Just reached QF WP - how I did it, and a few questions! :)

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ChrisFlyer

ChrisFlyer

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Hi all,

It's official - my QF account has just been updated to show WP status after qualifying about a week ago! It's been quite a few months of heavy flying (I was only QF NB in February...) - aside from a couple of short domestic flights, all of my qualifying flights have been from December onwards, and I'd be still be WP without the short hops... so I believe I've earned the right to say that I qualified for WP in just 5 months, at the age of 22 :p

If anyone is curious, this is how I did it (all flights on QF metal, except for the one BA flight):

[TABLE="class: grid, width: 750, align: left"]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]ROUTE
[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]CABIN
[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]SCs EARNED
[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]COMMENTS[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]BNE-SYD[/TD]
[TD]Y-/J (pts upgrade)[/TD]
[TD]10[/TD]
[TD]First Skybed flight! (QF8)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]BNE-SYD[/TD]
[TD]Y-[/TD]
[TD]10[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]BNE-HKG[/TD]
[TD]Y/J (pts upgrade)[/TD]
[TD]60[/TD]
[TD]First QF int'l flight in J[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]HKG-BNE[/TD]
[TD]Y-[/TD]
[TD]30[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]BNE-MEL x2[/TD]
[TD]Y-[/TD]
[TD]15 x2[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]MEL-SIN[/TD]
[TD]Y-[/TD]
[TD]30[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]SIN-LHR[/TD]
[TD]Y-/J (pts upgrade)[/TD]
[TD]40[/TD]
[TD]First A380 J flight[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]LHR-CDG[/TD]
[TD]J[/TD]
[TD]40[/TD]
[TD]Discount BA upgrade (£59)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]FRA-SIN[/TD]
[TD]Y-[/TD]
[TD]40[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]SIN-BNE[/TD]
[TD]Y-[/TD]
[TD]30[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]MEL-LAX[/TD]
[TD]Y-[/TD]
[TD]45[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]LAX-JFK[/TD]
[TD]Y-[/TD]
[TD]25[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]LAX-MEL[/TD]
[TD]Y-[/TD]
[TD]45[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]MEL-BNE[/TD]
[TD]Y-/J (pts upgrade)[/TD]
[TD]15[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]BNE-AKL[/TD]
[TD]J[/TD]
[TD]160[/TD]
[TD]Double SCs[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]AKL-BNE[/TD]
[TD]J[/TD]
[TD]160[/TD]
[TD]Double SCs[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]BNE-ADL x2[/TD]
[TD]J[/TD]
[TD]120 x2[/TD]
[TD]Double SCs[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]ADL-PER[/TD]
[TD]J[/TD]
[TD]160[/TD]
[TD]Double SCs[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]PER-BNE[/TD]
[TD]J[/TD]
[TD]160[/TD]
[TD]Double SCs[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]ADL-BNE[/TD]
[TD]J[/TD]
[TD]120[/TD]
[TD]Double SCs[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD="align: right"]TOTAL:
[/TD]
[TD]1450SCS = WP! :D
[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]


Now, onto the questions! When flying in Y as a NB/PS, I have experienced all of the following at one time or another, despite having no (or little) status. Also worth noting that where the perks have been experienced in the air, in each of these cases, I was not sitting next to a member with status (I know this because I made the bookings for them :p), and I didn't notice anyone else in the cabin receiving such benefits.

  • Switching a Red eDeal flight (that was upgraded to J with points) to a later flight on the day of departure, while not being charged any flight change fees, and not having to forfeit the upgrade (domestic)
  • Having other pax moved from their assigned seats in row 3 (J) to accommodate myself and my partner when we have not been able to select seats together beforehand (domestic)
  • Having the middle FOUR seats (D, E, F, G) reserved for me on an A333 (2-4-2 config) on a redeye flight when the load factor was about 60% (without asking!), so that I could put all the armrests up and sleep (I call this my Y-bed :p)... I think the check-in agent felt sorry for me because the other 3 in my party were travelling in J on that sector (I'd booked an O class ticket - no upgrade possible), and that I had to head to a full day of work only a few hours after arriving... the CSM was also actively defending my row from intruders until I was lying down, again, without being asked (doing the "sorry sir/ma'am, I must ask you to return to your assigned seat" speech multiple times, even after take-off)! Perhaps the J pyjamas had something to do with it haha! (int'l)
  • Given J pyjamas when sitting in Y (not on the same flight as above), again without asking (int'l)
  • Sparkling wine immediately after the seatbelt sign was switched off, which was replenished twice before the meal service even began! He we was *very* subtle - just walking from the galley to the window (B744 e-row) to 'look at the wing', while casually placing another bottle on my tray (int'l)
  • An offer to visit the flight deck (after landing - int'l)
  • Seat blocking - sometimes, selecting 1F on a domestic B738/734 results in 1D, 2D and 2F ALL being blocked, so I have the freedom to move into and out of my seat, and can recline without issue (not sure why the 2D block activates, unless to stop them moving to the window after take-off). Also, on lighter loads on other aircraft, the seat next to me will often be blocked
  • Noise-cancelling headphones in Y from the CSM - several times (int'l)

