QF Gold not allowed access to EK Sydney lounge [flights to USA]

[ICUDr]

So if flying to NZ on QF with a QF flight number, could a SG or J pax access the EK lounge?

Yes they could.

I was flying BNE - AKL on QF J. I had a QF ticket but my gf (who decided to tag along quite late) had an EK J ticket. (it was QF metal)

We walked in at EK BNE Intl, I showed my boarding pass (I'm SG and had a J ticket) and immidiately I was told that couldn't use the EK lounge and that we had to go to the QF lounge, we then showed her my gf's boarding pass (EK J, she doesn't have status with QF) and we were them allowed in.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I was flying BNE - AKL on QF J. I had a QF ticket but my gf (who decided to tag along quite late) had an EK J ticket. (it was QF metal)

We walked in at EK BNE Intl, I showed my boarding pass (I'm SG and had a J ticket) and immidiately I was told that couldn't use the EK lounge and that we had to go to the QF lounge, we then showed her my gf's boarding pass (EK J, she doesn't have status with QF) and we were them allowed in.

The lounge staff were incorrect in refusing you access.

 

[eminere]

I've been denied access to the EK AKL lounge a couple of times now on the basis that the lounge was at capacity, and told to go to the QF lounge instead (as a QF Plat travelling in economy on a QF marketed and operated flight). Of course, without being able to actually step into the lounge to have a look it is impossible to verify the veracity of the claim of full occupancy.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

The lounge staff were incorrect in refusing you access.

I've been denied access to the EK AKL lounge a couple of times now on the basis that the lounge was at capacity, and told to go to the QF lounge instead (as a QF Plat travelling in economy on a QF marketed and operated flight). Of course, without being able to actually step into the lounge to have a look it is impossible to verify the veracity of the claim of full occupancy.

The easiest way to figure it out is to ask yourself "would the marked carrier pay the lounge provider I'm attempting to enter?"

EK may have simply been trying to protect their own interests. Lounges are serious business.

 

[ajw373]

Chalk and cheese. QF basement, no windows, crowded, lack of staff, poor food. EK... well... chandeliers and unicorns. Almost.

Doesn't BA have the unicorns? Hmm actually no they have those horses with lamp shades coming out of their heads.

 

[NZ_Flyer]

My experience at AKL and SYD is that you do need to be quite assertive to get into the EK lounges otherwise they'll just send you packing to the QF lounge - sometimes bothering to make up an excuse.

 

[mushez]

I've been denied access to the EK AKL lounge a couple of times now on the basis that the lounge was at capacity, and told to go to the QF lounge instead (as a QF Plat travelling in economy on a QF marketed and operated flight). Of course, without being able to actually step into the lounge to have a look it is impossible to verify the veracity of the claim of full occupancy.

You don't have to look far to read how much of a zoo the EK AKL lounge was prior to the major reschedule of flights earlier this year. 3 A380 flights departing within 60 minutes of each other.

You might find it different now. Then QF lounge is very empty at times EK lounge is open in AKL.

 

[JessicaTam]

I've been denied access to the EK AKL lounge a couple of times now on the basis that the lounge was at capacity, and told to go to the QF lounge instead (as a QF Plat travelling in economy on a QF marketed and operated flight). Of course, without being able to actually step into the lounge to have a look it is impossible to verify the veracity of the claim of full occupancy.

I have had that reason for refusal in the past in AKL.

 

[RoMambai]

Apologies for resurrecting an old thread but I'm hoping it will answer my question:

I'm a Skywards Gold member but only Qantas Silver. I'm flying SYD - DPS next week on QF43 in Y which I booked under my QF membership to make the most of the recent double points offer.

My question is will I have access to a lounge at SYD and if so which one? I've researched this question but I'm struggling to get clarity.

Thanks.

 

[eminere]

Apologies for resurrecting an old thread but I'm hoping it will answer my question:

I'm an Skywards Gold member but only Qantas Silver. I'm flying SYD - DPS next week on QF43 in Y which I booked under my QF membership to make the most of the recent double points offer.

My question is will I have access to a lounge at SYD and if so which one? I've researched this question but I'm struggling to get clarity.

Thanks.

Lounge access will be by virtue of your Skywards Gold status and you'll be eligible to access both the Qantas International Business and the Emirates lounge (assuming it is open at the time of your flight).

 

[serfty]

Note that Qantas may wish to enforce their rule in relation to crediting program:

^ Lounge access eligibility is based on the class of travel, Qantas club membership or the Frequent Flyer Membership tier for your next onward flight.

 

[Andyzx]

I am flying QF09 in May to LHR via PER. I am in J with a QF reference and silver status.
Currently EK code share QF flights ex Melb.
Can anyone offer advice as to being able to access the EK lounge which sounds better than the MEL QF intl J lounge or am i wrong in that.

 

[RoMambai]

Note that Qantas may wish to enforce their rule in relation to crediting program:

Thanks Serfty. That provision doesn't fill me with confidence. Do you think I'll be able to get into the EK lounge (which I understand is open)?

