[Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26] was 10April

[NM]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Time for me to chime in on this topic. Note that I have been very busy (work and family) and do not claim to have read every post in this thread. But I have browsed the thread and have received a picture of the sentiment.

[Mod Hat]
As an AFF moderator, I was invited by Red Roo to attend the web session at 4pm on 25th June, along with some media representatives. I do not know how many people were on the call, and only know those that identified themselves either at the start of the call or when asking questions at the end. But there were definitely some who are not AFF moderators and participate in other forms of both social and main-stream media.

Here is my summary of the information presented at that session, all of which has been presented by others both here and elsewhere:

• The catalyst was a new front-end to the existing booking engine. No changes to the back-end or calculations for for cash and points, just a new way to present it on the qantas.com.au web site.
• The new web front-end has been designed to view well on mobile devices like smart-phones and tablets, which is why the table cells are large and information presented in an uncluttered manner.
• The new web front-end has been designed to reduce confusion about the operator or the flight (previously people had reported that they were not aware their flight was operated by JQ and not by QF).
• All fares for QF flights can be purchased with a mix of cash and QFF points, such that any such fare is available as an Any Seat Award.
• "Marginal" ASAs will no longer be available through the "Points plus Pay" on the booking front-end and these can only be accessed via a dedicated 1300 phone number (dedicated number but not a dedicated team) and there will be no telephone booking assistance fee when booking via this number.
• The future of "Marginal" ASAs are under review and no decision has yet been made about their future.

[Disclosure]
I have never received any benefits from any airline as a result of my role as a Moderator at AFF, apart from being invited to listen to the media briefing on 24th June. As a moderator, I am able to access the benefits available to AFF Gold members (i.e. discounted travel insurance, AFF Qantas Club corporate member, discounted 1st year membership for ExpertFlyer etc).

I have never booked an ASA and did not make any travel bookings in the last week. I have considered some ASAs in the past, but have chosen to book as AAdvantage partner awards instead since the higher points cost, higher co-payment cash component, lack of need for QFF status credits and greater availability of AAdvantage miles in my account compared with my limited ability to earn QFF points.

I hold Lifetime Gold status with QFF, Platinum status with AAdvantage and Lifetime Gold status with AAdvantage, all earned/maintained through travel with only my initial AAdvantage status being earned via their Platinum Challenge program many years ago.

I did receive a Double Status Credit offer about 2 years ago and did not credit any flights to my QFF account during the period of the offer (I think it was valid for 3 months from memory).
[/Disclosure]
[/Mod Hat]

[Personal comments posted as an AFF member]
Personally, I do see the change to the qantas.com.au booking front-end as being positive. I think they have addressed the points they targeted. I understand that other people may see this in a different light.

I doubt many people outside our community knew about "Marginal" ASAs and looked for them on-line. The way to continue to book them (at least for the time being) has been well reported here and there is no additional booking fee for doing so. The only difference I can see is that some multi-point "optimised" routings may no longer be avaiable. Personally I believe that using marginal JASA using indirect routings for the purpose of status runs is "working the system" to achieve higher status level than would have otherwise been achieved through normal paths, and closing such a loophole has the benefit of protecting the integrity of the status levels. I do not see these changes as the removal of existing benefits or as a reduction in the value of the QFF program. I personally see the changes to the availability of Marginal ASAs as QFF's recognition that some people have abused the original intention of those awards for the purpose of attaining FF status cheaply. Yes, I understand that doing so was completely within the terms and conditions of the program and the fare rules that applied to the Marginal ASA flights. But that does not change my personal opinion.

I personally place significant value in FF program status (I would not be a member here if I did not) and do not want to see the value of status undermined. All that has changed here is the ability to earn status quickly and cheaply via on-line booking. Classic awards can still be purchased with points, Marginal ASAs can still be booked via calling a dedicated number. Some indirect routings used for cheap status runs may no longer be available - well I see that as protecting the value of status rather than the removal of a published benefit.
[/Personal Comments posted as an AFF member]

 

[ermen]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

To those who are getting annoyed at admin and / or mods who are supposedly using the information gained at a private briefing for their own interest, I say this:

• The owner's own the website and the mods are his lieutenants. They can do whatever they want with information which was gained as part of having this privilege.
• Conflict of interest? They don't have any duty to anyone
• Not happy? Go start your own website and do well enough to be a mod and/or suck up to QF and get an invite?

Don't see what the angst is all about?

• If you knew privately in advance that someone was going to drop a nuclear bomb was going off in Sydney, would you book flights out for your family ASAP or wait till the information is public before booking a flight out?!

