Re: im sorry Qantas but you really have gone downhill... why? I loved Qantas for so l
Reading all of this and even from opinions from learned, seasoned travellers like Dave Noble and NM makes me wonder.
If QF are the worst carrier in Australia and perhaps the world, plus QFF is a p*ss poor FFP, then does that make me a ridiculous, dumb, misinformed idiot?
I can't speak for you being a misinformed idiot, though I am one too if you are! I have to say that at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference, like anything in life... I like this Airline because.... I like this restaurant because.... I like this movie because.... I like this bank.... ok maybe im taking it too far with that one.
FF programs or any loyalty programs are designed to steer you towards that company over a competitor and at the end of the day whats the harm in that?
It builds loyalty (aka profit) for the brand and in many cases those of us achieving status get a few perks that others do not get or have to pay more for. In business there is a rule that 90% of the profit comes from 10% of the customers - so surely its smart to offer the 'perks' to the chosen few.
In my own example i choose to travel QF to the UK for some of the following perks:
- Getting to fly the A380 (i find it more comfortable for me);
- Good seating in whY class (self funded and cant justify to me increased cost);
- Chance of an upgrade;
- Ive found the IFE to be comparable to the best ive flown on so far;
- Access to the QP (didnt realise how good it is to have a shower between long haul legs);
- I get some FF points that i can choose to utilise in other areas of my life via product or more flights.
The one downside of this is that I'm not flying the cheapest airline on the route - but to me things like those i mentioned help me justify my decision to myself and to my wallet.
For this im also willing to let slide the reduction of the inflight service for International whY class. Some examples since the GFC, Qantas have stopped serving the welcome drink before dinner, ice creams are now lesser quality and the amenities kits are getting more and more sparce... but at the end of the day it doesnt worry me enough to choose differently.
Its all about personal preference and at the moment that personal preference is QF... well until they pee me off enough (though they haven't to date) to change like the person who started this thread, who has reached their personal tipping point.
I wonder if people are forgetting that their choices are for them and if someone doesn't agree with it - it doesnt lessen that choice it just means we have had a different experience or wont strike them on a plane of our choice in the future.