 

[BD1959]

I am flying QF09 in May to LHR via PER. I am in J with a QF reference and silver status.
Currently EK code share QF flights ex Melb.
Can anyone offer advice as to being able to access the EK lounge which sounds better than the MEL QF intl J lounge or am i wrong in that.

Hi Andyzx,

According to this Emirates Access Page, yes you would have access to the Emirates Lounge (assuming it is open at the time QF9 departs - and given the number of EK departures, why wouldn't it be?).

Quote: 6. Eligible Emirates Flights include Emirates marketed and operated flights and Emirates codeshare flights operated by Qantas.

And - yes - the Emirates Lounge is way better than the QF Business Lounge at MEL.

Regards,

BD

 

[Andyzx]

Hi Andyzx,

According to this Emirates Access Page, yes you would have access to the Emirates Lounge (assuming it is open at the time QF9 departs - and given the number of EK departures, why wouldn't it be?).

Quote: 6. Eligible Emirates Flights include Emirates marketed and operated flights and Emirates codeshare flights operated by Qantas.

And - yes - the Emirates Lounge is way better than the QF Business Lounge at MEL.

Regards,

BD

Thanks BD the reason i ask is this, as its a new route for QF and they don't appear to code share on it but have done QF9 in the past via DBX. I am probably hopeful I will get into the EK lounge as last time I was their it was very nice. Thanks Andy

 

[DrJ]

The last time I went through SYD int as a SG I had no dramas at all accessing the EK lounge - in fact the dragon was fully apologetic that the lounge would be closing well before my flight left! Still plenty of time for a far superior to QF J lounge buffet breakfast and a Moët or 3. A nice consolation prize for missing the FLounge by one flight.

 

[Paulsyd]

My understanding from both here, the EK and QF websites as wells as AusBT articles suggest that as a QF SG flying on QF (QF11 to be specific) should have had access to the EK lounge in Sydney.

Not the case this morning. Despite the dragon not being able to show me anything to this, they refused to let me in.

From EK's website at Frequently asked questions | Help Centre | Emirates Australia



After much discussion with the dragon, she assured me the EK website specifically said it excludes QF flights to the US. She couldn't find it but said by the time I get to the QF lounge she would email them and they could show me. The QF dragon at the lounge said the QF website also said as much. The proof I was provided with was this

From QF I was directed to this page Lounge Locations | Australia | Sydney International | International Business with the following highlighted



and from EK Skywards Programme Rules | Emirates Skywards | Emirates highlighting



Now in my mind none of that says I cannot access the EK lounge and thought the general customer experience from both airlines was disgraceful.

And just to add, the QF J lounge was a complete zoo and a disgrace. It was so busy they opened up into the area where the escalator goes up to the F lounge so people could sit there!

 

[Paulsyd]

I think you should use the lounge of the airline you are flying, crowd control is the first thing I can think of, if everyone went to the one lounge would you be happy or just another complaint that the lounge is crowded.It also could come down to one may close as their last flight has left and the lounges are open for departing flights.I just get tired of people travelling and complaining of a first world problems.
We all need to remember travelling is a luxury.If you don't like the lounge sit in the terminal, I think you may then appreciate a lounge.
The last point is the airline on charges gust of another airline for using their lounge.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I think you should use the lounge of the airline you are flying, crowd control is the first thing I can think of, if everyone went to the one lounge would you be happy or just another complaint that the lounge is crowded.It also could come down to one may close as their last flight has left and the lounges are open for departing flights.I just get tired of people travelling and complaining of a first world problems.
We all need to remember travelling is a luxury.If you don't like the lounge sit in the terminal, I think you may then appreciate a lounge.
The last point is the airline on charges gust of another airline for using their lounge.

There is a reason why people choose the EK lounge over QF's business class offerings though. If QF/EK want to protect lounges from overcrowding, QF needs to improve their lounges. The MEL international lounge is actually not all that pleasant. Better than the terminal? In the sense you can get free drinks and leave your bag while you go to the loo, yes. But otherwise not really.

 

[Daver6]

I think you should use the lounge of the airline you are flying, crowd control is the first thing I can think of, if everyone went to the one lounge would you be happy or just another complaint that the lounge is crowded.It also could come down to one may close as their last flight has left and the lounges are open for departing flights.I just get tired of people travelling and complaining of a first world problems.
We all need to remember travelling is a luxury.If you don't like the lounge sit in the terminal, I think you may then appreciate a lounge.
The last point is the airline on charges gust of another airline for using their lounge.

If you're tired of hearing complaints about first world problems, then I'd suggest this forum might not be for you

In this specific case, I was mistaken about my rights. If the options are there, people are entitled to choose whichever lounge suits them best. If the airlines don't want this happening, they need to change their lounge access rules, especially if the cost for them is too much of an imposition. Airlines look after themselves just as I look after myself and will choose the best option that I'm entitled to.

Travelling isn't a luxury all the time. Often it is part of a job as was the case on this particular trip which involved flying Y from PER to the US. Hardly luxurious! Please don't make assumptions.