Qantas Platinum One experiences?

[aus_flyer]

To all the newly-minted Platinum One frequent flyers out there... I'm curious to hear... what's been your experience so far?

Anything different?

Free upgrades?

... or all hype?

 

[Sprucegoose]

they reckon I'll be be buying all their highly processed rubbish because we're too legless to cook?

As a like-minded chap, you well know you can do your best work legless....

 

[RichardMEL]

AI would have said cat, cat food (normal state), but when vet bills came up - it ought to have said, Vet bills, no cat food - the cat is cactus. (altered state)

Ah, but they may not know about vet bills if I used a non QF earning payment method, or even a CC that did not disclose individual transaction data to them (privacy and all that - I have no idea if the QF money cards do or do not. I assume they do and don't care very much). It also may not even be obvious if the biller name is say "DR J SMITH" as opposed to "THE CAT CLINIC" (who I used, and as an aside for any cat person in Melbourne are _THE_ best Or were a few years ago ).

However I guess for quite some time as far as wollies' CRM was concerned my cat was Schrodinger's - maybe alive, maybe not. You can certainly understand that from a human point of view if not AI. I mean maybe kitty went to stay elsewhere for reasons. Maybe I switched cat foods to perscription only or just cheaper at Aldi or something, and thus Woolies had no buys to collage - but that may not mean the kitty is alive or not.

I just found it an interesting exercise in the way the CRM was obviously working and I paid attention for my own interest just how long it took (give or take a few months) for the specific targeting to clearly change (even for some time after I got sporadic pet things maybe every month or so.. as if to say - hey you still into this stuff?).

Of course the whole point of sharing this whole cat thing was more about what I considered a slightly smarter CRM that Woolies is using because at least it DID clearly take into account purchase histor and made appropriate offers.

And of course this is outside P1 per se - probably worthy of a separate discussion except that seems to me the first [(and probably easier) customer base you'd want to target are your seemingly most loyal, and those most likely to be more invested than most in the whole QFF ecosystem - ie all the linked cards and things so they would in theory have the most data about a high tier flyer than a casual one. As a generalisation anyway.

The thing is, we don't really know how smart the QF machine is, given its constant dominant market position and varying levels of competition over the years.

Are they currently in for the fight of their lives - certainly not.
Do they act as if they are in for the fight of their lives - certainly not
How would we know if they were operating their marketing optimally - we wouldn't.

They probably aren't.. and you're right we don't know the full capabilities of the software they have and what they're chosing to use. It may well be the software is capable but there are other legacy systems that won't play nice (for example Revenue Management/Pricing etc).

I'm inclined to think that they're probably not using all the data they have in the smartest possible way - but be that a technical issue or specific policy choice(s) obviously I don't know.

Airlines in general are very legacy so it's probably pretty hard to do these kinds of things that - to me, anyway - seem kinda obvious to try and do. Big hotel chains seem kinda similar too in general. For example when a chain tries to target me with "Make the most of your next trip to Melbourne" kind of emails. Now that may make sense if I book a lot of rooms in my home city, or they targeted as a "staycation" type deal or something.. that could work.. but I never get the sense these things are ever that smart.

Anyhoo all a bit off topic. Back in my box.. where I may be either alive.. or dead...

 

[Sprucegoose]

I have no idea if the QF money cards do or do not. I assume they do and don't care very much

I would always assume they do. At least they would have all the data which could be presented as information.

It also may not even be obvious if the biller name is say "DR J SMITH" as opposed to "THE CAT CLINIC" (

I've been involved in some corporate fraud cases (as the accuser, not the accused!); all CC merchants are classified by their industry.

In a simple transactional case, the GM claims a CC receipt from (say, for example) ACME Travel P/L $500; you can track that merchant - could be operating as a 'relaxation centre' - or a mob that sells Italian tapware - so the data is available.

but that may not mean the kitty is alive or not.

Supplemental data would be, as you said, shown at Woolies but not necessarily at Aldi (and if paid for by cash!)

Would ALDI upload the goods purchased and sell the information - I assume most people buy with a CC these days.

If Kitty were involved in a K&R (her) underwriter would ask for proof of kitty's life!

DID clearly take into account purchase histor and made appropriate offers.

