Using points as a marketing tool to attract QFF

[defurax]

Maybe I’m dumb, but I’ve always wondered why airlines like BA and CX are so stingy on points offering and eligible booking classes for discount economy flights. How do airlines come up with earning tables for flights on partner carrier? Is it QF deciding or the partner?

For example, if tomorrow morning CX would give extra points to QF WP and SG or add some eligible booking class in discount economy then I would be more likely to book flights on CX. Similarly, I never book flights on BA because of the 0.25 base earning; I look for IB codeshare instead. I find it intriguing that Finnair frequent flyer program earn points for almost any flight on any OW carrier! Is Finnair program manager a marketing genius or a moron?

Maybe I just don’t get marketing...

 

[markis10]

Points are at a certain value to in house companies, and I suspect much dearer to non QF entities, as there is extra margin added, hence the cost of those points makes a difference, especially when you take out other costs such as fees and airport charges.

 

[defurax]

Points are at a certain value to in house companies, and I suspect much dearer to non QF entities, as there is extra margin added, hence the cost of those points makes a difference, especially when you take out other costs such as fees and airport charges.

Good point, but what about SCs? Do they cost something to the partner airline? If so maybe it explains why AA is currently under Chapter 11

 

[simongr]

I think it just reflects the low margins on discount economy fares.