Is joining Qantas Club worth this trip?

[onlycopunk]

Hello all,

I'm going to go be doing some very intense travelling with my partner at the end of August and I'm trying to decide if gaining access to a lounge will be worth our dollar. Problem is we are flying a tangled mess of airlines so I want to make sure if I do choose to purchase a pass to a lounge we are purchasing the right one. I'll set out my itineray below...

SYD - KIX (Jetstar)
NRT - JFK (American Airlines)
JFK - DEN (Delta)
DEN - SEA (Delta)
SEA - LAX (Virgin)
LAX - SYD (AA operated by Qantas)

I've been trying to research but I can't seem to find a clear cut answer as to the use of Qantas overseas lounges if we aren't expressly flying Qantas or British Airways. I've also got wind of something called a Priority Pass, but I'm verring towards Qantas due to possible frequent flyer perks that might be available to us.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[markis10]

Worth joining for one trip, no, then again it may be used later so the value maybe there. For three lounge visits -no.

Its clear on the website what access you have, note you must be on an AA flight (or QF): Fly - The Qantas Club - Lounge Access

In addition to Qantas Club lounges, you can relax in British Airways lounges^ (Terraces and Executive Club lounges) and American Airlines® Admirals Club lounges.

To access a partner airline lounge, simply present your Qantas Club card or Platinum or Gold Frequent Flyer card at check-in and again with your boarding pass at the lounge reception. You may also invite a guest. Note: both you and your guest must be travelling together and have onward travel that day on a flight marketed and operated by the partner airline whose lounge you wish to visit.***

^ View Qantas Club News for latest updates to British Airways Lounges in London Heathrow.
*** Marketed and operated means a flight operated by the same airline whose flight number appears on your ticket. Includes American Airlines® or British Airways operated flights with a 'QF' flight number on your ticket.

 

[nlagalle]

Hello all,

I'm going to go be doing some very intense travelling with my partner at the end of August and I'm trying to decide if gaining access to a lounge will be worth our dollar. Problem is we are flying a tangled mess of airlines so I want to make sure if I do choose to purchase a pass to a lounge we are purchasing the right one. I'll set out my itineray below...

SYD - KIX (Jetstar)
NRT - JFK (American Airlines)
JFK - DEN (Delta)
DEN - SEA (Delta)
SEA - LAX (Virgin)
LAX - SYD (AA operated by Qantas)

I've been trying to research but I can't seem to find a clear cut answer as to the use of Qantas overseas lounges if we aren't expressly flying Qantas or British Airways. I've also got wind of something called a Priority Pass, but I'm verring towards Qantas due to possible frequent flyer perks that might be available to us.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Lounge access.. The QP access would help you on the outbound leg and return as they are AA and Jetstar. But it wouldn't help you on any of the other legs.

So looking at the Priority Pass, it would get only you access to the lounges at other locations, your partner would be subject to $27US per visit. Also there is no Priority Pass lounge in Sydney international either.

More info on the Priority Pass is here: Airport Lounge Access Worldwide | Priority Pass

If you are going to be flying often afterwards you might get the use out of the QP one. In Australia, the only lounges that have Priority pass access are:

MEL(T2 & T3) SYD (T2) PER CBR ADL.

Cheers,

Nick

 

[harvyk]

I'm also in the no basket.

I usually value access to the QF lounges at between $10 and $50 a visit depending on the length of time I spend there and how much I eat \ drink, and how good the airport outside the lounge is...

Whilst certain airports like LAX are a wasteland outside the lounge, is an hour of comfort really worth a couple of hundred dollars?

 

[NM]

Save the money to spend on the holiday or to buy a few drinks in the airport bar.

 

[simongr]

Dont forget that at AA lounges in the US drinks aren't free (though QP members MAY get chits/vouchers like WP/SG members) and the food is also not free (no vouchers or chits for food either).

 

[Bundy Bear]

Dont forget that at AA lounges in the US drinks aren't free (though QP members MAY get chits/vouchers like WP/SG members) and the food is also not free (no vouchers or chits for food either).

Hey the apples and the pretzel mix is free.

The soft drinks are free.

You usually get 1 or 2 chit vouchers depending on how nice the front desk is.

When you are asking for a drink you are expected to tip, is there a standard one should follow when tipping.

I usually work with 1 chit with 1 dollar, maybe the LAX lounge staff know that Australians aren't big tippers. :idea:

You don't need to tip in the SKYTEAM lounge at TBIT, but its serve yourself.

 

[Andyzx]

Q Club membership is usually tax deductable for people that earn an income, that reduces the cost by about 1/3rd. Talk to your accountant, this also includes your joining fee.

If you employer has a scheme or you belong to a professional orginisation then they usually have a discounted / reduced joining and yearly fee. Or join AFF and use their discount code.

Some credit cards have a guest pass included so that might be another option.

My usual view was using it once or twice was not worth it, that was until I started flying international without it. Also provides a seperate checkin at QF checkin's

Have a good trip it sounds a ripper

 

[onlycopunk]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Don't think I'll jump on board for this then, especially because I just realised that flying to Japan we have to go from Sydney through the Gold Coast not really warranting an abundance of waiting time in Sydney, and the Gold Coast airport is about as big as a vending machine.

I was just interested in our US flights since the US is renowned for long waits at airports, but I'm sure we'll be able to bide our time in other ways waiting for flights.

 

[Holly]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Don't think I'll jump on board for this then, especially because I just realised that flying to Japan we have to go from Sydney through the Gold Coast not really warranting an abundance of waiting time in Sydney, and the Gold Coast airport is about as big as a vending machine.

How long is your transit in the Gold Coast? Jetstar have a Gold Coast lounge where you can get food and drinks for $9.99 pre-purchased beforehand or $15.00 at the door. Gold Coast Lounge - Travel Services - Travel Information - Jetstar Airways