Will Qantas Offer Double Status Credits before Mooted FF Program Changes in 2024?

[Seat0B]

I've applied, but realistically I feel it's time to stop chasing, embrace Gold for a year and countdown to the next DSC promo!

There are lots of reports of people being permitted to buy Platinum with FF Points if they were close (or sometimes even not that close) - might be worth a try?

Pay Points to Extend Qantas Status

A data point on Qantas inconsistency and misinformation. My partner is platinum, and not going to make even the reduced SC to retain. We have a lot more flying coming up shortly, including international, so were keen to keep the WP rather than drop down and climb back (also reduces the retain...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

And welcome to posting on AFF @aussieinams

 

[Seat0B]

Back on DSC, I'm just curious how much people here forward book their known trips when it drops.

I definitely do as much forward booking as I can. We usually have 1 or 2 overseas trips under consideration, so I book those when DSC is on (except the trips to UAE to see Seat Son which are QF code share on EK metal and not eligible ).

And I also usually book a few visits to Qld and Vic to see the family over the coming year and any work trips I know of. As I usually travel J, it's not too terrible if I have to cancel the domestic flights as I get a refund on these. Not so much with the O/s trips though as I usually book a sale type fare.

 

[levelnine]

Back on DSC, I'm just curious how much people here forward book their known trips when it drops.

The key for maximum gain is to be prepared well ahead of time.

I've transferred a healthy balance of US points to BA during the last 20% transfer bonus so that I will be ready to book my forward MEL-SYD travel in J for 10.4K points (12.5K/1.2) and 36SC per flight.

 

[Lynda2475]

At a minimum I book at least 3-4 long weekends when the DSCs are offered, for example I pretty always go to Melbourne for the October long weekend, so it is a no brainer and always far enough out that there are cheap fares.

And one can also book a couple of fully flex inexpensive fares, then change the date/destination later keeping the same PNR therefore DCSs for the modified itinerary.

 

[Seat0B]

Back on DSC, I'm just curious how much people here forward book their known trips when it drops.

Oh and if I retain points club, I will also book some classic rewards flights too for the DSC. Although I try to be more certain about those actually going ahead as I don;t want to pay points penalty to cancel them.

 

[RichardMEL]

New CEO may decide that DSC isn't necessary. But the true indicator - are prices silently going up for the period that the promotion allows you to book flights within?

I tend to feel DSC promos and the like wouldn't be something the CEO would have personal input over as it's a function within QF loyalty more than anything else. Now sure, the CEO may decree to NOT do one if they so choose but in terms of the day to day the highest it would probably get would be the head of Loyalty - if even there. It would come down to a cost/benefit analysis more or less and would perhaps rate as line items to the board or something, but I doubt the CEO would take THAT much interest - specially given how regular these things have been and clearly work as far as QF is concerned, it's probably rubber stamped at the higher levels.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Back on DSC, I'm just curious how much people here forward book their known trips when it drops.

What do you mean by forward book? Do you mean to say book a flight that you are planning to take 6 or 12 months out? In that case, yes I've done that a few times. If the price is right, I'll book well in advance. Back in 2022 when QF was running its DSC promotion I booked SYD > AKL in J for $1150 departing in January 2023 which earned me 480 status credits. I booked it partly to secure QF Gold for the following year since at the time of booking QF didn't yet announce the status rollover. Plus I wanted to have a domestic-international trip to NZ.

 

[exceladdict]

For me, I'll generally aim to book flights in my next membership year, to the extent that I can given the fixed membership year dates and short booking window.

I think there would be a few interested parties in the decision:
- those accountable for status pax, managing membership tier quantities, and associated expenses when benefits are used etc (loyalty product managers, program managers or equivalent, and ultimately leadership).
- whoever is accountable for airline loads and profitability (domestic and international sales / leadership).
- whoever is accountable for cashflow (finance and ultimately leadership).

Unlike a 'red tail sale', which might only be an airline sales or marketing team promo, this feels like a cross functional decision (not knowing the qf group corporate structure this would be hard to further analyse).

 

[Vic]

I hope soon, I've got a few optional trips and also China and UK needed this year. double status would help push that money towards Qantas.
At the moment, Qatar, Malaysian and Turkish are looking pretty interesting as options, and cheap.

Here's a question to consider that I haven't heard anyone ask: Will JetStar offer a double status credit promotion?

I'm pretty sure the Qantas double promos include flights with jetstar. Jetstar wouldn't be offering double status, but Qantas would being QFF is a Qantas thing...

 

[aus_flyer]

I'm pretty sure the Qantas double promos include flights with jetstar. Jetstar wouldn't be offering double status, but Qantas would being QFF is a Qantas thing...

No, they don't.

 

[Vic]

No, they don't.

Again, depends on Qantas for double status on Jetstar. Much like the promo where Qantas gave double status on QF, EK and AA...
not sure how it's possible to say it's not up to qantas to give double status on jetstar...

 

[aus_flyer]

Again, depends on Qantas for double status on Jetstar. Much like the promo where Qantas gave double status on QF, EK and AA...
not sure how it's possible to say it's not up to qantas to give double status on jetstar...

Qantas has previously (a long time ago) included DSC for QF marketed flights on EK but I don’t think it’s ever included AA. And as far as I can recall there has never been DSC on JQ.

 

[Mwenenzi]

On 24 Apr 2016 was a "double SC. Qantas operated domestic and international flights. Some listed AA operated QF marketed flights.". Only once in my opinion - records.
On 31 Mar 2017 "double points. All QF flights. EK operated QF marketed trans Tasman" Points and not SC's.
On 4 May 2018 "double points on QF flights & QF marketed EK operated". Points and not SC's.
Have never seem double SC or double points on JQ. As a frequent JQ passenger that would interest me, but IMHO will never happen.

 

[SYD]

On 24 Apr 2016 was a "double SC. Qantas operated domestic and international flights. Some listed AA operated QF marketed flights.". Only once in my opinion - records.
On 31 Mar 2017 "double points. All QF flights. EK operated QF marketed trans Tasman" Points and not SC's.
On 4 May 2018 "double points on QF flights & QF marketed EK operated". Points and not SC's.
Have never seem double SC or double points on JQ. As a frequent JQ passenger that would interest me, but IMHO will never happen.

Not in recent history but QF have had bonus points on JQ flights (maybe SCs).

In late 2009 I flew SYD-HNL in then “Star Class” (when SCs/points were automatically included). Return trip scored 22k+ bonus on top of the 11k each way.

 

[AIRwin]

There's an Explore More sale on now, so perhaps after that?

Just received an email from QF reminding me the sale ends tonight, so DSC may be offered tomorrow?

 

[33kft]

Just received an email from QF reminding me the sale ends tonight, so DSC may be offered tomorrow?

Makes sense, they need to get in quick before those mooted FF program changes in 2024....

 

[RichardMEL]

Just received an email from QF reminding me the sale ends tonight, so DSC may be offered tomorrow?

just a tad early don't you think?

Still, if one is launched tomorrow (16/1/24 AEDT), I'll donate $500 to a charity of your choice....

(hilariously when I have made bets like this in the past I've lost, so maybe y'all might thank me in 24 hours!! LMAO)

 

[AIRwin]

Still, if one is launched tomorrow (16/1/24 AEDT), I'll donate $500 to a charity of your choice....

Am I considered a charity case?

 

[Flyfrequently]

Just received an email from QF reminding me the sale ends tonight, so DSC may be offered tomorrow?

Only if you purchase in the Explore More sale tonight @AIRwin

 

[DejaBrew]

Only if you Please purchase in the Explore More sale tonight @AIRwin

Fixed it for you