Author: Staff Writers
Staff Writers
Qantas Priority Baggage Blues
This week our members complain about the notoriously unpredictable approach of Qantas to priority baggage. One member has status, flies business class and has priority marked luggage but finds that their bags are still often the last to arrive off the conveyor. Many members find this frustrating given that priority luggage is trumpeted as a … Continued
Retirement Strategy for Frequent Flyers
One member asks our older and wiser forum participants how it is possible to maintain a frequent flyer reward balance when retired. This member is considering an early retirement but is mindful that this is likely to result in a sharp decline of the ability to acquire frequent flyer points. Our members discuss a number … Continued
Drink Refusal: Confusion in Qantas Club
One sober member this week was denied a fourth drink in the Qantas lounge due to the alleged enforcement of Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) rules. The RSA rule spruiked by the Qantas staffer was that they were not allowed to serve any more than three drinks in a ninety minute period. Qantas have defended … Continued
Cash Lost on Jetstar Booking?
Our member has noticed a dramatic price drop in tickets to Honolulu which they booked at the start of the year. The price for the four tickets flying Jetstar has dropped by $1600 in just a matter of months. Our frustrated member is Qantas Gold and is seeking our views on whether they have any … Continued
Virgin Removes Bag-Free Fares. Enhancement or not?
On 17 March 2015 Virgin will remove the Saver-Lite fares from all domestic routes except Trans-Tasman routes. Virgin have announced that all fares will now include complimentary check-in luggage. Our members are sceptical about this so called enhancement. Firstly many members are disappointed that they will no longer have the bag-free option which allowed them … Continued
Qantas Loyalty not extended to Lounges
One member this week was unable to secure a Qantas codeshare flight on a return trip to Paris due to the route taken. The flight from Dubai to Paris had to be on an Emirates flight. As a Qantas Club member, our member was assured by the travel agent that access to the Emirates lounge … Continued
Middle Seat Protocol
One member this week seeks guidance on the correct flight etiquette when faced with a vacant seat in the middle of a three seat row. On a recent trip this flyer experienced fellow pax acting, in their view arrogantly, by completely dominating the vacant middle seat for their own possessions and food tray. Some members … Continued
Qantas Fuel Surcharge Cuts: Smoke and Mirrors or Tangible Benefit?
Qantas has announced that fuel-related surcharges will now gradually be absorbed into base fares for Frequent Flyer redemption tickets. This announcement has been trumpeted as Qantas delivering a real and tangible benefit to loyal frequent flyers. However, many of our members remain sceptical about this announcement. One member has opined that until Qantas are in … Continued
Uluru: not open for Aussies?
One member this week is attempting to arrange a family trip to one of Australia’s greatest tourist destinations ‘Uluru’. However, our member has been underwhelmed and unimpressed with the expense involved. This member complains that the price of getting to, and staying in and around, Ayers rock makes it unachievable for the average Australian family. … Continued