JQ *Class, BNE-SYD-DPS return - lounge access

[PPW]

Before I post my question, I should note that I have spent the last month trawling through AFF reading contributor's handy hints and exciting adventures - the wealth of information shared here is fantastic and I have found it very useful - thank you. On the downside, it has been an unhelpful distraction from things I should be doing - like work!

Now, to my post...

Mrs PPW and I are taking PPW Jr to Bali for Christmas. PPW Jr is 3y.o. so I don't want to be stuck in queues, dealing with poor service coupled with a cranky toddler - it will ruin the start (and end) of what should be a relaxing break. Accordingly, I decided that we should just spring the few extra bucks and go with JQ's *Class (which I think will be better that Garuda's J (they are the only real options)). Serfty's helpful post (and photos) on *Class to BKK assisted the decision making process - at least I know not to expect too much, but still more than Y - also the discussion on the best seats was useful - we have row 2, in the middle - just the three of us together and only two seats in front.

Anyway - we want things to be easy (well, easier!). Our bookings are as follows:

JQ (JetSaver) BNE - SYD (JQ817)
JQ *Class SYD - DPS (JQ37)
JQ *Class DPS - BNE (JQ38) (via SYD, SYD to BNE leg operated by QF JQ6512)).

I am Nuthin Bronze with no QP membership. I know we will have SYD T1 QP access and DPS Premier Lounge access by virtue of the *Class fares. I am much more doubtful about access to BNE domestic QP (before flight to SYD on JQ JetSaver fare) and SYD T3 QP (before connecting flight to BNE (operated by QF), which is all ticketed as a JQ *Class fare).

Normally, I wouldn't be too fussed, but to make the trip easier (and to grab a quick bite to eat and a refreshment), I would like to have QP access in BNE domestic and SYD T3 (though, I'm not moved to pay for QP membership!)? :?:

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. (btw, I plan to post a trip report and will take relevant photos to post - hopefully, I might be able to help someone else out!)

Also, I have heard/read conflicting views about class of travel on SYD to BNE leg of *Class fare - given that it is all ticked (and paid) as a single *Class fare, it should be J (IMHO). But, I have a feeling QF might stick us in Y... any ideas? :?: I guess if it is J, that would solve half of my question above...

 

[littl_flier]

Hi PPW. Welcome to AFF!!!

But, I have a feeling QF might stick us in Y... any ideas? :?: I guess if it is J, that would solve half of my question above...

From all reports so far on AFF, you will be up the front on your QF flights to and from SYD as part of the Star Class fare. Therefore, under the new rules of flying QF in Business Class, you should have access to the QP (Qantas Club) in BNE and SYD on the way home. This will give you a chance to relax before your flights.

As far as what to expect, there are usually some light snacks and alcohol is served after 1pm daily in domestic QP's. Don't expect anything too fancy although it's better than being outside with the masses.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. (btw, I plan to post a trip report and will take relevant photos to post - hopefully, I might be able to help someone else out!)

Yay, we can never have too many TR's. Thanks!

Also, congratualtions on already speaking the lingo. You're references to QP and NB and actually using airport codes are fantastic for a newbie!!!

 

[moa999]

Agree.
If you booked BNE-SYD-DPS on *Class you will be flying QF J (Business) and therefore get access to the Brisbane QP.

(Note the fare you would have paid is more than had you booked JQ econ BNE-SYD and * SYD-DPS).

Ensure you join Jnr to QFF beforehand given the J class points - hint an overseas address makes things much easier to start with.

 

[PPW]

Ensure you join Jnr to QFF beforehand given the J class points - hint an overseas address makes things much easier to start with.

Excellent advice aubs - Mrs PPW and PPW Jr joined QFF last week (at our 'London address' of course)! It is a painless process. After the confirmation email was received, we simply updated the mailing address to our 'Brisbane address' and we are all happy! I just wish I could transfer their SCs to my QFF a/c - would well and truly get me to SG - defeats the purpose of the system though...

If you booked BNE-SYD-DPS on *Class you will be flying QF J (Business) and therefore get access to the Brisbane QP.

(Note the fare you would have paid is more than had you booked JQ econ BNE-SYD and * SYD-DPS).

Sadly, we couldn't book BNE to DPS as one flight (even via SYD). Had to book separately. So it seems no QP ex BNE (because of BNE to SYD JQ Y fare). The SYD domestic is the most important - it will be after a night time DPS-SYD, so a quick breakkie snack and a refreshment would go down well... and from your posts, it seems likely (was able to book DPS to BNE (via SYD) as one fare - *Class...) . Thanks heaps

 

[JohnK]

Excellent advice aubs - Mrs PPW and PPW Jr joined QFF last week (at our 'London address' of course)! It is a painless process. After the confirmation email was received, we simply updated the mailing address to our 'Brisbane address' and we are all happy!

I hope you don't have the same experience as me. I signed up a friend to QFF with an overseas address 3 years ago and after a few days changed the address to an Australian address. After about 2 weeks we receive a letter from QF with an invoice for the joining fee. I called QF and explained that this person lives overseas but they are staying in Australia with me for a few months, hence the change of address. He waived the fee.

Has anyone else had this experience? Would be interested to know if this is generated automatically by the computer or picked up manually.

 

[PPW]

I hope you don't have the same experience as me. I signed up a friend to QFF with an overseas address 3 years ago and after a few days changed the address to an Australian address. After about 2 weeks we receive a letter from QF with an invoice for the joining fee. I called QF and explained that this person lives overseas but they are staying in Australia with me for a few months, hence the change of address. He waived the fee.

Has anyone else had this experience? Would be interested to know if this is generated automatically by the computer or picked up manually.

