The Law of Unintended Consequences - and the Roo

[BD1959]

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

 

[Ansett]

This is what happens when enhancements are not thought out very well.

My flying patterns and airlines has changed DRAMATICALLY since all the recent changes very very much to the detriment of QF Revenue. I have friends who would normally achieve WP with ease however will only make Gold now with little to no chance of making Platinum and as such have started booking with competitors.

 

[opusman]

This is what happens when enhancements are not thought out very well.

That pretty much describes all QF enhancements in the past few years. How do they keep coming up with this stuff???

 

[Fantic125]

The QF enhancements to the zone distances this time last year, (along with QF geographically moving ADL to the East Coast) had me shift all my personal spend to VA.

It's only approx $12k per annum, and all domestic flights, but the QF changes made continuing WP (for me) un-achievable for the cost.

VA is easier to attain and retain status; they're usually better value for money, and I don't see much difference in service onboard or in the domestic lounges.

 

[Jean Prouvaire]

As a result of the "simpler and fairer" changes made last year I've moved my travel to BFOD (ie am flying more with Virgin Group) and am no longer doing status runs. As a result I won't retain Qantas Platinum this year, but am saving thousands of dollars. Thank you Qantas for making me come to my senses.

 

[BD1959]

So, the general feedback so far is: I'm doing less flying on QF - and providing less revenue - because they've stuff around with the scheme (in one way or another).

How many have done this - been "downgraded" as a result - but don't care because they've fallen from WP to SG and WP has been degraded to the point of lack of differential between the two?

Regards,

BD

 

[Aussie_flyer]

but M fares, the new flexi, are actually cheaper than the old V... so what's the problem?

 

[BD1959]

but M fares, the new flexi, are actually cheaper than the old V... so what's the problem?

In the words of the old Toyota ad: bugger!! I can feel another behaviour change coming on ... time to consult my therapist!

If they're cheaper, why don't I see that reflected in the price being charged? I see SYD-MEL flex consistently pricing at $369 (assuming this is M) whereas V used to price around the $279 mark.

Regards,

BD

 

[JohnK]

I will continue to strive for Platinum as it's not that hard to do.

Plus I couldn't possibly imagine flying Virgin almost weekly.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

In the words of the old Toyota ad: bugger!! I can feel another behaviour change coming on ... time to consult my therapist!

If they're cheaper, why don't I see that reflected in the price being charged? I see SYD-MEL flex consistently pricing at $369 (assuming this is M) whereas V used to price around the $279 mark.

Regards,

BD

I was not looking at MEL-SYD but on other routes I found the new price $5 cheaper.

I have just done a historical fare search from 10 february, it shows V Class MEL-SYD is $351.23 before tax/surcharges, $365 surcharge inclusive

the new M class on a fare search today is also $351.23 before tax/surcharges (previously $431.24 for M class)

so the way I see it there is no difference at all, and there must have been some sort of reduction in the surcharges/taxes component because the final price ends up being lower now than it was, e.g. MEL-OOL was $264, now its $259

 

[BD1959]

O

I was not looking at MEL-SYD but on other routes I found the new price $5 cheaper.

I have just done a historical fare search from 10 february, it shows V Class MEL-SYD is $351.23 before tax/surcharges, $365 surcharge inclusive

the new M class on a fare search today is also $351.23 before tax/surcharges (previously $431.24 for M class)

so the way I see it there is no difference at all, and there must have been some sort of reduction in the surcharges/taxes component because the final price ends up being lower now than it was, e.g. MEL-OOL was $264, now its $259

Sorry, don't have a time machine but I have just dug out the TA confirmation. That lists the V-fare SYD-MEL as $270.67 before taxes (sorry can't isolate taxes - they're given as a combined value with the Q-fare MEL-SYD).

Regardless, this saga *has* altered my behaviour such that QF revenue will reduce.

