New Next Gen Card and Bag Tags have arrived!

[TheInsider]

Now some 6 weeks since I called to advise that my NGCI tag had been taken from my bag, still no sign of the new ones promised. Seriously, this airline is beyond a joke. If I ran my business as badly as these idiots, I wouldn't last a week.

If it is beyone a joke, why continue to travel with them?

Seriously i think you need to put this into perspective, 2 ports have been opened up. Still another 4 to go.

There are 7million FF'ers, with a high percentage of those people Silver, Gold, Platnium, Chairmans Lounge all due to receive their NGCI tags and pack.

Really i think there are more important things than being so caught up b/c QF haven't sent you replacement tags.

 

[medhead]

If it is beyone a joke, why continue to travel with them? Seriously i think you need to put this into perspective, 2 ports have been opened up. Still another 4 to go. There are 7million FF'ers, with a high percentage of those people Silver, Gold, Platnium, Chairmans Lounge all due to receive their NGCI tags and pack. Really i think there are more important things than being so caught up b/c QF haven't sent you replacement tags.

Well for a start people still need to travel. NGCI is supposed to be the system that will lets us "just fly". Look at the qantas hype around this system. I look at the tags and think they are going to disappear in no time. Yet when they do disappear the backup and support from qantas for their wiz bang new system turns out to be non existent.

As for a high percentage, some good estimates here put the total status members at 12%. That is not a high percentage.

As previously pointed out there, there's likely over 2m+ people due to receive new cards and tags under the NGCI rollout. Based on current information, their designated mailing house is processing the maximum they can handle each week, beleived to be in the realm of 20,000-40,000 units.

And producing these kits is no easy process, as there's custom data printing, tags & packs dependent on the member type, and custom contents based on membership level. It's dammed complex.

So, rather than QF being idiots, I think you're being a bit of a DYKWIA and lacking perspective in the grand scheme of things.

How about we get some perspective on your numbers, the first point is that stating the number of packs being processed per week makes the complexity of the packaging job irrelevant. If that is the number sent per week that is already determined by the complexity of producing the kit.

The second thing is that I recall you previously reporting 20000 per week but nevertheless: the roll out is no longer than 6 months or 26 weeks even at 40000 per week that is only 1 million packs or in other words no where near 2 million+.

Numbers that appear to be pulled out of thin air don't provide any perspective on the grand scheme of things. Or will it suddenly change to qantas do 80000 packs per week?

 

[Oneworldplus2]

The whole thing is cough in my opinion. I haven't tried checking my bags but used the swipe card last week. So why swipe, then send a text then print a pass at the gate? Why not print a pass with a barcode when you checkin and be done with it like self checkin. Not sure where you save a few seconds.

I like the NGCI without baggage
Used it in SYD recently.
Tapped pole
Got SMS
Was done in literally 30 seconds.
Got a ticket at gate when NGCI WP Card was scanned.
Easy as pie

 

[N860CR]

If it is beyone a joke, why continue to travel with them?

I've been cutting back QF travel for a while now, unfortunatley to many ports, there are no other options.

So let me get this straight - You are calling QF idiots because they haven't sent you something.

As previously pointed out there, there's likely over 2m+ people due to receive new cards and tags under the NGCI rollout. Based on current information, their designated mailing house is processing the maximum they can handle each week, beleived to be in the realm of 20,000-40,000 units.

And producing these kits is no easy process, as there's custom data printing, tags & packs dependent on the member type, and custom contents based on membership level. It's dammed complex.

So, rather than QF being idiots, I think you're being a bit of a DYKWIA and lacking perspective in the grand scheme of things.

Well, yes. The tag was somehow lost while the bag was in QF's care, I called them, explained it had gone missing, received a pleasant apology and an assurance that a new one would be received within 3 weeks. It's now been 6. I'm not asking for a kit, I'm asking for a replacement tag. This has no impact on "the grand scheme of things", I was advised that an action would be taken and they have not done it.

Given it is now next to impossible to checkin using conventional methods at SYD (where most of my travel is from), this is a fairly important item. Nothing to do with DYKWIA (god knows where you pulled that from), rather me just wanting a service that I'm entitled to.

