Best Airline for Frequent Travel in Australia (split thread)

[JohnK]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

Better be quick with that $133 return - it's flashing! But it is good that you can afford to commit to an airfare 2 months out ... because most business travellers can't and therefore aren't able to grab the super-cheapies from either airline.

Am I classed as a leisure or business traveller?

I am about to book airfares through to Christmas on the current sales. On QF SYD-BNE is $79 one-way while DJ is $59 one-way but add-on $10 for luggage and there is not much difference.

Some people may be happy with a $10 saving but I prefer to be able to carry
as much luggage as I like, have a meal and 3 beers on a Friday night.

How can you base a statement using a sample size of 1(day)?

QF can be more expensive, but 1 date does not give any indication of rolling trends, or a decent picture overall.

I base my statement on a sample of the past 2 years. I posted one day just to give an example.

As I have said a number of times on AFF QF is cheaper than DJ most times for peak travel and that is not including the fringe benefits one gets with Qantas. YMMV....

 

[notzac]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

Am I classed as a leisure or business traveller?

I am about to book airfares through to Christmas on the current sales. On QF SYD-BNE is $79 one-way while DJ is $59 one-way but add-on $10 for luggage and there is not much difference.

Some people may be happy with a $10 saving but I prefer to be able to carry
as much luggage as I like, have a meal and 3 beers on a Friday night.

I'd say you're a business traveller.

Again, I find myself disagreeing with you on your calculation of cost - using this example, the costs would be equal ($59 + $10 for luggage + $10 for onboard f&b = $79, same as the QF fare)

That aside, I completely understand where you're coming from with regard to the fringe benefits .. something that QF still does better than DJ. While I really like the DJ lounges, the QF lounges tend to have better F&B. Does DJ priority tag domestic luggage? (Genuine question, never checked luggage with them so I don't know)

I'm avoiding comparing what you get for free to eat on QF vs what you pay for to eat on DJ, on the basis that I'm largely unimpressed with any airlines' food (to the point that I simply don't eat on QF flights - the VLML/VGML meals are disgusting).

Since I got status on DJ, it's v difficult for me to choose as the benefits are mostly equal for domestic (international is a very different beast and I don't think that VA have quite got the product to compete yet).

 

[dajop]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

IVirgin entered the market with a particular platform, and that was as a LCC. From memory, they were quite adamant about this so as to avoid being compared with Qantas. Over time, they have tried to evolve to compete with Qantas and their offering has changed - though I would argue not substantially.

I think DJ are lot closer to QF than they are to TT. I would actually argue what they offer has changed substantially since they began. These are the additions I see over their 10 year evolution:

• Addition of frequent flyer program
• Subsequent addition of tiers to that program
• Addition of (admittedly still limited) mutual tier recognition with some larger carriers, eg VS, DL
• Development of lounge network in main cities
• Move from a point to point to a network carrier
• Addition of range of fare offerings to suit different market segments
• Interlining with other domestic and international carriers

None of which Tiger offers, but Jetstar does offer in a limited sense through its QF affiliation. If you look at the situation in other "developed" countries, for short haul/domestic flying, what DJ offers is closer to the norm and QF are the outlier. (look at many of the legacy carriers in the US and even some in Europe - checked baggage charges and pay for food and beverage on board is the norm. One could even argue by some measures - eg lounge access for elites - DJ have better offering than most US carriers, but the downside being lack of ability to liberally upgrade elites).

I agree that the baggage charging is a black mark against Virgin, but something that easily accounted for in the cost equation. Then there is the onboard F&B service, again something that can be accounted for at different times of the day, and depending on length of flight. However I still maintain that if DJ had a very strong international loyalty offering within an alliance, then there would be far less concern about free F&B on board.

 

[JohnK]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

Since I got status on DJ, it's v difficult for me to choose as the benefits are mostly equal for domestic (international is a very different beast and I don't think that VA have quite got the product to compete yet).

There are not many people, even on AFF, who would be able to reach, or even maintain, DJ Gold status. And then what?

