Platinum "anytime" lounge Access ceases from 1 February 2011

[Danger]

I propose an AGM on Jan 31 at all QPs across Australia to toast good bye to this benefit

markis10, you should start a thread. I'm in. Except, let's make it 29 January, the Saturday, so we can really make good use of it! We'll organise 'farewell drinks' at all the capital city lounges.

 

[anat0l]

Confirm me down as Platinum for this meet! My GF and I can host 4 guests.

I'd be in except that I'm out of the country at that time


<repeated from FT>

Oh I am not liking this one bit.

If there were another oneworld program where I could get OWE at approximately the same spend amount I use to get QF WP, I would probably jump ship.

Admittedly, I don't use the benefit a lot, but it has been very useful when I have used it, e.g. dropped in after arriving off a flight to have a shower, seeing friends off at the airport, etc. Perhaps, to be fair, there is probably a minuscule number of people outside of this forum (and FT) who use this benefit. That however also supports the argument that if it didn't cost a lot, then why get rid of it.

I wish at least if they were going to take it away could they just say "travel on the same day" rather than "onward travel", i.e. still more flexible than SGs/QPs, WPs can use lounges for departures and arrivals. Or, remove any time access to the J lounge but keep it for the QP.

 

[markis10]

markis10, you should start a thread. I'm in. Except, let's make it 29 January, the Saturday, so we can really make good use of it! We'll organise 'farewell drinks' at all the capital city lounges.

Done

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....-wake-wp-anytime-access-25778.html#post362281

 

[dk4]

Okay, who hacked the Qantas Website and put the question mark after the offending paragraph?

Screen Shot: Frequent Flyer - Member Specials - Latest News

 

[Smackbum]

Anytime access to the lounges is illogical and the screams of rage are quite frankly risible. If you want to use the Qantas lounges then fly with them, or is that too much to ask of the Precious Platinums?

Of far more concern to many and a real benefit withdrawal is the new rule that QC members can only use priority check-in domestically where there is a dedicated QC lane. The $64 question will be how many of the airports will not have a QC check-in? Will it be consistent or a lottery depending on the whims of local management?

Turning up to an airport with family and bags and then spending an hour in a queue rather than in the lounge would be a real bummer. Fortunately this will probably not impact me at all because ....

• At the moment I am Gold status
• When travelling alone I always have carry-on only and normally print my own boarding pass before arriving at the airport
• If I haven't used on-line check-in I can always do it in the lounge
• When travelling with the family it is always international

So the best thing for Qantas to do would be to spell out which domestic terminals will have a dedicated QC check-in and which will not, as forewarned is forarmed as they say.

 

[simongr]

If there were another oneworld program where I could get OWE at approximately the same spend amount I use to get QF WP, I would probably jump ship.

I would think more about whether you can qualify at all comfortably rather qualifying as quick as possibly.

It doesnt matter in the long run if you only just qualify before the end of the year as long as you qualify surely?

 

[Danger]

Anytime access to the lounges is illogical and the screams of rage are quite frankly risible. If you want to use the Qantas lounges then fly with them, or is that too much to ask of the Precious Platinums?

Of far more concern to many and a real benefit withdrawal is the new rule that QC members can only use priority check-in domestically where there is a dedicated QC lane.

By your logic, if you want to a use a priority lane, fly more and achieve Gold or Platinum status.

 

[markis10]

Anytime access to the lounges is illogical and the screams of rage are quite frankly risible. If you want to use the Qantas lounges then fly with them, or is that too much to ask of the Precious Platinums?

I beg to differ, its the demise of a benefit thats been in place for 10+ years, while I have never gone to the QP to use it as the local, I have been able to see customers and vendors off at the airport by guesting them into the lounge even though they had not QP membership and were flying QF. I have found WP to be very handy in a business context for that reason, now there is no difference between them and DJ!

Also consider some of the other implications, a WP now no longer has lounge access just like SG and QP when flying Jetstar Asia, with more flights being moved across to 3K on paper then that means more customers with no access despite flying a Qantas Group airline (allbeit a partly owned one). Imagine a long day in SIN then not being able to grab a beer or shower at the lounge before your 3K flight to PER or AKL?

 

[Ewing]

I wish at least if they were going to take it away could they just say "travel on the same day" rather than "onward travel", i.e. still more flexible than SGs/QPs, WPs can use lounges for departures and arrivals. Or, remove any time access to the J lounge but keep it for the QP.

Indeed.

I'm only a newly minted WP, but I've started using the lounges as an arrivals lounge from time to time when waiting for someone or just to freshen up after having flown.

Having that benefit withdrawn so soon is very annoying.

