Does the EK Hike in reward charges indicate QP access change?

[HSB44]

What will the changes mean for Qantas Club? Do you think they are planning to remove QC lounge access in DXB? For me this would really devastate the value of QC..

 

[Mattg]

What will the changes mean for Qantas Club? Do you think they are planning to remove QC lounge access in DXB? For me this would really devastate the value of QC..

I might be missing something, but I don't see how the increase in Emirates carrier charges affects Qantas Club access in Dubai?

When redeeming points, you're booked on an EK flight number anyway.

 

[HSB44]

I might be missing something, but I don't see how the increase in Emirates carrier charges affects Qantas Club access in Dubai?

When redeeming points, you're booked on an EK flight number anyway.

I meant for cash flights in economy. Yes the change relates to redemption surcharges, but there seems to be a lot of online chatter that this is a hostile move by Emirates and potentially the first step in a divorce.... Which makes me worry that QC access might go. I do most of my domestic flights with virgin, so for me the real benefit of QC is lounge access in Dubai on economy

 

[Mattg]

I meant for cash flights in economy. Yes the change relates to redemption surcharges, but there seems to be a lot of online chatter that this is a hostile move by Emirates and potentially the first step in a divorce.... Which makes me worry that QC access might go. I do most of my domestic flights with virgin, so for me the real benefit of QC is lounge access in Dubai on economy

It's not the first step in a divorce. The Qantas & Emirates agreement was recently renewed until at least 2028.

I think I know where you may have got that impression. I don't think the author of that article has any inside info suggesting Qantas is about to axe the partnership with Emirates - IMHO he's just speculating and expressing general unhappiness about how the carrier charge increase makes the partnership less useful to QFF members. Anyway, the fuel/carrier surcharge increase affects anyone redeeming points or miles for Emirates flights - not just Qantas members.

 

[Mrmaxwell]

Is lounge access the only real benefit of the QF EK partnership? I was looking to book business class on EK but there is no seat selection, chaffeur drive or lounge access mentioned on the EK website (it says eligible which means certain fare classes only?)

 

[andye]

Is lounge access the only real benefit of the QF EK partnership? I was looking to book business class on EK but there is no seat selection, chaffeur drive or lounge access mentioned on the EK website (it says eligible which means certain fare classes only?)

Redemtions and points earn. Baggage throughcheck
Priority checkin and boarding, Extra baggage for QF status
No seat selection is a downside

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/qantas-experience/network-and-partner-airlines/emirates.html

Pretty sure you don't get chauffeur if you redeem Skywards miles on EK either

The change in carrier fees is generic and not directed at QF specifically

 

[moa999]

Fuel prices have gone up. It's not a surprise to see surcharges follow.

 

[openseat]

For the time being, at least, the agreement works well if you have to fly to southern or Central/Eastern Europe. Much better than going through LHR and back tracking. Also the F lounge is a nice benefit.

 

[mbell1510]

What will the changes mean for Qantas Club? Do you think they are planning to remove QC lounge access in DXB? For me this would really devastate the value of QC..

I was able to access the business lounge in Dubai yesterday as a Qantas Club member. Certainly agree that it would a shame benefits like that were to ever be removed.

 

[ChrisFlyer]

Given Emirates' changes to carrier charges serve to increase Emirates' revenues, and Qantas pays Emirates every time one of their members accesses an Emirates lounge (unless entry was already provided by travel class), stopping Qantas members from doing so would be counterproductive. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.