Qantas Club International Check-in

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Hi there,

This has probably been asked so feel free to link to other threads, but after 10 min of searching the forum I couldn’t locate an answer.

I hold an active Qantas Club membership (no other relevant status), and am flying SYD-LAX-YVR economy (Y) next week. As a QC member do I get access to any priority check-in at SYD T1, and if so what lanes can QC members use?

The QC benefits page is unclear on international flight check-in as it references domestic only.

 

[Guvner]

You can use the "Business" priority queue:

 

[logicallysynced]

You can use the "Business" priority queue:

View attachment 279078

Oh awesome, there’s signage! That helps a lot, thanks

Do you just rock up and show your card? Or I suppose it’s on your booking anyways.

 

[kookaburra75]

Oh awesome, there’s signage! That helps a lot, thanks

Do you just rock up and show your card? Or I suppose it’s on your booking anyways.

It will show up in your booking, and normally gets printed on your boarding pass as well.

 

[Guvner]

On occasion there's been that many "Priority" pax that it was quicker for me to use the economy check-in..

 

[kangarooflyer88]

You should also have access to the QF Business Lounge at SYD as a Club member. Having been there a little over a week ago I found it to be quite good. Decent flood platters and wine, and wasn't very crowded at all when I was travelling (Saturday afternoon).

As for your trip to Vancouver via Los Angeles, you'll want to make sure you are ready there for all the documentation necessary. Even though you may be transiting via the US for Canada, you must still clear US immigration, collect your bags, clear customs, re-check your bags and clear security. Hence you'll need to get a pre-departure rapid antigen test at a clinic at most one calendar day before your flight to LAX. There is a travel testing clinic just outside the International terminal that is open 24/7, and it costs $59 for the test (results should take about 15 minutes since it's rapid antigen and not the outdated PCR test). You will also need to complete an ESTA application if your citizenship is part of the Visa Waiver Program (i.e. not Canadian or US citizen). Regardless of citizenship you must also complete an attestation form. If travelling on Qantas, it's must understanding this can all be done online. Lastly, you'll want to complete the contract tracing locator form (more details here). You will also need to carry your International COVID Vaccination Certificate (ICVC), which can be downloaded from the Medicare website. For your trip to Vancouver, you'll want to download the ArriveCan app and complete the details a couple of days before arrival. If you are not a Canadian or US citizen, you will also need to complete an ETA to enter Canada. No COVID testing is required for entry into Canada (just the US requires it).

 

[logicallysynced]

You should also have access to the QF Business Lounge at SYD as a Club member. Having been there a little over a week ago I found it to be quite good. Decent flood platters and wine, and wasn't very crowded at all when I was travelling (Saturday afternoon).

As for your trip to Vancouver via Los Angeles, you'll want to make sure you are ready there for all the documentation necessary. Even though you may be transiting via the US for Canada, you must still clear US immigration, collect your bags, clear customs, re-check your bags and clear security. Hence you'll need to get a pre-departure rapid antigen test at a clinic at most one calendar day before your flight to LAX. There is a travel testing clinic just outside the International terminal that is open 24/7, and it costs $59 for the test (results should take about 15 minutes since it's rapid antigen and not the outdated PCR test). You will also need to complete an ESTA application if your citizenship is part of the Visa Waiver Program (i.e. not Canadian or US citizen). Regardless of citizenship you must also complete an attestation form. If travelling on Qantas, it's must understanding this can all be done online. Lastly, you'll want to complete the contract tracing locator form (more details here). You will also need to carry your International COVID Vaccination Certificate (ICVC), which can be downloaded from the Medicare website. For your trip to Vancouver, you'll want to download the ArriveCan app and complete the details a couple of days before arrival. If you are not a Canadian or US citizen, you will also need to complete an ETA to enter Canada. No COVID testing is required for entry into Canada (just the US requires it).

Wow thank you for all that information. I believe I am mostly over it all - got my ESTA and eTA sorted and my vaccination certificates all ready and printed.

I’m probably going to get the RAT done the day before I travel (take advantage of that “1 day” allowance) to give plenty of headroom on the day of travel - Monday mornings might be busy.

I didn’t know about the contact tracing form though, is that different to the Attestation form?

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I’m probably going to get the RAT done the day before I travel (take advantage of that “1 day” allowance) to give plenty of headroom on the day of travel - Monday mornings might be busy.

