Qantas Domestic Lounges from 15/06/23 Guests Must be Travelling on Qantas/Partner Airline

[Lynda2475]

This has not been my experience guesting people in at QF Pubs in SYD

And yet my experience is the complete opposite 100% scan rate of the guests boarding pass.

 

[RealtimeY]

I'd only used this privilege a handful of times but did appreciate it when I came in handy, so I'm disappointed to see it go.

I question how much Qantas even knows about who is filling up the QP, given that they seemingly just wave in JQ passengers and any non-travelling guests.

I also find it very hard to believe that removing this benefit that people barely even know about would help with overcrowding. In fact, if the broadening of the QC guest entitlements are true, wouldn't the overcrowding only get worse?

 

[Princess Fiona]

I'd only used this privilege a handful of times but did appreciate it when I came in handy, so I'm disappointed to see it go.

I question how much Qantas even knows about who is filling up the QP, given that they seemingly just wave in JQ passengers and any non-travelling guests.

I also find it very hard to believe that removing this benefit that people barely even know about would help with overcrowding. In fact, if the broadening of the QC guest entitlements are true, wouldn't the overcrowding only get worse?

The changes to the QC rules only affect International lounges.
Won’t have any effect on overcrowding where it’s been perceived that non-travellers are taking up seats.

 

[exceladdict]

What matters at the end of the day is whether it impacts lounge crowding. If it means a few extra spare chairs in the QF lounge, I'm all for it, especially in ports like SYD Domestic where the lounge hasn't been updated since the George Bush administration.

IMO the biggest issue with overcrowding, a lack of seats, is because many seating areas are setup for 2+ pax and are taken up by lone travellers. This is not a dig at those travellers but lounge designers who should be creating more appropriate spaces.

I don't want to sit in a pair at a table with a random when travelling alone (this may be okay in other cultures but is less socially acceptable in Australia) and I don't want to have to move chairs to create a vacant 2pax space when with Mrs Excel.

I hate the political "simpler" rubbish (it has crept in everywhere, not just Qantas)

Will see if this PR angle changes with the CEO

And yet my experience is the complete opposite 100% scan rate of the guests boarding pass.

Same. Though I haven't guested a non traveller since covid, all BPs have been scanned since then. Before then, guests were never scanned, travelling or not

I also find it very hard to believe that removing this benefit that people barely even know about would help with overcrowding. In fact, if the broadening of the QC guest entitlements are true, wouldn't the overcrowding only get worse?

Recently the most crowded spaces I have been in are QF Intl lounges, followed by the BNE domestic QP. So perhaps yes?

 

[RooFlyer]

So, "simpler" (but not "fairer" this time?) is still part of the Qantas lexicon for taking away amenity from its flyers. Risible.

Perhaps we take a step back - why is any point beyond security accessible by non-travellers?

I can't think of a circumstance where my partner would park the car (at absurd cost), go through security, stand in line with a bunch of other travelers (and it appears their non traveling family members) for the benefit of having a free coffee. Maybe I need to find a new partner.....

OK, think about this circumstance.

First, about non-travellers accessing beyond security: A disabled passenger, or 'senior/elderly' needs accompanying to the point of boarding, at the gate, either because someone needs to wheel them, or 'hold their hand' in a pretty challenging environment. So, the non flying person needs to be able to go through security, at least.

Then, if the one flying is entitled to QP access, its nice to be able to accompany them there too. It appears now, they will be denied QP access, as their support person will be denied.

BTW, did Qantas offer any exceptions for the above type of case? I looked, but couldn't find. or is it - To hell with them ... the bludgers pushing the wheelchair are just taking up space and drinking our free booze. A solution could be to issue a lounge pass to one or two support persons, at check-in. Ooops, there goes 'simpler' (and fairer) again.

 

[Princess Fiona]

So, "simpler" (but not "fairer" this time?) is still part of the Qantas lexicon for taking away amenity from its flyers. Risible.




OK, think about this circumstance.

First, about non-travellers accessing beyond security: A disabled passenger, or 'senior/elderly' needs accompanying to the point of boarding, at the gate, either because someone needs to wheel them, or 'hold their hand' in a pretty challenging environment. So, the non flying person needs to be able to go through security, at least.