Well, I certainly hope not - if I do, I will certainly let you know!!! I'm glad that you were able to talk your way out of it though!

IIRC, we only updated the "Other Address" field with our 'Brisbane address' (and nominated it as the address to which mail should be sent). We left the "Home Address" field as our 'London address' - hopefully this will avoid such a nasty surprise...

 

[littl_flier]

Is it also true that with an overseas address, no QFF card in provided for the member?

 

[littl_flier]

Sorry, PPW. I was wondering why you were travelling on a JQ817 number when it should be JQX5XX. Sadly, I doubt you'll have lounge access unless you can convince the staff to let you in as you have an onward star class flight later that day.

Also, remember that JQ won't interline the baggage for you. You will need to collect the luggage in SYD and take it over to the International terminal and recheck the luggage.

 

[PPW]

Is it also true that with an overseas address, no QFF card in provided for the member?

Certainly is... but, the confirmation page contained a 'cut out' card that you can print... I should see if PPW Jr wants to get out his gold crayons to colour his in - it'd be interesting to see the QP dragon's reaction...

 

[PPW]

Also, remember that JQ won't interline the baggage for you. You will need to collect the luggage in SYD and take it over to the International terminal and recheck the luggage.

Yep, not to happy about that! Also means on 20kg each and just one 7kg carry on, rather than the 30kg each and 2x 7kg carry ons in *Class. Lucky it is outbound, so we won't be carrying any stone carvings!!!

The most frustrating part, though, is that if we booked a QF BNE to SYD, we would have baggage connectivity...

Any advice for getting from T2 to T1? I thought a cab would be easiest with luggage and 3 PAX. I assume it is only about $10ish.

 

[littl_flier]

Any advice for getting from T2 to T1? I thought a cab would be easiest with luggage and 3 PAX. I assume it is only about $10ish.

I believe there is a bus but I'm pretty sure you will have to pay for this. I am unsure of the details but if you have a look at www.sydneyairport.com.au, you should be able to find some details.

the confirmation page contained a 'cut out' card that you can print... I should see if PPW Jr wants to get out his gold crayons to colour his in - it'd be interesting to see the QP dragon's reaction...

You should earn 240 SC's (I think) which puts you close to Silver, but not quite gold!

If you print them out in B&W, the Bronze should appear a dark grey, if its the right shade, you might even get to visit the FLounge!

 

[PPW]

Another JQ tale - already!

We’re still two months out from our JQi *class trip and I have a new JQ tale to tell. As I posted above, even though a DPS to BNE (via SYD) trip was showing on the JQ system, a BNE to DPS (via SYD) trip was not showing on the JQ system (nor when I called them). I made a dummy booking tonight to check how full the flight is and, to my surprise, a BNE to DPS trip was available. (To my surprise because I had been told by JQ that I had to book BNE to SYD and then SYD to DPS as separate flights costing an extra $420 for the 3 pax, which had been done.)

I promptly rang JQ (note: I appreciate the 24hr call centre) and after waiting about 10 minutes, a very polite gentlemen answered, beginning by apologising for the delay.

Off to a good start, but lets see what they do about this - given the BNE - SYD fare was JetSaver, I was expecting to be told 'too bad'. I was very pleased when the guy told me that they would refund the BNE - SYD flight and book us on the BNE to DPS flight (via SYD). I just had to pay the extra $120 then (for the slightly increased BNE to DPS fare. All up a saving of about $300!

I am happy for four reasons:
1. $$$;
2. the BNE to SYD leg is operated by QF;
3. because of 2 above, we can through check the bags at BNE (saves having to collect them at SYD and cart them to another terminal; and
4. should be up front on the BNE to SYD leg (JQ guy said that it is subject to availability).

If JQ had their stuff together, this shouldn’t have happened in the first place. But, I am glad that it was relatively painless to sort out and am very impressed with the service thus far. Though, I have taken a few domestic JQ flights, so I am conscious that this view is subject to change once the trip begins.

 

[Keith009]

A belated welcome to AFF, PPW!

I am pleased to read about your positive experience with the JQ call centre, certainly a marked contrast to mine some months ago.

Enjoy JQ *class and your trip to DPS, and I look forward to reading the TR.

 

[PPW]

the discussion on the best seats was useful - we have row 2, in the middle - just the three of us together and only two seats in front.

I attach a portion of screen shot of the online seat allocation system (I did a dummy booking to see how full the *Class cabin is looking).

It shows seat 2D as the best seat on the bus, especially if you're tall. Privacy, though, might not be great!

 

[littl_flier]

That's great news PPW. I have a feeling that originally you couldn't book the Starclass flight straight through as there weren't enough Business Class seats available for sale on the QF aircraft. Qantas have recently moved most of the QF BNE-SYD flights to 767's rather than the 737's which gives a much greater capacity in Business class. This would indicate why you can now book it because there is more seats available.

When we travelled to BKK in April, if we had made a late booking, there were plenty of seats left on the JQ aircraft, but no one couldn't purchase a through ticket as there were no seats left on either of the QF/JQ codeshare aircraft.

Bottom line is some great service from Jetstar though. Good on you guys!!!

QP BNE, here you come! (And $120 for a QF J seat over a JQ seat is a bargain)

 

[PPW]

(And $120 for a QF J seat over a JQ seat is a bargain)

Actually, it is even better than that. JQ refunded the JetFlex BNE to SYD (x3 PAX = 420). So, take off the extra 120 and I'm ahead by $300! One could say that they are paying us $300 to travel QF J over JQ domestic!

Bottom line is some great service from Jetstar though. Good on you guys!!!

You hid the nail on the head - good service, which is a great start!