 

[drewbles]

I like the NGCI without baggage
Used it in SYD recently.
Tapped pole
Got SMS
Was done in literally 30 seconds.
Got a ticket at gate when NGCI WP Card was scanned.
Easy as pie

Even easier is do OLCI. Don't print boarding pass. Rock up to gate with FF card. Scan barcode. Get receipt boarding pass.

That works just nicely for me. Works in every port too, regardless of NGCI (And means I can check-in on my mobile without needing a printer).

Saves trees too as the receipt is smaller than a piece of A4 or the cardboard BP

 

[nlagalle]

Saves trees too as the receipt is smaller than a piece of A4 or the cardboard BP

Must kick collecting boarding pass habit!!!

 

[drewbles]

Must kick collecting boarding pass habit!!!

ahh yes. I managed to find so many boarding passes when I moved house. Was a blast from the past seeing 'QC SILVER ONEWORLD RUBY' on them

(I haven't been PS since March 2009). Even had a few SG ones (that was MAR09-OCT09, and not that many flights in that period).

I had contemplated making a wallpaper from them, but the landlord may not have approved

 

[thewinchester]

Given it is now next to impossible to checkin using conventional methods at SYD (where most of my travel is from), this is a fairly important item. Nothing to do with DYKWIA (god knows where you pulled that from), rather me just wanting a service that I'm entitled to.

Impossible to check in using conventional methods - that's the biggest load of BS I've read all day.

Two things:

1. You're SG, and have access to the Premium Desk to check in.
2. Your old QFF card, mobile or online boarding pass can be used at the self check-in units to check in & print bag tags for use at the self-serve injectors.

You're moaning because you can't use some fancy features, when everything still works even without some fancy card & hockey pucks (which maybe save a minute or two if lucky for someone who supposidly travels as frequently).

A true DYKWIA if there ever was.

 

[samiam]

Even easier is do OLCI. Don't print boarding pass. Rock up to gate with FF card. Scan barcode. Get receipt boarding pass.

That works just nicely for me. Works in every port too, regardless of NGCI (And means I can check-in on my mobile without needing a printer).

Saves trees too as the receipt is smaller than a piece of A4 or the cardboard BP

+1 for my (no checked luggage) preferred method.

 

[medhead]

Impossible to check in using conventional methods - that's the biggest load of BS I've read all day.

Lucky that the claim that 2 million + people had to get NG kits was made yesterday then.

You're moaning because you can't use some fancy features, when everything still works even without some fancy card & hockey pucks (which maybe save a minute or two if lucky for someone who supposidly travels as frequently).

A true DYKWIA if there ever was.

Some fancy features that Qantas describes in the following terms:

We believe your journey through the domestic terminal and onto your flight should be faster and more convenient. Thanks to Next Generation Check-in it's just that.
Innovative technology and a new, more streamlined process will make checking in a breeze, allowing you more time to spend as you wish before your flight.

I'm sorry but there is nothing at all DYKWIA about commenting on the lack of service and the failure to meet a commitment to provide something. If they can't provide a service related to the fancy new system in 3 weeks, why are the saying they can? Because the CSA's have been given the wrong information? I'm certainly interested in this because it doesn't paint a good picture about Qantas' commitment to support the new fancy system. IMO

 

[samh004]

I like the NGCI without baggage
Used it in SYD recently.
Tapped pole
Got SMS
Was done in literally 30 seconds.
Got a ticket at gate when NGCI WP Card was scanned.
Easy as pie

I was just thinking about this, is this system actually going to cost QF more in the amount of SMS’ that are sent out?

Previously it’s been noted staffing numbers wont decrease and in the past SMS’ haven’t needed to be sent for every person checking in, so after all the upgraded systems and new technology, is there an ongoing cost increase per user?

Sorry if I missed discussion of this before?

 

[Jasecoop]

I was just thinking about this, is this system actually going to cost QF more in the amount of SMS’ that are sent out?

