Travel Options (WP/*G for SIN, HKG & KUL)

[SeatBackForward]

Hi, posting this to the Your Questions area as I'm sure there will be some interesting answer. My situation: I am a QFF Platinum, with the status matched Gold level with Turkish Airlines. I have no QFF SC's yet, as my anniversary date is 31-December.

I have three upcoming flights in the next few weeks SYD>SIN>SYD, SYD>HKG>SYD and SYD>KUL>SYD

All will be in J, however if I fly with QF there is a chance that I wil not earn any SC's or QFFs (due to new policy)

The HKG trip can be "arranged" to be with CX as their timing suits better than QF anyhow. The KUL trip will be with MH as they are ideal, and wit the bonus that from 1st Feb they will earn Oneworld SC's and points. Its the SIN trip that I'm unsure about, as QF has better times, but I risk not getting anything with them. But then I'm also considering SG as I can test out the Star Alliance treatment (I hardly fly anything other than QF)...

Opinions and thoughts welcome.

 

[albatross710]

Re: Travel Options (SIN,HKG &KUL)

Its the SIN trip that I'm unsure about, as QF has better times, but I risk not getting anything with them. But then I'm also considering SG as I can test out the Star Alliance treatment (I hardly fly anything other than QF)...

Opinions and thoughts welcome.

If you aren't getting anything for your QF Plat membership on QF, why not go SQ? Seems like a nice change.

(Now this is not a criticism aimed at you. Also seems like a policy backfire doesn't it? What HR thought would drive efficiency actually rewards circumvention of the policy.)

 

[craven morehead]

Re: Travel Options (SIN,HKG &KUL)

If you are QF WP flying "J" how can you not earn status credits???? I am confused :mrgreen:

 

[SeatBackForward]

re: Travel Options (WP/*G for SIN, HKG & KUL)

If you aren't getting anything for your QF Plat membership on QF, why not go SQ? Seems like a nice change.

(Now this is not a criticism aimed at you. Also seems like a policy backfire doesn't it? What HR thought would drive efficiency actually rewards circumvention of the policy.)

Agreed. Silly policy. It actually says that timing is more important than cost. You just have to justify why you want particular time of a non-QF flight..

 

[SeatBackForward]

re: Travel Options (WP/*G for SIN, HKG & KUL)

If you are QF WP flying "J" how can you not earn status credits???? I am confused :mrgreen:

Commercial deal done with Qantas to get cheaper flights.

 

[serfty]

I have come across reports of passengers on similar non earning Qantas contracted fares crediting the travel (successfully) to one of the other one world airline frequent flyer programmes instead.

YMMV

 

[SeatBackForward]

re: Travel Options (WP/*G for SIN, HKG & KUL)

So I should consider joining the CX programme? Or Enrich? But I'll be starting from a base level... hmmm will need to see what actually happens when I actually fly with QF. I'm going to manage all three trips on non-QF flights..

 

[ozbeachbabe]

re: Travel Options (WP/*G for SIN, HKG & KUL)

SBF I think your company is kidding themselves thinking that they're going to save a bundle with these 'special' corporate fares.

How much more money would it cost your company if you flew CX versus the non points/SC earning QF airfares. It seems so silly as employess will always find a legal workaround to avoid flying QF. I'll bet your company will still pay more for the CX fare than they would if they'd let you travel on whatever QF fare (that earned points & SC) you travelled on prior to the contract fare.

It's kind of ironic that the contract fare is designed to attract business to QF (by denying ff points/SC) but the reality is that it will cost them money as the end result is that people will end up flying more with competitor airlines.

One big issue also is sometimes the company travel co-ordinators will refuse to put your WP card in the booking as they assume they have to do this in order for you to not earn ff points or SC. This is a huge problem because unless your number is in the pnr you won't be able to select your WP preferred seating, get any special services that are automatically linked to your profile or worse denying you the chance to be in the running for an-op.

If I was in your situation besides looking for another job I would do the following:

a) let company make the QF booking on contract fare

b) find out Amadeus pnr

c) go to QF website to 'manage my booking' section, retrieve pnr & enter your WP number

d) allocate your preferred seating & check fare bucket used eg Q,O,I,D etc

e) sign up with the AA AAdvantage ff program & check if above fare buckets earns SC & ff points on AA

f) do OLCI & print out a couple of boarding passes (spare one) with WP number on it & leave it there until you're in the lounge at the airport.

g) prior to boarding tell the lounge staff to you like to credit your trip to the AA ff program so they should reprint a boarding pass will your AA number on it. They may ask for your old boarding pass back.

h) board the aircraft with your original QF boarding pass that reflects your legitimate WP status as that's the only thing you have to say your WP as the flight manifest will only display your AA ffn with zero status.

 

[serfty]

re: Travel Options (WP/*G for SIN, HKG & KUL)

So I should consider joining the CX programme? Or Enrich? But I'll be starting from a base level... hmmm will need to see what actually happens when I actually fly with QF. I'm going to manage all three trips on non-QF flights..