Personally the choice is simple

- I believe the Qantas FFP is quite good and much better than Velocity. Let's not go down the AA path as that is only for a select few. I asked a question earlier. Which FFP gives 1,000 points/miles for a ~232 mile flight costing $55 and throws in a couple of beers as well
- As above getting top status on the Qantas FF program gives lounge access across the world where as DJ lounge access is limited and almost useless for international travel
- The aircraft Qantas uses suit me better. I would much rather travel in a 767 than a 737 or an E190
- And last but not least getting status on QF is a lot easier

There is no right or wrong although the right choice is what suits us best....

 

[Dave Noble]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

- I believe the Qantas FFP is quite good and much better than Velocity. Let's not go down the AA path as that is only for a select few. I asked a question earlier. Which FFP gives 1,000 points/miles for a ~232 mile flight costing $55 and throws in a couple of beers as well

As an AA member with Platinum status I get 1000 points on a 232 mile QF flight. As far as beer goes, couldnt care given that I stopped drinking alcohol a fairly long time ago and didn't used to find alcohol a need when travelling especially since would often be driving on arrival , however would still be able to have the beers if wanted

- As above getting top status on the Qantas FF program gives lounge access across the world where as DJ lounge access is limited and almost useless for international travel

or just like any other OW FF programme at Sapphire status

As far as being easier to get status, I wouldnt particularly agree other than in 1st / business, taking a short flight

30 sectors MEL-CBR will get AA Gold vs 35 needed in discount economy on Qantas ( 30 to renew )
60 sectors will get AA Platinum vs 70 on Qantas ( 60 to renew )
100 to get Executive Platinum vs 140 on Qantas (120 to renew )

QF becomes easier when on K/H class domestically since the flight requirements halve

 

[JohnK]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

As an AA member with Platinum status I get 1000 points on a 232 mile QF flight.

In E, N, Q class?

As far as being easier to get status, I wouldnt particularly agree other than in 1st / business, taking a short flight

Let's continue to disagree on this point.

Also if most of my travel was on Qantas then I would much rather have Qantas Platinum than AA Executive Platinum any day....

 

[NM]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

Which FFP gives 1,000 points/miles for a ~232 mile flight costing $55 and throws in a couple of beers as well

In E, N, Q class?

I think you will find that the $55 sale fares book into O class and earn as Dave described. $55 O class fares provide the same beer opportunities to AA Platinum and Exec Platinum members as they do for QF Gold and Platinum members.

 

[JohnK]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

I think you will find that the $55 sale fares book into O class and earn as Dave described. $55 O class fares provide the same beer opportunities to AA Platinum and Exec Platinum members as they do for QF Gold and Platinum members.

Well NM then think again. BNE-ROK return for $110 and they were Q class airfares!!!!

 

[Dave Noble]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

Well NM then think again. BNE-ROK return for $110 and they were Q class airfares!!!!

Qantas's lowest listed fare for BNE-ROK is O class

 

[medhead]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

As far as being easier to get status, I wouldnt particularly agree other than in 1st / business, taking a short flight

30 sectors MEL-CBR will get AA Gold vs 35 needed in discount economy on Qantas ( 30 to renew )
60 sectors will get AA Platinum vs 70 on Qantas ( 60 to renew )
100 to get Executive Platinum vs 140 on Qantas (120 to renew )

QF becomes easier when on K/H class domestically since the flight requirements halve

I took the easier comment to be a comparison with virgin. I think it is clearly easier to get status with Qantas based on my flying this year. It takes $9000 to make gold with DJ. Based on the flights I've booked this year, it cost me $5500 to get 700 SC on Qantas.

Of course this isn't a comparison with AA and whenever discussion of AA comes up I always find it very interesting. Once I make Platinum, I'll probably seriously consider becoming a "dual nationality".

The op has succeeded in internal fighting. This thread is so off topic now that if I was a mod, I'd close it down...

munitalP

Gotta say I don't really see it as internal fighting, I really value the chance to understand where others find value. Maybe it is fighting, but then AFF also breaks other taboos like discussing politics.

