Qantas reciprocal relationship with KLM/Air France (2020 onwards)

[JessicaTam]

As a data point, I flew AF earlier this week. It was FLR-CDG and an AF flight number. I put in my QF SG number.

I did not test priority checkin, as I used a machine. The BP had 'Sky Priority' printed on it. I selected seats at time of booking and so nothing special. It was only closer to the flight that I noticed I could have chosen seats further forward. (This is common with bookings - you have to MMB after making the booking to give the FF # and status time to stick.)

The Massaccio lounge only allowed access with my Priority Pass.

No problems with priority boarding.

 

[JW]

Another data pt based on recent flights. KLM don't give you acecss to the forward most seats. Unlike with ba where they dont give access but checkin staff in oz can see all available seats. With BA it appears to be all but the bulkhead row from what I saw.

Sadly on a different note, the KLM 777's with their diabolical 3/4/3 layout in Y is to be avoided at all costs...

 

[Mattg]

Based on all of these data points, the only conclusion I can come to is that this partnership is still incredibly inconsistent.

 

[henrus]

Yeh I'm a little bit confused as recent flights have had Sky Priority printed on it despite not being booked on a QF flight number. It seems Qantas has either given incorrect advice or has no idea about their partnership.

I always thought the AF/KL benefits were clear cut (minus the baggage which continues to be a problem).

QF Gold/Plat (and above) get SkyPriority on their boarding pass regardless of if it's booked with a QF/AF or KL flight number. SkyPriority comes with priority check in, boarding, baggage and in select airports security screening (the last only where branded for SkyPriority). This has always been my experience with it.

Additionally there should be one extra checked including on light fares 23kg in Economy/Premium and 32kg in Business/First and access to some upfront seating. This is what's on paper however from everyones experience this doesn't seem to be the case.

Finally lounge access. It's really simple and the only thing that seems to be correct. AF Lounge in Paris but only when flying AF on a QF code, KL Lounge in Amsterdam but only when flying KL on a QF code and finally QF lounges in SIN/HKG when flying AF/KL on a QF code.

 

[Port Power]

As someone who is QF Platinum but lives in AMS and has tested this a few times (via phone calls to both airlines prior and at a the counter), sadly you will not get KLM Lounge access nor additional baggage with KLM flights even with your QFF added. There are only 2 lounges in AMS - KLM & Aspire (BA Lounge closed back in 2020) so even with a QF or Emirates flight you end up in the very average Aspire Lounge. These days I purchase my own breakfast vs going to the lounge if that gives you some idea of the quality there!!! The benefits you do get are Priority boarding, but thankfully AMS security has improved since the horror waits of 2022 so I find the Priority queue is the exact same timing as standard. All in all only decent benefit is QFF points.

Also, forgot to add exact same experience with AF flights.

I did get extra luggage though, flying classic reward on a KLM flight number out of AMS to BLL. Also on return, both flights in Y. The AMS check in staff absolutely acknowledged the relationship, even pointing out “priority“ printed on my boarding pass. I didn’t bother with lounge access.

 

[Port Power]

You’ve not checked out the new OW lounge then? Although not relevant flying KLM - even with a QF code.

First look: Oneworld opens new Amsterdam Lounge

The new lounge at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport comes as the alliance marks its 25th year.

www.executivetraveller.com

I’ll check out the lounge, too. I am flying out of AMS on Emirates with a QF flight number (really, truly this time) but will look in before heading to, I presume, the Emirates Lounge.

 

[Port Power]

Yeh I'm a little bit confused as recent flights have had Sky Priority printed on it despite not being booked on a QF flight number. It seems Qantas has either given incorrect advice or has no idea about their partnership.

I always thought the AF/KL benefits were clear cut (minus the baggage which continues to be a problem).

QF Gold/Plat (and above) get SkyPriority on their boarding pass regardless of if it's booked with a QF/AF or KL flight number. SkyPriority comes with priority check in, boarding, baggage and in select airports security screening (the last only where branded for SkyPriority). This has always been my experience with it.

Additionally there should be one extra checked including on light fares 23kg in Economy/Premium and 32kg in Business/First and access to some upfront seating. This is what's on paper however from everyones experience this doesn't seem to be the case.

Finally lounge access. It's really simple and the only thing that seems to be correct. AF Lounge in Paris but only when flying AF on a QF code, KL Lounge in Amsterdam but only when flying KL on a QF code and finally QF lounges in SIN/HKG when flying AF/KL on a QF code.

On my previous flight (KLM AMS-BLL), everything went smoothly and as advertised. I will report back on the AMS-HAM and HAM-AMS flights in June once flown.

 

[jase05]

I’ll check out the lounge, too. I am flying out of AMS on Emirates with a QF flight number (really, truly this time) but will look in before heading to, I presume, the Emirates Lounge.

Don’t Emirates use that ordinary Aspire lounge in AMS?

