Finally crossed over 1400 status credits to earn Qantas Platinum - Questions...

[tdimdad]

Can't wait to see the 'World Platinum' bag tags and physical membership card.

The tags have arrived! A part of the new, speedy priority service from QFF.

 

[Lynda2475]

Nice I only received 1 tag with my card but it was the 100th anniversary version.

 

[SYD]

The tags have arrived! A part of the new, speedy priority service from QFF.

That looks like a cage fighting roo. Put some boxing gloves on them...

 

[AIRwin]

That looks like a cage fighting roo.

Or behind bars "imp-roo-soned"?

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

I do wonder what sort of impression something like that, will be/show, on int travel.
Imprisoned, indeed.

 

[Himeno]

I do wonder what sort of impression something like that, will be/show, on int travel.
Imprisoned, indeed.

I'm expecting QF staff would do that to the card holder when they see a clearly faked membership card with "World Platinum" written on it.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I'm expecting QF staff would do that to the card holder when they see a clearly faked membership card with "World Platinum" written on it.

What about a real Platinum card that has the word World appearing on top and a globe to the side?

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Just thought I'd provide an update on my experience as a newly minted World Platinum member flying QF18 from LA back to Sydney. First class check-in was okay. Yes there were no queues but it was literally just a separate desk. There is nothing special aside from that. Contrast that with American at LAX where as a OneWorld Emerald flying them there is a separate entrance for you to check-in called Flagship First Check-In where you don't have to show your mug in front of the FOTSGS and get escorted right to the head of the security line. In Sydney there also does not seem to be any special treatment for us Platinums checking in aside from accessing that separate First class check-in desk.

Nevertheless checkin was quick (there was no one ahead of me and I was checking in at 6:40 PM with my flight departing at 9:25 PM) and security took less than 5 minutes thanks to TSA pre-check, which the First class agent pointed me in the direction of that entrance. I then made my way to the Qantas First Class lounge and again was a bit underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong the sit down a-la carte dining experience is a nice touch as is the champers but aside from that (and perhaps it being less crowded than the J lounge) there is really nothing spectacular about the lounge itself.




Indeed, when I tried securing a shower ahead of my flight, I was told it was not possible as there was a 40 minute waiting list for it. Frustrated, I headed to the OneWorld Business lounge, cut in front of everyone and explained my situation (yes this was justified as I'm Platinum and therefore have higher priority over all of them). Within 5 minutes I had a shower. Whilst the water pressure wasn't ideal, the temperature control was good.

Another cause for disappointment was boarding. In particular, it seems like everyone and his dog had priority boarding (i.e. Platinum Ones all the way down to Golds, J and Premium Economy). Nevertheless, I cut in front of everyone as again, I'm a Platinum so top priority and boarded early without having to deal with the stupid biometric e-gates at US airports.

Flight was alright and uneventful. I was disappointment to hear acknowledgement of country on arrival into Sydney. Bags came out relatively quickly (i.e. 40 minutes after arriving at gate), although I will point out that my bags were tagged as Business and not First class although they did seem to come out amongst the first. I was expecting First class baggage claim to also be a bit luxurious. For instance, why don't they have agents that escort the bags to you and provide you with a flat white whilst waiting? Food for thought!

If I were to book this trip again I think I would book AA to be quite frank. First for the Flagship First check-in experience, second because Qantas and American Airlines are identical in terms of status credit accrual and points earnings, third it would be nice to try a new airline long haul, fourth AA fares tend to be cheaper than QF fares IME, and lastly to avoid having to hear acknowledgement of country.

-RooFlyer88

 

[RooFlyer]

I'm guessing your 'cut the line' and other silly stuff was intended to get some sort of reaction?

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I'm guessing your 'cut the line' and other silly stuff was intended to get some sort of reaction?

Cutting the queue at the lounge was needed because flight was set to board in half an hour and I needed that shower as I had suntan lotion all over me from my day out in the LA sun and I wasn't gonna sit on a plane for 15 minutes with that on me. I generally board last but thought I'd board early in this circumstance given I was seated in a bulkhead and wanted to see how boarding as a World Platinum worked (or didn't).

-RooFlyer88

 

[AIRwin]

newly minted World Platinum member

WP = Weary Platinum already?

 

[downgraded]

I'm guessing your 'cut the line' and other silly stuff was intended to get some sort of reaction?

