Long-time Platinum throwing in the towel on QFF. Move to Velocity

[buzz62]

Long-time QFF Platinum member here (currently lifetime Gold, though Platinum status). After years of loyalty, I’ve hit breaking point with the program. The gap between what Qantas markets to high-tier frequent flyers and what is delivered has become impossible to ignore.

A few observations from a long-haul and domestic regular:

• Priority Boarding: Completely useless. The line for Business/Status is regularly longer than Economy.
• Priority Seating: Gold and Platinum seating zones feel stripped of real value. The best seats are increasingly monetised or given away to non-status pax paying a small fee.
• Classic Reward Availability: Non-existent unless you want anti-social hours or unwanted dates. Otherwise, you’re forced into astronomical Points+Pay rates.
• Upgrades: Economy to Business upgrades feel like a lottery with terrible odds. After missing out on my last two domestic requests, I gave up and started booking outright Business cash fares.

If status and points don't deliver confirmed seats or tangible priority, what is the point of staying loyal?

The Velocity Reality Check (PER–MEL)​

I recently cancelled my Qantas Amex, picked up the Velocity Amex, and cleared the 150,000 bonus points spend in month one.

I just booked a domestic business run: Perth to Melbourne (early morning out, late afternoon return).

• Velocity Reward Cost: 71,000 points return in Business.
• Qantas Equivalent (Same day/times): Qantas wanted a staggering 447,600 points return (223,800 points each way) because there was zero Classic Reward seat inventory, leaving only Points+Pay.

To pay over 6x the points for the same domestic leg on the national carrier is absurd.

I haven't flown the Virgin leg yet, but I'll be interested to see how the hard and soft product compares against QF Business out of PER. At this point, Qantas Points feel like a brilliant marketing machine for the airline, but a total scam for the user no matter how high your status is.

Curious to hear if other long-term Platinum's have made the switch to Velocity recently, and how you’ve found the transition?

 

[fletty]

Have you had any luck releasing reward seats on those flights? That's one of the better WP perks imo

 

[trippin_the_rift]

In 6 months, you'll come to the conclusion that problems exist with both carriers, and that you're better off flying with whoever gives you the best bang for your buck on price. Gold with both seems the sweet spot for most domestic flyers.

If your travel is mostly international, you're likely best off ignoring both programs.

Fly with whoever treats you the best.

 

[moa999]

The example shown is a poor comparison. One has regular award seats available, the other doesn't.
And most would never book Points + Pay..
Generally however I do find VA does have slightly better availability closer to the date of travel and lower fees.

Virgin earning has changed a lot with the move to a $ program which will suit some more than others..

If you only travel domestically, book a lot of expensive last minute point to point fares, VA is a great program.

Cheap light multi-segment fares , or overseas partners is not really a strong point however.