I know that most forum members seem to have QF SG/WP status, but have any NB or PS members received this kind of service? Not sure if I've just been incredibly and extremely lucky, or if QF just like to take care of their FFs at all status levels - with the treatment of NB/PS members simply going unmentioned on the board due to the status-heavy posters.


I've also done many searches (both here and on FlyerTalk), and have discovered some of the other 'unpublished benefits', including the CSM greeting on int'l flights, as well sometimes being able to request (or being offered) food/bev/amenities from higher cabins. There's also the little gem about having Yield Management release Award seats for WPs...

So, that leads me to ask - have I missed any other 'unpublished benefits'? It seems that there isn't really much more that the airline could do, but there's no harm in asking! Of course, when you look at how I've been treated by QF when travelling (above), is there any wonder why they're now my preferred carrier? ;)

I'm yet to take a flight with QF since reaching WP, and I'll be unlikely to do so until at least June (my schedule being the main reason) - so I'll just have to sit tight now and wait for my first (proper) CSM Platinum greeting :p
 
Wow! You've been very fortunate :mrgreen:

I've been WP for 3 years and haven't had that much love from QF in that time.
Had the CSM WP greeting... once!

I find the service of a high and consistent standard these days so no complaints at all.
Love the 'Platinum Shadow' and it's appreciated, but never "3 shadows"

Wow! :shock:
 
Perhaps a (well known) CL shares your name… but you’ve certainly had a lot of good luck, lets hope it continues!
 
For a 22 year old that is pretty bloody good! Business or personal travel? You sure have been looked after by QF by the sound of it!
 
Well done on WP. Also, on receiving the other benefits:D

In answer to your question - I can't recall receiving anything out of the ordinary until I actually achieved WP!
 
Last edited:
Congratulations on making platinum,

As for your questions... How did you know the seats were blocked? They may well have appeared blocked to you, but a higher status passenger could well have been able to select them, had they decided to. And it was just coincidenece and a light load that resulted in no one sitting there.

When the passengers were moved was this done on board by the CSM? If so that does happen sometimes with the agreement of the passengers affected. But if it was done before boarding that would be very unusual and would likely upset the moved passengers.
 
Thanks to all those who have given congratulations! :p To save multi-quoting, I've responded to each post on a new line.

Sam - I highly doubt that I have the same name as a CL member (haven't come across another person with my name), though I suppose there's no way of knowing for sure!

travelislife - My flights were both a mixture of business and personal travel, though I usually make the business bookings myself after discussing the expenses etc (so I generally get to choose the specific flights) :) If it makes any difference, I always make a point of smiling and being nice to the airline staff (both in the air, and on the ground) - and don't do it in the hope of getting free things or special treatment, but because I have a friend that works in the airline industry, and I hear many tales... some of the rubbish they have to put up with from passengers is just atrocious, and I wouldn't ever want to be like some of those people! Plus, a few manners never hurt anyone :p I probably should also mention that, with the exception of one flight, I *always* sit in the exit rows when flying long haul economy, and often chat to the crew if they seem interested... I never ask for (nor expect) any special treatment when travelling in Y, though I'm of course very grateful for the handfull of times that the crew have gone out of their way to look after me (whatever their reasons may be). :)

richie - I took screenshots of the EF seatmaps both before and after selecting a seat (a few examples are in the Platinum Shadow thread), and I assume they were only in place as I (seemed to be) the only >NB in the cabin, or to keep the forward seats free for last minute high-status bookings, to prevent them from needing to sit in row 3... either that, or the computer did it for weights and balance/trim, though I don't really know anything about how that is done, so I have no specific idea haha! The blocked seats often end up getting filled anyway - ODUs and staff travel pax usually take the seats, though occasionally I'm still left with an 'X' on the seat next to me (which I check using EF on boarding). The one passenger that was moved was in either 3A or 3C, as the agent voluntarily made a call to someone else to see if they could seat us together. She got approval after about 10 seconds, though she did mention she could only do that in row 3 for that flight (I assume so as to not displace status pax), and it may have also been because the person seated there had not yet checked in... I was PS at the time, so the other pax may have been NB or not a member at all - no idea. :) (and for the record, I don't make a habit out of displacing other pax - I usually plan which seat I'll choose based on EF availability before even making the booking, so it was just that one time :p)
 
