This week our members reveal how they make the most of Platinum status with Qantas.
Hi there, I’m new to AFF and to WP (Platinum status). What are some of the best ways to make the use of my WP status? I probably will not be able to maintain being a WP after this year and want to make the most out of it.
There are many benefits of Platinum status, both published and unpublished. Published benefits – in other words, those advertised by Qantas – include priority check-in, baggage & boarding, a better chance of getting upgraded, preferred seating, bonus points and a greater baggage allowance. Platinum members also receive access to domestic Business class and international First class lounges when flying Qantas. This includes domestic lounge access on arrival – a benefit not offered to lower-tier Gold members.
These perks aren’t just available when flying Qantas. Platinum status with Qantas is equivalent to oneworld Emerald status. So you’ll receive reciprocal benefits when flying on any oneworld airline, such as Cathay Pacific or American Airlines.
I had a 8 and 12hr layover in NRT and was able to enjoy the JAL First class Lounges (even when flying BA) and in Munich (flying with Air Berlin) I was able to skip the massive queues (I’d have likely missed the flight otherwise) even though I was travelling in Y because WP = OWE. Again, when I flew with Siberian 7 in Y I was able to skip the queues in customs. There’s really quite a few perks so it’s worth flying in One World airlines if you can.
But the benefits that our members value the most are largely not advertised by Qantas. One such benefit is “shadows”, or free neighbouring seats when the flight is not full. Platinum members also receive priority when phoning the Qantas call centre, avoiding wait times that regularly exceed an hour.
When redeeming points, it can be very difficult to find award availability. But Platinum status can help with this too. Platinum members have access to a greater number of award seats on Qantas flights. Plus, even if an award seat is unavailable, Platinum members can call Qantas to request the release of an award seat. This is not guaranteed, but there have been many reports of success where the flight is not already full.
Ability to phone and request the release of an Award J seat on international travel (and domestic, I guess) even when that class has ‘sold out’ (you won’t always get one released, but chances are usually good)
For many, the international First class lounges are the single-biggest perk afforded to Platinum members. These lounges are so nice, in fact, that some members will fly overseas with Qantas just to visit the lounges!
I don’t know your home city but why not consider a long weekend in NZ departing SYD or MEL on a deep discount Y fare? You can enjoy a leisurely lunch and massage in the F lounge and get a few days’ holiday thrown in for good measure! Myself and Mrs 340 do this at least twice a year.
Join the discussion HERE.
