Understanding QF sales?

[Deleted member 29185]

I'd love some help here.

I've noticed some fare reductions for Flex, but I'm also confused as the days not on sale are also reduced. Can you QF experts take a glance at the screenshots below and advise me as to whether the sale fares are being applied to Flex or has there been a permanent reduction in Flex fares?

As you can see, pre sale, the fares for flex are $319. Sale starts and the flex fare drops to $295. OK that's fine, except on Friday, sale fares no longer apply but flex stays at $295 and is still $295 in a randon date in Jan. There is also a corresponding drop in Aquire deal fares. If this is a sale, how does one find out about them? I get inundated in QF emails but I haven't seen one for a flex sale.

 

[Mattg]

I don't know the answer to this question... but I suspect it's an actual, permanent price decrease in Flex fares.

The Flex fares are generally not affected by sales and movements in the Red-e-deal prices, and remain constant (until the lower Flex fare buckets sell out - they increase).

 

[Captain Halliday]

I don't know the answer either, but I'll have a stab:

I agree with *Mattg* that it appears to be a permanent drop. My theory is that it has something to do with competitor activity. Now that VA has split its customer facing Y fares into three categories, Getaway, Elevate and Freedom, this might be an attempt to price this sector between Elevate and freedom as a market share move.

I can't add a screenshot on this device, but VA BNE to CNS on the same dates as you (11 Oct) prices at Getaway, $165, Elevate $185 and Freedom $299.

So on the most flexible Y fare type, on this example at least, QF is $4 cheaper.

 

[BAM1748]

Yield management and market share, QF tries to maintain 65% market share on routes it flies (although recently some changes to this policy) which keeps the other guy/s struggling.

 

[Mattg]

I don't know the answer either, but I'll have a stab:

I agree with *Mattg* that it appears to be a permanent drop. My theory is that it has something to do with competitor activity. Now that VA has split its customer facing Y fares into three categories, Getaway, Elevate and Freedom, this might be an attempt to price this sector between Elevate and freedom as a market share move.

I can't add a screenshot on this device, but VA BNE to CNS on the same dates as you (11 Oct) prices at Getaway, $165, Elevate $185 and Freedom $299.

So on the most flexible Y fare type, on this example at least, QF is $4 cheaper.

Could this mean a Flex fare price war is on the horizon? :shock:

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Thanks to all for the replies. I'm happy(ish) as it seems it will give little room for VA to push their fares up too much.

I note that J hasn't changed, which IMHO is a ludicrous price, but I have been told QF J sales do occur. How often do these mystical QF J sales roll around?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Yield management and market share, QF tries to maintain 65% market share on routes it flies (although recently some changes to this policy) which keeps the other guy/s struggling.

CNS was one of those destinations QF gave to JQ (IIRC) so are they really that interested in retaining 65%?