Putting the W back in to WP.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Just thought I'd provide an update on my experience as a newly minted World Platinum member flying QF18 from LA back to Sydney. First class check-in was okay. Yes there were no queues but it was literally just a separate desk. There is nothing special aside from that. Contrast that with American at LAX where as a OneWorld Emerald flying them there is a separate entrance for you to check-in called Flagship First Check-In where you don't have to show your mug in front of the FOTSGS and get escorted right to the head of the security line. In Sydney there also does not seem to be any special treatment for us Platinums checking in aside from accessing that separate First class check-in desk.

Nevertheless checkin was quick (there was no one ahead of me and I was checking in at 6:40 PM with my flight departing at 9:25 PM) and security took less than 5 minutes thanks to TSA pre-check, which the First class agent pointed me in the direction of that entrance. I then made my way to the Qantas First Class lounge and again was a bit underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong the sit down a-la carte dining experience is a nice touch as is the champers but aside from that (and perhaps it being less crowded than the J lounge) there is really nothing spectacular about the lounge itself.

View attachment 351989
View attachment 351992View attachment 351990View attachment 351991

Indeed, when I tried securing a shower ahead of my flight, I was told it was not possible as there was a 40 minute waiting list for it. Frustrated, I headed to the OneWorld Business lounge, cut in front of everyone and explained my situation (yes this was justified as I'm Platinum and therefore have higher priority over all of them). Within 5 minutes I had a shower. Whilst the water pressure wasn't ideal, the temperature control was good.
View attachment 351994
Another cause for disappointment was boarding. In particular, it seems like everyone and his dog had priority boarding (i.e. Platinum Ones all the way down to Golds, J and Premium Economy). Nevertheless, I cut in front of everyone as again, I'm a Platinum so top priority and boarded early without having to deal with the stupid biometric e-gates at US airports.
View attachment 351995
Flight was alright and uneventful. I was disappointment to hear acknowledgement of country on arrival into Sydney. Bags came out relatively quickly (i.e. 40 minutes after arriving at gate), although I will point out that my bags were tagged as Business and not First class although they did seem to come out amongst the first. I was expecting First class baggage claim to also be a bit luxurious. For instance, why don't they have agents that escort the bags to you and provide you with a flat white whilst waiting? Food for thought!
View attachment 351993
If I were to book this trip again I think I would book AA to be quite frank. First for the Flagship First check-in experience, second because Qantas and American Airlines are identical in terms of status credit accrual and points earnings, third it would be nice to try a new airline long haul, fourth AA fares tend to be cheaper than QF fares IME, and lastly to avoid having to hear acknowledgement of country.

-RooFlyer88

There’s no F on a Dreamliner so you won’t get F baggage tags on a flight that doesn’t have F

Not sure why you felt that you could cut in front of everyone for a shower.
It may have been better to prioritize the shower when you arrived in the F lounge.
You seemed to have ample time for multiple courses.

 

[serfty]

It may have been better to prioritize the shower when you arrived in the F lounge.

This ... if you are gunna have a shower at the Qantas First lounge at LAX, have it when you get there.

(Also take your sunnies as the tiles are white and bright!)

 

[ChrisMars]

Lots of cutting line, instant WWP!

 

[Lynda2475]

Indeed, when I tried securing a shower ahead of my flight, I was told it was not possible as there was a 40 minute waiting list for it

I did warn you to book your preferred shower timeslot with attendant on arrival. Had you done this you could have dined around availability. Being on one of the earlier flights it was always going to be busy.

Cutting in line at J lounge isn't an entitlement of being a WP and quite rude, surprised there wasn't a mutiny from those already queuing who should not have had to accommodate your own disorganisation.

 

[justinbrett]

Once you check in with QF at TBIT, turn around, walk outside to T4, go through security there - it's way faster. Go to the Flagship lounge for a shower and then head up to the QF lounge when you're hungry.

TBIT security for evening departures is a circus. T4 that time of night has tumbleweeds.

 

[SYD]

Once you check in with QF at TBIT, turn around, walk outside to T4, go through security there - it's way faster. Go to the Flagship lounge for a shower and then head up to the QF lounge when you're hungry.

TBIT security for evening departures is a circus. T4 that time of night has tumbleweeds.

Is there still the side door to TBIT transfer security off to the left facing in from roadway?

I did once or twice. It used to bring you up to the T4 connector to the left or TBIT departures ahead. You could see the heaving mass at TSA through windows as you waltzed by above.

 

[Pushka]

I’m not sure your issue with suntan lotion is anything to do with the airline but maybe your personal time management and priorities. If you’d cut in front of me regardless of your perceived priority you’d have known about it. I find your post rather disappointing to be honest considering your other informative posts.

Or have I missed the satire?

 

[rcn]

Good review. The only thing missing now is a World Platinum tatoo on your forehead so the FOTSGS and airline staff can identify you immediately and accord you due courtesy.