I didn’t know about the contact tracing form though, is that different to the Attestation form?

If I was you (and I'm not BTW), I would consider even staying at an airport hotel the night before your flight. That was what I did for my flight out to Honolulu a week ago, and that's with a late afternoon flight, and me living in Hornsby (not too far from Sydney Airport). I stayed at the Ibis Sydney Airport for $85/night, and I reckon you can probably find something decent for a comparable price. From the international terminal your best bet would be the Rydges which I hear is a leisurely stroll across the street to the international airport. Alternatively, there's the Novotel Sydney International Airport. About a 15 minute walk but certainly a good hotel, particularly if the price is right! The reason I say this is it's gonna be a long travel day, if you are on that 10:15 AM flight it means realistically you need to be at the airport at 7:15 AM to go through all the formalities of travelling stateside these days. Add on bus/train train ride to the airport and you'll likely need to be up very early in the morning indeed. Combine that with a longish flight to LA, a layover at LAX and another 2 hour hop over to Vancouver, and believe you me you'll have wished you maximized your shut eye the day before your trip. The other thing staying at the airport hotel buys you is time. You can arrive the night before your flight takes off, dump all your stuff at your hotel room, walk over to the testing centre, get tested and be done with it. Then when you get to the airport that morning you'll have everything you need to check-in for your flight.

The contact tracing form is different from the attestation form, and was something I didn't know about either until check-in. Fortunately the lady at the JétStar booth provided the slip of paper to complete and I was done with that. The form itself contains contact number, email, first night accommodation address (you would put IN TRANSIT on that form, or alternatively the address of LAX) and emergency contact name and phone #.

-RooFlyer88

 

[logicallysynced]

If I was you (and I'm not BTW), I would consider even staying at an airport hotel the night before your flight. That was what I did for my flight out to Honolulu a week ago, and that's with a late afternoon flight, and me living in Hornsby (not too far from Sydney Airport). I stayed at the Ibis Sydney Airport for $85/night, and I reckon you can probably find something decent for a comparable price. From the international terminal your best bet would be the Rydges which I hear is a leisurely stroll across the street to the international airport. Alternatively, there's the Novotel Sydney International Airport. About a 15 minute walk but certainly a good hotel, particularly if the price is right! The reason I say this is it's gonna be a long travel day, if you are on that 10:15 AM flight it means realistically you need to be at the airport at 7:15 AM to go through all the formalities of travelling stateside these days. Add on bus/train train ride to the airport and you'll likely need to be up very early in the morning indeed. Combine that with a longish flight to LA, a layover at LAX and another 2 hour hop over to Vancouver, and believe you me you'll have wished you maximized your shut eye the day before your trip. The other thing staying at the airport hotel buys you is time. You can arrive the night before your flight takes off, dump all your stuff at your hotel room, walk over to the testing centre, get tested and be done with it. Then when you get to the airport that morning you'll have everything you need to check-in for your flight.

The contact tracing form is different from the attestation form, and was something I didn't know about either until check-in. Fortunately the lady at the JétStar booth provided the slip of paper to complete and I was done with that. The form itself contains contact number, email, first night accommodation address (you would put IN TRANSIT on that form, or alternatively the address of LAX) and emergency contact name and phone #.

-RooFlyer88

I live about 10 min from the Airport and getting my partner to drop me off so should be all good. Thanks for the tips though, I’m sure it will be of help for other people looking at this thread!

So with the contact tracing form, is that a physical form that gets done at check-in or can it be done online? I’m having trouble finding anything about it online other than the attestation forms.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

So with the contact tracing form, is that a physical form that gets done at check-in or can it be done online? I’m having trouble finding anything about it online other than the attestation forms.

In my case it was a physical form provided to me at the airport (I was flying JetStar). Flying Qantas, they may have already collected that information during booking, or it may even be possible to add it in the manage my booking part of the website.

One other thing I will point out, and something to consider if you have Qantas Points is to consider using said points to try upgrading to a better class of travel. On an economy fare you can upgrade to Premium Economy for 61,600 points or to business for 98,100 one-way for your Sydney to Los Angeles trip. The latter flight would feature a lie flat business class seat that turns into a bed for such a long journey. These upgrade requests are usually cleared about 24 hours out from the flight, and if you're unsuccessful with your upgrade request you'll get your points back. Looking at your flight next week, all of First class and Business class have been sold out, however there are 4 seats remaining in Premium Economy. These are arguably some of the best value redemptions of your Qantas Points you'll find, since you are in effect getting many thousands of dollars of value for peanuts.

