Platinum "anytime" lounge Access ceases from 1 February 2011

[medhead]

I see it as a valuable benefit, even though I've never used it (the one time I needed it, the service was a prop - so not covered), and if I absolutely had to be somewhere ASAP, it would be handy.

But even though I've never used it (and I do know of people here who have used it), It is still a benefit from Qantas for Plat that if removed will be a degradation of the benefits of Plat.

Some people aren't realising that everything removed from Plat (however small) is a reduction in Plat benefits... While it's ATA today, tomorrow it could be priority baggage or something else that others do enjoy....

Well said.

I agree completely.

It doesn't matter that I personally don't value it, i would be disappointed to see it go, unless it was replaced with another benefit.

In other words I support genuine enhancements to the program, just not "Qantas Enhancements".

Hmm - so ATA isn't a benefit either, since I don't use it? (OK, OK, I said I'd stay out of that argument, so it's just a light-hearted comment, not meant to be taken seriously or to start debate)

(I get that there are some light hearted comments above)

My mistake, I should have added "to me" - sort of implied by me saying that I can't see myself using it but not clear enough. I think we have worked out that we all have different needs. (in seriousness) I can see how that benefit would be useful. And of course, given my harping on about priority domestic boarding I see every "benefit" as sacred. (to borrow from Monty Python).

As an aside, we now know who the whingers will be if the economy purchase benefit is removed.

 

[Alanslegal]

I'm pretty sure Red Roo said it was because QF were giving their competitors a "free kick". Reducing crowding would merely be an anciliary benefit.

I'm reading it different. My interpretation is overcrowding is the #1 issue on the agenda, and the free kick is an ancillary issue. If their research, survey reveals crowding is a very important element concern... then do something to stop the numbers being able to get in eg. suspend QP sales for 3 months, rather than removing a Platinum benefit. Even the 1,000+ posts here indicate that this was an infrequent anytime access usage in any instance. Also if its that infrequent, then it really isn't costing QF that much, let alone overcrowding, let alone that free kick.

That said, after announcing this announcement, QF decides to sell QP memberships on the cheap. Great news for those in the QP with likely more people now. Instead of limiting the bulk of travellers down the bottom of the pyramid, QF decides to cut the pointy Platinum end of the pyramid.

See post #228 being Red Roo's first post where I interpret the idea that it is because of WPs using anytime access, that this can cause overcrowding issues. Feel free to disagree.

On balance, we’ve received good feedback on the changes overall, however it’s fair to say that there has been some vigorous discussion on the change in Platinum lounge access policy. The challenge we face is striking a balance between offering reasonable lounge access, whilst not overcrowding the lounges.

One issue we see is when Members use Qantas lounge facilities and then fly with competitors on the same day. This increases crowding for Members who are flying with us on the day and also gives our competitors a free kick. As you know, anytime lounge access is a particularly unique feature within our program.

 

[el_rooto]

They could amend the rules so that you're allowed to access the lounge as long as one of your guests is traveling. (Its open to abuse, but it does allow people to enjoy the lounge with people when dropping them off at the airport.)

 

[Princess Fiona]

Ok now I am Just perused the QF website for the umpteenth time.
Do the new changes mean that I can now access the Dom QP with 2 guests who do not need to be travelling or could be travelling on another airline :shock: as long as I have been on or are going to a QF/JQ/3K/VF/OW flight

Member can access the lounge at any time.^
Two guests allowed and do not need to be travelling+.

+ From 1 February 2011, to access Qantas Domestic lounges, Platinum Members must be travelling on any flight the same day that shows Qantas (QF), a Jetstar Airline (Jetstar (JQ), Jetstar Asia (3K) or Valuair (VF)) or a oneworld® flight number on your ticket. To access Qantas International lounges, a Platinum Member's next onward flight that day must show a Qantas (QF), a Jetstar Airline (Jetstar (JQ), Jetstar Asia (3K), Valuair (VF)) or a oneworld® flight number on your ticket. Other lounge access conditions apply. See Qantas Club Terms and Conditions.

 

[JohnK]

Yes it does look confusing.

Not sure the 'Member can access the lounge at any time.^' belongs there anymore.

I believe the guests do not need to be travelling. It should be irrelevant if they are on a flight with another carrier.

 

[JohnPhelan]

Fiona - I believe the answer to your question is "yes''.

For Dom Lounge access, you need to have travelled, or to be still to travel, on a QF (or related) flight the same day. What your guests are doing is irrelevant.

I believe the bit allowing you to use the lounge if you have already travelled that day was a change to the original 'enhancement', so WPs could retain their 'on arrival' lounge privileges. So QF has been prepared to tinker around with the changes to try not to alienate too many people.

The main issue, I think, has been the 'free kick' - WPs flying with a QF competitor but continuing to use the QF lounges - for example, the post earlier today where someone noted that a friend prefers to fly to Europe on SQ, but still uses the QF First lounge in SYD.

 

[el_rooto]

The main issue, I think, has been the 'free kick' - WPs flying with a QF competitor but continuing to use the QF lounges - for example, the post earlier today where someone noted that a friend prefers to fly to Europe on SQ, but still uses the QF First lounge in SYD.

They are a CL so this is irrelevant.

 

[JohnPhelan]

And there has been no equivalent change to the rules for CLs doing this sort of thing?

 

[el_rooto]

And there has been no equivalent change to the rules for CLs doing this sort of thing?

As far as I know, no. Happy to be corrected by somebody in the know.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

They are a CL so this is irrelevant.

CL is a little bit in a league of its own JohnPhelan.

Also IIRC that CL member you mentioned earlier didn't prefer SQ, they were flying SQ because their employer booked it that way.

