Chairmans Lounge (CL) experiences

[Oneworldplus2]

There most certainly is I am very sure I am in the highest category with my travel and employer (DFAT) I qualify. I know for sure that there is a status called CLPO (CL Platinum One).

zachary.august, l was thinking more along the lines of, LT CL + VIP level, which is above CLPO, e.g.; ex PM or someone like Mr Dixon (lol)

 

[Deleted member 18152]

The travel experience for a CL who doesn't know the ropes can be inconsistent. For example, a CL C-suite executive of a ASX200 was travelling SIN-SYD in QF Business. The flight was delayed by three hours. The agent in the First Class lounge said there was nothing they could do unless he paid $2,500 to upgrade his fare basis from D to J to get on the BA SIN-SYD flight.

Then again, being proactive sometimes doesn't work. Two C-Suite executive, both CL, were travelling Per-Syd in paid J with an EGM as awell. They called the Perth CL as there was bad traffic saying we timing was a bit tight, we only have cabin baggage, we'll probably make it but can you help? The CL agent refused to hold the flight, refused to escort them at the airport and told them there was nothing he could do and that they'll probably be stuck in Perth overnight. To put it mildly when the CEO arrived at the CL agent stayed safely behind the counter in a Blanche d'Alpuget style exchange of minds. Sometimes $2m a year doesn't talk?

 

[rechoboam]

I think an escort is all very well (nice QF staff have escorted me occasionally even as an NB when something has gone wrong with a booking) but holding the flight is something else...Some of us do things even more time-critical and important than CLs even if CLs get a lot more glory and perhaps $$?
What's EGM? The plane? Extraordinary General Meeting??

 

[fbrimfield]

Is that information that could be released?

Never, it would breach all kinds of IR laws, and Qantas would never want to fire someone with that being the sole reason, nor would they tell the pax (CL or otherwise). Qantas Group could be at the sharp end of a very nasty and public legal action that would run through the tabloids like wildfire. Certain internal rules might be broken for CL members, but certainly not laws (good since many CL members are politicians/judges). Sorry, thats a bit off topic.

 

[SeatBackForward]

The travel experience for a CL who doesn't know the ropes can be inconsistent. For example, a CL C-suite executive of a ASX200 was travelling SIN-SYD in QF Business. The flight was delayed by three hours. The agent in the First Class lounge said there was nothing they could do unless he paid $2,500 to upgrade his fare basis from D to J to get on the BA SIN-SYD flight.

Then again, being proactive sometimes doesn't work. Two C-Suite executive, both CL, were travelling Per-Syd in paid J with an EGM as awell. They called the Perth CL as there was bad traffic saying we timing was a bit tight, we only have cabin baggage, we'll probably make it but can you help? The CL agent refused to hold the flight, refused to escort them at the airport and told them there was nothing he could do and that they'll probably be stuck in Perth overnight. To put it mildly when the CEO arrived at the CL agent stayed safely behind the counter in a Blanche d'Alpuget style exchange of minds. Sometimes $2m a year doesn't talk?

Ahh C-Suite, one of the biggest load of bollocks that ever did come from the land of meaningless management jibberish.

 

[mannej]

The travel experience for a CL who doesn't know the ropes can be inconsistent. For example, a CL C-suite executive of a ASX200 was travelling SIN-SYD in QF Business. The flight was delayed by three hours. The agent in the First Class lounge said there was nothing they could do unless he paid $2,500 to upgrade his fare basis from D to J to get on the BA SIN-SYD flight.

Then again, being proactive sometimes doesn't work. Two C-Suite executive, both CL, were travelling Per-Syd in paid J with an EGM as awell. They called the Perth CL as there was bad traffic saying we timing was a bit tight, we only have cabin baggage, we'll probably make it but can you help? The CL agent refused to hold the flight, refused to escort them at the airport and told them there was nothing he could do and that they'll probably be stuck in Perth overnight. To put it mildly when the CEO arrived at the CL agent stayed safely behind the counter in a Blanche d'Alpuget style exchange of minds. Sometimes $2m a year doesn't talk?

There seems to be a whole lot of DYKWIA talk in there.

I would have thought that the pilot is the only one who could ultimately hold a plane. I am sure JB can provide an answer. Connecting passengers I'd be more sympathetic for, but I wouldn't see something like that as a good enough reason to hold a flight.