-RooFlyer88

 

[logicallysynced]

In my case it was a physical form provided to me at the airport (I was flying JetStar). Flying Qantas, they may have already collected that information during booking, or it may even be possible to add it in the manage my booking part of the website.

One other thing I will point out, and something to consider if you have Qantas Points is to consider using said points to try upgrading to a better class of travel. On an economy fare you can upgrade to Premium Economy for 61,600 points or to business for 98,100 one-way for your Sydney to Los Angeles trip. The latter flight would feature a lie flat business class seat that turns into a bed for such a long journey. These upgrade requests are usually cleared about 24 hours out from the flight, and if you're unsuccessful with your upgrade request you'll get your points back. Looking at your flight next week, all of First class and Business class have been sold out, however there are 4 seats remaining in Premium Economy. These are arguably some of the best value redemptions of your Qantas Points you'll find, since you are in effect getting many thousands of dollars of value for peanuts.

-RooFlyer88

Already submitted for an upgrade. However because I don’t have status (other than QC) I think it’s a pretty big shot in the dark, so I’m not counting on the upgrade going through. Worth the shot though!

 

[Mr H]

On an economy fare you can upgrade to Premium Economy for 61,600 points or to business for 98,100 one-way for your Sydney to Los Angeles trip. ... These are arguably some of the best value redemptions of your Qantas Points you'll find, since you are in effect getting many thousands of dollars of value for peanuts.

Not sure the value is that great. Bear in mind this is to upgrade a seat that has already been fully paid for, and with no guarantee that the upgrade will clear. But for barely more than three times this price, you can get multiple business class flights on a variety of carriers up to a total of 35,000 miles and fully ticketed - through the OWA.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Already submitted for an upgrade. However because I don’t have status (other than QC) I think it’s a pretty big shot in the dark, so I’m not counting on the upgrade going through. Worth the shot though!

It is a shot in the dark, especially when there are now only 4 Premium Economy seats available. The only other thing I'd suggest is to keep an eye out for paid upgrades too, as sometimes those will come through and can be cheap (these usually appear during check-in, you may want to inquire when you get to the check-in desk if they have Premium Economy and what the price is).

Not sure the value is that great. Bear in mind this is to upgrade a seat that has already been fully paid for, and with no guarantee that the upgrade will clear. But for barely more than three times this price, you can get multiple business class flights on a variety of carriers up to a total of 35,000 miles and fully ticketed - through the OWA.

You're right in saying that OneWorld Awards are especially great value for money, the trouble is not everyone has the luxury to plan out complex itineraries involving multiple carriers and cities, nor has the many hundreds of thousands of miles to make that booking possible. Indeed, given the difficulty in making long haul business class upgrades happen, I've decided to spend most of my points these days on cheap domestic upgrades like SYD > MEL in J for 10,900 miles or booking to otherwise expensive regional destinations like Lord Howe Island for ~11,000 miles + $200 in taxes & fees return.

In terms of the best value for international awards, I'd argue that prize must go to Aeroplan. I've got a business saver award booked with them for travel at the end of June: Sydney to Saint John, New Brunswick on Air Canada all in business class for 80,000 miles + ~$120 in taxes and fees and then the return Toronto to Sydney all in business class for 80,000 miles + ~$120 in taxes and fees. Indeed, I actually went out of my way and bought a bunch of miles just to make the reward booking possible (cost about $1800 AUD back when AC was selling points at 1.25 cents/mile) - certainly much cheaper and better than purchasing an economy ticket with Air Canada directly!

In terms of upgrades strictly, I'd say United is the best hands down. Where else can you upgrade Europe to Australia from a deep discount economy fare for 35,000 miles + $650 USD in taxes and fees? Indeed I flew them back in January 2020 from Heathrow to Sydney (via LAX) with my upgrades to Polaris business on both segments clearing at the check-in window. At the very least, there are worse ways to spend 35,000 miles than 25 hours in Polaris business class and 5 hours at the Polaris lounge at LAX!