Swap you frequent flyer number over in the lounge, after you have the BP in your mitts - or better yet, OLCI and have a backup copy of your BP showing WP.

 

[SeatBackForward]

re: Travel Options (WP/*G for SIN, HKG & KUL)

Thanks for the tips Ozbeachbabe and Serfty. I'll have to see how it all pans out. But yes the policy is pointless...

 

[SeatBackForward]

re: Travel Options (WP/*G for SIN, HKG & KUL)

I should follow up this thread with some reports.

So I've taken the SIN trip with SQ, flying their A380 in J Class.

The journey began at SYD, using Gate 61 and accessing the SQ SilverKris lounge meant I was exploring the side of SYD that I rarely go to. In fact I didn't even realise that SYD extended out that far! It looked to me like they are gearing up to open that side of the airport up for direct access from check in - they've put the standard DFS (Duty Free Slalom) in place..


That side of T1 I've never actually been to!

I first went to the SilverKris lounge, pleasant but quite small, and filled up quite quickly as the boarding time got closer so I opted out to go wander about the terminal, realising that I can also try out the NZ Lounge. The NZ lounge is much better than the SilverKris lounge, and if you can get access into there, I'd recommend it over SilverKris. Sorry I didn't get any snaps in there. There was a sign up near the NZ Lounge exit indicating that casual entry to the lounge is available for a fee..


This photo only captures about half the lounge..which means twice a little.

Next up was going on board. I've been on the QF A380 upper deck, but was excited about getting to try out another airline. There appeared to be a bit of a scrum at the boarding gate, several people in the Priority queue but being politely turned back by the gate crew. HAving *A Gold status wasn't required as Business and suites go on board first anyhow.

First thing I did wrong at my seat was to try to put my roll-on suitcase into the overhead bin. There isn't one if you're on the window seats. You have to use the bins located in the centre of the plane. Thankfully the seats are quite well spaced out and plenty of room for all. Now to the seat. Holy $*$* it was wide enough for me to have sat my whole family in I think.


My initial thought was "who am I sharing this seat with?"


Apparently feet shots are obligatory

I took some time familiarising myself with the seat. I am used to the Skybeds with their massage backs and positioning buttons, but while the SQ seats are nowhere near sophisticated, it wasn't an issue for me ( I wouldn't have been able to reach them anyhow methinks). I did feel a bit embarassed at not being able to find the controls for the AV system, but eventually I did, its under the aisle side armrest.

SQ didn't turn on their in-flight entertainment system until the've levelled off, so it made for some scenery watching. Which on a cloudy day means not much. So off to the menu I turned


Options were:
Entre
Anti-Pasta

Mains
Baked Snapper Fillet
Seared Black Angus Beef Fillet
Kung Pao Chicken
Slow-Roasted Pork

Dessert
Choice of Strawberry ice cream or citru creme brulee

 

[SeatBackForward]

re: Travel Options (WP/*G for SIN, HKG & KUL)

Here are some shots of the meals

Entre - Antipasta


Main - Kung Pao Chicken


Dessert - Ice Cream

After the Meal I decided I'd try their trademark coughtail - the Silver Kris Sling. I'm not really much of a coughtail sipper, and to be honest it didn't knock my socks off...Heres a list of the other coughtails they do serve.

Sorry bit hard to read


After all that I decided probably time to get my Presentation for delivery in Singapore one final look over, so i did some work while having Family Guy and The Big Bang Theory on in the background. If it was QF I'd probably have some music on but the SQ range of music didn't appeal to me - I once listened to three tracks on repeat for the whole flight to HKG once, was very focused on doing some work onboard..

The crew came around and no amenties kits unfortunately..however we did get Slippers!

Perfect for protecting ones socks

They did serve another light refreshment before landing - I chose the Roti Channi a Malay/Singaporean classic, and it was indeed sensational. Sorry no photo again. The crew and their service were fantastic, they really did make you feel special.

I for one thoroughly enjoyed my experience with SQ and know I'll try to use them again, parrticularly while the TK status match has be at Gold level with star Alliance. My return flight is the A380 tomorrow night, however as it starts at almost 1am, I expect to be asleep for most of it. Will follow up the post with a report on the sleeping configuration of the seats.

 

[JessicaTam]

re: Travel Options (WP/*G for SIN, HKG & KUL)

I am enjoying the photos and TR so far.

If you fly your three flights with SQ (SIN/HKG/KUL) that should be enough to keep *G with TK. Good for international travel, just not for domestic until VA decide to join. (If ever).

 

[SeatBackForward]

re: Travel Options (WP/*G for SIN, HKG & KUL)

I am enjoying the photos and TR so far.

If you fly your three flights with SQ (SIN/HKG/KUL) that should be enough to keep *G with TK. Good for international travel, just not for domestic until VA decide to join. (If ever).

Thanks, the plan is to credit the HKG to QF, and the KUL will be with MH but also to QF, this amount of International travel is unusual for me, so my main aim is to maintain WP with QF - just by not flying QF...