Congrats on reaching WP

I hope all your AF and OW aspirations for that status are delivered

I expect to be WP for the 1st time in the next 6-8 weeks, so will look forward to an uplift on treatment from gold

Currently typing this from BA/QF F lounge in BKK.

Not a scrap on Syd/Mel F lounge, so hopefully as WP you can enjoy those benefits as well

Good luck

B
 
ChrisCh said:
I know that most forum members seem to have QF SG/WP status, but have any NB or PS members received this kind of service? Not sure if I've just been incredibly and extremely lucky, or if QF just like to take care of their FFs at all status levels - with the treatment of NB/PS members simply going unmentioned on the board due to the status-heavy posters.
Click to expand...

Maybe if you post your photo we will have an answer to that.... ;)
 
Congrats as well!

The double status credit offer really helped and I am :oops: that I don't have that offer at the moment

As of next week I'll be starting my way up from Bronze to Silver by early June and then Gold by early August easily

Platinum is a big ask for me... I'll be happy to sit at Gold for a bit
 
Does upgrading using points means you definitely means youll be earning points and SCs at the J rate?
 
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ChrisCh said:
Perhaps it's because I'm sleepy and about to head off to bed, but I just don't get it haha! ... what does that quote have to do with posting a photo? :)
Click to expand...

I would suggest the extra privileges may have been given because of appearance reasons, or perhaps thats what is being alluded?
 
ChrisCh said:
Now, onto the questions! When flying in Y as a NB/PS, I have experienced all of the following at one time or another, despite having no (or little) status. Also worth noting that where the perks have been experienced in the air, in each of these cases, I was not sitting next to a member with status (I know this because I made the bookings for them :p), and I didn't notice anyone else in the cabin receiving such benefits.

  • Switching a Red eDeal flight (that was upgraded to J with points) to a later flight on the day of departure, while not being charged any flight change fees, and not having to forfeit the upgrade (domestic)
  • Having other pax moved from their assigned seats in row 3 (J) to accommodate myself and my partner when we have not been able to select seats together beforehand (domestic)
  • Having the middle FOUR seats (D, E, F, G) reserved for me on an A333 (2-4-2 config) on a redeye flight when the load factor was about 60% (without asking!), so that I could put all the armrests up and sleep (I call this my Y-bed :p)... I think the check-in agent felt sorry for me because the other 3 in my party were travelling in J on that sector (I'd booked an O class ticket - no upgrade possible), and that I had to head to a full day of work only a few hours after arriving... the CSM was also actively defending my row from intruders until I was lying down, again, without being asked (doing the "sorry sir/ma'am, I must ask you to return to your assigned seat" speech multiple times, even after take-off)! Perhaps the J pyjamas had something to do with it haha! (int'l)
  • Given J pyjamas when sitting in Y (not on the same flight as above), again without asking (int'l)
  • Sparkling wine immediately after the seatbelt sign was switched off, which was replenished twice before the meal service even began! He we was *very* subtle - just walking from the galley to the window (B744 e-row) to 'look at the wing', while casually placing another bottle on my tray (int'l)
  • An offer to visit the flight deck (after landing - int'l)
  • Seat blocking - sometimes, selecting 1F on a domestic B738/734 results in 1D, 2D and 2F ALL being blocked, so I have the freedom to move into and out of my seat, and can recline without issue (not sure why the 2D block activates, unless to stop them moving to the window after take-off). Also, on lighter loads on other aircraft, the seat next to me will often be blocked
  • Noise-cancelling headphones in Y from the CSM - several times (int'l)
Click to expand...

Even as a WP in whY I have never gotten most of these services, you are one lucky flyer :D

Make sure you enjoy the Flounge on your next int'l trip
 
Congratulations - I agree with other posters that you have been EXCEPTIONALLY lucky, as most here would not have received any such love as anything below WP (and in fact many receive no such love even as a WP)
 
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