So many companies do not understand the potential of data analytics. I want to be targeted as it can only help me decide on future travel etc.

If I look at Tuscan holidays on Google, I get little pop-ups shortly after that, so something is alive and tracking.

you'd want to target are your seemingly most loyal, and those most likely to be more invested than most in the whole QFF ecosystem

Well, you would have thought so. I would target those with significant credit card spending as an obvious case. You would have thought most P1s (in an attempt to stay OT) would have interesting roles/lifestyles and, therefore, are ripe for analysis. Centurian Card holders are also prominent. Loan applications where the applicants have a taxable income over $1m?

Most people are loyal to a fault. Customer churn rates generally occur with price-sensitive demand-side purchasing. Good data analytics should demonstrate a loyalty profile.

I'm still with QF/NAB/Telstra - these companies will know this stuff (maybe if you do move often, you'll get better offers?)

There is nothing no one doesn't know about you - if they want to. Everything is trackable. Your Airtags could be reporting on where you are!

Airlines in general are very legacy so it's probably pretty hard to do these kinds of things that - to me, anyway - seem kinda obvious to try and do

Airlines and most people, I would say.

Apologies, this needs a separate thread for sure.

 

[windycityf]

What % of P1s do you think get there without business travel?

I am definitely in the minority as P1, mainly leisure travel, and American......

 

[defurax]

To get back to P1 experiences...

I was VERY surprised last week when checking in at NOU. As soon as the agent saw my name in my passport she said "oh, you are Defurax, we were waiting for you, as you are a QF P1, would you like an escort to accompany you to security and escort you to the lounge?"
I was a bit lost for words, it is a very small airport, with a single flight that afternoon. I said, thanks but no, but she kind of insisted, so I agreed. The funny thing is that she literally left her desk and asked someone else to take over. So after security she brought me to the lounge and then asked if I wanted an escort for boarding. Again, considering it is a minuscule airport with a single flight I politely declined but she insisted. So just before boarding commenced this agent came to pick me up in the AirCalin lounge, brought me to the gate and stayed in the jet bridge with me until boarding commenced.

So I'm left wondering if someone at QF reminded the contracted staff at NOU that they need to escort VIP and maybe they assumed that P1 are VIP. Anyway, it was quite funny, because NOU is the last airport requiring to be escorted considering how small it is, but on the other hand, it was basically the only time my P1 status was acknwoledged in a meaningful (albeit over the top) way in more than 60 QF flights this year.

I also didn't get any $200 vouchers even though I was in MEL and SYD J lounges on 25 and 31 December...

 

[Ade]

Must've had my eyes shut at the exact moment the FA came past, and no follow up for the rest of the flight.

Same experience here as WP travelling Y ... A few months back, similar CBR-MEL/SYD legs, I dozed off during meal/snack/food service. I woke up close to landing at the destination, the FA still approached and asked if I need anything to eat and offered muffin and water .. last few flights between CBR-MEL/SYD, none offered if dozed off ... guess the new staff are not provided this training? Not that it matters, just an observation.

Travelling J on a recent flight was provided an Indian meal (special request)

 

[RichardMEL]

I also didn't get any $200 vouchers even though I was in MEL and SYD J lounges on 25 and 31 December...

Consistently Inconsistent(tm)

Clearly a good intention but seemingly not terribly well executed.

And no I wasn't flying. I'm not griping if anyone got one of these or five.. doesn't involve me. Just a general observation that if some were getting them during this period during their travels out of these major hubs, then they should have made it so that everyone got them (everyone traveling I mean).

It kind of seems disappointing that, let's say QF had decided to issue these for a specific period - that they would KNOW all the P1's flying(or scheduled to fly) QF services during this period. So why not issue electronically - "Dear so and so.. we see you're flying over the festive season on QFnnn to xx_. Please accept this voucher as a token of our best wishes as you travel during this time" or something. I mean they can target us with CL lounge invites and other things so why not do this?

again.. I love the clear intent being shown here by QF and think it's great. execution? not so great it seems.

 

[dairyfloss]

To get back to P1 experiences...

