Qantas revamps Frequent Flyer programme
Qantas has unveiled its new Frequent Flyer programme, which the group says will offer more options for customers who will now be able to book any seat, on any Qantas or Jetstar flight.
The new programme, to take effect from November, will be part of the airline’s frequent flyer scheme but will be re-branded under a “Classic and Partner Awards� banner.
The Chief Executive of Qantas Frequent Flyer, Simon Hickey, launched the programme yesterday, saying the new scheme expanded the benefits of the traditional award programme, although kept with the traditional fixed points redemption option which has been available to members for a number of years.
“These changes will establish the program as a world leader among loyalty programs in terms of the value it offers members and the breadth of product choices,� Mr. Hickey said.
Last year, some 3 million seats, just under 10 per cent of annual capacity, was purchased using frequent flyer points.
Qantas Frequent Flyer members now have three different options for redeeming points to claim seats, which includes Qantas and Jetstar Any Seat Awards, Points Plus Pay and Qantas and Partner Classic Awards.
Qantas and Jetstar Any Seat Awards, will allow customers to use points for any seat, as well as for taxes and charges on any flight with a QF or JQ number. The airline said not all special promotional fares will be available on this award scheme, and flights must be booked at least 24 hours before scheduled departures.
With Points Plus Pay, members can use a combination of points and a credit/charge card payment, for Qantas and Jetstar Any Seat Awards and in the Qantas Frequent Flyer online store.
The Qantas and Partner Classic Awards is the traditional option of using a set number of points for a limited number of seats on Qantas, Jetstar and partner airlines, with no change to the points required.
“The enhancements we are introducing today will make Qantas Frequent Flyer an even more powerful loyalty program, as well as a strong business in its own right,� Mr Hickey said.
CEO, Geoff Dixon said the group was now looking to sell-off a percentage of the programme after its revamp.
“I can’t see us keeping less than 55 to 60 per cent (of the business), we will keep control,� he said.
Qantas Frequent Flyer has become one of the most recognised loyalty programmes in Australia, with more than five million members with an additional 5,000 joining each week.
“The Qantas and Jetstar Any Seat Awards are an incredible offering to add to the popular current Classic Awards. Obviously, Any Seat Awards will generally cost more because they reflect the commercial fares available and include all taxes and charges,� Mr Hickey said.
“Our research strongly indicates that many of our members want a guaranteed seat on the day they want to travel, and are happy to pay more for this. For other members, who have more flexibility in their itineraries, we are not changing the Classic Awards option.�
As an example, at 9am yesterday, using the Any Seat programme, a flight from Sydney-Gold Coast in July flying Jetstar (inclusive of taxes and charges) would cost 18,000 points, and from Melbourne to London in November flying Qantas would be 223,925 points.
The Qantas Frequent Flyer Store was also unveiled offering more than 700 products and gift vouchers which include Qantas Holidays travel.
Source = e-Travel Blackboard: D.M
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