Getting in to the Qantas first lounge in Melbourne earlier than 3 hr before

[Dyslexic traveler]

Hi all just a quick question with regards checkin I'm flying to LHR on Tuesday on the A 380 first, at 15.30 I have a mate flying the same day but not with Qantas he is flying I think at 13.00 and have been thinking it could be fun to hook up and take him to the first lounge, but my flight I think only opens 3 hr before if I OLCI and bag drop can I get in to the lounge earlier or do I still have to wait to check-in 3 hr before hope this is not a stupid question and thanks for your help in advance

 

[nlagalle]

It's 3.5 hours.. So unless you ate had luggage only not much luck. Mind you your guest is meant to be on the same flight as you.

 

[MrJetset]

I believe the guest has to be traveling with you to gain access. I have always had my partner's bp scanned when we enter the F lounge, so I imagine your chances of guesting someone who isn't on your flight is slim, and not even QF would be none.

 

[Kangol]

It's 3.5 hours.. So unless you ate had luggage only not much luck. Mind you your guest is meant to be on the same flight as you.

I thought it was 3 hours for int flights except for A380 flights which are 4 hours due to the increased capacity...?

 

[nlagalle]

I thought it was 3 hours for int flights except for A380 flights which are 4 hours due to the increased capacity...?

I flew QF9 last year and it was definitely 3.5 hours then..

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Easiest way to get there and enjoy an extended period of time is to connect from another city.

I have 6 hours in Mel Flounge tomorrow!

 

[11sjw]

Easiest way to get there and enjoy an extended period of time is to connect from another city.

I have 6 hours in Mel Flounge tomorrow!

Unless you're traveling QF Dom to JQi :-(

 

[simongr]

I believe the guest has to be traveling with you to gain access. I have always had my partner's bp scanned when we enter the F lounge, so I imagine your chances of guesting someone who isn't on your flight is slim, and not even QF would be none.

I have taken people in who were not on my flight. Colleague flying BA and I was on QF, colleague flying QF and I was on LA.

It isn't a guarantee of course but I am two for two.

 

[RickyT84]

I think the ability to get a guest into the F Lounge who is not travelling on the same flight as the 'host' depends on how full the lounge is. I was lucky to get into the F lounge even though my host and myself were travelling on different flights. YMMV.

 

[ChrisFlyer]

Some really conflicting access conditions on the QF website:

QF F pax - "Next onward flight that day must be on a Qantas or British Airways flight number. One guest permitted and must be travelling with a member." (if you're accessing the lounge as an F pax, some may not necessarily have a FF account, so the 'member' word here is incorrect)
OW F pax - "Next onward flight that day must be on a oneworld operated and marketed flight.[SUP]#[/SUP] One guest allowed and must be travelling on a oneworld operated and marketed flight.[SUP]#"[/SUP] (doesn't mention that the guest needs to be travelling with the member, only on a OW operated and marketed flight themselves... literal reading favours non-QF F pax)
WP - "Next onward flight must be on a Qantas, Jetstar[SUP]+[/SUP] or oneworld flight number.[SUP]#[/SUP] One guest allowed and must be travelling with the member" (no problems with clarity there)
OWE - "Next onward flight that day must be on a oneworld operated and marketed flight.[SUP]#[/SUP] One guest allowed and must be travelling on a oneworld operated and marketed flight." (doesn't say that the guest needs to be travelling with the member, only on a OW operated and marketed flight... this is confusing because WP=OWE, but the guest rules appear to favour non-QF OWEs if reading literally)

You can see why people get a little confused....... haha

 

[JohnK]

Yes lounge access rules look a little confusing at first but fairly simple to get accustomed to.

Unless you are Oneworld Emerald (Qantas Platinums have their own clauses overriding) then you should expect in order to have a guest with you then they need to be on the same flight. And there is enough evidence to suggest that even this applied incostistently by lounge staff.

 

[serfty]

Yes lounge access rules look a little confusing at first but fairly simple to get accustomed to.

Unless you are Oneworld Emerald (Qantas Platinums have their own clauses overriding) then you should expect in order to have a guest with you then they need to be on the same flight. And there is enough evidence to suggest that even this applied incostistently by lounge staff.

Yes - and to put it another way:

- Non Qantas oneworld emerald - 1 Guest (no restriction)
- Qantas Platinum - 1 Guest, must be travelling with Platinum member

Qantas can do what they like with their own elites, but must adhere to oneworld contracts in relation to elites of other oneworld carriers.