 

[Port Power]

Don’t Emirates use that ordinary Aspire lounge in AMS?

If that’s the case, I might stay in the Oneworld Lounge.

 

[Danger]

We asked Qantas if Qantas Frequent Flyer status benefits like additional baggage and priority check-in still apply when flying KLM/Air France. They're now telling us that these benefits only apply when booked on a QF codeshare flight.

You can see the response from Qantas here:

Qantas Status Benefits on KLM: Only on Codeshares?

The Qantas website states that Gold and Platinum frequent flyers receive additional benefits flying KLM, but it seems this only applies on codeshare flights.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

So we've been misled all along. Imagine my surprise!

Multiple online articles, however, suggest Qantas is just ******* us once again.

Based on all of these data points, the only conclusion I can come to is that this partnership is still incredibly inconsistent.

Which is entirely consistent with the coughshow that is Qantas.

 

[SYD]

I’ll check out the lounge, too. I am flying out of AMS on Emirates with a QF flight number (really, truly this time) but will look in before heading to, I presume, the Emirates Lounge.

Alas, I doubt an EK flight even booked as QF will get you into the OW lounge unfortunately.

 

[AIRwin]

Another option to CDG and beyond?

This winter, Air France will inaugurate a new non-stop service between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Manila

This winter, Air France will inaugurate a new non-stop service between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Manila

corporate.airfrance.com

 

[JW]

Another data pt, KLM with QF flight number denied access to KLM (cos' not klm) and Oneworld (not one world airline - qf flight number made not difference to lounge dragon's) lounges. (excuses given) Have been to the same oneworld lounge previously on identical tkt.

For me personally, thats it as I cannot be assed to take a chance when one needs to grab a quick shower etc before a long flight.

How difficult is this its been several years to iron out any kinks?

 

[Port Power]

Lounge access if flying Y was never part of the deal. Extra luggage according to status was the main advantage. If you have been able to access a KLM lounge previously, you were lucky.

 

[RealtimeY]

It looks like it should have been allowed

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/qantas-experience/network-and-partner-airlines/klm-airlines.html#lounge-access

 

[SYD]

Another data pt, KLM with QF flight number denied access to KLM (cos' not klm) and Oneworld (not one world airline - qf flight number made not difference to lounge dragon's) lounges. (excuses given) Have been to the same oneworld lounge previously on identical tkt.

For me personally, thats it as I cannot be assed to take a chance when one needs to grab a quick shower etc before a long flight.

How difficult is this its been several years to iron out any kinks?

What class of travel? and QF status do you hold?

 

[Mattg]

Another data pt, KLM with QF flight number denied access to KLM (cos' not klm) and Oneworld (not one world airline - qf flight number made not difference to lounge dragon's) lounges. (excuses given) Have been to the same oneworld lounge previously on identical tkt.

For me personally, thats it as I cannot be assed to take a chance when one needs to grab a quick shower etc before a long flight.

How difficult is this its been several years to iron out any kinks?

Was this in Amsterdam? If so, don't the KLM lounges there have automated entry gates?

You should have been allowed in, assuming you have QF status and were on an eligible flight etc., but I understand that if the lounge dragons don't know the rules, there's not much you can do.

 

[05flyer]

Wondering if anybody has experience adding their QFF number to a KLM booking?

Made a booking today. Entered QFF number during booking process. However, I can't spot anywhere in the MMB or on the e-ticket that acknowledges the number being linked to the booking.

I've tried re-entering the number in MMB (see attached image), but still can't find anything to indicate that the number has actually been linked afterwards.

 

[aussieinams]

Wondering if anybody has experience adding their QFF number to a KLM booking?

Made a booking today. Entered QFF number during booking process. However, I can't spot anywhere in the MMB or on the e-ticket that acknowledges the number being linked to the booking.

I've tried re-entering the number in MMB (see attached image), but still can't find anything to indicate that the number has actually been linked afterwards.

Oh yes, the KLM system always does this so it appears to disappear. I always do it a few times and it seems to add priority boarding benefit and no issue with the points coming through.

Now Iberia, that has been my challenge this week! Nightmare of hours online and 4 phone calls in an attempt to get my QFF added… will report back today if it was actually added.

 

[Port Power]

Wondering if anybody has experience adding their QFF number to a KLM booking?

Made a booking today. Entered QFF number during booking process. However, I can't spot anywhere in the MMB or on the e-ticket that acknowledges the number being linked to the booking.

I've tried re-entering the number in MMB (see attached image), but still can't find anything to indicate that the number has actually been linked afterwards.

KLM is not a code share, so you cannot add your QFF number. It is a reciprocal arrangement. If you are flying certain routes, Qantas will use KLM for a leg such as Amsterdam to Hamburg for instance, and then back to a Oneworld carrier for the rest of the itinerary. For WP members, status is recognised in that we would be given the extra baggage allowance (but not lounge entry) if flying Y.

NB I have always booked through the call centre and never online. I usually book with FF points.