 

[SeatBackForward]

re: Travel Options (WP/*G for SIN, HKG & KUL)

Lol..doing a holding pattern..on the tarmac at SYD T1. Flight has arrived too early.

 

[JessicaTam]

re: Travel Options (WP/*G for SIN, HKG & KUL)

Lol..doing a holding pattern..on the tarmac at SYD T1. Flight has arrived too early.

Nothing worse than being so close, yet so far!

 

[albatross710]

re: Travel Options (WP/*G for SIN, HKG & KUL)

The crew came around and no amenties kits unfortunately..however we did get Slippers!

IN SQ J they don't have amenity kits, instead they stock the lavs with combs, hair brushes, toothbrushes, mouth wash, after shaves, razors.

 

[SeatBackForward]

re: Travel Options (WP/*G for SIN, HKG & KUL)

Continuing the travel report, the return flight was also on the A380, with a departure time of 12:45am, it left the evening free to wander around Singapore before heading back to the airport. Having checked out of the hotel, I knew that what I'd need most after wandering around Singapore, is a shower!

Arriving at Changi has always been memorable, SIN was always a stopover when I was a younger lad, but these days the trips o/s are not for leisure but about business, so rather than being awed by the sheer scale of SIN, its more mundane aspects like queue lengths, gate distances, lounge features etc that enter my thoughts. But even still SIN has charms about it that always offer a little tingle.


T3 of SIN

So first point of call was the lounge, to get into something more comfortable (and less pongy) for the flight back. Taking the elevator up I saw the entry to the SQ Gold lounge, and it looked...rather plain, I knew this wasn't correct. "Are you Flying Business sir?" was the question upon entry. As my answer was yes I was directed to the SilverKris lounge a bit further away. So Silver is ranked higher than Gold? I don't get it.


SilverKris Lounge

The SilverKris lounge is seperated into Business and First Class, but I didn't see anyone policing this, and wasn't sure where to go anyhow, so I asked where the showers were, toward the business side..so onto matters of freshness. The showers are interesting, see the photo below:


The top shower head is a typical shower, the three circles half way up the shower pipe are massage jets that spray horiztonally

The same amenities available on board are in the bathrooms too

at least the disposable shavers are decent quality tirple-laders, unlike most hotel shave kits

After freshening up I went into the lounge area, it was quite full, but I would imagine for a busy port such as SIN this would be the usual case. A drink, and some nibblies later, I decided that sitting in a lounge, listening to some boring git next to me prattle on about forex swap quotes into his three mobile phones wasn't my cup of tea... So I decided to wander about and explore the airport.

Come boarding time, Suites and Business class passengers boarded first, made my way to seat 12K, this time knowing much more about the seat layout. Opting to miss the dinner, I had my seat into the bed position as soon as we were up. Basically, the entire seat back gets laid down, and you have to sleep diagonally aroudn a sloped headboard to get the maximum length. Not the most comfortable, given how wide the seats are, but after the walking and body clock saying its almost 4am I slept quite well.


Bed goes up, bed goes down, bed goes up, bed goes down...

Flight time was just over 6hrs, they must made good speed, landing at SYD almost 50mins early, obviously SYD wasn't ready for us as we did a couple of laps around the gates, until finally docking in. Off the plane, through the e-passport and express exits. Not having any checked in bags is great, off the plane and out the airport doors in 5mins!

Now off to HKG in three days time.

 

[JessicaTam]

re: Travel Options (WP/*G for SIN, HKG & KUL)

The SilverKris/Gold lounge confused me the first time too, except I was flying Y so didn't get the lounge 'op-up' you did.

 

[SeatBackForward]

re: Travel Options (WP/*G for SIN, HKG & KUL)

So for my HKG trip, I thought I'd do something a little different for the Travel Report. Rather than talking about the flight/seat/service etc..I thought I'd write a post about how I prepare and pack for it. Consider I'd just returned from three days in Singapore, it was quite easy, wash everything, add another days worth of stuff and then pack it all up again!

So here it goes:

To begin, my trusty rollercase, Antler New Size Zero, the bag itself weighs only 2.4kgs, which isn't much compared to older cases I've had, and it does the trick, and considering I got it for under $100 im very happy.

And here is my neatly stacked set of clothes for four days in HKG, thats four shirts, two pants in this photo

I like to use them vacuum bags, I've got some that don't actually require a vacuum cleaner, essentially you roll them up squeezing the air out of valves to create the vacuum. Here is the before and after shots

Combining that with the other clothing I need, ie, underwear socks, pyjamas etc, and what I wear on the overnight flight itself, looks like this

Combined with the toiletries, including the ready zip lock bag to whip out at security

All fits neatly into the rollercase like below.

Now there's also the work "stuff"..these days its mainly about the gadgets..laptop, powwerpack, tablet, some notes, passport wallet, noise cancelling-bluetooth-handsfree headphones

And all that fits into a standard laptop bag

When all done and ready, here it all is.