No flexibility for lounge access for non flying plats?

[djchuckles]

That should say non flying plats

Today I had the misfortune of flying with JetStar and was greeted at the airport with a 3 hour delay Normally always fly Virgin Australia (1-2 times a month) and both my partner and I are Platinum (me with about 1500 SC's in last 6 months).

Whilst I know anytime access is no more sadly, I thought I'd ask politely if they were able to make an exception for two regular flying Plats. The lady on the door said there was no flexibility at all. I asked if this was because the lounge was full and she said no it wasn't. Is that the standard experience? Am sure I've hard stories of others being more successful?

tried Qantas Club with my Cathay Gold (oneworld sapphire), and got told no - I could only come in if I had oneworld sapphire! Explained I did but she didn't really seem to understand!

First time in airport for 3 hours without lounge access

J* - never again!!

 

[bullerdude]

They are pretty strict on this at some lounges as more flexible at others (I will not name them).

Personally, I think they should be a little flexible for the Platinum members, but at the end of the day, them the rules.

 

[mannej]

It's not JQ's fault you didn't have lounge access?
You need to earn your OW status with QF if you want to use the lounge flying JQ.

 

[djchuckles]

It's not JQ's fault you didn't have lounge access?
You need to earn your OW status with QF if you want to use the lounge flying JQ.

Did I say it was? I just don't like flying them. Uncomfortable seats and poor service comparatively.

Ok to have an opinion or should I check with you first next time?

 

[markis10]

LOL Anytime access is long gone, I just found out they have shops at airports while I was waiting for my JQ flight - bonus!

 

[ashleyn]

LOL Anytime access is long gone, I just found out they have shops at airports while I was waiting for my JQ flight - bonus!

Shops ? Really ? When did that start ?

 

[Mwenenzi]

....Whilst I know anytime access is no more sadly, I thought I'd ask politely if they were able to make an exception for two regular flying Plats. The lady on the door said there was no flexibility at all. I asked if this was because the lounge was full and she said no it wasn't. Is that the standard experience? Am sure I've hard stories of others being more successful?

Tried Qantas Club with my Cathay Gold (oneworld sapphire), and got told no - I could only come in if I had oneworld sapphire! Explained I did but she didn't really seem to understand! .

Both lounge ladies did understand you were trying to get access when you were not entitled to access.

JQ flights are not OW flights: you need QF status or QF club. Exceptions "because I am xx_x" should never be made IMHO

 

[Deleted member]

I'm confused. Are you saying that as a plat flying j* you can't access the QP?
Or some other lounge?

 

[djchuckles]

Both lounge ladies did understand you were trying to get access when you were not entitled to access.

JQ flights are not OW flights: you need QF status or QF club. Exceptions "because I am xx_x" should never be made IMHO

Try reading. I know sapphire wont get you into qantas lounge but tried anyway as read some people had joy. My point was she (incorrectly) told me I had to have OW sapphire to get in - which as you say isn't true. She was wrong

 

[brett-au]

Sigh. If you were really that desperate you could have just bought a fully flexible ticket on Virgin for 4 hour from then and the refunded it when you got on the plane. You could have used the credit on your next flight...

 

[samas]

I am yet to try it, but apparently you will be allowed access if you aren't flying but are bringing in people with VA boarding passes.

 

[mannej]

I'm confused. Are you saying that as a plat flying j* you can't access the QP?
Or some other lounge?

WP yes, other OWE's no

 

[JohnK]

When was the last time anyone at a Qantas lounge checked the flight # or the date on a boarding pass?

Just saying, that is all....

 

[Ausbt]

I am yet to try it, but apparently you will be allowed access if you aren't flying but are bringing in people with VA boarding passes.

So the trick is to go find some random punters flying VA and 'invite' them to the lounge. I've heard others on this site (disappointingly and uncharitably) voice their disgust at non-status hopefuls who hang at the lounge trying for access, but this concept is essentially the reverse. I had the very great pleasure in guesting a lady and her daughter recently who I overhead attempting access at MEL a while back - let 'em in, let 'em all in the revolution starts now.

 

[samas]

So the trick is to go find some random punters flying VA and 'invite' them to the lounge. I've heard others on this site (disappointingly and uncharitably) voice their disgust at non-status hopefuls who hang at the lounge trying for access, but this concept is essentially the reverse. I had the very great pleasure in guesting a lady and her daughter recently who I overhead attempting access at MEL a while back - let 'em in, let 'em all in the revolution starts now.

I wouldn't guest in randoms, just wanted to use it for when my parents next visit me in Perth for their trip home.

 

[Ausbt]

When was the last time anyone at a Qantas lounge checked the flight # or the date on a boarding pass?

Just saying, that is all....

Indeed. At Q, you simply flash your card and in you go. I put this down to the dual-desk arrangement - reception and checkin. If Q combined the desks, 'anytime' access would no long be an unpublished benefit

 

[smit0847]

So the trick is to go find some random punters flying VA and 'invite' them to the lounge. I've heard others on this site (disappointingly and uncharitably) voice their disgust at non-status hopefuls who hang at the lounge trying for access, but this concept is essentially the reverse. I had the very great pleasure in guesting a lady and her daughter recently who I overhead attempting access at MEL a while back - let 'em in, let 'em all in the revolution starts now.

I always look out for ppl hanging around near the Lounge entrance looking hopeful but never have never seen one. Provided they look appropriate I wouldn't mind guesting someone in, and if I saw someone struggling (with directions, luggage, kids etc) I would probably make my way over and offer to guest them in and get them a cup of tea etc.

In terms of trying to find someone if you weren't flying VA the problem is that unless someone has a long connection, most people aren't at the airport long enough to go into the Lounge so wouldn't be interested in you trying to convince them to go in!

 

[Pushka]

QP always checks my Boarding pass or asks to scan my FF card before they let me in. Maybe its just Adelaide....

 

[jazza1971]

I am yet to try it, but apparently you will be allowed access if you aren't flying but are bringing in people with VA boarding passes.

Done it a few times while seeing off family, and hope to do it again this weekend

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Try reading. I know sapphire wont get you into qantas lounge but tried anyway as read some people had joy. My point was she (incorrectly) told me I had to have OW sapphire to get in - which as you say isn't true. She was wrong

It seems to me she just had a slip of words and meant to say you need Qantas status. Basically you've cracked it because you were denied access to TWO lounges you were NOT entitled to access. I can't believe you have booked jetstar then come on here complaining about the lack of a lounge when you know full well you are not entitled to use any. Delays occur with ALL airlines at different times so to start saying 'Jetstar - never again' is a silly reaction. Next time book on your preferred airline with associated lounge access.