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

[serfty]

but in hindsight, the ticket stock really doesn't make a difference as to FF benefits.

Generally this is correct, but, while not specifically relevant to this thread, a decade ago to get the higher level Airpoints status with AirNZ you need 67% of your status earn to be on AirNZ ticketed (and marketed) flights.

 

[QFflyermelbourne]

Just to add to the anecdotes, I booked a reward flight inter Europe with KLM last month. I had no trouble putting in my QF number but selecting a seat proved tricky until online check in. At the airport though my BP printed with Sky priority and I was afforded express queues etc. I had already read I wouldn't get lounge access so didn't push my luck on that. Was only checking one bag but no questions or issues about charging me for it.

When I get to the gate (and went to board with group 1 which was also printed on BP) it beeped and I had been moved to exit row with shadow. Very pleasant and nice surprise.

So it must all count for something.

 

[defurax]

I noticed today that with my QFF membership number in the booking I was able to select standard seats for free on KL website more than 72 hours before departure which is a benefit usually enjoyed by Flying Blue Platinum (or equivalent). Also when requesting a copy of the itinerary by email it now shows my QFF number below the ticket number. So it seems KL/AF have updated their IT so QFF members with status can enjoy some benefits of the partnership before checking in.

 

[Tiki]

I used Flying Blue miles to redeem BNE-LAX on QF Y award. I have been gifted a lounge pass and it seems I need my QFF number to be attached to the booking. I can't figure out how to do this, The frequent flyer information on Flying Blue is greyed out to my FB account, I can't change it.

It shows up on my Qantas app as QF 15 and the lounge invitation also is there but I can't figure out how to link it so I can get into the lounge. Anyone know how to do this?

 

[SYD]

I used Flying Blue miles to redeem BNE-LAX on QF Y award. I have been gifted a lounge pass and it seems I need my QFF number to be attached to the booking. I can't figure out how to do this, The frequent flyer information on Flying Blue is greyed out to my FB account, I can't change it.

It shows up on my Qantas app as QF 15 and the lounge invitation also is there but I can't figure out how to link it so I can get into the lounge. Anyone know how to do this?

I assume QF MMB doesn’t let you change FF details? You could try another OW airline website - maybe RJ.com or BA?

 

[Tiki]

Just tried, neither of them have the frequent flyer field available to edit. Just contact and document details. Maybe because Air France is not a OneWorld member? They are a partner of QF.

 

[defurax]

Have you tried calling Qantas? I know that Flying Blue can add 2 frequent flyer numbers to a redemption booking (FQTR for the account used to redeem the miles and FQTS for the account with status benefits). I did that once on a FB reward ticket on AF to add my Alitalia number. The reward ticket had been booked for me from the account of a family member, but I wanted to use the benefits of my elite status with Alitalia for the flight, so the Air France agent on the phone was able to input my Alitatlia number in the FQTS field. Sadly, I believe QF system does not discriminate between these fields, so a single FF number must be used. So I assume only QF can help you here.

 

[Tiki]

The problem has finally been solved. Qantas can't do anything, the first person I called even "accidentally" disconnected me because it was "too hard" forcing me to call back and wait on hold a few times before I gave up.

Then I called Air France and they were able to remove the Flying Blue number and link the QF number which required preceding it with 00 as my number is only 7 digits and it wasn't matching their fields. It finally worked and I was able to link the lounge invitation so all is well.

 

[Danger]

Did we ever get to the bottom of the what the "Extra checked baggage allowance" actually is for QFF members on KLM and Air France?

My latest attempt saw me (platinum) told by a Cape Town agent that for a Qantas award ticket CDG-AMS in Y, I'd get three pieces at 32kg each, which is absolutely absurd considering Qantas doesn't even provide that when travelling on Qantas.

 

[Danger]

I spun the Wheel of Random Responses with the Suva call centre (I haven't had Hobart in over a dozen calls). Apparently, as an Emerald, I'd receive one extra piece because, you know, KLM and Air France are members of oneworld.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I spun the Wheel of Random Responses with the Suva call centre (I haven't had Hobart in over a dozen calls). Apparently, as an Emerald, I'd receive one extra piece because, you know, KLM and Air France are members of oneworld.

Philosophically that is a correct response. All airlines are part of OneWorld in the sense that they all traverse just one world.

 

[Thibault]

Did we ever get to the bottom of the what the "Extra checked baggage allowance" actually is for QFF members on KLM and Air France?

My latest attempt saw me (platinum) told by a Cape Town agent that for a Qantas award ticket CDG-AMS in Y, I'd get three pieces at 32kg each, which is absolutely absurd considering Qantas doesn't even provide that when travelling on Qantas.

I find it interesting that QF elites get an extra allowance on AF/KL flights - however, AF elites get nil on QF-operated sectors.

EDIT - Flying Blue elites do apparently have an extra piece of luggage, however, I was denied twice on QF domestic services this year so that might be relatively new or new processes (?).

 

[TheDefenestrator]

In case it hasn't already been mentioned elsewhere:
*Please note: as of 1 April 2024, XP and Elite bonuses will no longer be credited on flights marketed and operated by non-SkyTeam airline partners.

