Qantas Platinum One experiences?

[serfty]

Shortly after passing 2400 SC's I received an email spriuking Platinum One:

Dear Mr serfty

Congratulations, you are nearing a very special milestone, Platinum One.

As you fly so often, we know that for you travel is more than just flying to a destination. For frequent travellers, it's the whole experience that makes your journey such a pleasure.

Learn more about the privileges of Platinum One

Platinum One delivers a range of exclusive privileges and exceptional service including:
• Access to the dedicated Platinum One Special Service Team
• Complimentary membership to Qantas epiQure for as long as you are a Platinum One member
• Highest priority to International Flight Upgrade Awards
• Additional access to Qantas Classic Award seats and no Award Assistance fees
• Invitations to special events and experiences
• and much more.

To reach this recognition level, you need to earn a minimum of 3,600 Status credits*, with at least 2,700 earned on Qantas marketed flights^ where Status credits normally accrue, in your membership year. To find out how close you are to reaching Platinum One, see the account details box at the top of this email.
...

 

[marki]

Shortly after passing 2400 SC's I received an email spriuking Platinum One:

They want your money (Business).... pound of flesh... erm....give an inch take a yard.

 

[TonyHancock]

Allow me to translate!

Dear Mr serfty

Congratulations, you are nearing a very special milestone, Platinum One.

As you fly so often, we'd like to pretend we know that for you travel is more than just flying to a destination. For frequent travellers, it's the whole experience that makes your journey such a pleasure. (not necessarily with Qantas though, so we would like to force you to fly with us more by reducing the amount of status credits you earn with [-]the enemy[/-] our OneWorld Partners.

Learn more about the privileges of Platinum One

Platinum One delivers a range of poorly defined privileges and once in a while exceptional service including:
• Access to the dedicated Platinum One Special Service Team
• Complimentary membership to Qantas epiQure for as long as you are [-]a Platinum One member[/-] spending money on booze from epiQure.
• Highest priority to International Flight Upgrade Awards, which is quite handy because there seem to be more upgrades available these days.
• Additional access to Qantas Classic Award seats and no Award Assistance fees if we remember.
• Invitations to special events and experiences, as long as you aren't actually traveling, bad luck if you are.
• and [-]much more. [/-]nothing much else

To reach this recognition level, you need to earn a minimum of 3,600 Status credits*, with at least 2,700 earned on Qantas marketed flights^ where Status credits normally accrue, in your membership year. To find out how close you are to reaching Platinum One, see the account details box at the top of this email.

I am being a bit harsh I have had a few decent experiences, and the P1 SST has helped me a couple of times, but I just really dislike the QF marketing spin. I suspect when the mASA P1's are weeded out, and I count myself in that number, the lot of the P1 might improve.

The reality for me has been a few international upgrades, row 4/23 seats domestically, international Y exit rows and one event. I have had exceptional on board service, mostly, but also some dreadful service too.

 

[kevrosmith]

I take a bit of an exception to the notion of and comparison between mASA P1's and supposed "bona fide" P1s... at my P1 Flight Sim experience, I met another "bona fide" P1, and he obtained P1 status after a few J class flights from SYD to JNB for work, and a little bit of domestic J travel. Sure, he may have contributed more $$s into the QF coffers, but I'm on a plane every second or third day flying domestically, and purchasing Flexi Fares. Where does my (what's that phrase?) status-value indicator rate compared to him? Obviously not as high.

Unfortunately, seeing QF won't let me fly domestically as much with them as I'd like to I won't re-qualify P1. In addition to maintaining WP with QF (and with some work, Partner Gold level this coming year), I'll also easily qualify Partner Platinum on VA, seeing QF don't have a business-friendly timetable between SYD-CNS. There's gotta be a better way of better determining P1 status. I've really appreciated the service and help I've received in the last year, and quite frankly, will miss P1 once my status year is up.

 

[TonyHancock]

I take a bit of an exception to the notion of and comparison between mASA P1's and supposed "bona fide" P1s...

That is something to take up with QF I think. See here. Justin Hyams delivered the message I believe. I too am a mASA P1 this year, although I also spent $40k with QF last year. What I'm not sure of is why DSC P1's are not an issue.

at my P1 Flight Sim experience, I met another "bona fide" P1, and he obtained P1 status after a few J class flights from SYD to JNB for work, and a little bit of domestic J travel. Sure, he may have contributed more $$s into the QF coffers*, but I'm on a plane every second or third day flying domestically, and purchasing Flexi Fares. Where does my (what's that phrase?) status-value indicator rate compared to him? Obviously not as high.

I think it is all about the money for QF, and ultimately they are a business with shareholders. Only time will tell if the current strategy will increase profitability or lose them more customers.

Unfortunately, seeing QF won't let me fly domestically as much with them as I'd like to I won't re-qualify P1. In addition to maintaining WP with QF (and with some work, Partner Gold level this coming year), I'll also easily qualify Partner Platinum on VA, seeing QF don't have a business-friendly timetable between SYD-CNS. There's gotta be a better way of better determining P1 status. I've really appreciated the service and help I've received in the last year, and quite frankly, will miss P1 once my status year is up.