 

[JohnPhelan]

Also IIRC that CL member you mentioned earlier didn't prefer SQ, they were flying SQ because their employer booked it that way.

Just wondering, Dazz - do you know the person involved? The actual post said

A family friend (CL) was telling me he flies to Europe on SIA for work

- no mention of him having to use SQ and having no choice in the matter. When I fly internationally for work, I have a choice of airlines, so perhaps this person does too.

At any rate, it really matters not - the issue remains whether people think it's OK to choose to fly on QF's competitor, but use QF's lounges.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Just wondering, Dazz - do you know the person involved? The actual post said

A family friend (CL) was telling me he flies to Europe on SIA for work

- no mention of him having to use SQ and having no choice in the matter. When I fly internationally for work, I have a choice of airlines, so perhaps this person does too.

At any rate, it really matters not - the issue remains whether people think it's OK to choose to fly on QF's competitor, but use QF's lounges.

Oh well I made an inference just like you did when you said he 'preferred' to fly SQ. Thank's for going back to get the correct quote though.

I did put IIRC in front of my post....

 

[el_rooto]

- no mention of him having to use SQ and having no choice in the matter. When I fly internationally for work, I have a choice of airlines, so perhaps this person does too.

I assume they could pick.

 

[medhead]

First use of the lounge under the new system. ADL QP flashed the WP card and I was told they need to see a boarding card. Will be interested to see what happens in SYD on Friday. After that I'm not back on a QF flight from ADL until March.

I would have booked with QF for those couple of flights but I guess they aren't interested in my business that much. (at least there will be no free kicks to the competition) Nice and now there is a short delay in scheduled departure, might have to check if the competition has a delay or not.

 

[medhead]

I believe the bit allowing you to use the lounge if you have already travelled that day was a change to the original 'enhancement', so WPs could retain their 'on arrival' lounge privileges. So QF has been prepared to tinker around with the changes to try not to alienate too many people.

Yeah I know
(see post #228)
(hopefully you've seen little britain and get the reference)

Hi Everyone,

I’m from Qantas Marketing and wanted to make a few points in regards to the latest changes to Qantas Frequent Flyer and specifically for our Platinum Frequent Flyers.

It’s probably not too much of a surprise for you that we often monitor the frequent flyer forums and in the light of the changes we announced this week, we’d like to clarify a few points here on AFF.

Firstly I’d like to thank you all for your honest and candid feedback. The collective knowledge here on loyalty programs here is arguably worth at least a few PhDs You might be interested to know that online feedback is also provided in regular updates to senior management at Qantas.

On balance, we’ve received good feedback on the changes overall, however it’s fair to say that there has been some vigorous discussion on the change in Platinum lounge access policy. The challenge we face is striking a balance between offering reasonable lounge access, whilst not overcrowding the lounges.

One issue we see is when Members use Qantas lounge facilities and then fly with competitors on the same day. This increases crowding for Members who are flying with us on the day and also gives our competitors a free kick. As you know, anytime lounge access is a particularly unique feature within our program.

However, we have taken your feedback onboard and are happy to make adjustments to this policy and we’re also pleased to let you know about it first!

From 1 February 2011, to access Qantas Domestic or International lounges, Platinum Members must be travelling the same day on a flight that shows on a Qantas (QF), a Jetstar Airline (Jetstar (JQ), Jetstar Asia (3K) or Valuair (VF)) or a oneworld® flight number on your ticket. Other lounge access conditions apply. See Qantas Club Terms and Conditions.
​

In doing so, Platinum Frequent Flyers will continue to be welcome to use our lounges to freshen up or whilst waiting for colleagues or friends arriving on other flights. We have also specifically noted Jetstar Asia (3K) and Valuair (VF) as included carriers in the definition.

We believe this is a good outcome for our Platinum Frequent Flyers. I understand that this may not fully satisfy all, however we feel this is fair and reasonable overall. Qantas.com will be updated later today with the revised policy.

Thanks for flying with us.

Red Roo.

 

[Sequel]

Currently sitting in the BNE dom J lounge. Thought this morning I would see how NGCI would work at BNE, hand luggage only, checked in online but didn't print out boarding pass so I could see how the card works as boarding pass.

Flashed WP card for access to the lounge and at the first desk was asked "are you checking in inside?"

Wasn't expecting the question and so just answered "yes" and was waved through. Signs of the enforcement of the no anytime access to lounges?

 

[reductionist]

They could amend the rules so that you're allowed to access the lounge as long as one of your guests is traveling. (Its open to abuse, but it does allow people to enjoy the lounge with people when dropping them off at the airport.)

Yep, this is a decent compromise. I'd be happy with this.

 

[JohnK]

However, we have taken your feedback onboard and are happy to make adjustments to this policy and we’re also pleased to let you know about it first!

From 1 February 2011, to access Qantas Domestic or International lounges, Platinum Members must be travelling the same day on a flight that shows on a Qantas (QF), a Jetstar Airline (Jetstar (JQ), Jetstar Asia (3K) or Valuair (VF)) or a oneworld® flight number on your ticket. Other lounge access conditions apply. See Qantas Club Terms and Conditions.​

​

Is there another post from Red Roo to say there is no longer arrivals access to international lounges and an onward flight that day is required?

So much for taking our feedback onboard....

 

[serfty]

...
Wasn't expecting the question and so just answered "yes" and was waved through. Signs of the enforcement of the no anytime access to lounges?

Seems typical of BNE back in my SG days earlier this century.

Back then they could swipe your QFF card and check. BNE rarely did; MEL, ADL, PER, CNS (and most of the smaller ones) were extremely diligent; SYD was 50/50.

 

[el_rooto]

I guess if you really wanted to get around it, you could always book a fully refundable Y ticket and then cancel it.