Flying Blue

www.flyingblue.com

 

[defurax]

I don't know if this is a known issue. I had some AF and KL flights recently and when checking in with the AF app my BP did not show the SkyPriority red square, while the KL app BP did show SkyPriority. I ended up getting priority on AF anyway as I bought an upgrade at an airport kiosk, but just curious if people have had similar experiences. I know my QFF number was in the booking as it showed on the kiosk screen.

 

[Danger]

I've given up and cancelled the leg.

Before doing so, I tried another couple of times to get someone with an ounce of knowledge, but I kept getting Suva.

Three days ago, nearing the end of my patience, I enquired what the refund would be if I cancelled just the CDG-AMS Y sector, which is part of an itinerary of 10-odd flights across multiple airlines. For some inexplicable reason, there'd be an additional charge of $35. I paid EUR99 in taxes for that standalone CDG-AMS leg in Y several months ago. Yes, the taxes across the entire itinerary could well have changed, but I don't think they would have gone up that much. I pushed for an explanation. The best she could give me (and she seemed to believe it) was that in removing that single sector, my ticket will now show I have a stopover in CDG. I pointed out to her that it's already a stopover, the previous flight being four days prior and then next one being three days after. It meant nothing. I told her to leave it as is.

I called back the next day. Again, Suva. This time, if I cancelled, I'd be entitled to a $35 refund. That's quite the change in taxes in 24 hours. I didn't proceed. It was the weekend and I was in a gambling mood. Could I possibly get more if I spun the Wheel of Random Responses a third time?

And so I've just got off the phone. Suva again, of course. I'd had a wine with dinner so I began by asking what would the platinum extra baggage allowance would be on that sector. Long hold. Now, apparently, the platinum benefit only applies on QF-coded flights operated by AF and KLM. After much back and forth, the agent also agreed to waive the points penalty to change the reservation by cancelling just that sector. What would I get back in taxes? Today's response: $204.50. I decided to take it. A couple hundred back when I paid circa $135 for and 72 hours ago was faced with paying an extra $35 sounded good to me.

Now let's see how long the refund takes.

 

[Jacques Vert]

I've given up and cancelled the leg.

Before doing so, I tried another couple of times to get someone with an ounce of knowledge, but I kept getting Suva.

Three days ago, nearing the end of my patience, I enquired what the refund would be if I cancelled just the CDG-AMS Y sector, which is part of an itinerary of 10-odd flights across multiple airlines. For some inexplicable reason, there'd be an additional charge of $35. I paid EUR99 in taxes for that standalone CDG-AMS leg in Y several months ago. Yes, the taxes across the entire itinerary could well have changed, but I don't think they would have gone up that much. I pushed for an explanation. The best she could give me (and she seemed to believe it) was that in removing that single sector, my ticket will now show I have a stopover in CDG. I pointed out to her that it's already a stopover, the previous flight being four days prior and then next one being three days after. It meant nothing. I told her to leave it as is.

I called back the next day. Again, Suva. This time, if I cancelled, I'd be entitled to a $35 refund. That's quite the change in taxes in 24 hours. I didn't proceed. It was the weekend and I was in a gambling mood. Could I possibly get more if I spun the Wheel of Random Responses a third time?

And so I've just got off the phone. Suva again, of course. I'd had a wine with dinner so I began by asking what would the platinum extra baggage allowance would be on that sector. Long hold. Now, apparently, the platinum benefit only applies on QF-coded flights operated by AF and KLM. After much back and forth, the agent also agreed to waive the points penalty to change the reservation by cancelling just that sector. What would I get back in taxes? Today's response: $204.50. I decided to take it. A couple hundred back when I paid circa $135 for and 72 hours ago was faced with paying an extra $35 sounded good to me.

Now let's see how long the refund takes.

And Vanessa is only thinking about bringing back some of the call centre positions to Aus.

 

[Danger]

Things took an interesting turn today. I've added it to a different thread as it's not central to the topic of this one:

Article: Qantas Considers Bringing Call Centres Back to Australia

I find it definitely helps but not always. Not too long ago I had an agent in Cape Town sigh and snap at me "just read it out normally" when I used the phonetic alphabet to read out a booking reference... like geez I was just trying to make it easier. Not surprisingly the rest of the interaction...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[aussieinams]

I am Qantas PL and just chatted with KLM about the extra baggage and they advised, "I'm unable to determine the extra checked baggage provided by Qantas Airways. It's best to check with them to inform you accordingly. However, the checked baggage for KLM-operated flights should be up to 158 cm (length + width + height) including handles and wheels, and with a maximum weight of 23 kg." They advised me to contact Qantas who on their website state state, "Extra checked baggage allowance" with no description of what this means...

 

[simba24]

If it helps, I flew on Air France as a Silver Member and Extra Checked Baggage Allowance meant I was able to bring an extra piece of luggage up to 23kg. As I was on J it meant I could bring 3 bags instead of 2. I assume KLM would be similar.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Could I possibly get more if I spun the Wheel of Random Responses a third time?

And Vanessa is only thinking about bringing back some of the call centre positions to Aus.

It’s a real pity the new CEO’s name is Vanessa and not Vanna, as it would be fun watching that game show on ABC!