QF/EK FF benefits revealed

[geordieladinoz]

Interesting that my parents and brother have just booked return flights from NCL-DXB-SYD in June/July this year for our wedding. Just paid a visit to their bookings and there is a mixture of H and S booking class. I had been holding them off booking the flights until the announcement and it now appears that the S fare will not classify for FF points? That is a little sneaky and unexpected!

NCL-DXB flights are EK coded and DXB-SYD are QF coded. As I cannot get hold of their status credits I was not too fussed about the mix of EK/QF as I was expecting all to receive FF points.

They said that they clicked on the ticket type when booking and it said points earned would be at Discount Economy rate. Is it worth giving Qantas a call to find out what is going on?

I think I may have answered my own question after not paying attention properly - D'oh!

The H and S fares are on QF coded flights and therefore looking at the QF point earn they receive 0.5 points per mile from DXB-SYD.
Their bookings on the EK coded flights do not show a fare classification so I am unable to check on the EK point earn table. Would anyone know how to find out the fare class if it is not on the booking?

 

[Ken1]

For us it is more about travelling lighter on the outbound journey and when returning from the UK or US stock up with additional items, e.g. clothes and presents as it is a once a year exercise. I'm sure we are not the only ones, especially what used to be another additional allowance coming from the US.

We're the same - we try to travel as light as possible when leaving Australia and we like to do a lot of shopping while away. I also travel with a lot of photography equipment, including a tripod that is not light so it is not easy to keep to 23kg on the return trips after shopping overseas. I was pleased when Qantas introduced the piece system last May and am very disappointed to see it change again.

It's the excess baggage charges I'm most upset with. Even if travelling in Y with an allowance of 23kg you could purchase an extra 23kg bag for $90 online before the flight but now they will be charging $210 per 5kg excess so if you have an extra 20kg that will be $840 compared with $90!

When choosing an airline to fly with I consider the excess baggage charges and prefer to fly with one that charges excess by the piece. We flew several trips to Europe with BA before QF moved to the piece system last May because of the 3 x 32kg for J policy compared with QF's old 30kg and $50 per kg excess charges. On our most recent trip to Europe last September/October we flew to LHR with CX (with a 30kg allowance) and returned with QF with the 3 x 32 allowance and we had two bags each, each weighing between 24 and 27 kg. With these changes we'll probably fly to and from Europe with BA in the future.

 

[medhead]

I think I may have answered my own question after not paying attention properly - D'oh!

The H and S fares are on QF coded flights and therefore looking at the QF point earn they receive 0.5 points per mile from DXB-SYD.
Their bookings on the EK coded flights do not show a fare classification so I am unable to check on the EK point earn table. Would anyone know how to find out the fare class if it is not on the booking?

Pretty sure that QF coded flights earn 1 point per mile as per the QF earning table.

You can find the fare code using checkmytrip.com. That's not the problem as I mentioned in my previous post.

 

[geordieladinoz]

I have a very similar sounding problem with my mum's booking. Did they book via the qantas website? Mum did and her one EK flight is listed as 'S'. However, that is the qantas fare not the EK fare. I think.

I've found out the EK booking reference using checkmytrip. But the EK website won't give up a fare class. Any suggestions on how to get that info?

Thanks medhead, I was typing my own response to my own stupidity as you answered. As you say, S if for the QF coded flights but same problem of obtaining the fare class for the EK flight. I'm presuming it will just be a Discount Economy one but just want to make sure they do earn rather than finding out after the event.

 

[geordieladinoz]

Pretty sure that QF coded flights earn 1 point per mile as per the QF earning table.

You can find the fare code using checkmytrip.com. That's not the problem as I mentioned in my previous post.

Think I need to go for a lie down, it has been a long day and the Kiwis knocking the white ball about in the T20 is distracting me. Looking forward to the England reply though, maybe they could get 250 on this pitch.

 

[simongr]

What a let down !

No SC at all on EK numbered flights

See media release

This is not a surprise but for me is the biggest issue I have with this arrangement. If QF codeshares on EK are reasonable then this is a non-issue but if there is a significant premium (ignoring the current pricing anomalies whilst things are sorted) then I wont be flying EK or QF code - I will be flying CX or BA.

 

[medhead]

Thanks medhead, I was typing my own response to my own stupidity as you answered. As you say, S if for the QF coded flights but same problem of obtaining the fare class for the EK flight. I'm presuming it will just be a Discount Economy one but just want to make sure they do earn rather than finding out after the event.

I'm going to try the other GDS with the emirates reference to see if anything useful comes up.

Edit: can't find anything useful.

 

[ajw373]

This is not a surprise but for me is the biggest issue I have with this arrangement. If QF codeshares on EK are reasonable then this is a non-issue but if there is a significant premium (ignoring the current pricing anomalies whilst things are sorted) then I wont be flying EK or QF code - I will be flying CX or BA.

Based on what I've seen it looks like the Qantas codeshares booked through Qantas.com are if anything cheaper than through Emirates. But must admit I am looking at economy, not business or first.

 

[BindiBratz]

A question for Red Roo

Currently Emirates offer the following:
In addition to your checked baggage allowance, you may also check in one set of golf clubs and one pair of golf shoes free of charge in any class of service on any Emirates flight.

