- Joined
- May 11, 2011
- Posts
- 2,293
- Qantas
- Platinum
So, I've just caught myself changing my behaviour as a result of the change to the classification of "V" Class fares, realising that rather than increasing revenue for QF, this change (at least in my situation) actually costs QF.
Change 1: QFF limit the number of SC offers. Where offers are made, they are now very similar to VA SC offers (like so many changes recently, mimic the opposition instead of thinking for one's self ...) whereby there are very restrictive booking periods.
Change 2: "V" Class fares move from Flex to Discount
I'm in the situation whereby - without an SC offer - I will renew Plat at the end of August with about 130SCs to spare. I work for a company which mandates booking through a Corporate TA which will only offer BOD fares. Consequently, previously I would leave my booking until as late as I could estimate my hotel of choice would still have vacancies at the price my Customers allow (my costs are onbilled) - whilst keeping an eye on flights which were in the vicinity of my schedule (30mins each way makes no difference to me) and grab book any available V-class fares; this was pretty easy to do especially in the evening peak SYD-MEL. This would accelerate my SC earn whilst generating additional revenue for QF. Leaving the booking to be as late as possible - on the very slim chance I received the (previous) SC offer - I'd maximise the SC earn. OK, last year this meant that I requalified for WP roughly 7 months into my year and - disheartened with the OW earn changes - toyed with VA (and gained SG as a result). I came back to the fold, not because QF repented but because the VA experience just jars with me (YMMV).
Now, there's about a snowball in hell's chance of getting an SC offer and V has moved to discount economy. I've just switched my behaviour to booking as early as possible: I'm almost guaranteed to get my hotel of choice and QF receive a pittance for my revenue compared with before. I still requalify for WP. My customers will be very happy!
Law of unintended consequences?
What examples do others have?
Regards,
BD
Change 1: QFF limit the number of SC offers. Where offers are made, they are now very similar to VA SC offers (like so many changes recently, mimic the opposition instead of thinking for one's self ...) whereby there are very restrictive booking periods.
Change 2: "V" Class fares move from Flex to Discount
I'm in the situation whereby - without an SC offer - I will renew Plat at the end of August with about 130SCs to spare. I work for a company which mandates booking through a Corporate TA which will only offer BOD fares. Consequently, previously I would leave my booking until as late as I could estimate my hotel of choice would still have vacancies at the price my Customers allow (my costs are onbilled) - whilst keeping an eye on flights which were in the vicinity of my schedule (30mins each way makes no difference to me) and grab book any available V-class fares; this was pretty easy to do especially in the evening peak SYD-MEL. This would accelerate my SC earn whilst generating additional revenue for QF. Leaving the booking to be as late as possible - on the very slim chance I received the (previous) SC offer - I'd maximise the SC earn. OK, last year this meant that I requalified for WP roughly 7 months into my year and - disheartened with the OW earn changes - toyed with VA (and gained SG as a result). I came back to the fold, not because QF repented but because the VA experience just jars with me (YMMV).
Now, there's about a snowball in hell's chance of getting an SC offer and V has moved to discount economy. I've just switched my behaviour to booking as early as possible: I'm almost guaranteed to get my hotel of choice and QF receive a pittance for my revenue compared with before. I still requalify for WP. My customers will be very happy!
Law of unintended consequences?
What examples do others have?
Regards,
BD