Frequent fly in Qantas ointment

[simongr]

Not necessarily, this is the US style model, also used by others such as SQ. However if you look at the emerging FF model in this part of the world (as used by two of QF's significant competitors, Virgin Blue & Air NZ) award availability and the points required is indirectly (in the case of DJ) or directly (in the case of NZ) proportional to the fares available for purchase on a given flight, at least on the home carrier flights. I would not be at all surprised if QF go down a similar path.

Interesting observation there - they could fundamentally restructure the program in this way I think without the usual 6 month notice as they could argue that they are actually improving the program.

In terms how the other schemes work do they have a bucket of award seats that are at a fixed price and when they "sell out" do they switch to these "priced" seats?

Just thinking about a fare to the US - for the first 6 months that they go on sale the price remains fairly fixed and as you get closer the price rises or they just sell out.

 

[dajop]

In terms how the other schemes work do they have a bucket of award seats that are at a fixed price and when they "sell out" do they
switch to these "priced" seats?

From what I can tell, DJ just have a conversion factor between commercially available fares and those available through their velocity program.

For NZ, you effectively earn money by flying and through partners (Airpoints Dollars, AUD if based in Australia, NZD if based anywhere else) to spend how you like on commercially available fares, so you can get any fare that is available for sale (indeed when booked over the NZ website you have an option of paying by credit card and another of paying using Airpoints Dollars). They do have buckets available (theoretically!) for elite tiers to redeem in premium cabins at much lower rates than commercially available. I'd also imagine they have buckets for * alliance awards.

 

[codash1099]

Friday February 22, 10:01 AM New deal for frequent flyers

Frequent flyers with Qantas may soon be able to redeem their points more easily - if they pay a points premium.

The airline is promising an enhanced frequent flyer scheme by mid-year that would have the new option, according to a report in The Australian.

The new scheme would also allow members to exchange points for merchandise or shopping vouchers.

Although the finer details of the scheme are still to be released, the airline is reportedly examining a two-tier system.

Those people willing to compete for allocated seats would be able to redeem them as they do now, but those wanting the option of any seat at any time would need to spend extra points. - Travelpress travel news

 

[jackpot]

Re:

I am new to the forum. I had heard there were to be changes to the use and / or operation of the qantas freq flyer programme? As I have quite a lot of points accrued I was wanting to know how the changes may affect me?
Jackpot

 

[straitman]

Re:

I am new to the forum. I had heard there were to be changes to the use and / or operation of the qantas freq flyer programme? As I have quite a lot of points accrued I was wanting to know how the changes may affect me?
Jackpot

Hi Jackpot and welcome to AFF.

We all want to know what the 'enhancements' are going to be but at this time there is very scant information available. The only thing released thus far is that there will be 'every seat' availability on flights and that it will be at a premium to the current FF rates and that the new system will run in parallel with the old.

What changes there is going to be to the old/current FF rewards system is still in the lap of the Gods at QF :!: :evil:

 

[simongr]

Re:

Latest reports on this site are that there will be NO changes to the existing program and that the new anytime availability will be based on the flight price - so buying out of revenue buckets.

Info on that will not be available until July.

 

[serfty]

ISTR details are to be announced in May, but perhaps my memory fails me here. (last year Qantas mooted there was to be a Feb announcement of mid-year changes, but this changed late January)