Regards,

BD

 

[Aussie_flyer]

O

Sorry, don't have a time machine but I have just dug out the TA confirmation. That lists the V-fare SYD-MEL as $270.67 before taxes (sorry can't isolate taxes - they're given as a combined value with the Q-fare MEL-SYD).

Regardless, this saga *has* altered my behaviour such that QF revenue will reduce.

Regards,

BD

I'm only telling you what Qantas was charging on 10 february compared to today, is that $270.67 including gst? my quote was incl. gst, but not other surcharges.

Anyway, routes like cns-per, mel-ool and a few others I've checked are in fact cheaper now on a flexi than before, but YMMV

 

[Pleb Status]

O

Sorry, don't have a time machine but I have just dug out the TA confirmation. That lists the V-fare SYD-MEL as $270.67 before taxes (sorry can't isolate taxes - they're given as a combined value with the Q-fare MEL-SYD).

Regardless, this saga *has* altered my behaviour such that QF revenue will reduce.

Regards,

BD

I have to say I am a little bit lost here.

Class V is now Class M for the most part (pricing is the same or very close). No real change here. Just book in Class M. You could have a little rant if you booked Classes Y, B or H as these conditions have reduced.

In the OP, you say you were easily going to make WP without any DSC promotions, so the reduction in this 'cancer' should actually be a positive to 'real' WP (like yourself) as it thins the ranks of the 'fake' WP' for award seats, upgrades etc.

So I cannot see why you would not want to move more of your business to QF as they are finally rewarding 'real' status rather than 'fake'.

 

[boomy]

SYD-MEL "old" flexi used to cost over $350.

 

[BD1959]

SYD-MEL "old" flexi used to cost over $350.

So what would a typical MEL-SYD Q bucket cost? $165??

Regards,

BD

 

[Aussie_flyer]

SYD-MEL "old" flexi used to cost over $350.

Correct, I've checked in SABRE doing historical fare quote as mentioned above. The base fare of M class today is same as V class a week ago

 

[Aussie_flyer]

So what would a typical MEL-SYD Q bucket cost? $165??

Regards,

BD

Q class under new fare structure as of today is $155 all inclusive, before change it was $189

 

[RichardMEL]

Re the "lack" of SC offers... I'm sorry but I do not find this a reason to ditch airline A for airline B. You yourself (OP) noted QF were "copying" VA so you couldn't expect more there, and frankly these offers shouldn't be counted on.... they're essentially random (at least it seems to be from the various experiences reported here and there).... these kinds of bonus offers I think aren't part of your "published rights" under the FF program so I think bemoaning the lack of them is a bit rich. Don't get me wrong I absolutely loved the few I got which did get me to WP my first time, and helped me to P1 (my first time) but since then nada (and I have NO issue with that as it makes no sense for QF to offer one to me - so I'll probably get one tomorrow! ) but really these kinds of things are the cherry on top in my view and not something to rely on, or really to factor into such decisions.....

but of course, all decisions are personal, and everyone's absolutely entitled to use their own criteria to evaluate and base decisions on

just my 2 cents

 

[BD1959]

I have just done a historical fare search from 10 february, it shows V Class MEL-SYD is $351.23 before tax/surcharges, $365 surcharge inclusive

SYD-MEL "old" flexi used to cost over $350.

Correct, I've checked in SABRE doing historical fare quote as mentioned above. The base fare of M class today is same as V class a week ago

Q class under new fare structure as of today is $155 all inclusive, before change it was $189

OK, so we're all agreed? All the time travellers and SABRE experts? The minimum - prior to the changes - of a MEL-SYD-MEL Q/V itinerary was $350 + $189 Inclusive of fees etc = $539. Any advances on $539 ... anyone?

Can someone please explain to me then, booked on 3 Feb, the following:



Regards,

BD

 

[BD1959]

Re the "lack" of SC offers... I'm sorry but I do not find this a reason to ditch airline A for airline B.

I agree - and I didn't. Please re-read my OP.

Regards,

BD