Qantas confusion! Please help a newbie

[mangoss]

If you fly a lot of discount Y domestically it takes a lot of flights to make it to Gold - 70 short sectors (60 to renew). Adding Perth into the mix reduces the number somewhat. If you travel more than monthly for work, and have access to a corporate scheme, then QC membership is worthwhile. I did the maths and it worked out to about $7 per visit - and considering how much everything at the airport costs that's pretty good value.

What sucks is the removal of priority checkin for QC members, which is the reason why the last 14 sectors and the next 11 sectors booked for me are all on DJ.

Hey, sorry for being a newbie - but have they removed priority check in?! I thought that was one of the QC benefits! Grrrgh getting unhappy with Qantas now! It says in my booklet, issued Oct 2010, that we can check in through Qantas Business...I thought they removed that for domestic, but it was still available for international?

 

[JohnK]

Thanks Medhead! Your offer would have been lovely....unfortunately time has restricted me.. Its AUD the flight from SIN-LHR, but dont quote me on it exactly - just a rough estimate from the travel agent.

Here is a revised tip to get to LHR via SIN with QF all the way and avoid excess baggage.

31 MAR 2011 SYD-SIN QF031 Classic award 30,000 QFF points + taxes and surcharges (even better if you can get an Any Seat Award for the same number of QFF points and that way earn ~8,000 QFF points and 30 SCs for the flight)

Store extra luggage in SIN at ~SGD4/day and head off on side trip SIN-BKK-HAN and return.

04 MAY 2011 LHR-SIN QF031 SGD1047.30 or ~AUD853 based on today's exchange rate of ~1.27 (Book directly from QF Singapore website or check Expedia, Zuji, Opodo, Orbitz etc)

There is a possible issue with SIN-FRA-LHR routing QF->BA as I am not certain if BA will allow you to have more than 1 piece of luggage and limit is 23kgs.

Is FRA 'Frankfurt'? If so I am now stopping there from a QF flight for a few hours, then getting on a BA plane...so hopefully I can still use the Qantas lounge there?

FRA is Frankfurt. I am not sure if Qantas Lounge members have arrival access to QF Lounges.

Thanks for ur help! People are really friendly on here

Only when we are not arguing with one another.

 

[mangoss]

More like Mandy that you have left it too late: award seats are released roughly twelve months prior to the fly date: so looking to travel in May 2011 means that they have already been out about 7 months and therefore often snapped up mid 2010. Still always worth looking - and being as flexible as possible helps to constrain the budget. For instance, is the side trip absolutely necessary, or a break before starting the new job? If the extra days travel is a 'luxury' rather than a 'necessity' you can a) score a seat, and b) save on the storage costs.

Happy hunting!

Hi, unfortunately I am at the whim of the UK Government and their visa policies! I couldnt have looked a year in advance as I was waiting on enough points for my visa, and enough for my frequent flyers...unfortunately in life some things are last minute I guess, and I was a litle naieve to think seats would be available... The side trip is def necessary to see family and get some extra work skills.

But I have sorted myself out I think!! And at minimum cost too...

Ive settled on flying Qantas metal Syd direct to Singapore - get priority check in and extra baggage allowance, but can use the club in Syd. Then going to do my trips round Asian in Jetstar, which means I can still chill in the BKK and SIN clubs. Leave my extra baggage at SIN. Then...luckily (?) Ive managed to secure a points paid QF / BA flight tonight on 4 May so I can use my extra baggage allowance part way to Frankfurt, use the Clubs at both SIN and FRA whilst I stop over for a few hours, then have a comparatively cheap baggage fee (around $80 Ive been told, compared to other airlines that charge upwards of $40 - $95 per kilo!) on BA.

So even last minute...things have worked out ok

Thanks for your advice!

 

[Moopere]

So even last minute...things have worked out ok

Thanks for your advice!

Great to hear! You've also managed to score QC access all over as well I see, well done, its a bit like a jigsaw puzzle trying to make sure it all comes together.

 

[mangoss]

Great to hear! You've also managed to score QC access all over as well I see, well done, its a bit like a jigsaw puzzle trying to make sure it all comes together.

Lol! Oh Moopere Im an analyst by trade so used to curly situations....but Qantas have truly done my head in.

