Rex to fly between Australian capital cities

[jakeseven7]

A university (or even high school) case study on how not to advertise in a newspaper. First look at that was a instant TLDR (Too long, didn't read).

Ego advertising.....

 

[aikman]

It doesn't really convince me to buy a Rex ticket but if I saw that ad it would catch me eye and I will probably remember it because it is different.

 

[Carrots]

I know it is often joked about the work experience kid knocking up things on this site...

But in all seriousness, that reminds of doing a school project on powerpoint in the 90s!

 

[eastwest101]

So I've just had a look and it's only in the News Corp papers, they'd be much better to open a window and yell out of it, they'd get more attention compared to this stunt in the papers.

Whilst the ad does have a point, they'd be much better putting a giant map of Australia, draw their route networks, and list some prices on them.

What - only the most circulated newspapers in the country? They have also obviously got coverage online.

As for the TLDR comments - the content is pretty much lifted from the most common parts of the Qantas threads on AFF, which also have very lengthy threads about slow refunds from Qantas, and appalling call center wait times... so its pretty representative of AFF but maybe without the many threads about wine.

You do make a good point though, that a whole page route map with some prices stuck on it might be more effective.

 

[Mattg]

So I've just had a look and it's only in the News Corp papers, they'd be much better to open a window and yell out of it, they'd get more attention compared to this stunt in the papers.

I believe it also ran in The Canberra Times today, which is an ACM newspaper.

The full-page ads were put in newspapers in Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide & Canberra.

 

[MooTime]

I couldn't agree more re; Map of Australia with Rex routes & great value prices.

I mean do they want people to NOT fly Qantas or TO fly REX??

Any airline with 12+Million members (plus so many non member flyers) coupled with basically national brand airline & covid disruptions, of course your going to get page of upset flying (or not flying) experiences.

Tough for new airlines entering the market with existing airlines IMO having great FF loyalty programs & overall great service.

Goodluck to them, but can't see myself flying them, happy to pay little more & stay loyal for the benefits etc.

 

[dajop]

Most people won't read the small font.

Isn't that the whole point of the ad? I don't think the expectation was that people read the small font.

Although they should have made Rex's T&C much larger to highlight their simplicity.

 

[Fortunatecrow]

The Age today

"Rex Airlines plans to add four more jet aircraft to its fleet by September in a faster than anticipated ramp-up of its capital city challenge to Qantas and Virgin.
The country airline on Wednesday also called on its larger rivals to match its policy of giving full refunds to any passenger whose travel plans are disrupted by COVID-19 outbreaks, saying concerns about cancellations are holding back the tourism industry’s recovery.
....
Mr Sharp said Rex was close to finalising leases on four more Boeing 737s to enter service within “the next couple of months”, boosting its jet fleet to 10 and enabling it to add more capital cities to its network likely starting with Brisbane."

 

[Flying Fox]

The Age today

"Rex Airlines plans to add four more jet aircraft to its fleet by September in a faster than anticipated ramp-up of its capital city challenge to Qantas and Virgin.
The country airline on Wednesday also called on its larger rivals to match its policy of giving full refunds to any passenger whose travel plans are disrupted by COVID-19 outbreaks, saying concerns about cancellations are holding back the tourism industry’s recovery.
....
Mr Sharp said Rex was close to finalising leases on four more Boeing 737s to enter service within “the next couple of months”, boosting its jet fleet to 10 and enabling it to add more capital cities to its network likely starting with Brisbane."

I'm happy to say that I know zero about running an airline but is anyone else worried that REX is burning through cash and is going to go bankrupt?

 

[trisreed]

The Age today
The country airline on Wednesday also called on its larger rivals to match its policy of giving full refunds to any passenger whose travel plans are disrupted by COVID-19 outbreaks, saying concerns about cancellations are holding back the tourism industry’s recovery.

All well and good to offer 'full refunds'; however I cancelled an outbound SYD-MEL on VA I was due to take yesterday on Thursday and eventually the return also for yesterday on Monday with Rex. By Monday, Virgin had the money in my account. Rex told me it would be 21 days! It is now Wednesday and the money is not there so if someone is keen to have their money back (quickly) I would be looking elsewhere (nonwithstanding the more restrictive fares elsewhere).

 

[Mattg]

I'm happy to say that I know zero about running an airline but is anyone else worried that REX is burning through cash and is going to go bankrupt?

Short answer - yes (and I have studied aviation management at uni).

In the article in the SMH/Age linked above, Mr Sharp talks about loads being better than expected. He makes no mention of yields or profitability. I'd love to know what Rex's RASK is.

 

[dajop]

I'm happy to say that I know zero about running an airline but is anyone else worried that REX is burning through cash and is going to go bankrupt?

I guess the question is how well can the non-jet business, which includes Rex Regional Pelair/charters (and the extra capital they raised) underwrite the jet operations before they pull the pin. Whilst the lease and variable costs with the jet operations are significant, I suspect (and it very mich looks like) they didn't add a lot of overhead to the business to establish the jet operations.

 

[henrus]

I suspect (and it very mich looks like) they didn't add a lot of overhead to the business to establish the jet operations.

I wonder how many of the changes made to IT such as upgrades to the website, upgrade to a newer sabre system and kiosk check-in etc would have been if they didn't introduce the jets.

 

[jakeseven7]

Short answer - yes (and I have studied aviation management at uni).

In the article in the SMH/Age linked above, Mr Sharp talks about loads being better than expected. He makes no mention of yields or profitability. I'd love to know what Rex's RASK is.

