When do the First Hosts call? plus any tips for a F newbie?

[Andona]

We're only a couple of days away now from our much anticipated first flight in QF F. (SYD-DFW) I believe we can expect a call from the First host the day before? Do they usually call in the morning or is it pretty random?

I'm hoping to book a massage for myself but Mr Andona isn't interested in the spa (silly man, I think it would do him good!) but other than that I don't think we'll need anything. Do they generally just ring one half of a couple or can we both expect a call? ( just thought I could save them the bother of calling Mr Andona if they call me first)

I'd welcome any tips from the experts that will add to the experience I've selected seats based on the wealth of experience found here on the boards.

TIA
Andona

 

[N860CR]

I think it's pretty random times the day before. Don't expect much really. You can book a spa appointment and they'll tell you to expect a call from the limo company to confirm the time. They'll tell you to tell the driver to call the porters to come and get your bags, however my last driver didn't have a clue what I was talking about (and also managed to get lost in the Sydney intl terminal complex...)

 

[kermatu]

I've not done it - and as it is just the two of you it isn't really necessary - but I gather you can also reserve a table in the dining area. It will be busy so may be worthwhile. And if you book for immediately after your spa you'll have certainty of time. Grab a window seat if you do.

I may be wrong - but no harm in asking if you would like the certainty.

Enjoy the trip!

 

[Flying mermaid]

We're only a couple of days away now from our much anticipated first flight in QF F. (SYD-DFW) I believe we can expect a call from the First host the day before? Do they usually call in the morning or is it pretty random?

I'm hoping to book a massage for myself but Mr Andona isn't interested in the spa (silly man, I think it would do him good!) but other than that I don't think we'll need anything. Do they generally just ring one half of a couple or can we both expect a call? ( just thought I could save them the bother of calling Mr Andona if they call me first)

I'd welcome any tips from the experts that will add to the experience I've selected seats based on the wealth of experience found here on the boards.

TIA
Andona

in my experience they only call one person and fairly random - I am always the booking contact but they sometimes call Mr FM and sometimes me, which is actually quite annoying. Times are also fairly random. Mr FM very rarely has the Spa either

 

[VPS]

I got a call the day before and they were very polite - was now a convenient time to call - booked the spa - didn't mention anything about reserving a table - also was on a connecting flight and they didn't mention porters in Adelaide (huh - that would be the day)

 

[RichardMEL]

I think it's pretty random times the day before. Don't expect much really. You can book a spa appointment and they'll tell you to expect a call from the limo company to confirm the time. They'll tell you to tell the driver to call the porters to come and get your bags, however my last driver didn't have a clue what I was talking about (and also managed to get lost in the Sydney intl terminal complex...)

There's no CD (ie limo) for SYD-DFW

that aside, they tend to call yes at differing times during the day prior to a F flight. My experiencs is that it's roughly 24 hours - ie: for a morning flight they'll call the morning before, if it's evening, then the afternoon of the day before. I suspect it's basically in order of flight departure time as they fill up their schedule.

I must say the last time I did it at MEL it was the same host at check in who had called, and when she'd called she'd asked several times about a massage which I declined. at checkin "Are you *sure* you don't want a spa treatment?" it was quite sweet I felt.

They usually confirm what time you intend to show up at check-in too ("What time can we expect you at the airport?") - not too sure why, but that's something they also do - at MEL anyway.

I will be expecting a call in a couple of weeks myself

 

[chooms]

Agree with previous posts - random times called. On any of our F flights SYD-LAX they have called the day before, but at different times. They have also mixed it up as to who they called - sometimes it would be me, other times it was MrsChooms.

We have always used airport transfer from T3-T1 in Sydney for these flights, so no question of arrival time (due to us usually doing BNE-SYD-LAX).

Tell Mr Andona from one former anti-spa treatment male to another: it is worth trying it. I don't get the facials or anything, just a normal back massage. It is quite relaxing and even if it is to get in and see the rooms with the plant walls (I still find them fascinating).

All the best for the trip and enjoy QF F!

 

[travs]

I'm not a spa guy, but got a facial last trip. it was nice and a good way to relax. It was very refreshing. I recommend it.

As for other strategies, there's a big long thread on what to do that I read before my maiden flight earlier this month.

One pro tip: save your drinking for the plane. Unless the lounge has something in a decanter, you'll get better on board. Food? YMMV. I was truly disappointed with my QF 9 food, but it was nice to have a romantic window table at 35k feet.

 

[Andona]

Thanks everyone! Apparently they called Mr Andona around lunchtime and I'm booked in for my massage, but not sure what else they discussed. ( he REALLY could do with a massage, I'll pass on your advice thanks Chooms and Travs)

Andona

 

[docjames]

Is there a difference between reward F, paid F and upgrade F in the first host call?

Sadly i can't justify paying outright $$ for F (at this stage of my life!), but I do use points to upgrade J --> F and have never had a call (admittedly not the biggest sample of all time compared to others here).

But perhaps that's to do with the 24hr window thing? Does anyone know the answer to this?

 

[kermatu]

Is there a difference between reward F, paid F and upgrade F in the first host call?

Sadly i can't justify paying outright $$ for F (at this stage of my life!), but I do use points to upgrade J --> F and have never had a call (admittedly not the biggest sample of all time compared to others here).

But perhaps that's to do with the 24hr window thing? Does anyone know the answer to this?

I have been called when on reward seats.

As far as I know there is no difference in treatment. A points upgrade may not get a call if it comes through in less than 24 hours.

 

[zig]

Is there a difference between reward F, paid F and upgrade F in the first host call?

Sadly i can't justify paying outright $$ for F (at this stage of my life!), but I do use points to upgrade J --> F and have never had a call (admittedly not the biggest sample of all time compared to others here).

But perhaps that's to do with the 24hr window thing? Does anyone know the answer to this?

My F flights have all been award flights. On the first flight I didn't receive a phone call, but for subsequent flights the host called the day before the flight.

 

[Paddy55]

Haven't been called when QF upgrades come through or straight F Awards... but when awards are booked through AA have been called!
Enjoy the F Lounge - it is awesome

 

[buntingflyer]

I was called on reward seats. I think it was 24 hours or so beforehand. Booked a spa treatments at the lounge. Only got airport transportation one way (not sure why that was)

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

DocJames, its worth it to do the QFi SYD F lounge at least once.

 

[MrJetset]

There is no difference between revenue or award fares (regardless of who the award was booked through). The only requirement is you are traveling in F on F metal. I am unsure of EK codeshare flights on QF metal. QF codeshare on EK metal are obviously ineligible.

 

[Pushka]

Ineligible for what if on EK metal on QF codeshare?

 

[MrJetset]

Ineligible for what if on EK metal on QF codeshare?

F host service including pre-call.

 

[kermatu]

Won't get a call from the F host unless flying QF metal F (is what I assume is meant by that comment).

 

[MrJetset]

Correct. But unsure if F flights sold as other codeshares get the call e.e EKflight number on QF metal F pax