I plan to drink everything in the bar to make up for my suffering over the last few days! lol

Thanks for all your advice

 

[mangoss]

Can I just point out something ironic?? (and yes, overplayed...)

I weight 54 kilograms and am just over 5ft1. TINY.....There are usually massive tall blokes or largeish people squishing into my seat on planes, who weigh **twice** what I do....


....and I have to pay for an extra 9 kilos of LUGGAGE!

Not complaining about peoples sizes, people are what they are; but given Im so little you would think the check in dude would not worry about the few kilos more that Im adding to the plane. I guess its a baggage handling thing? or cough a revenue thing...

Maybe I should wear a fat suit stuffed with my belongings for my trip

 

[mangoss]

Actually one last question...does anyone know if you can generally use the QC AFTER you have deplaned? Or is it only for use prior to your flight? :?: :?: :?:

My trip to LHR is QF5 to FRA ...then I deplane, have a 5 hr wait...then it changes to BA903 (all bought under the one Qantas ticket).

Thr FRA club listed as 'Associated' with Qantas is JAL.

Hoping that if I cant use it AFTER a Qantas flight I can use it BEFORE a BA one.


oh dear!

 

[NM]

Can I just point out something ironic?? (and yes, overplayed...)

I weight 54 kilograms and am just over 5ft1. TINY.....There are usually massive tall blokes or largeish people squishing into my seat on planes, who weigh **twice** what I do....


....and I have to pay for an extra 9 kilos of LUGGAGE!

LOL ... yep it does seem ironic. Then again, the 100kg frame of the 6'2" fellow sitting next to you is "self-loading" weight and does not require any additional "baggage handling" than you do to get on board.

 

[medhead]

Actually one last question...does anyone know if you can generally use the QC AFTER you have deplaned? Or is it only for use prior to your flight? :?: :?: :?:

My trip to LHR is QF5 to FRA ...then I deplane, have a 5 hr wait...then it changes to BA903 (all bought under the one Qantas ticket).

Thr FRA club listed as 'Associated' with Qantas is JAL.

Hoping that if I cant use it AFTER a Qantas flight I can use it BEFORE a BA one.

oh dear!

I just got back on the computer to raise this point. I'm don't think you can get access on arrival from QF5. I'm also not sure about the lounge as when I've taken QF6 in the past it has been the Cathy Pacific lounge that has been used as the QC. (I have the problem of working out what lounge I can use when return ing from FRA in April) I'm pretty much on a steep learning curve for lounges in frankfurt as well.
However, I think that you should be able to get off QF5 and then check in for your onward flight and then use the lounge (if there is one). The oneworld website lists the following lounges (search for frankfurt):
oneworld - Search for a oneworld Lounge

I think as a QC member your only option might be the AA lounge that is listed. But I'm not very sure.

Another thing to check is liquids security screening at frankfurt in case you're planning on getting duty free grog. I think they still have the 100ml limit for intra europe flights.

 

[Moopere]

Actually one last question...does anyone know if you can generally use the QC AFTER you have deplaned?

Generally no. You need to be on an ongoing flight that day.

My trip to LHR is QF5 to FRA ...then I deplane, have a 5 hr wait...then it changes to BA903 (all bought under the one Qantas ticket).

Thr FRA club listed as 'Associated' with Qantas is JAL.

I doubt you'll get access to the JAL lounge on a BA ticket. However, luckily there is an actual BA lounge at FRA so I can't see why they wouldn't accept you under the 'partner lounge' process

From QC Website:

"In addition to Qantas Club lounges, you can relax in British Airways lounges^ (Terraces and Executive Club lounges) and American Airlines® Admirals Club lounges.To access a partner airline lounge, simply present your Qantas Club card or Platinum or Gold Frequent Flyer card at check-in and again with your boarding pass at the lounge reception. You may also invite a guest. Note: both you and your guest must be travelling together and have onward travel that day on a flight marketed and operated by the partner airline whose lounge you wish to visit.***"

Bold text by me. If you ticket actually has a QF number on it then I guess the JAL lounge might work after all. If its got a BA number on it I'd imagine the BA lounge won't refuse you when you show your QC card.

Hoping that if I cant use it AFTER a Qantas flight I can use it BEFORE a BA one.