I was VERY surprised last week when checking in at NOU. As soon as the agent saw my name in my passport she said "oh, you are Defurax, we were waiting for you, as you are a QF P1, would you like an escort to accompany you to security and escort you to the lounge?"
I was a bit lost for words, it is a very small airport, with a single flight that afternoon. I said, thanks but no, but she kind of insisted, so I agreed. The funny thing is that she literally left her desk and asked someone else to take over. So after security she brought me to the lounge and then asked if I wanted an escort for boarding. Again, considering it is a minuscule airport with a single flight I politely declined but she insisted. So just before boarding commenced this agent came to pick me up in the AirCalin lounge, brought me to the gate and stayed in the jet bridge with me until boarding commenced.

So I'm left wondering if someone at QF reminded the contracted staff at NOU that they need to escort VIP and maybe they assumed that P1 are VIP. Anyway, it was quite funny, because NOU is the last airport requiring to be escorted considering how small it is, but on the other hand, it was basically the only time my P1 status was acknwoledged in a meaningful (albeit over the top) way in more than 60 QF flights this year.

I also didn't get any $200 vouchers even though I was in MEL and SYD J lounges on 25 and 31 December...

I had the same with my wife and son as a WP travelling in J out of NOU in Oct last year - very much appreciated, as the lines for security (which came before immigration) were out the door at the time, and we were already quite late. We were escorted through to the front of the line and dropped in front of many very annoyed waiting pax... oops

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[Daver6]

I had the same with my wife and son as a WP travelling in J out of NOU in Oct last year - very much appreciated, as the lines for security (which came before immigration) were out the door at the time, and we were already quite late. We were escorted through to the front of the line and dropped in front of many very annoyed waiting pax... oops

Cheers,
Matt.

From memory there is a J queue for security in departure? Or am I possible confusing my tropical locations with MLE.

 

[dairyfloss]

From memory there is a J queue for security in departure? Or am I possible confusing my tropical locations with MLE.

No premium or J queue at NOU when we were there. There is in MLE, or at least last time I was over there!

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[Austman]

From memory there is a J queue for security in departure?

There was in August last year. It looks to be a permanent fixture but didn't have great signage. Check-in told me about it. I was in J.

It made little difference to me as the lines were not so long anyway. It was essentially getting into the screening area quicker. Then pushing into the queue there.

It was a bit embarrassing to be honest. I was reluctant to just push in. But some staff saw me come through the premium entrance and made some space in the line for me.

 

[chooms]

Consistently Inconsistent(tm)

Clearly a good intention but seemingly not terribly well executed.

And no I wasn't flying. I'm not griping if anyone got one of these or five.. doesn't involve me. Just a general observation that if some were getting them during this period during their travels out of these major hubs, then they should have made it so that everyone got them (everyone traveling I mean).

It kind of seems disappointing that, let's say QF had decided to issue these for a specific period - that they would KNOW all the P1's flying(or scheduled to fly) QF services during this period. So why not issue electronically - "Dear so and so.. we see you're flying over the festive season on QFnnn to xx_. Please accept this voucher as a token of our best wishes as you travel during this time" or something. I mean they can target us with CL lounge invites and other things so why not do this?

again.. I love the clear intent being shown here by QF and think it's great. execution? not so great it seems.

Consistently inconsistent, but with all the data they have who knows!

As mentioned earlier, I did get one voucher... but I did not receive the gin that many other P1s got.

I forgot the other experience on Xmas eve at the Syd J lounge. Both Mrs and Master Chooms were travelling with me and we had booked a late-ish afternoon flight up to BNE that that QF cancelled on us the day prior. We were in Y in row 4 and punted to a flight that had few seats left let alone up the front and me sitting away from Mrs and Master Chooms.... some may say an upgrade that wasn't an upgrade, but I digress

Upon entry to J lounge after handing over the voucher, the lounge agent then managed to shuffle seats around to get us all seated together (not row 4, but Mrs Chooms became happier).

The agent then decided to shower Master Chooms with gifts from the cupboard (a plane/airport toy set and a pilot costume).

He was thrilled and it was a lovely gesture... even if with the cancelled flight and no transfer of the kids meal to the new flight. Oh well, can't win them all!

 

[arrow]

I mean they can target us with CL lounge invites and other things so why not do this?

Are Qantas still doing the CL lounge invites for P1?

 

[kermatu]

Are Qantas still doing the CL lounge invites for P1?

