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Major airline ‘perk’ Aussie travellers are giving up on
Updated . First published
While holding frequent flyer status with an airline once came with major perks, airlines can no longer offer enough to keep everyone happy.
In fact, more than half of Aussies reckon there’s no point in chasing frequent flyer status, according to research from Finder, as the juice just isn’t worth the squeeze.
Frequent flyer schemes aren't what they once were, some travellers say. iStock
Crowded airport lounges, “priority” queues that are just as long as regular ones, a reduction in perks, and nary an upgrade in sight are all common complaints that disgruntled flyers are quoting as a reason to question the usefulness of holding status with an airline.
“I’m rarely able to actually use the allocated free Business Class upgrades I’m entitled to,” a Velocity Platinum Plus member told nine.com.au. He said he’s seen a downgrade in the quality of perks offered to the highest-tiered fliers.
“The lounge at Sydney airport is always full, especially on weekday mornings, and the food quality has gone downhill fast.”
He also bemoaned no longer being able to earn points and access perks when flying overseas on some partner airlines.
Changes to point earning and redemption rules mean that it’s easier than ever to gain frequent flyer status – leading to crowded lounges and a dilution of perks – but the rewards aren’t as good as they once were.
Last year, Velocity slashed the number of points non-Velocity credit card holders earned per dollar, while Qantas significantly raised the number of points needed to redeem fares.
Million of Aussies are earning frequent flyer points through retail and credit card partners. iStock
Other changes include a phase-out of loyalty bonuses, higher status credit requirements to retain top-tier status, and a switch to spend-based points (rather than distance-based).
Meanwhile, Qantas has introduced the ability to earn status points without even taking a flight by spending with retail and credit card partners.
Earlier this year, Amex announced huge changes to lounge access for cardholders, cutting free guest passes from two to one passengers, and cutting the additional Priority Pass perks for secondary cardholders.
In the US, airlines like United have introduced a ‘grab-and-go’ system in lounges for frequent flyers, in the hope of reducing overcrowding. Passengers still get the perks of free food and drinks, but don’t need to stay in the lounge to consume them.
The best use of points is for upgrades and premium tickets. Qantas
All hope isn’t lost for frequent flyers, though. It’s just about knowing the landscape. Accruing points and status can still yield massive value, if you’re smart with how you use them.
Adele Eliseo, travel commentator and founder ofThe Champagne Mile, told nine.com.au that yes, it is getting harder to earn and use points. The cost of living is going up, and in a similar vein, so are the value of frequent flyer points.
More Aussies than ever are participating in frequent flyer programs, she said, which means that there’s more competition to share in the benefits.
“I’d really recommend everyone to get a grip on exactly how much your points are worth, and how much value you’ll get when you redeem them,” she advised.
It's important to understand what your points are worth. nna\april.glover
The value of points ranges from 0.5 points per cent when you’re buying gift cards, all the way up to five (or more) per cent when you’re buying flights.
“The best use of your points is to book flights, particularly premium flights. To get the most value out of them, spend them on business or first class seats, and upgrades.”
Adele sung the praises of the new Qantas platform Flight Finder which helps you find all the available reward seats to spend your points on. “I think it’s really going to open up opportunities for people,” she said.
Qantas' Flight Reward Finder is a really handy tool. Qantas
“People used to have to pay extra for services to find the best way to use their points, and now it’s really easy for people to do it themselves.”
When it comes to accruing points, Adele said not to put all your eggs in one basket.
“I like to tell people to think about your Frequent Flyer strategy the same way you think of investing. You wouldn’t put all your money in one place, you’d diversify your portfolio.”
“In the same way, it’s best to look at both programs (Velocity and Qantas), and look into how you can earn points for each one.”