Most people believe the criteria for status should match their flying patterns, it is a natural reaction. One either bends to the QF changes and adjusts one's own travel or accepts that a different strategy is needed. I feel genuinely sorry for those that have been left high and dry by some of the changes to the FF program and flight schedules. Perth and Adelaide have practically been abandoned internationally, and the SC earn domestically from ADL is ridiculous.

I have my own medium term plans that will involve flying less with QF internationally, I gave up on them domestically during the ongoing priority boarding shambles more than a year ago.


*My bolding.

 

[kevrosmith]

That is something to take up with QF I think. See here. Justin Hyams delivered the message I believe. I too am a mASA P1 this year, although I also spent $40k with QF last year. What I'm not sure of is why DSC P1's are not an issue.

Yeah, I was at that luncheon, and was slightly miffed at the time when they expressed it there (I still had, after all, used quite a number of points and $$s in order to get me over the P1 line, which Qantas wouldn't have earned otherwise...). This is just the first time I've said it publicly that I find the distinction somewhat frustrating. (I wasn't having a go at your use of the term, just finally expressing my own thoughts about the concept).

 

[Kangol]

no strawman arguments.. you seemed to be upset asking for proof.. I was offering alternate scenarios when you would possibly be travelling on your own coin. TI is totally different.

but you still claimed earlier that QF was looking after non status pax over WP's.. I am sure that was rather emotive rather than based on any real evidence don't you think?

It is a straw man argument because you are substituting my point and debating a topic I didn't raise.
It was identifying the medical issue.. as determined by a medical practitioner.
None of you have chosen to offer any medical insight so one would reasonably guess that you are not medical practitioners and hence not qualified.

I'm not upset, nor do I seem to be upset, it's just that your interpretation is wrong. Don't worry, it's part of human nature to be wrong. Everyone is at one stage, including you right now.

"if that is the case" - you missed that word in bold with your allegation of me claiming something I didn't.

Funny how people who aren't medical practitioners up to this point love to give their medical opinion.

Anyway, it doesn't matter - if you all had said it was due to a non-medical reason (convenience, pity etc) then this wouldn't be an issue.

 

[roncritch]

Shortly after passing 2400 SC's I received an email spriuking Platinum One:

​Gee I am on 2500 and no email for me Guess they worked out that 31 Aug is looming fast!! lol

 

[drron]

The issue is identifying the actual medical issue, as documented by a doctor (doesn't have to be a real one ), which specifically entails that a passenger who is fit to fly (Y or otherwise) must be seated in a bulkhead Y seat because if not, it will create a significant functional impairment and seriously endanger that patient's life.
For QF staff (who have no medical qualifications) to "make the call" once boarded is completely absurd.

I am yet to be shown any documentation by those people here who are championing such a situation.

I forsee that those in support of the (as yet) imaginary medical condition being a valid reason for the above, will read this post and choose not to reply because they have nothing.

I actually am interested in seeing if such a condition exists for that matter.

On a slightly related note, a colleague of mine seriously injured himself (shoulder dislocation resulting in motor and sensory impairment in that arm) whilst in Europe and the doctors that saw him, along with consulting his travel insurance, said that he had to fly home in J - which he did on EK.
My late uncle also suffered a stroke whilst visiting NZ (he was English). The travel insurance and doctors stipulated that he had to fly in F to get home to England, which he and my aunt ended up doing (and getting a cab from LHR to Cornwall but that is another story!).
Now those are examples for valid medical reasons dictating travel arrangements - none of this "must sit in row 4 Y on a 737" fabrication.

Now Kangol I am not having a go at you but at some of the doctors that have attended people you know.
The first bolded sentence.If a patient is in such condition that travelling in Y would endanger his life the medical certificate should state he is medically unable to fly.
The second bolded statement with your friend is really not based on medical necessity.We travelled to Alaska with good friends.We were on a very small boat cruise when our friend fell.He dislocated both his shoulder and elbow along with fractures of his elbow and wrist.He had lost feeling in his hand already.He was flown to Juneau and saw an Orthopaedic surgeon who said he needed surgery but that it could wait if he flew home straight away.he gave him a certificate for a bulkhead Y seat.Cant see how a J seat is "medically"indicated.
The third bolded part re your uncle.there are recommended times for avoiding flying after strokes which is different depending on which part of the nervous system is affected.However for about 6 hours on a QF flight from SIN-LHR I vacated my J seat to look after an 87 year old in the 3rd last row of Y who had her stroke on the plane.There was no medical reason to move her to J or F but I will take this information to heart and if I find myself in the same situation again I will insist the patient,myself and mrsdrron as nurse are moved to F.The WP1s can go back to J and if Tony Hancock is in F he can have the Y seat.

