QFF-VA Frequent Flyer comparison

[Deleted member 29185]

Given that VA seem to now think they are a QF equal, I was musing over the FFer offerings. Yes there are differences, both for and against each airline but I was wondering if one of them would actually be considerably better value if they moved their FFer membership value away from being "for everyone" and into the realm of genuinely rewarding those who are actually worth money to the airline.

QF moved with their P1 but VA suffer much criticism about the lack of difference between gold and platinum (and QF is not immune to criticism about the difference between WP and P1). How many FFers think making a tier or membership which is out of reach for the casual flyer but achievable for the high value or very frequent flyer whilst making the rewards worthwhile, would be a winner for them?

I realise the J only venture went belly up but this is still offering differing cabin classes, still offering all the routes and destinations, still offering alliance benefits, but having decent rewards for travellers......even if it means just having uncluttered lounges that offer nice F&B offerings or having guaranteed availability for reward flights. Perhaps upgrades only for these tiers. Or would this turn off too many customers? I'd be interested in your thoughts.

 

[Virgin Bart]

To be honest I find P1 to be exactly the level that is entirely out of reach for the casual flyer. But, I think that it is not rewarded to reflect that.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

To be honest I find P1 to be exactly the level that is entirely out of reach for the casual flyer. But, I think that it is not rewarded to reflect that.

I thought the same, but I didn't want to put words in peoples mouths. The level of P1 I think is about right but I think to get there is a considerable spend (forget the JASAs etc now) so I think it'd be wise to appropriately reward those who do manage it rather than just give lip service. I'm actually thinking this is an ideal opportunity for VA to make another real difference, but I'm also thinking they won't (given different classes of lounge is off the table). Perhaps Velocity should morph into something entirely different and not be for "just everybody". Let's be realistic, the lower end or casual flyer is being encouraged to fly LCC regardless and in all reality, why have lounge membership if it's rarely used? In my estimation, there are far better offerings in most terminals these days, than in the VA lounges (to the point I now regularly skip the lounge altogether, especially when it's over crowded).

 

[samh004]

The problem with VA targeting only the higher-end flyer is that by doing so the lower-end flyers are less incentivised to join the FF scheme... and they make a fair chunk of money from that FF scheme, hence why it's always about having the most members, or to be growing the fastest.

I do think VA could do with something to differentiate Gold and Platinum a little better. Having 3 guests instead of 1 just doesn't cut it, especially when both offer arrivals lounge access anyway, and on my first VA flight in 3 years as a Red member, I selected row 3

 

[Mattg]

It seems to me that Virgin have been largely successful in creating a frequent flyer program that offers better value than Qantas, e.g. lower thresholds to earn status, slightly lower cost of frequent flyer seat redemptions and so on. But I still think its product offering, e.g. the on-board experience, lounges etc. lags a little behind Qantas. Though they do seem to be trying to catch up.

 

[Spongbob]

Maybe this thread needs to separate the two aspects of the various FF programs; namely points and status credits. Points can be earned by no flying, as both QF and VA sell these to other business who then reward their own customers. It is my understanding that this is how both airline's FF program generates income. The benefits from actually flying (points and SC), and the incentives either program offers to fly on their aircraft, is more of an indirect aspect of the FF business model.