I get the vague reference might upset people, but I look at it like this.
Like selling ‘ghost flights’ I see there possibly being two sides to the story and in this case, certainly the hotel has a lot to do with it - Qantas can’t be responsible for everything they do business with and I’m sure everyone appreciated that.
However, with the Qantas brand being used to sell anything it can market, what I found interesting was an insight into outsourcing from a marketing perspective.
Getting a glimpse of Qantas’ inner workings I found fascinating. And I fully understand it may be just me that sees it that way, but Abercrombie & Kent, Expedia is not. I would liken it to (something like) David Jones retailing Kogan stock in their stores, but charging customers 20% more for the privilege.
I don’t think many people booking through Qantas.com would do so if they realised they simply paying for Expedia + a ‘handling fee’ + GST and bonuses.
At least - that’s my take! Don’t take my comments too personally - unless your Qf bonus is over $500k, they are not directed at you!