So ask our resident consultant They certainly know VA and QF inside out.

 

[Fortunatecrow]

Is this the best Rex can do? Seems to be in all major papers today. Not sure if it is the BEST way of spending advertising $$, just bagging a competitor?

I just got an email from Jetstar advising of changes in both my to & from flights in an upcoming trip end August. The process to get a refund is just woeful. I think I will end up just abandoning the fare but never flying with them again.

 

[aikman]

Is this the best Rex can do? Seems to be in all major papers today. Not sure if it is the BEST way of spending advertising $$, just bagging a competitor?

It did get free airtime in the 6pm news though.

 

[henrus]

I just got an email from Jetstar advising of changes in both my to & from flights in an upcoming trip end August. The process to get a refund is just woeful. I think I will end up just abandoning the fare but never flying with them again.

I'd say Jetstar has been the easiest to get money back from.
1. Wait for flight to be canceled
2. Login to manage booking
3. Wait for chat option to appear (during business hours it normally pops up right away - you may need to disable browser plugins if blocking content)
4. Start chat and ask for refund.

I've done it a few times and the whole process has taken no more than 10-20 minutes each time.

I've never flown Rex (will change when they come to BrisVegas) but it seems refunds for cancelations and covid disruption can be done over the phone (long wait times) or just fill out a refund form.

 

[Fortunatecrow]

I'd say Jetstar has been the easiest to get money back from.
1. Wait for flight to be canceled
2. Login to manage booking
3. Wait for chat option to appear (during business hours it normally pops up right away - you may need to disable browser plugins if blocking content)
4. Start chat and ask for refund.

I've done it a few times and the whole process has taken no more than 10-20 minutes each time.

I've never flown Rex (will change when they come to BrisVegas) but it seems refunds for cancelations and covid disruption can be done over the phone (long wait times) or just fill out a refund form.

Sadly, they didn't cancel altogether but shifted the times which don't suit. Instead of an apology and money back they need "documentary proof" that it doesn't suit.

 

[eastwest101]

Sadly, they didn't cancel altogether but shifted the times which don't suit. Instead of an apology and money back they need "documentary proof" that it doesn't suit.

Documentary proof? Wtf?

Have you got them saying that in writing? If not ask them for it. If they were stupid enough to supply it, thats all the ammunition you should need for a succesful credit card chargeback.

The airline have changed the flight times, it no longer suits you, end of discussion, full refund.

 

[Fortunatecrow]

Documentary proof? Wtf?

Have you got them saying that in writing? If not ask them for it. If they were stupid enough to supply it, thats all the ammunition you should need for a succesful credit card chargeback.

The airline have changed the flight times, it no longer suits you, end of discussion, full refund.

Thank you for contacting us today. Please see below for the transcript of the chat between you and our team member on 3/06/2021.

( 13m 58s ) Agent: Hi, my name is Agent. How can I help you today?
( 14m 24s ) FortunateCrow: As follows you have changed my itinerary to times that don't work with my travel plans. Can I please have a refund? Your email dated today re REF "Your new flight details are as follows: Passengers: FortunateCrow Date Flight From Depart To Arrive XXAug21 XXAug21 JQ 438 JQ 443 Melbourne-Tullamarine Gold Coast 10:20 17:10 Gold Coast Melbourne-Tullamarine 12:20 19:35
( 17m 4s ) Agent: Hi FortunateCrow, I'm really sorry. I know how frustrating it is when plans change especially when it's out of your control. Let me check this for you and let see how can I assist you.
( 18m 28s ) Agent: Thank you for waiting, I understand how inconvenience is this however upon checking here we can only process a refund or voucher to your booking if due to the changes the purpose of the trip has been voided. Are you able to send a document that the purpose of trip is void?
( 21m 8s ) FortunateCrow: **Jetstar** changed the times of my flight. I didn't do anything. Because you changed the times of my flight it no longer fits my plans. Please refund or I will make a formal complaint to the Airline Dispute Resolution Ombudsman…

( 25m 56s ) FortunateCrow: I don't care why you made the changes but you did and it affects my plans. Please confirm I get a refund or I will direct my complaint to ACA
( 27m 53s ) Agent: I'm so sorry that your flight has been affected by a schedule change. However, Jetstar does not guarantee it will be able to carry you and your Baggage in accordance with the scheduled date and time of the flights specified. Schedules may change without notice for a range of reasons including but not limited to bad weather, air traffic control delays, strikes, technical disruptions and late inbound aircraft. Flight times do not form part of your contract of carriage with us. This is indicated on the terms and conditions that you have agreed upon purchasing the flight. We do not mean to obtain sensitive/personal information, however, you are asking us something our of the fare rules that you have agreed upon. In order to make exemptions or review your request, we will need more information. Should you wish not to share it, we will fully respect that. However, as mentioned, because you have agreed with our terms and conditions, the option that we can give you for this booking is only a free move to the flight immediately before/after your original schedule. Whatever your next course of action is, would be something we won't have control. We will take it with respect. From our end, we had complied with our legal obligation.
( 33m 1s ) FortunateCrow: You refer to bad weather, air traffic control delays, strikes, technical disruptions and late inbound aircraft. Those are things that happen at short notice. Of course people make allowances for that. **None** of those things have happened. Jetstar is changing the schedule because it suits Jetstar I have a business meeting scheduled for Thursday morning that I now won't make because you shifted my flight time….