New Rate Structure May Revolutionize Industry... or Not -- It's Your Choice

Qantas announced that its domestic airfares will be replaced with a new structure for sale from April 29th. The new fares will provide greater choice and more flexibility for customers.

Qantas is overhauling its domestic airfares, with a new structure for sale from April 29, 2003, for travel from July 1, 2003.

Qantas Executive General Manager Sales and Marketing John Borghetti said the new fares would provide greater choice and more flexibility for customers.

The new range offers:

• one-way fares that can be mixed and matched in any combination;
• the ability to make itinerary changes right up to the day before travel for all fares, and right up to departure for flexible fares;
• the end of 'minimum stay' and 'Saturday night stay away' restrictions; and
• a more user-friendly booking environment for both customers and travel agents.

"Our customers have told us that they like the fact that our current fares are priced for value, but that they also want a simpler, more innovative way of managing their travel," Mr. Borghetti said.

"These new fares will provide greater flexibility by offering one way fares that can be combined with other fare types to maximize travel options and suit individual travel needs.

"The fares package will also give customers the opportunity to change a booking no matter what type of fare has been purchased -- with no charge for many fares, and a $27.50* change fee introduced for heavily discounted fares."

Mr. Borghetti said the key feature of the new structure was its simplicity, with the structure streamlined to offer five fare types instead of the current 11:

• Red e-Deal: Qantas' familiar low online only fares, with the new feature of changes permitted up to the day before travel for a fee.
• Super Saver: An instant or advanced purchase leisure fare which is still valid for 12 months in the event of cancellation. Changes also permitted for a fee.
• Flexi Saver: A lower priced business-friendly fare which allows fee-free changes up to and including the day of travel.
• Fully Flexible: As the name suggests, a fully flexible refundable fare which allows fee-free changes, also up to and including the day of travel.
• Business Class: Fully flexible and tailored for the business traveler who needs the freedom to be able to make last minute changes right up to departure.

"These changes will also allow travel agents to provide an even higher level of service to their customers," Mr. Borghetti said.

"They will be able to amend bookings for their customers with greater ease and offer fares that more closely fit their customers' travel needs.

The new structure will also see children's fares** offered across the full spectrum with the exception of Red e-Deals. Under the current structure, child fares are offered at 50 percent off only the most expensive full adult fare.

* $27.50 change fee per person per one way trip including GST
** Children's fares will now be priced at 80 percent of Super Saver and Flexi Saver fares as well as the more expensive fares.

FMI: www.qantasusa.com