I'm struggling to see what in the changes makes it a "broader, more rewarding program". There's absolutely nothing in there that benefits me.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Just goes to show that October is not a good month for the stock market or Qantas FF's.

I propose an AGM on Jan 31 at all QPs across Australia to toast good bye to this benefit

31 January 2011 is a Monday so not that good; would have been nice if it was on the 28 February 2011 but oh well.

But I think I will have to make a special effort to get to the lounge sometime on the 29-30 January.

 

[dajop]

Anytime access to the lounges is illogical and the screams of rage are quite frankly risible. If you want to use the Qantas lounges then fly with them, or is that too much to ask of the Precious Platinums?

Ok I'm going to take the bait. I think you'll find apart from a very small proportion gaming the system through AA, RTW's and CX status runs, Precious Platinums do actually fly QF, quite a lot.

When I lived in Melbourne, and travelled domestically a lot this benefit was really handy for use as an arrival lounge (particularly in CBR where in winter you'd make allowances for fog related delays), also when dropping off people at the airport it was nice to visit the lounge. Makes you feel a little special. Now I am in SIN, I have been still flying a mix of QF and OW enough to retain WP, but the options for flying QF or even OW out of here are limited. So when travelling on 3K to Vietnam or Air Asia to KL (something you cannot do on QF or OW) anytime lounge access comes in handy.

 

[medhead]

Apart from F lounge access, two bags for a total 64kg and lets not forget 100% points bonus, which is the big one for me, the extra points in a year pay for quoite a few JASAs.

For some, the extra 50% points may be enough to want WP, as well as First Lounge Access, which is a huge step up (MEL/SYD) from J Lounge access, and of course, the OW F lounges.

Agreed these changes overall suck, but there is still a difference between them. The baggage allowance is still different too, although as a rule, WP's would probably tend to travel with less luggage than more if they can help it (I know I do).

The F Checkin queue is a big one too for frequent international travellers. I've never seen a queue at an F checkin, but have plenty of times at J.

It's still a big difference for frequent international, not so for domestic IMHO.

I probably should have put on a domestic caveat. I fly 97% domestic. The points bonus is the difference between 1450 and 1088 points per flight for me, ~29000 points per year. I have carry on only. F is an international thing.....

so between gold and platinum for me the only difference is priority economy seat purchase upto midday the day before and at the most expensive fare; and priority domestic boarding - which does not exist. Meanwhile, I could switch half my flights to virgin - the 6am ones, still not eat on the aircraft, save upto $1000 a year and still be QF gold and maybe DJ silver.

 

[dajop]

so between gold and platinum for me the only difference is priority economy seat purchase upto midday the day before and at the most expensive fare; and priority domestic boarding - which does not exist. Meanwhile, I could switch half my flights to virgin - the 6am ones, still not eat on the aircraft and save upto $1000 a year.

And the ability to request international award seats if D or Q inventory available. (Unpublished, although a few years ago there wasn't the need for Q inventory and could also request domestically, so even that has been steadily eroded).

 

[tuapekastar]

It's always disappointing when benefits are removed, be it from WP, QP or whatever.

Changes to different benefits are going to affect different people in different ways.

As a recently minted WP I have never used 'anytime' access privileges, and doubt I would go out of my way to do so (though may have done so at the FT AGM in Feb). But it's handy knowing its there if you want/need it.

With the changes seemingly dribbling through (maybe they're all there on the QF website, I haven't checked), I'll wait till the dust settles and assess the impact, both positive and negative, to me, then the alternatives (different OW program, *A etc.), and just see what course of action is going to suit me best, including the option of remaining with QF.

Much as I'd like to see 'people power' be able to get QF to rescind the anytime access changes (and I'm happy to get on board for this) we are a tiny minority of QFF members - and even if a bunch of (for example) WPs who do not frequent these boards protest as well I suspect we/they'll have a cinder's chance in snow of changing QF's position.

I'm sure QF has thought this through pretty well, and while any company or organisation can get it very wrong when reading their membership's minds, I doubt a few WPs taking business elsewhere will change things - QF probably expects to incur a few casualties on the way.

 

[Danger]

Okay, I've had a crack at an email to Qantas. There are two versions, short and long. Please provide your feedback (what I've missed, what's wrong, what shouldn't be there etc.) with a view to those concerned sending the same (form) email, perhaps at the same time early next week. I'll continue to update the letter and re-post.

Long

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

As a Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum I write to convey my disappointment at the withdrawing of anytime Qantas Club access from 1 February 2011.


I believe this is a further dilution of benefits to the most frequent of Qantas flyers and urge you to reconsider the decision.