Seems likely you'll get access to one depending on the ticket you have. I think I read on the QC website though that QC members might be restricted to lounge access with partner airlines to 2 hours before flights leave. Perhaps a nice chat and a winning smile will waive this restriction though.

 

[medhead]

Hey, sorry for being a newbie - but have they removed priority check in?! I thought that was one of the QC benefits! Grrrgh getting unhappy with Qantas now! It says in my booklet, issued Oct 2010, that we can check in through Qantas Business...I thought they removed that for domestic, but it was still available for international?

They are removing priority check in for domestic, they had enhancements towards the end of last year, but I think it will still be there on international flights

Discover the benefits of The Qantas Club

see the # footnote

 

[mangoss]

LOL ... yep it does seem ironic. Then again, the 100kg frame of the 6'2" fellow sitting next to you is "self-loading" weight and does not require any additional "baggage handling" than you do to get on board.

Lol true...but they do cause the plane to weigh more, use up more fuel, and cost us more Now Im just stirring

 

[NM]

Lol true...but they do cause the plane to weigh more, use up more fuel, and cost us more Now Im just stirring

And often eat and drink more, and generate more ... well you get the picture :shock:

 

[mangoss]

I just got back on the computer to raise this point. I'm don't think you can get access on arrival from QF5. I'm also not sure about the lounge as when I've taken QF6 in the past it has been the Cathy Pacific lounge that has been used as the QC. (I have the problem of working out what lounge I can use when return ing from FRA in April) I'm pretty much on a steep learning curve for lounges in frankfurt as well.
However, I think that you should be able to get off QF5 and then check in for your onward flight and then use the lounge (if there is one). The oneworld website lists the following lounges (search for frankfurt):
oneworld - Search for a oneworld Lounge

I think as a QC member your only option might be the AA lounge that is listed. But I'm not very sure.

Another thing to check is liquids security screening at frankfurt in case you're planning on getting duty free grog. I think they still have the 100ml limit for intra europe flights.

Thanks Medhead, great advice - and thanx for jumping back on to help with my question! I think that the QC brochure indicates that if u use a partner lounge, you "have to be travelling further that day on a flight marketed and operated by the partner airline whose lounge you wish to visit"...According to the BA website, they use an unknown "third party lounge" in FRA. So I dont know if I can use the AA lounge or BA as they use a 'third party'.

Curiouser and curiouser! I wish my job was this complex...

 

[mangoss]

And often eat and drink more, and generate more ... well you get the picture :shock:

lol! true

 

[Moopere]

I think that the QC brochure indicates that if u use a partner lounge, you "have to be travelling further that day on a flight marketed and operated by the partner airline whose lounge you wish to visit"...According to the BA website, they use an unknown "third party lounge" in FRA.

Yes, I saw that too. The BA lounge part of their website is not helpful at all. I assume that your FRA-LHR ticket will have a BA number?

So I dont know if I can use the AA lounge

I doubt it unless you have an onwards AA flight.

or BA as they use a 'third party'.

Yes, you know, you might actually slip through the cracks on this one.

Arriving on QF, but no QF lounge is available, departing on BA, so can't get into the JAL lounge (which you -would- get if leaving on a QF flight). Trot off to the BA lounge only to find that its not really a BA lounge at all but one of _their_ partners who doesn't know anything about the QC card ... so even though you will have a BA ticket (Y class presumably) they won't let you in because the QC cards means nothing and BA Y doesn't get lounge access arrgghh..

Its enough to drive you around the bend right?


[edit: Heres something from a random blog on the web though:

"When I FINALLY found the lounge all was ok however it took me 25 minutes walking around virtually deserted corridors of Frankfurt airport to find it!!!! I asked 3 airport staff and no-one knew where the lounge was! It transpired that the old BA Lounge has been recently closed and now BA share a lounge with various airlines. I think the lounge is called JAL?"

Its a blog I know nothing about of course so who knows if its true ... interesting though if it is. Its date Nov 2009 and if correct then BA is sharing the JAL lounge along with QF and a number of others. So you can imagine the conversation with the desk Dragon.]

 

[mangoss]

Yes, I saw that too. The BA lounge part of their website is not helpful at all. I assume that your FRA-LHR ticket will have a BA number?




I doubt it unless you have an onwards AA flight.




Yes, you know, you might actually slip through the cracks on this one.

