QFF Points & Gov Business Travel

[Jay95]

Hi All,

I'm quite new to QFF and have read through the member pamphlet/conditions but I couldn't find anything regarding earning points while on Gov business travel.

I work for the government (public servant) and recently did a work trip. Opon looking at my activity statement I noticed that I've been credited with the Status Credits although no points. Is this normal?

I'm more than happy just getting the status credits and can understand if I'm not eligiable for the points considering 1. I didn't pay for the flights, and 2. it was paid for by tax payer dollars.

Thanks

 

[Mal]

Which type of Gov? State? Federal? Local?

A lot of Govt tickets earn SC's but no points as part of the fare arrangement (and discounts) with Qantas.

Qantas re-negotiated some contracts with various Govt organisations in the last year or so. At the time, the "No points" credited condition was removed.

I believe most Federal Govt organisations still only receive SC's, however due to way some tickets are booked (or later changed) you can sometimes earn both.

However your organisation may still have policies that block you from being able to claim points, or only use them for official travel, which could cause an ethical dilemma in accordance with your code of conduct or other internal regulations.

My personal view is that any work flying done by anyone (including public servants) should earn points and SC's to the individual, regardless of who paid for the ticket, however that does seem to be a minority view around some places.

 

[kpc]

This topic has been discussed at length before. Have a look at this thread, and it will probably answer most, if not all, of your Qs
http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...vernment-staff-7002.html?highlight=government

 

[Jay95]

Mal and KPC, thanks for the replies.

The link gave me all the answers I need.

For me, I work for the fed gov and by the looks of it my dept doesn't allow FF points but does allow SC.

One thing, I wonder how it would go if I don't quote my FF number when I book through our Qantas agent, then once I've flown I make a 'claim missing points' via the web site... Hmm... But then again I wouldn't want to risk doing a dodgy.

Shame I didn't become a QFF member last year, I would've accrued about 600 SC in two months for last years travel so I'd be gold by now.... damn it....

Thanks

 

[Dave Noble]

One thing, I wonder how it would go if I don't quote my FF number when I book through our Qantas agent, then once I've flown I make a 'claim missing points' via the web site... Hmm... But then again I wouldn't want to risk doing a dodgy.

If you claimed later, then they would see the fare basis and not credit the points. I suspect that if you just credit to another scheme ( e.g. AA ) that you would get the miles credited since the booking class would likely be eligable.

I wouldn't see this as dodgy ; if they have an agreeement that QF will not offer QF FF miles, that is no reason why another scheme could not

Dave

 

[justin23]

I work for a private company that does alot of federal government work. On occasions my travel has been booked by the federal government department and thus no FF points. Since i got stung, I always make sure my company books the travel and bills for it. When I explained the reason they understood why and agreed with me.

 

[rwatts]

I wouldn't see this as dodgy ; if they have an agreeement that QF will not offer QF FF miles, that is no reason why another scheme could not

Dave

No, not dodgy at all to earn the points whether with QF or whatever. However in my (extremely large) Govt department it is made very clear that to use the points for anything other than official travel amounts to an offence. Even using the points to upgrade official travel is not allowed since there are set standards.

In 2006 most of my official travel started to show up with points but all were eventually reversed.

Richard

 

[moa999]

I work for a private company that does alot of federal government work. On occasions my travel has been booked by the federal government department and thus no FF points. Since i got stung, I always make sure my company books the travel and bills for it. When I explained the reason they understood why and agreed with me.

Which depending on the Dept may not be allowed as I think one of the reasons for no points is that the Fed Govt have a cheaper ticket price (greater discount)

 

[Groundfeeder]

QLD Govt travel accrues both SC's and points, with points only to be used on official travel.

However, points are blended with my personal QP account and care must be taken.

QF went miles out of their way to ensure a BNE-CNS return Govt points trip had to be by way of international terminal, so I simply havent used them since.

 

[simongr]

How does the department police that? Do you have to submit statements (a breach of privacy one would think) or does someone provide a reconciliation of what points you should have available for Govt travel? What happens if you leave - do you have to book flights for "cousins" in the Govt?

it would be great to see how much time/money is being spent making sure Civil servants dont waste any FF points... sheesh give me strength

 

[Groundfeeder]

In essence they've given the policing away as too difficult - they are public servants of course.

I've been audited once and they now know not to knock on my (pseudo) door again.

 

[coco50]

I worked for a state govt. and also contracted to the C'wealth Govt. I must admit that the feds were very civil with their attitude - always full economy and yes quote your FF number (then plat status) to make sure you get on heavily booked flights - SC+points. With the state govt. at first no points and no SCs. Then a relaxation SCs and no points - well, I would rather the SCs anyway - it is relatively easy to accrue points such as on CC. You need to watch out with any scheme to have the points or even SCs credited depending on departmental memos. If you contradict the memo, you may be in breach of a code of conduct.