 

[shellthom]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

I just called to see the $$ behind a classic award bucket JASA and the person I spoke too was sure I was talking in riddles.
He made a call and was able to help me and I was happy with the pricing (min 84000 points as per classic award and $500 co payment for SYD - JNB) - at only $500 copayment this price must be a marginal JASA.. so they exist, the ease of booking comes down to the education of the operator you get.
He said he had never booked one before so this was his first time and had to make a couple calls to work out what I was talking about and then who he goes about doing it for me.
I didn't book I just needed the $.
They are still there but it might be a bit more labouring to get them booked in.

Ok double checked:
Classic 84000 and $341.39 (AUD) payment online

"marginal JASA" 84000 and 485.55 + 30 payment

​

 

[oz_mark]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

I imagine the extra labour on th QF side will make them even more marginal....

 

[codash1099]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Well there is something wrong with the site, even with classic awards.

I checked on J award flights from PER to YVR and seats were available for the dates I selected. However clicking "Continue" after date selection simply returned me to the date selection page with no error message.

(As an aside, availability did look reasonable and for dates in the not too distant future).

 

[blackcat20]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Well there is something wrong with the site, even with classic awards.

I checked on J award flights from PER to YVR and seats were available for the dates I selected. However clicking "Continue" after date selection simply returned me to the date selection page with no error message.

(As an aside, availability did look reasonable and for dates in the not too distant future).

I had that happen yesterday too; just click continue again and you're on your way (though it shouldnt happen at all...)

 

[straitman]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Like NM I was invited by Red Roo to attend the web session at 4pm on 25th June. I am currently in Fiji on holidays so ringing was never going to be impractical but in any case I only saw the invitation at about 5pm by which time I assume it was all over.

I agree with NM as to what the changes mean so I feel there is no need to comment future on that other than it will affect me as I used JASAs quite a lot. How this plays out with the need to call and the long term review of these type of 'marginal ASAs' is anybody's guess.

What disturbs me is the way a few people are carrying on in the thread. By all means state your case and reinforce it if necessary but there is no need to harp over and over again about the same points.

What appalls me however is how a few seem to want to extract blood from one or two people over a perceived benefit, which they have clearly stated, is not the case. Sometimes you just have to accept that people have integrity. It does not always have to be proven. From where I’m sitting it just shows the me, me, me, me attitudes of this world coming to the front again. No names, no pack drill as those in question know who I mean :!:

With this in mind some of the posts here are IMHO really pushing the limits of acceptability.

Last comment, is that if you have not read the whole thread then please at least read the important bits before asking some of the basic questions yet again.

 

[lovestotravel]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

When someone proudly states they were part of the private meeting and then proudly stated they used lots of QF points straight after, it just shows the "look at me look at me look at me I am special" mentality that some people have.

So now we wait for another 3 months to see if these marginal ASAs do disappear....

 

[legroom]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Last comment, is that if you have not read the whole thread then please at least read the important bits before asking some of the basic questions yet again.

+1

My suggestion is for summary by NM to be pinned to the beginning of the thread (plus the phone number as well 1300-366-587 and the "marginal" buckets PUYZ)

That would help a lot of people posting the same question again.

 

[GoldenWinger]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Someone on here mentioned how many people are going to drop status from WP1/WP by making these "enhancements" - I think they hit the nail on the head. It's almost certain that one of the triggers for this change was people reaching higher status by essentially using classic award rates with a surcharge and then becoming higher tier. QF probably aren't too keen on this continuing.

 

[Daver6]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

What irks me the most about this is the lack of communication from Qantas. Without having read this forum, how would I know that I need to call some special phone number? The only email vaguely on the subject from Qantas was telling me about the website changes. Zero mention of this special number.

This whole thing of needing to know about fare buckets etc is complete cough hattery. Seriously, previously I could just see what something would cost and decide whether I was willing to spend the money/points or not.

 

[EmilyHoward]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Don't see what the angst is all about?

• If you knew privately in advance that someone was going to drop a nuclear bomb was going off in Sydney, would you book flights out for your family ASAP or wait till the information is public before booking a flight out?!

[/QUOTE]


Still thinking about whether I would book flights out for the other half leaving the same day as me... perhaps a couple of days later?

EH

 

[oz_mark]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

What irks me the most about this is the lack of communication from Qantas. Without having read this forum, how would I know that I need to call some special phone number? The only email vaguely on the subject from Qantas was telling me about the website changes. Zero mention of this special number.

The number is in the footnotes of the email, where it is explained that the Any Seat Awards in classes X, Z, U or P can not be made online. Of course, it may help to be in one of the various online communities around, such as AFF, to understand what that means.