I have often had to write medical certificates for patients of mine in the past.If in any doubt it was first a discussion with the airlines medicos.The QF fellows were very good with practical and commonsense advice.

 

[moa999]

Tend to agree. I would think if a pax had such a certificate (and noting how some certificates are provided) for a pax flying Y,

They would be well within their rights to say. I'm sorry sir/madam, based on that certificate we are unable to carry you in the Y cabin. We can either rebook your ticket for when you are well enough or here is the fare difference to J/F. Alternatively you might wish to speak to your travel insurance provider.

 

[JohnK]

I lost my shadow a few times due to that reason and it's ok as long as the passenger is moved forward before landing, not at the beginning of the flight.

I have witnessed people with tight connections moved to empty business class seats on QF before descent.

 

[boomy]

I have witnessed people with tight connections moved to empty business class seats on QF before descent.

Happened to me last week. I was in 1A on the A330 and just before descent the CSM told me there is a passenger in Y with tight connection if I don't mind she move him forward to 1B. Off course I didn't mind as it was towards the end of the flight.

 

[straitman]

It was identifying the medical issue.. as determined by a medical practitioner.
None of you have chosen to offer any medical insight so one would reasonably guess that you are not medical practitioners and hence not qualified.

You guessed wrong. drron has answered and quite a few other doctors including Princess Fiona (an ER doctor) have read your posts.

I'm not upset, nor do I seem to be upset, it's just that your interpretation is wrong. Don't worry, it's part of human nature to be wrong. Everyone is at one stage, including you right now.

You do seem quite upset so maybe a few of us have interpreted you wrongly but that's how it comes across.

Now let us go back to the topic.

 

[JohnK]

Shortly after passing 2400 SC's I received an email spriuking Platinum One:

​Gee I am on 2500 and no email for me Guess they worked out that 31 Aug is looming fast!! lol

I didn't get an email either.

Could that be because I was still 60 SCs short on 31 May which was the last day before reassessment? That CX flight would have taken 3-4 days to post as well.

 

[Anna]

I didn't get an email either.

I got the email last year at 2,400 SCs but wasn't tempted to alter my travel plans simply to get to WP1. A lot of extra travel for not much extra benefit as far as I can tell.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I got the email last year at 2,400 SCs but wasn't tempted to alter my travel plans simply to get to WP1. A lot of extra travel for not much extra benefit as far as I can tell.

I went through exactly the same process as you with the same conclusion. Chose to keep WP on both QF and VA rather than direct more travel to QF for P1

 

[marki]

I got the email last year at 2,400 SCs but wasn't tempted to alter my travel plans simply to get to WP1. A lot of extra travel for not much extra benefit as far as I can tell.

This is so true ..... I was underwhelmed with the SST help when stranded in NY after severe Turbulence took us back.


Sent from my iPhone using AustFreqFly

 

[amaroo]

Sadly, I hit the thresholds for P1....before it existed

 

[Kangol]

Now Kangol I am not having a go at you but at some of the doctors that have attended people you know.
The first bolded sentence.If a patient is in such condition that travelling in Y would endanger his life the medical certificate should state he is medically unable to fly.
The second bolded statement with your friend is really not based on medical necessity.We travelled to Alaska with good friends.We were on a very small boat cruise when our friend fell.He dislocated both his shoulder and elbow along with fractures of his elbow and wrist.He had lost feeling in his hand already.He was flown to Juneau and saw an Orthopaedic surgeon who said he needed surgery but that it could wait if he flew home straight away.he gave him a certificate for a bulkhead Y seat.Cant see how a J seat is "medically"indicated.
The third bolded part re your uncle.there are recommended times for avoiding flying after strokes which is different depending on which part of the nervous system is affected.However for about 6 hours on a QF flight from SIN-LHR I vacated my J seat to look after an 87 year old in the 3rd last row of Y who had her stroke on the plane.There was no medical reason to move her to J or F but I will take this information to heart and if I find myself in the same situation again I will insist the patient,myself and mrsdrron as nurse are moved to F.The WP1s can go back to J and if Tony Hancock is in F he can have the Y seat.

I have often had to write medical certificates for patients of mine in the past.If in any doubt it was first a discussion with the airlines medicos.The QF fellows were very good with practical and commonsense advice.

Thanks drron, you are the first person to offer something useful on this matter.
I put that first bold part in there to see if anyone would pick it up.. logic would suggest that if the medical condition was that serious, the passenger wouldn't be fit to fly.
Thanks again for your contribution.

 

[JohnK]

I got the email last year at 2,400 SCs but wasn't tempted to alter my travel plans simply to get to WP1. A lot of extra travel for not much extra benefit as far as I can tell.

Guaranteed row 4/23 at booking time, soft landing to Platinum the year after and greater chance of op-ups are worth it.

In hindsight I should have used ~200,000 QFF points + ~$1600 to do a business Any Seat award BNE-MEL-PER-KTA return twice when I had the double SCs offer for 1,600 SCs and bona fide Platinum One.