‘Just insulting’: Qantas members slam the airline’s act of kindness over list of rules

Qantas Frequent Flyers members have condemned the airline’s $50 gift, as debate ignites over whether the voucher’s terms and conditions are realistic.

Enraged Qantas Frequent Flyer (QFF) members have slammed the airline for the terms and conditions of its $50 voucher, which was issued in line with CEO Alan Joyce’s apology on Sunday.

The airline gifted frequent flyers a $50 promo code, as well as a number of other rewards for each membership tier, as a way to thank them for their patience and commitment to Qantas during its post Covid-19 recovery.

“We know the return to flying hasn’t gone smoothly. Over the past few months too many of you have had flights delayed, flights cancelled or bags misplaced,” Mr Joyce said in a video directed to customers.

“There are good reasons why, but when it comes to what you expect from Qantas, it’s not good enough.”

The Qantas CEO then went on to apologise on behalf of the carrier, reassuring its passengers that the airline is “working hard” to restore its reputation as the country’s leading airline.

In line with its strategy to bring back passengers, QFFs on a bronze tier membership plus, are eligible to receive a $50 promo code to use on a return flight booking.

The terms and conditions state QFFs have until 11.59pm on September 30, 2022 to accept their flight promo code. That code then must be used to make a Qantas operated flight booking by November 30, 2022 for travel by June 30, 2023.

“Flight promo codes are valid for single adult passenger itinerary bookings only and are limited to one per adult. The promo code is non-transferable,” a statement on Qantas’ app reads further explaining the voucher’s criteria.

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Qantas $50 voucher terms and conditions alongside a Reddit post criticising the criteria. Picture: News Corp Australia / Reddit

But despite having a period of at least 10 months to use the voucher, passengers have taken to social media to voice their concern over the promotion’s redemption period, “return flight” criteria and even the value of the voucher.

In a post to Reddit, a QFF member posted a screenshot of the voucher’s ‘how it works’ page with the caption “Qantas’ insincere $50 voucher – not a happy camper”.

“I see it as a passenger-acquisition cost to boost your revenue by 30 Nov 2022,” the original poster also added further down in the post’s feed.

The post attracted more than 300 comments as discussion ignited over whether the voucher’s rules were realistic.

“If it was actually goodwill, everyone would just get (the voucher) in their account and it would be valid for at least 12 months like normal vouchers,” one Reddit user commented.

“Not an apology, just marketing – you need to book an eligible return flight to use it,” said another.

“This is an epic corporate fail. $50 is just insulting,” a third responded.

The airline believes their terms provide sufficient time for passengers to use their vouchers.

Meanwhile other QFF members took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the voucher’s criteria, describing Alan Joyce’s “thank you” as a marketing ploy.

“Here’s the ‘thank you’ from Qantas. Must be a return trip. Must be booked before 30 November Must travel by 30 June,” a Sydneysider outlined.

“There’s no thank you here. It’s just a ploy to get you to rush in and book flights to get more money flowing onto their books.”

QFF members are eligible for a $50 voucher in line with Qantas' strategy to bring back customers following months of disruption. Picture: News Corp Australia

Meanwhile another flyer said the money should go towards paying staff as not all frequent flyers intend to travel in the given time frame.

“Just had a $50 voucher offer from Alan Joyce to be claimed before 30th September. No plans to travel between now and then. Keep your voucher, Alan … give it to a baggage handler,” they said.

But not all were criticising the airline’s good deed, with some users hitting back to defend Qantas’ token of apology.

“I mean it’s a free voucher, even if you don’t use it you’re no worse off. I’m actually really grateful for mine,” one Qantas supporter posted to Reddit.

“You get over a month to accept, 3+ months to book, and 10 months to travel, roughly. What’s the problem? It’s free $ (money). Better than nothing,” said another.

Non-members are also able to join the loyalty program and be eligible for the voucher

QFF members have until September 30 to get their hands on the promotional code, or risk missing out.