I was thinking the same, why isnt it swipe card and have the ability to print a pass there and then rather than print at the gate and rather than send an sms. At least that way you know what seat you get immediately and if you are like my wife her mobile is always flat

 

[ethernet]

One wonders why QF does not install Australian Passport chip readers for boarding pass printing. If you google a bit, those smart ICT types came up with a $100 reader, and the key was the text in the passport. Easy to read, quite a bit harder to change the photo, but this was done too.
RFIDIOt.org - RFID IO tools

Electronic, smart card must be better. So gos the assumption.
Failed NSW T-Card and MYki (Vic) and totally cracked Oyster (UK) are telling.
Fine print means these smart cards that cost $2 to make, are on sold for $20 or more. So yes, if QF did decide this way it will cost. As for the SMS it is because someone does not 'trust' the chip and wants 2 factor. Hello - why are we buying this junk.

Mag Cards are cheap and work. Less well known is that there are security features that make them impossible to copy, as it reads their flaws as well,
and you can use an existing card (any).

It all boils down to cutting staff. No reason why bags cannot be checked in remotely at a hotel or train station(like KUL) off expensive airport real-estate.
I say self-service is 'No service', and whatever bull**** they spin, there is no substitute for real checkin, and telling customers without their stuff at the ready to rejoin another line.

 

[beardoc]

I was just thinking about this, is this system actually going to cost QF more in the amount of SMS’ that are sent out?

Previously it’s been noted staffing numbers wont decrease and in the past SMS’ haven’t needed to be sent for every person checking in, so after all the upgraded systems and new technology, is there an ongoing cost increase per user?

Sorry if I missed discussion of this before?

SMS in bulk is exceedingly cheap - in the region of 2-4c/message. I would say it's cheaper than the boarding card stock, etc.

 

[TheInsider]

I dont understand why so many people in this forum are complaining about NGCI and QF removing the 'service'.
All Gold, Platnium, Chairmans Lounge and Business customers (which are the majority of people on this forum) are welcome to join the permium service desk queue and so 'speak to a real person' in a transactional style.

Ie: Hi Mr Peters, How many bags?, That's gate 2. Next. Hi Mr Roberts, How many bags, Gate 1 for you today. Next.

But you see this is still going to be a situation where the vocal few who don't like the system will complain and make wild accusations and conspiracies. People/passengers state that there will be job losses, fewer staff etc etc. But really you say that to us, but 5min later you have forgotten about us and go about your normal life.

The same things were said when the Quickcheck kiosks were installed many years ago, and the introduction of online checkin, advance seat selection and mobile checkin.. Now tell me how many of you haven't used these systems in anyway, shape or form and always decide to go to a checkin counter to 'speak to a real person' especially when you have no bags?

 

[reductionist]

I say self-service is 'No service', and whatever bull**** they spin, there is no substitute for real checkin, and telling customers without their stuff at the ready to rejoin another line.

Couldn't agree more with this. NGCI just seems like an excuse to not have to speak to customers.

 

[TheInsider]

Couldn't agree more with this. NGCI just seems like an excuse to not have to speak to customers.

Just like ATM's and supermarket self-serve machines. Still seem to be the same amount of staff at both places, maybe less counters, but same amount of staff?

 

[samh004]

I was thinking the same, why isnt it swipe card and have the ability to print a pass there and then rather than print at the gate and rather than send an sms. At least that way you know what seat you get immediately and if you are like my wife her mobile is always flat

I like the idea of just using the card at the gate, one less thing to worry about as my card is in my wallet and my wallet in my pocket. If I then have to also worry where my ticket is, the system is useless

Everyone that uses NGCI has the ability to select seats before flying, so not knowing where you are doesn’t really fly, unless you never log on, but then the service is there. Perhaps to appease some flyers the NGCI points could display your seat number when touching your card, but other than that I don’t think it matters.

 

[significance]

Just like ATM's and supermarket self-serve machines. Still seem to be the same amount of staff at both places, maybe less counters, but same amount of staff?

You must be young, not to remember. The number of staff in each bank and the number of branches have both been greatly reduced since ATMs became commonplace.

 

[TheInsider]

You must be young, not to remember. The number of staff in each bank and the number of branches have both been greatly reduced since ATMs became commonplace.

Not young and know of these situations, but getting money out of an ATM is much quicker and easier than going inside a branch, filling in a form, joining a queue getting money etc etc.