 

[JohnK]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

Qantas's lowest listed fare for BNE-ROK is O class

Are you arguing for the sake of arguing?

One more time. There is no mistake (on my part or Qantas' part) what so ever that my BNE-ROK return for $110 (booked back in April along with the one-way SYD-MEL flight) was booked in Q class....

 

[JohnK]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

There is nothing wrong with a thread going off topic. It is still a valid and useful discussion.

I took the easier comment to be a comparison with virgin. I think it is clearly easier to get status with Qantas based on my flying this year.

It was a general comment that it is easier, and cheaper, to get status on Qantas flying on Qantas then it is to get status on AA flying on Qantas. And that is not including status runs on other carriers.

Simple fact is Qantas allows SCs earning on all QF flights. Book the wrong class on a QF flight and no status earning on AA.

It takes $8000 to make gold with DJ.

Think again. Unless things have changed recently then it takes $9,000 to make Gold with DJ. That is a lot of money to spend for something that is only useful domestically when one can get Oneworld Emerald for less half the cost.

 

[medhead]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

It was a general comment that it is easier, and cheaper, to get status on Qantas flying on Qantas then it is to get status on AA flying on Qantas. And that is not including status runs on other carriers.

Oh, my misunderstanding

Think again. Unless things have changed recently then it takes $9,000 to make Gold with DJ. That is a lot of money to spend for something that is only useful domestically when one can get Oneworld Emerald for less half the cost.

Oh yes, even worse then. Previous post edited

 

[dajop]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

Think again. Unless things have changed recently then it takes $9,000 to make Gold with DJ.

You are correct, flying with DJ will take $9167. There are ways of getting Gold for a little less than that using VA.... but still probably need $7k or so, and of course retaining gold only needs $7143 using DJ alone.

 

[notzac]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

You are correct, flying with DJ will take $9167. There are ways of getting Gold for a little less than that using VA.... but still probably need $7k or so, and of course retaining gold only needs $7143 using DJ alone.

Not entirely true -- I might need to re-do the math, but at least while it lasts -- a couple return trips MEL-HKT in J will requalify Gold for a bit over $4000.

 

[dajop]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

Not entirely true -- I might need to re-do the math, but at least while it lasts -- a couple return trips MEL-HKT in J will requalify Gold for a bit over $4000.

You are right, forgot about the HKT flights.

 

[medhead]

im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so long

You are right, forgot about the HKT flights.

I was trying to compare on domestic DJ flying but excellent to know some of the options of better status value with velocity

 

[Fantic125]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

Who's DJ?

My flights this year have been;

QF 17, CX 10, AA 4, CA 3, CO 3, OZ 3, IC 2, JL 2, NH 2, NZ 2, KA 1, AI 1, SQ 1.

For the rest of this month; QF 4, AA 3, CO 2, CX 2, UA 1.

Even though our company works on a lowest fare principle :evil: I never see DJ pop up. Possibly due to most of my domestic flights being just to get me to a place so the company can get me out of the country.

 

[markis10]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

Are you arguing for the sake of arguing?

One more time. There is no mistake (on my part or Qantas' part) what so ever that my BNE-ROK return for $110 (booked back in April along with the one-way SYD-MEL flight) was booked in Q class....

My upcoming BKQ-LRE-BNE ticket was booked into Q on both flights (separate flight numbers) for a grand total of $49 with 25 SC's, that Qlink sale booked into Q for all destinations and was a good one, QF were certainly the best value then, mind you most routes are a monopoly.

 

[notmensa]

Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l

Even though our company works on a lowest fare principle :evil: I never see DJ pop up. Possibly due to most of my domestic flights being just to get me to a place so the company can get me out of the country.

My company can't book DJ flights because the purchasing system requires us to submit a quote. DJ only 'quotes' a fare during the booking process, ie the fares are not held so you can pay sometime later.