Then, if the one flying is entitled to QP access, its nice to be able to accompany them there too. It appears now, they will be denied QP access, as their support person will be denied.

BTW, did Qantas offer any exceptions for the above type of case? I looked, but couldn't find. or is it - To hell with them ... the bludgers pushing the wheelchair are just taking up space and drinking our free booze. A solution could be to issue a lounge pass to one or two support persons, at check-in. Ooops, there goes 'simpler' (and fairer) again.

Qantas has specific provisions for carers. It’s on their website.

There is nothing about this change that is going to affect that.

 

[justinbrett]

So, "simpler" (but not "fairer" this time?) is still part of the Qantas lexicon for taking away amenity from its flyers. Risible.




OK, think about this circumstance.

First, about non-travellers accessing beyond security: A disabled passenger, or 'senior/elderly' needs accompanying to the point of boarding, at the gate, either because someone needs to wheel them, or 'hold their hand' in a pretty challenging environment. So, the non flying person needs to be able to go through security, at least.

Then, if the one flying is entitled to QP access, its nice to be able to accompany them there too. It appears now, they will be denied QP access, as their support person will be denied.

BTW, did Qantas offer any exceptions for the above type of case? I looked, but couldn't find. or is it - To hell with them ... the bludgers pushing the wheelchair are just taking up space and drinking our free booze. A solution could be to issue a lounge pass to one or two support persons, at check-in. Ooops, there goes 'simpler' (and fairer) again.

If you push too far down that line, QF will say the pax is not independent and requires a carer.

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/specific-needs/travelling-with-specific-needs/travelling-with-a-carer.html

Although at least they get a discount.

Not to say disabled people need a carer - plenty travel without one - but there has to be some degree in autonomy. Ground staff will push the wheelchair.

That said, the scenario you list is untested, they might show latitude in this situation.

 

[stm1sydney]

I have to side with Qantas here.

I hate the political "simpler" rubbish (it has crept in everywhere, not just Qantas) and it is unfortunate for the family member example, but really why should QF provide a benefit for someone flying on a different airline?

Qantas is not providing the benefit to that person, they are providing the benefit to their status customer. Benefit now "enhanced."

 

[Daver6]

I'd love to know what percentage of domestic lounge patrons and none travelling guests. My guest would be less than 1%. That's not going to make any difference to lounge over-crowding.

 

[dajop]

That's not going to make any difference to lounge over-crowding.

Exactly. But say there 150 such guests network wide each day, and they consume $4.80 worth of food and beverage each. That's over $250K in cost savings annually. Helps someone hit their target and get a bigger bonus.

 

[justinbrett]

I'd love to know what percentage of domestic lounge patrons and none travelling guests. My guest would be less than 1%. That's not going to make any difference to lounge over-crowding.

And that’s just a complete guess. Truth is nobody knows. Probably not even Qantas.

This thread as a sample size suggests it’s not rare.

 

[Daver6]

And that’s just a complete guess. Truth is nobody knows. Probably not even Qantas.

This thread as a sample size suggests it’s not rare.

I'd suggest that both this forum and specifically this thread is not an accurate representation of all those who have lounge access.

 

[RooFlyer]

Qantas has specific provisions for carers. It’s on their website.

Thanks - but that mainly seems to refer to a carer who is flying, or a pax who requires a carer to fly. I'm not talking about that standard - just a flyer who benefits from a bit of help and company from a family member or friend in the hassle and bustle of an airport. Yes, airlines will assign someone to wheel etc from check-in to the gate (we've used that), but that's not the same as having a friend or relative to keep them company, re-assure them, pass messages on etc.

That won't change - but I'm simply saying that I see no ability for a pax with QP access to now be able to take their assisting friend etc into the QP. Hopefully some explicit exceptions will emerge.

If you push too far down that line, QF will say the pax is not independent and requires a carer.

I gave the example of classes of people who benefit from a bit of assistance or company up to the point of boarding and who now, up to this point, could accompany the pax into the QP.

Its just a human reaction to want to better look after and accompany someone who is a bit frail or likes company but otherwise can fly by themselves, rather than palm them off to airline/airport staff.

but there has to be some degree in autonomy. Ground staff will push the wheelchair.

