Qantas/Amex Changes [consolidated threads]

[netjock]

Originally Posted by jingles

I have a CPA Amex where i receive free membership in accent and a $25pa card fee.

If i change to direct sweep does anyone know if this will stay the same?

No cost to change to direct sweep.

How did you end up with a $25 annual fee?

I'm on the CPA Gold Amex which has no annual fee but then I joined in '04 and they can't jack up my fees maybe.

[jingles]

Originally Posted by netjock

No cost to change to direct sweep.

How did you end up with a $25 annual fee?

I'm on the CPA Gold Amex which has no annual fee but then I joined in '04 and they can't jack up my fees maybe.

Thanks

Well the fee is $25 if you spend under $2500, as long as you spend over the $2500 there is no fee.

[pengwin]

I have just returned from 9 weeks overseas and am not sure what to make of the recently announced changes by Qantas of the points transfer options from Amex and Mastercard/Visa. How wil I benefit the most, my transferring points by end March 2009 or some other option? I am deeply suspiciuos of all these moves that they end up disadvantaging the most loyal. Surely this is not what a loyalty scheme is all about?

[MEL vis SYD]

I had initially switched from Diners (after 10+ years of loyalty) to Qantas Ultimate with the 1.5 pts uncapped and was upsold to AMEX Platinum CC at SYD QC at the beginning of this year.

When I received the letter about the removal of QFF from the program I wrote a letter requesting they switch me back to Qantas Ultimate at the original annual fee - to no avail. AMEX responded: Pay the 14% increase in annual fee ($450 pa) like everyone else. Their was no offer of $600 Platinum Charge card though.

The fee jump from $450 for Qantas ultimate to $600 for Platinum doesn't seem that significant, so I'll call them see if they'll offer it.

What are the AMEX Platinum companion biz class fares like?

[oz_mark]

Originally Posted by MEL vis SYD

The fee jump from $450 for Qantas ultimate to $600 for Platinum doesn't seem that significant, so I'll call them see if they'll offer it.

The $600 offers for Plat charge I have heard of are for the first year and the charge goes up to $900 for the second year. Somewhat more of a jump to the platinum card on that basis.

[lovestotravel]

Originally Posted by MEL vis SYD

What are the AMEX Platinum companion biz class fares like?

Poor/Waste of time now

Amex has been corrected on this "companion" fare once before American Express offers refunds for Platinum Cardmembers It is now called the Airline Privillages Program.

Used to be quite good, in fact ealier this year on Air Canada I got an actual 2 for 1 deal for Sydney to Vancouver! Other airlines had pretty good discounts

Now Amex are "offering" $11938 per person Sydney to Vancouver as part of their specially negotiated airfares with long-time partner Air Canada. I can go on www.aircanada.com and get a fare for 14039 per person. So yes you do save some $ but nothing like the deals used to be.

The USA companion fares are alot better than what we get here in Australia