My one and only invitation was about 18 months ago. Don't recall many or any reports in this thread of late.

I haven't flown a huge amount since then, but there have been several instances where one or other of the QP or J lounge has been shut and the operating lounge very crowded, when an invitation to the CL in advance or on the day would have been welcomed. But I recall being told (pre-pandemic) that this was being clamped down on because of "inconsistency" between airports.

 

[Matt_01]

Was not sure to post this here or in an AMEX thread. Is there any trick to booking avis cars (comped that presidents club status a couple of years back) through the AMEX site to redeem travel credits. On the Avis site I can book one way from Wellington to Auckland however on the amex site it states I need to return to the same location. Although the AMEX vouchers may be handy, I have stopped using them for flights and hotels unless it is for a carrier/ property I do not normally use or have status with. I though hire cars may have been a better use.

 

[Daver6]

Was not sure to post this here or in an AMEX thread. Is there any trick to booking avis cars (comped that presidents club status a couple of years back) through the AMEX site to redeem travel credits. On the Avis site I can book one way from Wellington to Auckland however on the amex site it states I need to return to the same location. Although the AMEX vouchers may be handy, I have stopped using them for flights and hotels unless it is for a carrier/ property I do not normally use or have status with. I though hire cars may have been a better use.

If you have the platinum charge card try emailing [email protected] and asking.

 

[jcwhizz]

Decent-ish P1 experience on QF2 LHR / SGP last week - upgrade to first came through - on my first A380 flight since COVID.

The Good: Bollinger Grand Annee 2014 - and lots of it - being served like it was going out of fashion - and from boarding through till landing!!! Great series of chats with the CSM who I’d flown with a few times Pre-COVID. Refreshed First Suite also pretty decent - and I reckon the bed is still one of the best out there.

The not so good: No PJs loaded, so business PJs provided, amenity kit V basic. The dinner was shocking - particularly the cod…. Avoid the cod at all costs…what was I thinking. Wines (other than Bollinger) very average (Shaw and Smith battle ready Sav Blanc etc). Breakfast disjointed, late and only half of it came. Toilets could also do with an upgrade in size and quality.

So… in my opinion even business class EK and QR all beat QF First on everything bar the bed.. but then again the bed is important - and it was a great experience to be on the A380 again - and boy did I notice the shift down a gear when I switched over to QF36….

 

[Fergo747]

Decent-ish P1 experience on QF2 LHR / SGP last week - upgrade to first came through - on my first A380 flight since COVID.

The Good: Bollinger Grand Annee 2014 - and lots of it - being served like it was going out of fashion - and from boarding through till landing!!! Great series of chats with the CSM who I’d flown with a few times Pre-COVID. Refreshed First Suite also pretty decent - and I reckon the bed is still one of the best out there.

The not so good: No PJs loaded, so business PJs provided, amenity kit V basic. The dinner was shocking - particularly the cod…. Avoid the cod at all costs…what was I thinking. Wines (other than Bollinger) very average (Shaw and Smith battle ready Sav Blanc etc). Breakfast disjointed, late and only half of it came. Toilets could also do with an upgrade in size and quality.

So… in my opinion even business class EK and QR all beat QF First on everything bar the bed.. but then again the bed is important - and it was a great experience to be on the A380 again - and boy did I notice the shift down a gear when I switched over to QF36….

Can I ask what the specific P1 experience was though as what you've described sounds like a 'standard' QF First - was it the upgrade coming in earlier that T-24?

Re the not so good, that is pretty poor but unfortunately somewhat par for the course with QF First. Sounds like not just PJs but the wines weren't loaded either as recent QF First flights have had more decent wines (e.g. Penfolds RWT). The toilet point is one that has been around since the inception of the A380 - quite funny that the loos in QF First are the same as the economy loos on EK (well before PE was introduced to the downstairs forward section). It would be nice to have a little more room to change into the PJ (when they load them!!)

 

[RichardMEL]

Can I ask what the specific P1 experience was though as what you've described sounds like a 'standard' QF First - was it the upgrade coming in earlier that T-24?

Perhaps it was a comp upgrade?

 

[Fergo747]

Perhaps it was a comp upgrade?

Possibly, but the wording 'came through' suggested to me at least that a request was put in...