Hello all!
So there is a thread on AFF about the F Lounge getting quite crowded etc and I have been noticing that recently.
Do you think that a dedicated CL/P1/F international lounge could work? I know that I would like this!
It could be a smaller lounge with a spa, restaurant and some more premium features. What would you include? Might be a bit of fun
1/ The F lounge is not crowded.
I regularly fly on QF 11, and connect into SYD on 921. Which means I'm in the lounge by either 9 or 10am (depending on daylight savings), and boarding at 14:30.
Sometimes F, sometimes J, sometimes Y.
I sit through and see all the stages of F lounge occupancy (QF107, QF11, the AKL flights etc). The lounge is busiest ahead of 107 and 11, and quickly empties after these flights.
The lounge is NOT crowded. I, nor anyone I have ever witnessed has ever not been able to get a quiet seat, get breakfast/lunch table, get waiter service, get a shower etc. and I've had a pretty good run on the spa - 60% success when not flying F. 100% success for prebooking when I am flying F. Given CLs can prebook - this certainly isn't an issue.
In fact - some like the ambience of SYD as opposed to the emptiness of MEL which sometimes makes you wonder if you need a shower
.
2/ It seems to be me that your gripe/concern is the lack of exclusivity and that perhaps you might catch something from some lowly WP filth that shouldn't be above their station.
With all due respect, IMHO, as a CL you already get your bum wiped by QF (I don't), you get a spa booking regardless of what class you fly (I do only when flying F), you fly F usually so your exclusivity and extra bum-wiping occurs once you board. Not to mention that you get a personal escort from the car to the lounge just in case you forgot how to survive daily life or in case you forgot where the lounge was.
Given the above - I think you're being precious.
3/ If you do desire more quiet ambience, exclusivity, place to relax without the crowds then I suggest three options:
- sit in the Library (there's never anyone in there).
- book a private room at the F lounge
- fly ex-MEL (It's never crowded, even right before QF93).
4/ I didn't think the CCR was anything special. Dining was nice, although I prefer the restaurant feel of QF F lounge rather than the dingy booth dining at CCR.
In fact I didn't really care either way for the "emptiness" of the CCR. After dinner and a few drinks, I actually left and went to the Galleries F lounge for more ambience.
5/ QF didn't build/design the F lounge for the exclusive use of F/CL pax. If it did, it would be the size of BNE or AKL F lounge.
QF built/designed the lounges for exactly the pax whom have access.
6/ There is already a very distinguishable difference in service provided in the lounge for F/CL pax vs vanilla WPs flying whY. I have had no issues with either level of service and feel they are totally appropriate.