the purpose of this promotion does not include any Status Bonus that may apply for tier members.

And that is the same part that I quoted before.

The double points rate depends on the Base Rate. That Base rate is different (but valid) for "Discount Economy", "Economy" and "Flexible Economy".

 

[Athleticfrog]

And that is the same part that I quoted before.

The double points rate depends on the Base Rate. That Base rate is different (but valid) for "Discount Economy", "Economy" and "Flexible Economy".

Yes, just need to be very clear on this " Qantas Points will not be earned on some fare types and booking classes " , actually you won't be able to see fare type if you book through travel agent.

 

[CaptJCool]

Yes, just need to be very clear on this " Qantas Points will not be earned on some fare types and booking classes " , actually you won't be able to see fare type if you book through travel agent.

The trouble with the Spin in the promotional material is it doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. Bait and switch,

Even the Qantas folk had to “look up your booking class”. Something they FAIL to disclose to you before you’ve paid. From memory, it appears on the e-ticket but that’s way after you’ve paid for a non-refundable tic, hardly cricket

 

[Austman]

Yes, just need to be very clear on this " Qantas Points will not be earned on some fare types and booking classes " ,

The full sentence is:
Qantas Points and bonus Qantas Points will not be earned on some fare types and booking classes including Classic Flight Rewards.

It's an out for non-earning booking classes that don't earn points in the first place (so will not earn double bonus points). Economy always earns.

From memory, it appears on the e-ticket but that’s way after you’ve paid for a non-refundable tic, hardly cricket

It's not even there on any of my recent Qantas e-tickets. Including one to the USA.

 

[Bundy Bear]

The South America one pop into my inbox as well, I checked the email and wasn’t very clear on what is says are Economy flights, I think an email to the airline industry ombudsman mentioned up thread is where I would be going, plus social media as well.

 

[opusman]

It's an out for non-earning booking classes that don't earn points in the first place (so will not earn double bonus points). Economy always earns.

Exactly, there are no economy fare buckets you can purchase on the QF website that don't earn points.

Sounds to me like QF are just making things up as they go along.

 

[Athleticfrog]

Discount economy also earn points, just no double in my case.

The full sentence is:
Qantas Points and bonus Qantas Points will not be earned on some fare types and booking classes including Classic Flight Rewards.

It's an out for non-earning booking classes that don't earn points in the first place (so will not earn double bonus points). Economy always earns.



It's not even there on any of my recent Qantas e-tickets. Including one to the USA.

 

[serfty]

Thanks for suggestion, will try as well.

For more on using the ACA, see here: Industry Ombudsman & Dispute Resolution

 

[juddles]

The South America one pop into my inbox as well, I checked the email and wasn’t very clear on what is says are Economy flights, I think an email to the airline industry ombudsman mentioned up thread is where I would be going, plus social media as well.

AS per Bundy Bear, I got the sth america email too (just yesterday). I skim read it and understood it to be double points on any economy ticket, as anyone would if they didn't absolutely trawl. Very misleading by Qantas.

Apart from the ACA route, absolutely bash the social media angle - should get a response as it will be highlighting their dishonesty during the actual sales campaign.