New Qantas First class

[serfty]

... Can QF WPs use the premium check-in service as well, if not travelling in F? ...

In this months Australian Way Magazine there is an article the new lounges.

It's available online as a .pdf from here: The Australian Way (Click "New Lounges" link).

The only specific mention of eligibilty to access anything is in relation to Premium Check-in: (My underlining)

First and Chairman’s lounge customers will be checked in prior to their
arrival at the airport with the majority of their departure documentation
completed. On arrival, they will be greated at the kerb by a First host and
porter who will provide assistance with their bags. The First host will then
organise their final documentation requirements and luggage receipts
before escorting them through security and immigration.

So I would not expect QF WP's and oneworld emerald to be able to use this facility unless actually travelling in First Class.

 

[Altair]

Can QF WPs use the premium check-in service as well, if not travelling in F?

From: Qantas' first-class soars | NEWS.com.au

Passengers will be phoned to check what time they are arriving, met by a Qantas First Host and porter then seated at a desk for check in before being taken through security and Customs and up to the lounge, on level four of the international terminal – according to Newson a custom-built building.

So this is how the QF First Host and porter will arrange to meet the passengers. I wonder if they have a WP or CL phone number in the booking if they will call to arrange it? If not it means WP will not have this service.

 

[maninblack]

Mad:!: How many first class hosts are they going to need. QF1 and 31 depart at almost the same time for example. Most passengers in F being singles or couples and arriving at the airport around the same time. They might need 20+ hosts and porters to get this job done.

 

[Flying Fox]

Mad:!: How many first class hosts are they going to need. QF1 and 31 depart at almost the same time for example. Most passengers in F being singles or couples and arriving at the airport around the same time. They might need 20+ hosts and porters to get this job done.

Not sure really but QF are once again catching up to SQ. SQ in SIN have had this facility for F passengers since at least 2000. I would guess that SQ have more F passengers than QF so if they can do it I can't see why QF can't get their staffing correct.

Flying Fox

 

[maninblack]

Not sure really but QF are once again catching up to SQ. SQ in SIN have had this facility for F passengers since at least 2000. I would guess that SQ have more F passengers than QF so if they can do it I can't see why QF can't get their staffing correct.

Flying Fox

A porters wage in Singapore is around $900 per month, the same person here recieves at least $2400. Makes quite a difference in providing this kind of service.

 

[Dave Noble]

Mad:!: How many first class hosts are they going to need. QF1 and 31 depart at almost the same time for example. Most passengers in F being singles or couples and arriving at the airport around the same time. They might need 20+ hosts and porters to get this job done.

The absolute maximum requirement would be 28 since there are 14 seats on each aircraft. I think that it would be reasonable to assume that not all passengers will be solo, so , say a max of 20 sets. Also, some will be connecting passengers and not require checking in, so that could drop to 15 sets. Assuming 20 minutes to meet the passenger , check them in and steer them into the Flounge, each host could hande 3 sets per hour. Not all passengers will be arriving at the same time

Shouldnt need too many people to be assigned to this task and I doubt that this would be their only responsibility during the day

Dave

 

[maninblack]

Don't get me wrong. This sort of service can make life very easy and I have had it from SQ, also from other airlines where it is very useful, especially good when I have had it at TLV and FCO for example. Also great for older passengers. But why all this service on the ground and then make people ask for their eyeshade and earplugs when on board, seems a bit crazy

 

[Dave Noble]

Also great for older passengers. But why all this service on the ground and then make people ask for their eyeshade and earplugs when on board, seems a bit crazy

Conversely, why continue with unnecessary waste by giving out items that people don't want rather than make toiletries available on request. The items are still offered. A sensible thing to do here and improving the ground service is a way of starting to make QF F appealing rather than being (for me) a lesser choice

Dave

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Sadly not This trip is paid F - the next trip I will still be AA Plat until midway through my trip - will hit EXP on flight DXB-LHR - so if I can get a fax from AA I might be able to access the F lounge at LGW four days later on my LGW-BGI-JFK flight

If you post details maybe you will be lucky that some F pax or QF plat can guest you in.