Arriving on QF, but no QF lounge is available, departing on BA, so can't get into the JAL lounge (which you -would- get if leaving on a QF flight). Trot off to the BA lounge only to find that its not really a BA lounge at all but one of _their_ partners who doesn't know anything about the QC card ... so even though you will have a BA ticket (Y class presumably) they won't let you in because the QC cards means nothing and BA Y doesn't get lounge access arrgghh..

Its enough to drive you around the bend right?


[edit: Heres something from a random blog on the web though:

"When I FINALLY found the lounge all was ok however it took me 25 minutes walking around virtually deserted corridors of Frankfurt airport to find it!!!! I asked 3 airport staff and no-one knew where the lounge was! It transpired that the old BA Lounge has been recently closed and now BA share a lounge with various airlines. I think the lounge is called JAL?"

Its a blog I know nothing about of course so who knows if its true ... interesting though if it is. Its date Nov 2009 and if correct then BA is sharing the JAL lounge along with QF and a number of others. So you can imagine the conversation with the desk Dragon.]

I think my head just exploded!! lol this is all too funny...but an adventure and learning experience!

 

[mangoss]

Here is a revised tip to get to LHR via SIN with QF all the way and avoid excess baggage.

31 MAR 2011 SYD-SIN QF031 Classic award 30,000 QFF points + taxes and surcharges (even better if you can get an Any Seat Award for the same number of QFF points and that way earn ~8,000 QFF points and 30 SCs for the flight)

Store extra luggage in SIN at ~SGD4/day and head off on side trip SIN-BKK-HAN and return.

04 MAY 2011 LHR-SIN QF031 SGD1047.30 or ~AUD853 based on today's exchange rate of ~1.27 (Book directly from QF Singapore website or check Expedia, Zuji, Opodo, Orbitz etc)

There is a possible issue with SIN-FRA-LHR routing QF->BA as I am not certain if BA will allow you to have more than 1 piece of luggage and limit is 23kgs.


FRA is Frankfurt. I am not sure if Qantas Lounge members have arrival access to QF Lounges.


Only when we are not arguing with one another.

Hey John,

I have just taken your exact advice!!!

I originally booked with my points to go from SIN-FRA-LHR. Would have cost me the BA baggage, and just worked out I probably cant use any lounge in FRA anyway...

Just rang up and a very nice booking lady cancelled my prev booking free of charge, and has booked me on SYD-SIN. I have had $50 in taxes refunded and 22,000 in points. I didnt press the lady on the Any Seat as I was lucky she wasnt charging me a fee to begin with - which she originally said she had to, but waived...

So...the cost to fly SYD-SIN is $674 inc taxes. The cost to fly SIN-LHR is $825.

So I have saved $80 in baggage costs; dont have the stress of trying to find a lounge in FRA, and for only $150 (really minus the $80 baggage I would have had to pay - so $70 really) - I have saved 22,000 points. Plus I get more points for the paid SIN-LHR trip.

And, being based in Europe for 2 years...well, I can use those saved points for a return flight from London to Munich for Oktoberfest!!

Thank you oh wise one Where there is a will there is a way!

Finally I can go to sleep

Many, many thanks

Mandy

 

[davidj-bell]

Actually one last question...does anyone know if you can generally use the QC AFTER you have deplaned? Or is it only for use prior to your flight? :?: :?: :?:

My trip to LHR is QF5 to FRA ...then I deplane, have a 5 hr wait...then it changes to BA903 (all bought under the one Qantas ticket).

For such a long lay over, consider getting out of the airport into frankfurt for a few hours. The train system's very good and reliable.

Thr FRA club listed as 'Associated' with Qantas is JAL.

Hoping that if I cant use it AFTER a Qantas flight I can use it BEFORE a BA one.


oh dear!

The FRA club is a BA lounge, and I believe that QC membership will also provide access to BA lounges.

 

[Moopere]

The FRA club is a BA lounge, and I believe that QC membership will also provide access to BA lounges.

Yes, I thought so too, but it seems that the BA operated lounge closed in 2009 and they now send their customers to the JAL lounge. As a QC pax you'd need to gain access to the lounge via the partner of a partner (QF -> BA -> JAL).

Flying Y on a BA ticket, with no Oneworld status either I'm not at all sure this would work.

Worth a try I guess but you'd want to be prepared for disappointment.