Are there any plans for QF to match this allowance?

cheers
otis

Something I was interested in as well . . . this is the reference I have found

58.Will Qantas be changing its international baggage policy?
[FONT=QF Spirit,QF Spirit][FONT=QF Spirit,QF Spirit]As a result of the partnership with Emirates, Qantas will align its international ticketed checked baggage allowances as well as the additional Frequent Flyer and Qantas Club allowances to that of Emirates for all international flights between and within Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Australia. Subject to regulatory approvals, regardless of whether you travel on Qantas or Emirates on these services, your overall baggage allowance will be the same (with the exception of sporting goods and infant allowances).
[/FONT][/FONT]

 

[Red Roo]

The baggage allowance is aligned with the exception of sporting goods and infant allowances.
So when traveling on EK your golf bag and shoes will be in addition to your checked baggage and on QF, they will be part of your checked baggage allowance.

A question for Red Roo

Currently Emirates offer the following:
In addition to your checked baggage allowance, you may also check in one set of golf clubs and one pair of golf shoes free of charge in any class of service on any Emirates flight.

Are there any plans for QF to match this allowance?

cheers
otis

 

[legroom]

Initial thoughts:.... So basically, no QF earn on any EK flight that doesnt have a QF codeshare AND you must be ticketed as the codeshare...

We all know what that means.

A (much) higher QF ticket price for the same EK flights !

 

[Red Roo]

Initial thoughts:

Frankly, I am disappointed it isn't a true like for like on the QF flight numbers or the EK flight numbers. So basically, no QF earn on any EK flight that doesnt have a QF codeshare AND you must be ticketed as the codeshare. So much for full alignment.

I think this has been commented on, but to be clear, when flying with:
- QF flight number on your ticket you will earn base points, status bonus, cabin bonus, status credits and minimum points guarentee
- EK flight number on your ticket you will earn base points and cabin bonus
for more info see Frequent Flyer - Earning Points - Fly - Airline Partners

 

[blackcat20]

Going back to baggage (because I do like to shop) my flight home is part EK (code and metal) and part QF (code and metal)...because I've already booked I don't get the extra allowance on Qantas, but wouldn't it have to match my EK leg allowance?

 

[YQY]

I don't see any mention of access for children.

I know it's often at the discretion of whoever is on the door, but I liked the fact that with QF it was a published benefit so I was sure beforehand that as a family we would all be admited.

Does anybody know whether the 'one guest' means that children will or will not be admitted to EK lounges in addition to the one guest.

Bump - Red Roo - what is the children policy in EK Lounges. Are children under 18 considered guests in EK Lounges? Is there any alignment with the Qantas policy for children in Lounges?

 

[Kaldemir]

I thought the BA access for QF Club members was linked to the JSA - so it makes sense that this will end when the JSA terminates. I don't think it indicates a broader rift. Given AA and EK are in discussions about an alliance, perhaps it just made sense to use AA rather than BA?? Speculation on my part, of course.

Eligibility and Access to The Qantas Club Lounges | Qantas
The updated page still lists access to BA lounges when flying to Australia on BA via Asia

 

[Kelstarama]

I assume that "no reciprocal lounge access in .... South Africa" applies only to QF/EK code shares? And that SAA/QF code shares won't be affected?

 

[Kaldemir]

We're the same - we try to travel as light as possible when leaving Australia and we like to do a lot of shopping while away. I also travel with a lot of photography equipment, including a tripod that is not light so it is not easy to keep to 23kg on the return trips after shopping overseas. I was pleased when Qantas introduced the piece system last May and am very disappointed to see it change again.

It's the excess baggage charges I'm most upset with. Even if travelling in Y with an allowance of 23kg you could purchase an extra 23kg bag for $90 online before the flight but now they will be charging $210 per 5kg excess so if you have an extra 20kg that will be $840 compared with $90!

When choosing an airline to fly with I consider the excess baggage charges and prefer to fly with one that charges excess by the piece. We flew several trips to Europe with BA before QF moved to the piece system last May because of the 3 x 32kg for J policy compared with QF's old 30kg and $50 per kg excess charges. On our most recent trip to Europe last September/October we flew to LHR with CX (with a 30kg allowance) and returned with QF with the 3 x 32 allowance and we had two bags each, each weighing between 24 and 27 kg. With these changes we'll probably fly to and from Europe with BA in the future.

Alan Joyce had said they had agreed to make the higher benefit their standard. He obviously wasn't talking about benefiting the passengers. Qantas will cash in much more for excess luggage.. very beneficial to AJ

 

[eosphoros]

I think that the weight baggage system is the higher benefit. Honestly... I have never managed more than 20kg in one piece of luggage. All in all, a great result!

 

[medhead]

Think I need to go for a lie down, it has been a long day and the Kiwis knocking the white ball about in the T20 is distracting me. Looking forward to the England reply though, maybe they could get 250 on this pitch.

Manage my booking on the British Airways website gave me a different answer for the EK flight. S became V, which is an earning fare in the qantas earning table for emirates.

 

[geordieladinoz]

Manage my booking on the British Airways website gave me a different answer for the EK flight. S became V, which is an earning fare in the qantas earning table for emirates.

Good to know medhead, I would expect this will be the same for my folks and the 0.5 points per mile NCL-DXB. 3 lots of approx. 18,500 points will give me a nice JASA option somewhere along the line thanks to good old family transfer.

Thanks for the checkmytrip.com link too, very useful site I had not previously seen before. Still learning something new every day on AFF!