The email outlining the changes refers to “exceptional products and services” in the air being “complemented by the rewards and privileges you receive as a Platinum Frequent Flyer”. It goes on to say that there have been “a variety of changes in the last few years to give you a broader, more rewarding program”.

While I do not deny that there have indeed been some enhancements to the program in recent times, it is equally fair to say that the benefits to Platinum Frequent Flyers have been diluted. Indeed, there is little now to distinguish between Gold and Platinum.


* An increase in the checked baggage allowance is welcomed but it is noted that it was only recently that the weight limit was reduced and that the piece system previously applied to domestic travel.
* Greater access to award seats has previously been an unstated benefit for Platinum flyers and, furthermore, has now been extended to Gold and Silver flyers.
* Although the opportunity to extend Partner Gold status to a family member or friend has been introduced, the points required to achieve that level has increased significantly.
* Next Generation check-in is a benefit to all frequent flyers, not just Platinum.


Many Platinum flyers use the anytime access to meet with or farewell clients; to guest family (such as elderly parents) prior to flying; to freshen up after a red-eye flight; or to wait for family or friends to land.


Again, I respectfully request Qantas reinstate this much valued Platinum benefit.
​

Short

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN


As a Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum I write to convey my disappointment at the withdrawing of anytime Qantas Club access from 1 February 2011.


I believe this is a further dilution of benefits to the most frequent of Qantas flyers and urge you to reconsider the decision.


While I do not deny that there have indeed been some enhancements to the program in recent times, it is equally fair to say that the benefits to Platinum Frequent Flyers have been diluted. Indeed, there is little now to distinguish between Gold and Platinum. Many Platinum flyers use the anytime access to meet with or farewell clients; to guest family (such as elderly parents) prior to flying; to freshen up after a red-eye flight; or to wait for family or friends to land.


Again, I respectfully request Qantas reinstate this much valued Platinum benefit.

​

 

[docjames]

I'm struggling to see what in the changes makes it a "broader, more rewarding program". There's absolutely nothing in there that benefits me.

I think that about sums it up perfectly.

As a new Gold, some of the changes, although not major at a gold level, are disappointing. I certainly wont be aiming for WP as it just doesnt seem that great any more.

The WP benefits changes strike me as a way of upsetting some of the most valuable customers.

Again I am further questioning my loyalty to Qantas. If Virgin can complete their transformation to a decent competitor product (global options, J class and availability of upgrades, lounge access, food etc), then i'm prepared to move. They are certainly getting there, Qantas are making the changes in advance of that, and will only reinstate them if it starts costing them business. Unfrotunately so far, it seems very few of the top end travellers have been prepared to switch (at least domestically), in which case QF can just do whatever they like with the benefits (as long as they meet Oneworld commitments).


My thoughts, also negative, on changes to Silver/Gold, plus all the other changes to allowances etc, I should post in another thread, but basically they just further devalue Qantas in my eyes as a "premium" airline.

 

[medhead]

* Greater access to award seats has previously been an unstated benefit for Platinum flyers and, furthermore, has now been extended to Gold and Silver flyers.



Again, I respectfully request Qantas reinstate this much valued Platinum benefit.

Good effort

That benefit has only been extended to silver, as yesterday the T&C said Platinum and gold. (thank you everyone here for the editification on that point)

"Respectfully" :?: I would remove that, no need to be respectful, the relationship is at least equal. I could suggest taking a the young ones approach when writing to their bank manager.

Darling fascist bully-boy... Give me some more money... You b*stard... May the seed of your loins be fruitful in the belly of your woman... Neil.

 

[samh004]

Well I certainly missed most of the action this morning… and still I didn’t get an email

The changes don’t look very good all round, and some are just downright complicated :shock:

 

[Sequel]

I agree with some on here, anytime access was the distinguishing feature, especially when travelling OS where QF dont fly, or using as an arrivals lounge after the red eye (QF I might add). You give QF most of your loyalty to reach WP so that on the occasions that QF aren't appropriate you can still get some benefit. If I can only use the lounges when flying QF, I may as well be SG (dont get any use out of the F lounge access on the routes I fly).

Question is can I maintain QF SG, while at the same time getting DJ Gold? I guess with the soft fall from WP, I can concentrate on getting DJ Gold over the next 11 Months (having 1 Sept anniversary and already having 4 QF segments) by flying DJ exclusively, and then maintain DJ Gold with the higher earn rate in the second year while maintaining my QF SG.

 

[YQY]

Also consider some of the other implications, a WP now no longer has lounge access just like SG and QP when flying Jetstar Asia, with more flights being moved across to 3K on paper then that means more customers with no access despite flying a Qantas Group airline (allbeit a partly owned one).

Good point Markis. I use 3K when i'm flying with my family on holidays. Ouch :evil: