[Rumor from QF CSAs] Qantas to bring back online mASA's?

[ketsuzei]

But there is not way to reduce the ASA back to its classic award level in the way you used to do it? Is this only available using the telephone way?

As of now, yes. But could there be some light on the horizon?

Our online team is currently working to bring the website back up to full functionality and we expect to have resolution shortly.

 

[asg29e]

Can somebody help me because for the life of me, I don't understand how this works anymore.

The Qantas website (Frequent Flyer - Using Points - QF & JQ Any Seat Awards) says that you click the "Show As Points" to book an ASA online.

That works fine for me with the usual fairly abysmal points value. But there is not way to reduce the ASA back to its classic award level in the way you used to do it? Is this only available using the telephone way?

Obviously using the points + pay system gives some ridiculous results where the fare is more expensive than paying for the whole thing in the first place.

Basically, yes. Telephone.
See this thread for a summary
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....t-flyer-program/asa-change-summary-52004.html

There are other threads outlining success, failure, frustration and anger with this appalling new system.

 

[William Chau]

Thanks both of you for your comments.

I'd kept up with the chatter around the place regarding xASA it's just that today's email and the commentary on that website gave me a (false) glimmer of hope.

 

[pagingjoan]

Thanks serfty, I confused the issue by using T&C's.

so......"wot serfty said!!"

Indeed. Wrong "term" used for "Fare Conditions".
Me, too.

Red Roo:
The thread link in Serfty's post above shows the difference in the pre-MASA and post-MASA bookings.

 

[JohnK]

Your not Robinson Crusoe on that point the are a few thousand of us wishing the same

We can hope all we like but I feel the decision has already been made.

 

[puppysparkes]

(copy also posted on concurrent topic)

Okay, cleared the desk and have 5 minutes to report the adbridged summary.

To recap, my email to the RGM was this (and the basis of our discussion):



So, as I said previously, we spoke for ~70 minutes on the various topics and concluded:

Any Seat Awards

There are no plans to remove the option of Any Seat Awards via the call centre. QF are also pleased to see the change in hours at the call centre have been well received.

My personal observations - So at this stage there are no plans to take away mASA's altogether {Rumour put to bed}. As they were taken down prior to the new upgrade, whether they are brought back on-line may depend on QF putting the IT resources needed to that project (possiblr based on their perceived value of selling seats under the mASA option). It still is a valid revenue stream, as all points earned have been bought (including the ones given for actual flying).

My recollection from our AFF Mods telephone briefing is that they were being removed because of the upgrade to the system and so they could review (assess) the number of queries and others stats (time, revenue and points paid). Whilst in hindsight, the 1300 number was appropriate, perhaps they didn't forsee the FF's using it would prefer to do bookings out of hours. Only knowing from an AFF and personal perspective, previous xASA bookings were done at various times (in and out of buiness hours) and probably quicker (online searching and booking required no phone call or manual intervention from QF CSA). Secondly, there are obvious gaps in knowledge of the Call Centre staff and has been brought up multiple times here (yet at the same time, similar numbers of success stories). The ability of us to advise the briefing sheet to be used is helpful (although I'm sure at times they wonder how we came across this knowledge - others will be plain grateful). There are always likely to be gaps in the training of hundreds of staff and we can only hope it continues to get better (the knowledge of the process and therefore average time per call reducing).

Qantas Survey

The RGM hadn't seen the survey so couldn't comment on the questions posed - but accepted my comments were upfront and honest.

My personal observations - Obviously, QF will be concerned if there are unintended consequences from their actions and need to know the level of discontent in our Community (and possible ramifications). I know I'm not the only one to advise QF Management (in writing) of these points. Although we are a small part of QF's overall revenue, we are an intergral part of their FF strategy (as our membership boasts a large [collective] proportion of P1, Plats & Gold). I hope that there will be due consideration and respect for our position.

I'm absolutely certain that Qantas are keeping a close eye on this and similar threads (via Red Roo) as part of their social media strategy.

My source corroborated that MASA's are here to stay. Furthermore that phase 2 of the qantas.com website revamp should see the reintroduction of online booking for MASA's once the technical aspects are resolved. In that context I explained several issues and the dissatisfaction expressed by loyal customers and was advised QF are aware of the online backlash.

The discussion gave me confidence to hoard points once again.

 

[sumthinfornuthin]

My source corroborated that MASA's are here to stay. Furthermore that phase 2 of the qantas.com website revamp should see the reintroduction of online booking for MASA's once the technical aspects are resolved. In that context I explained several issues and the dissatisfaction expressed by loyal customers and was advised QF are aware of the online backlash.

The discussion gave me confidence to hoard points once again.

Wonder if any of the linked c/card companies are monitoring the effect on their loss of cards as well as a result of the changes???

 

[Limewood]

My source corroborated that MASA's are here to stay. Furthermore that phase 2 of the qantas.com website revamp should see the reintroduction of online booking for MASA's once the technical aspects are resolved. In that context I explained several issues and the dissatisfaction expressed by loyal customers and was advised QF are aware of the online backlash.

I along with many others sincerely hope phase 2 comes true, its so much easier selecting on line.

 

[DaveB]

In a perverse sense, I hope they don't bring them back as will start booking QF again and wasting more points than necessary chasing status.

 

[Limewood]

In a perverse sense, I hope they don't bring them back as will start booking QF again and wasting more points than necessary chasing status.

Well yes, waste not me, nice long haul for using ASA points is the way I go.

 

[JohnM]

Well yes, waste not me, nice long haul for using ASA points is the way I go.

I don't use ASAs to chase status as I keep WP doing a DONEx each year. I preferentially direct my points to long haul ASAs and UPGs.

 

[puppysparkes]

I along with many others sincerely hope phase 2 comes true, its so much easier selecting on line.

I have contact details and will continue to follow up in that regard. I've kicked myself for not asking every other question after the fact, including how DSC's are determined.

 

[Limewood]

"I along with many others sincerely hope phase 2 comes true, its so much easier selecting on line".

I have contact details and will continue to follow up in that regard. I've kicked myself for not asking every other question after the fact, including how DSC's are determined.

Its the big question that many of us would like answered yet still silence.

Like JohnM I too only use points for long haul, (unless a double SC is offered).

 

[Anna]

I'm probably the only one, but I've booked more mASAs since I had to do it by phone than I ever did before. Just snagged a JASA to OOL for the October long weekend Will get partner gold for someone as their xmas present too. Will have to advise family and friends that it will go to the person who gives me the best xmas present. That should inspire some healthy competition

 

[EmilyHoward]

I'm probably the only one, but I've booked more mASAs since I had to do it by phone than I ever did before. Just snagged a JASA to OOL for the October long weekend Will get partner gold for someone as their xmas present too. Will have to advise family and friends that it will go to the person who gives me the best xmas present. That should inspire some healthy competition

Congratulations! Someone will be very happy this Christmas!

Well, I haven't booked ANY MASAs or other Qantas flights anywhere I don't think since all this came in. LOL. However, I will have to book a paid flight for somebody sometime this week but thankfully I will be able to do this online!


This whole enhancement of ASAs reminds me of a recent enhancement at a gym I attend. The showers! One used to be able to turn on the hot and cold taps and vary them to get the temperature you wanted plus the power or strength of the shower. Now there are no taps, you touch the wall, (an electronic gadget) the shower comes on, one set temperature and strength....it cannot be varied... then goes off after about 2 mins! Usually when you have soap in your eyes. LOL. It was sold to the members very well though. Some members still believe it is better .... but can't quite figure out how!

Still that's life I guess!

EH

 

[JessicaTam]

I'm probably the only one, but I've booked more mASAs since I had to do it by phone than I ever did before. Just snagged a JASA to OOL for the October long weekend Will get partner gold for someone as their xmas present too. Will have to advise family and friends that it will go to the person who gives me the best xmas present. That should inspire some healthy competition

Has OOL been advised to increase their champagne stocks?

 

[Limewood]

Has OOL been advised to increase their champagne stocks?

No but they will soon

 

[JohnK]

Has OOL been advised to increase their champagne stocks?

Did you mean sparkling?

 

[JessicaTam]

Did you mean sparkling?

Unfortunately, I think you will be proven correct.

 

[JohnK]

Unfortunately, I think you will be proven correct.

You know once you have had a few they taste the same?