 

[Deleted member 18152]

There seems to be a whole lot of DYKWIA talk in there.

I would have thought that the pilot is the only one who could ultimately hold a plane. I am sure JB can provide an answer. Connecting passengers I'd be more sympathetic for, but I wouldn't see something like that as a good enough reason to hold a flight.

I see where you are coming from but I think if I was in the CEO's shoes I would feel the same. I mean they fast-track First passengers through security on request, why not the guy who signed off $2million in revenue to you?

 

[rechoboam]

I see where you are coming from but I think if I was in the CEO's shoes I would feel the same. I mean they fast-track First passengers through security on request, why not the guy who signed off $2million in revenue to you?

I think a lot of us would not object to fast tracking and escorting for someone keeping the airline solvent, but keeping a plane load of people from getting to their destination is a step too far.

I have worked with CEOs and I'm sure they are all very important but their attendance isnt always a matter of life and death. I suggest 'go-to-meeting', Skype and private jets for CEOs who can't get on an airplane in time.

 

[Red Roo]

Re: Pre Intl travel call from the P1 desk

Slightly off topic but…
Remember there are a range of check-in options available (online, mobile, Faster, Smarter Check-in) and Gold FF and above have access to premium security lanes in most major domestic terminals during peak times. All of which aim to get you through the terminal faster.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Re: Pre Intl travel call from the P1 desk

Slightly off topic but…
Remember there are a range of check-in options available (online, mobile, Faster, Smarter Check-in) and Gold FF and above have access to premium security lanes in most major domestic terminals during peak times. All of which aim to get you through the terminal faster.

When they were introduced the premium security lanes were enforced by way of checking that people in the queue, or joining the queue have the appropriate status level on boarding passes or FF card. Lately though, I just see them empty and usually fill up with everyone playing "ooh follow that guy".

 

[mannej]

I see where you are coming from but I think if I was in the CEO's shoes I would feel the same. I mean they fast-track First passengers through security on request, why not the guy who signed off $2million in revenue to you?

I am referring to holding the plane.

Fast tracking, no arguments there.

 

[amaroo]

Re: Pre Intl travel call from the P1 desk

When they were introduced the premium security lanes were enforced by way of checking that people in the queue, or joining the queue have the appropriate status level on boarding passes or FF card. Lately though, I just see them empty and usually fill up with everyone playing "ooh follow that guy".

It's policed pretty firmly at BNE DOM.

 

[yo yo ma]

What's EGM? The plane? Extraordinary General Meeting??

Executive General Manager

 

[moa999]

I suspect its more in the delivery.
Having dealt with a number of these 'self-important' C-Suite types the response should have been.

"Mr BigShot, you are a very important customer, we will do our best to ensure you make the plane, but the final decision rests with the pilot who is the one in charge of the aircraft"

 

[samh004]

Re: Pre Intl travel call from the P1 desk

It's policed pretty firmly at BNE DOM.

Only recently, in the past I’d never seen anyone policing it, and that being said I still walked straight up to the line and in without being stopped and I didn’t have my BP/card on show.

Strange, because I never look the part

 

[straitman]

Re: Pre Intl travel call from the P1 desk

It's policed pretty firmly at BNE DOM.

Only recently, in the past I’d never seen anyone policing it, and that being said I still walked straight up to the line and in without being stopped and I didn’t have my BP/card on show.

Strange, because I never look the part

It certainly was not policed when we came through a couple of weeks ago. (..and there were big crowds)

 

[amaroo]

Re: Pre Intl travel call from the P1 desk

It certainly was not policed when we came through a couple of weeks ago. (..and there were big crowds)

Seems YMMV

 

[Simo]

There most certainly is I am very sure I am in the highest category with my travel and employer (DFAT) I qualify. I know for sure that there is a status called CLPO (CL Platinum One).

Leave your employment and become a self funded CLPO,

Lets see if you can be so valuable to QF then.

 

[samiam]

zachary.august, l was thinking more along the lines of, LT CL + VIP level, which is above CLPO, e.g.; ex PM or someone like Mr Dixon (lol)

I preferred your earlier reference to Kylie Class

 

[haggiscat]

Leave your employment and become a self funded CLPO,

Lets see if you can be so valuable to QF then.

I'll be glad if QANTAS cancels more F-routes, now that I know they are being populated by humble Civil Servants! Might be some departmental cost-savings in the offing.