 

[d15.in.oz]

This is what you get when you don't lock the sliding doors to your new lounge... a d15.in.oz wandering through with camera phone! (SYD FL)

Looking forward to the candid pics and reports from AFFer who gets there first.

 

[Altair]

This is what you get when you don't lock the sliding doors to your new lounge... a d15.in.oz wandering through with camera phone! (SYD FL)

Looking forward to the candid pics and reports from AFFer who gets there first.

I actually saw some staff enter the new lounge on Sunday at SYD. May be they are relying upon people who belong there to go to the temporary one. Those that do not belong there to stay down the escalators or to keep walking to the Qantas Club.

 

[simongr]

Well the existing F lounge continues to be unpleasant but at least the F experience was good. Strangely though I cant see how they will accommodate the new F procedures at the existing check in desks.

A trip report is starting (just getting over the trip up here) on the F service - very good though but the F amenities container is a bit of joke now - three little creams in a big container - just seems a little tokenistic now (I do agree with reducing waste though - its just the pack seems a little empty now).

S

 

[luckydog]

Am in the new Sydney QF First lounge right now, waiting for QF123 to Mumbai.

Am amazed at the sheer number of staff working in here.
From where I am sitting, (using the free wireless, lol) I can count 10 staff without turning my head.
Oops looking behind me and saw 3 more.

Waiting for my poached eggs that some friendly fellow just came up and took my order for.

Is all of this sustainable?
While we constantly hear about QF cutting costs, I have never seen such a blowout in expenses!

The view is great (of a very wet Sydney).

 

[serfty]

The standard First Class return fare SYD/MEL/BNE-LAX is now over AUD20K!

 

[simongr]

Wowsers - with a AONE4 being around 14K - I am surprised they sell any F returns I know if I could get my boss to shout for an Aone 4 I would ebe doing it

 

[Mal]

Wowsers - with a AONE4 being around 14K - I am surprised they sell any F returns I know if I could get my boss to shout for an Aone 4 I would ebe doing it

But the AONE4 is going the long way around! If I was worth megabucks to my employer, then they may not care about the difference and want me back home ASAP. (Mind you, I'd look at things differently ). But with corporate discounts on both products, I'm not sure there would be too much difference.

 

[taswegian77]

Hi, Am currently sitting in F lounge in MEL and all I can say is WOW. IT si awesome. There is about 15 of u sin here and about 20 staff, unbelievable. Full waiter service, I could live here, itrivals even the top 5 star hotels for elegance and service.
About to order my lunch meal prior to my BKK flight, look sgreat.
Do nto have time today for th espa but upon arrivla they treated me like I was someone, not just a number.

I cannot wait to get back here on 17/6 when going to AKL on QF25, will arrive 3 hours early to lap it up.

My guest cannot beleive it either, I woudl say QF have definetely got it right here.

 

[taswegian77]

Forogt to mention, I am flying JQi to BKK oN JQ29 today, check in was a drag, lady had no idea, does nto bode well for the Star Class flight??? Anyway, went to AF F lounge and got in with my platinum card no problems. I actually rang QF 2 days ago and they said I woudl nto be allowed in, so much for CS knowing anything. The concierge here said platinum access anytime. I am in heaven.

 

[d15.in.oz]

Some pics from SYD FL -

1st, comparing the old FL view to the new...(Note what ever was parked at gate 31, was basically the old view).
http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=96&stc=1&d=1181808225

2nd, shows the uninterrupted city skyline and funky library, chess anyone?

 

[garyjohn951]

Had an upgrade to F come thru myself and wife so had the opportunity to sample the new Melbourne Lounge. Very impressive. On arrival they asked whether we wished a meal and see we were on QF29, we took that advantage rather than eat a full meal on the plane. We both lovely grilled Dory. The menu was quite large. Well staffed. QF29 was only flight that night, so lots of WP's in lounge as I counted over 30 persons. They are quite liberal with entry it seems as a family of 6 [4 kids - approx 6 to 15] were in there, doubt they were all WP's and none were in F.