By the sound of it, you haven't been in the situation? Try it and see what actually happens; it can work but it also can be a traumatic experience for the flyer if the airline/airport appointed helper either doesn't show up; has to dash off mid-task for some reason; the boarding is late and they have to leave to do something else; is generally un-empathetic and/or (probably correctly) doesn't think its their job to, for example stand in a queue to buy a snack.

I must admit that I wasn't so sensitive to this type of situation until a couple of my family members fell into the situation - one who can wheel themselves, but when going to fly its a relief to have a bit of a hand navigating the airport and going for food & drink like most other airport users and knowing there's a friend they can rely on if something crops up. And an auntie who lost her husband, who used to organise everything and now she's a bit lost in the airport process.

In neither situation will I palm them off to airport/airline staff.

Over-arching point being, that in this situation, if the flying pax has QP access, unless there are some exemptions (that I can't find) the helper will be denied access and the QP-entitled flyer will thus probably self-exclude as well.

But hey, this will alleviate the crowding you complain about.

 

[UP4014]

And that’s just a complete guess. Truth is nobody knows. Probably not even Qantas.

This thread as a sample size suggests it’s not rare.

Yes but this group are full on aero people who know the system maximizing it's benefits.

Therefore I would say this group is not a suitable sample control.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Advantage VA !

 

[amidon7]

Thanks for the email address. Have just sent QF a note congratulating them on the move and encourage them to ignore the rent seekers out there who have been gaming the system. If your family and friends are so important to spend that time with you (in an airline lounge...) - buy a ticket for them to fly with you! As I fade to black I won't be flashing back to all those wonderful memories spent at a Qantas Club. Oh dear people, get a grip...

ChatGTP, we see you.

 

[justinbrett]

I gave the example of classes of people who benefit from a bit of assistance or company up to the point of boarding and who now, up to this point, could accompany the pax into the QP.

Its just a human reaction to want to better look after and accompany someone who is a bit frail or likes company but otherwise can fly by themselves, rather than palm them off to airline/airport staff.

No you didn't. You said "need". In terms of disability, QF, like any transport operator, has obligations to cater for disabled passengers. The disabled people I know insist on autonomy - the ability to catch a flight without having to ask friends/family for assistance - who won't be there on the other end.

Emotional support is quite another thing and is not what I was commenting on.

By the sound of it, you haven't been in the situation? Try it and see what actually happens; it can work but it also can be a traumatic experience for the flyer if the airline/airport appointed helper either doesn't show up; has to dash off mid-task for some reason; the boarding is late and they have to leave to do something else; is generally un-empathetic and/or (probably correctly) doesn't think its their job to, for example stand in a queue to buy a snack.

I must admit that I wasn't so sensitive to this type of situation until a couple of my family members fell into the situation - one who can wheel themselves, but when going to fly its a relief to have a bit of a hand navigating the airport and going for food & drink like most other airport users and knowing there's a friend they can rely on if something crops up. And an auntie who lost her husband, who used to organise everything and now she's a bit lost in the airport process.

In neither situation will I palm them off to airport/airline staff.

Over-arching point being, that in this situation, if the flying pax has QP access, unless there are some exemptions (that I can't find) the helper will be denied access and the QP-entitled flyer will thus probably self-exclude as well.

But hey, this will alleviate the crowding you complain about.

That's your choice, and not really what I was talking about. I refer you to the last line of my post for these kinds of issues - which is very different to medical need.

 

[AIRwin]

Advantage VA !

adVAntage

 

[Rich]

Qantas is not providing the benefit to that person, they are providing the benefit to their status customer. Benefit now "enhanced."

The benefit goes to both parties, probably moreso for the guest.
I understand why the benefit is currently granted, but that is not going to change my opinion that the VA flyer shouldn't get to hang out in the Qantas lounge ahead of say, some random QF customer.

 

[Laptop Jockey]

I'm surprised how many people on here this seems to be affecting. I can't imagine parking, bringing a family member through security, walking a billion miles to the lounge, just to sit in a coughpy IKEA chair and maybe get a tiny plate of cafeteria butter chcken and a bread roll. The only time I can think of guesting non-QF flying pers was some work colleagues flying back to a different city on VA about five years ago. Hardly a massive loss, but also I question how much saving in either cost or space there would be from this.

Pretty big load of "meh" from me...