-RooFlyer88

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Don't forget to do the "dreaded" DPD at least 7 days before you come back to Aust.
Also, they are getting rid of the yellow IPC, most likely the DPD questions will be added to it, questions that the IPC has on it now.
Take a look at youtube, or the web, to see whats needed to fill in the app version or the website version of the DPD.
Not so bad if your trip is a long one, few weeks, but just be ready to do the DPD... would be a hassle to fill in that online form for every int trip, even short hops coming back from NZ, really puts me off from doing any more int status runs.
Not sure how many questions all up there are, but in the process, you have to take a photo and upload it, of your passport's data page, and also do a selfie!
Try holding your passport open to the data page, and try to take a photo of the page, the passport just won't stay flat and open, keeps wanting to close itself.
And also having to keep the fingers out of sight of the phone's camera!

 

[logicallysynced]

Just to give an update. I arrived at the airport today and there was no signage for Qantas Club. Just economy and business lanes (and first obviously).

I asked one of the Qantas staff directing the queue where I should go and they directed me to the Business lane, then when I got to the business lane they said QC was the Economy lane. I told her the other staff member directed me to this business lane, and she let me through. So all’s well that ends well I guess?

No luck on that upgrade though, it was a long shot after all.

 

[AIRwin]

The QC benefits page is unclear on international flight check-in as it references domestic only.

And no reference to Qantas Club on the international check-in page:
Premium passengers (Business and Premium Economy), Gold and Silver Frequent Flyers, and oneworld Ruby members have access to dedicated Premium Service Desks in all international ports.

Check-in | Qantas AU

Ways to check-in for your Qantas flight including online check-in, on your mobile and at the airport check-in.

www.qantas.com

 

[Lynda2475]

DPD at least 7 days before you come back to Aust.

Incorrect, you can only start the process 7 days out (so that should say at most 7 days before departure) and it should not be submitted more than 48 hours out. Honestly this is a simple process, best done at the hotel the night before or morning of departure, takes 3 mins using the app. Absolutely nothing to stress about.

Try holding your passport open to the data page, and try to take a photo of the page, the passport just won't stay flat and open, keeps wanting to close itself.

You hold it open with your non dominant hand (in my case my left) and your user dominant hand (my right) to take the photo on your phone. Or you ask a friend to hold it open for you or place a book (or something else heavy enough to hold it open.

 

[SJF211]

It seem weird to me that Sydney doesn’t have a premium economy check in area. When I’ve flown out of Melbourne and HND (probably others but those are the only ones I’ve seen in person) QC is designated to the PE line so would have thought it would be the same there.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Just to give an update. I arrived at the airport today and there was no signage for Qantas Club. Just economy and business lanes (and first obviously).

I asked one of the Qantas staff directing the queue where I should go and they directed me to the Business lane, then when I got to the business lane they said QC was the Economy lane. I told her the other staff member directed me to this business lane, and she let me through. So all’s well that ends well I guess?

No luck on that upgrade though, it was a long shot after all.

It would seem pretty poor if QC members are given no priority for check-in given that's a stated benefit of being a Qantas Club member. It's also crazy that someone with lowly status like Silver could make their way to the Business class check in area, where us Golds who worked our tails off flying JQ discounted MAX fares have to mingle with such flyers!

As for the upgrade, not surprising - it's often a shot in the dark regardless of status. And on flights that are fully booked out your chances are slim to none. I think the key thing here is to try booking out business in advance (i.e. either as an award booking or as a confirmed upgrade on booking). I'm flying out to Canada later this month on AC, and booked my J classic award ticket with them back in October when there was tons of business award availability to/from Canada from AUD.

Incorrect, you can only start the process 7 days out (so that should say at most 7 days before departure) and it should not be submitted more than 48 hours out. Honestly this is a simple process, best done at the hotel the night before or morning of departure, takes 3 mins using the app. Absolutely nothing to stress about.



You hold it open with your non dominant hand (in my case my left) and your user dominant hand (my right) to take the photo on your phone. Or you ask a friend to hold it open for you or place a book (or something else heavy enough to hold it open.

I can confirm that DPD is a straight forward process but you may need to be patient with some parts such as scanning the RFID chip on your passport. Generally you should do it a few days in advance. One thing I found confusing was on the day before I was to depart I received a notice from DFAT that my DPD was incomplete despite its status being submitted. Showed up to the airport and had no trouble checking in. About a day after landing in SYD I received a further email from the DFAT that it was approved!

-RooFlyer88

 

[RealtimeY]

I found it was easier to just do the DPD on a computer, because the app kept giving me errors. Once done, it does show up on the app.