What would be the ultimate FF program/lounge access?

[John Reid]

So we have had sooo many posts on what we don't like about the recent QF "enhancements" and numerous posts on disaffected QF WP/SG defecting to DJ with status matching. Let's open this up people. What would make a decent and acceptable FF/Club program? Outrageous and off the planet suggestions are not part of the game.

 

[JohnK]

The Qantas frequent flyer program before the changes in May 2005.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

I don't think that there ever will be a "perfect" FFP, however, there is always opportunity for improvement. There are millions of things that can be done to improve a FFP, but they won't suit everybody. (eg, WP Anytime access - some people used it a lot, others hadn't used it).

My thoughts

1) Better burn rates (some of the points quoted are almost DOUBLE AA)

2) More seats available for classic award redemption (A few months ago, I looked 355 days ahead for a classic award, SYD-LHR-BUD, nothing)

3) Upgrade coupons/vouchers upon reaching milestones (I know that this might not apply to some people, but l fly Y 100% of the time, so it would effect me), or vouchers where you can upgrade to next class, Y-Y+, Y+-J, J-F and not having to wait until a few days before departure to find out, immediate confirmation.

 

[drron]

I don't think that there ever will be a "perfect" FFP, however, there is always opportunity for improvement. There are millions of things that can be done to improve a FFP, but they won't suit everybody. (eg, WP Anytime access - some people used it a lot, others hadn't used it).

My thoughts

1) Better burn rates (some of the points quoted are almost DOUBLE AA)

2) More seats available for classic award redemption (A few months ago, I looked 355 days ahead for a classic award, SYD-LHR-BUD, nothing)

3) Upgrade coupons/vouchers upon reaching milestones (I know that this might not apply to some people, but l fly Y 100% of the time, so it would effect me), or vouchers where you can upgrade to next class, Y-Y+, Y+-J, J-F and not having to wait until a few days before departure to find out, immediate confirmation.

These are exactly the points that have prompted my defection to Aadvantage.
1)Got F award JFK-NRT for 62500.J circle Asia award last year for 105000.
2)For the JFK-NRT awards booked 3 weeks ago for June 2011 I had 2 milesAAver awards available every day in June.
3)If you reach OWE you get SWUs.For reaching LTG last year I got 4 SWUs.Next year will probably hit LTP and get another 4.And I can use them for anyone,usually immediate confirmation.As well can have points upgrades confirmed on ticketing.
But it does have its downsides-harder for me to get to OWE.
-not as generous lounge entry.
-lounges not as good as QF in general.
-love to be able to use my Aussie CC any time I buy something from AA.
-have to pay for points transfers.

 

[John Reid]

Ok, so upgrades and burn rates.

Anything else?????

 

[Oneworldplus2]

These are exactly the points that have prompted my defection to Aadvantage.

I was very tempted to write, AA has this as part of their FFP already , as l finished my post.

 

[samh004]

Simply put, rewards that continue to be given even after you’ve qualified for the top level, so you have PG/50k/limos at 2400SC in QFF now, there should be something then at 3600, 4800, 6000 (if anyone could do that). It seems pointless to stop at double Platinum and still offer something so little, so worthless to those that fly so much.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

As a side note, the more rewards and better the FFP is it, someone has to pay for all that (ie, the customer). So, you can end up like most USA legacy carriers, which most people on here would say are not really premium, but have pretty good FFP's, or like QF where do you get better service and lounges, but the FFP isn't as good. It's a trade off. darron has also mentioned this in the above post.

 

[simongr]

I look at the total package not just awards and extra bonuses once I have hit a level - it incorporates the premium experience (F lounges/check in), the qualification levels etc.

The big distinction I would love to see from QFF is much better award availability for WP (and cascading down to gold/silver) - that would be a real reward for a frequent flyer rather than a frequent spender.

I like the current and future lounge access policy as it works for me.

 

[Boris spatsky]

Limo transfers at Syd between Dom and int so I can avoid the pathetic bus

 

[yohy?!]

Lounges that are in the vein of VS' LHR Clubhouse (pre-gfc) would good!

 

[11sjw]

Maybe a little out of left field as I'm throwing the QClub in as a part of this but perhaps the opportunity when renewing QC Membership to buy in at a certain level each year if you haven't retained it.

 

[Joshua]

One thing I feel as a must have, and fortunately QF do have, is some sort of lifetime goalpost. Sure there might not be anything beyond 2400SC, but I would feel significantly less inclined to invest in such a program if it lacked some sort of lifetime option. This has pretty much swayed my decision on the star alliance side.

Since I've only been flying for a year or two and in my 20's I figure I'll have a lot of flights ahead of me and even a future devalued 'lifetime' membership is worth gaining. I would hope eventually to simply fly in premium cabins but recognise status is ever so helpful in a service industry that many of us rely upon ie. long distance transport. The need to be somewhere else isn't going away fast but if I have LTG by my mid 30's at the latest I'm sure it will cover me when times change. I also think it is fair considering I direct significant amounts of my personal finances mostly towards QF which remains entirely my prerogative.