 

[Princess Fiona]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

What irks me the most about this is the lack of communication from Qantas. Without having read this forum, how would I know that I need to call some special phone number? The only email vaguely on the subject from Qantas was telling me about the website changes. Zero mention of this special number.

This whole thing of needing to know about fare buckets etc is complete cough hattery. Seriously, previously I could just see what something would cost and decide whether I was willing to spend the money/points or not.

The special number is on the fine print at the bottom of the email

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your browser.


Dear Fiona
Use your Qantas Points, pay in cash - the choice is yours at qantas.com
To make your life easier we have improved the way you search and book flights as a Qantas Frequent Flyer member. It's now clearer than blue skies and simpler than ever to book flights at qantas.com when using your Qantas Points.^
Start your search at qantas.com homepage. Once you log in, the new search panel is your single point of entry to search for cash fares,+ Classic Awards or Any Seat Awards. We've also introduced a new look and feel and a handy notification if you're about to be logged out due to inactivity.
Find the flight you want, faster
To start, simply enter your destinations and travel dates at qantas.com and select 'Search Flight'. You will be shown all available cash fares for your search. To view these fares as an Any Seat Award,˜ simply select 'View in Points'. If you wish to book a Classic Award*, then simply enter your flight details and select the 'Show Classic Awards only' checkbox before searching.

To help you choose which Award fare type is best for you, here are some of the key features:
Any Seat Awards allow you to:
Book any available seat on a flight with a QF or JQ flight number
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Make bookings with multiple stopovers.
You can also search when you're on the move on your mobile, tablet or search for Any Seat Awards with the Qantas App. Download now from the App Store. Experience a new way to search at qantas.com.


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˜ Qantas & Jetstar Any Seat Awards are available on any flight with a QF or JQ flight number. As long as there is a seat available for sale, you can book a Qantas or Jetstar Any Seat Award. The points required for an Any Seat Award includes taxes, fees and carrier charges (except any local airport fees or charges collected at the time of check-in) are variable and only valid when quoted. Award flights must be booked at least 24 hours before scheduled departure (and other advance booking requirements may apply). Qantas Points and Status credits may not be earned on some fare types or on some oneworld® alliance or airline partner flights. See the Airline Earning Table for eligible flights and earning classes. Flight upgrades are subject to capacity controls and availability (which is limited). See qantas.com for more information and full terms and conditions. Please note that from 26 June 2013 Any Seat Award bookings made in reservation classes X, Z, U or P cannot be made online at qantas.com. To make an Any Seat Award booking in these classes please call 1300 366 587 (dial in +61 2 8222 2430 from outside Australia) between the hours of 0900 and 1700 AEST on Mondays to Fridays. In most cases the points required for Any Seat Awards booked in these classes are higher than those required for a Classic Award in the same class of travel on the same flight. See qantas.com for more information and full terms and conditions
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[lovestotravel]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

What irks me the most about this is the lack of communication from Qantas. Without having read this forum, how would I know that I need to call some special phone number? The only email vaguely on the subject from Qantas was telling me about the website changes. Zero mention of this special number.

This whole thing of needing to know about fare buckets etc is complete cough hattery. Seriously, previously I could just see what something would cost and decide whether I was willing to spend the money/points or not.

It's all in the email which came through yesterday!

 

[straitman]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

When someone proudly states they were part of the private meeting and then proudly stated they used lots of QF points straight after, it just shows the "look at me look at me look at me I am special" mentality that some people have.

So now we wait for another 3 months to see if these marginal ASAs do disappear....

Not entering into an argument but I totally disagree with the assertion you are making.

Read what I said and read the subsequent posts that explained the wording and it is a non event. As I said "Sometimes you just have to accept that people have integrity" and I do.

 

[markis10]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

When someone proudly states they were part of the private meeting and then proudly stated they used lots of QF points straight after,..

Who said lots, I am on the record as saying a few???? I also did not say straight after either, lets keep to the record stated please.

 

[nlagalle]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

Who said lots, I am on the record as saying a few???? I also did not say straight after either, lets keep to the record stated please.

Either/Or Markis10, I am sure you have to agree your comment wasn't in good taste and can easily be mistaken as taking advantage of the information that was privvy during the call? Sometimes silence is the better posting something people could easily take the wrong way?

I am pleased to say I have 9000 off QFF points left, I seemed to have spent a few last night!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

oh the irony... now clearer than blue skies and simpler than ever... yet in the first couple of sentences they use a '+', '^', '*' and '~' (and more) and the disclaimers are almost as long as the email itself

 

[blackcat20]

re: [Confirmed] QF removing [cheap] ASAs [from web booking engine Jun 26-was]10April

It's all in the email which came through yesterday!

Not everyone was special enough to receive the email.