How to be a WP?

[keith]

Hi there, I'm new to AFF and to WP. What are some of the best ways to make the use of my WP status? I probably will not be able to maintain being a WP after this year and want to make the most out of it.

 

[RooFlyer]

Welcome to AFF!

I think the best WP perks are:

* Access to the Qantas First class lounges in SYD, MEL and LAX if you are travelling internationally, and other Qantas and OneWorld business lounges, at least, when flying < business

* Ability to phone and request the release of an Award J seat on international travel (and domestic, I guess) even when that class has 'sold out' (you won't always get one released, but chances are usually good)

* Higher in the queue for getting points upgrades on international sectors

* Being able to glide through an airport with that DYKWIA ? attitude (kidding on this one).

* An unpublished (not guaranteed) benefit is a 'shadow' - if in Y, then the seat next to you should be kept empty (I rarely see this myself)

* Shorter time in a phone queue when phoning!

 

[Steady]

Welcome aboard keith,

The WP perks I value (not in order) and have utilised include; Higher priority and therefore chance of upgrades, better availability of reward flights, access to the Int. F lounges when travelling in lower classes, extra luggage allowance, Dom J access, Dom on arrival access, shorter call wait times (often still way too long) and fast track security/immigration.


There are other perks available

 

[opusman]

I suggest studying the posts and blogs of TonyHancock, they will teach you everything you need to know about making the most of your exalted status and ensuring others treat you with the deference you deserve!

 

[GoldCanyon340]

Hi Keith and welcome to AFF.

I don't know your home city but why not consider a long weekend in NZ departing SYD or MEL on a deep discount Y fare? You can enjoy a leisurely lunch and massage in the F lounge and get a few days' holiday thrown in for good measure! Myself and Mrs 340 do this at least twice a year.

Always remember you have arrivals access in the domestic J lounges / QPs too.

 

[Kangol]

* Ability to phone and request the release of an Award J seat on international travel (and domestic, I guess) even when that class has 'sold out' (you won't always get one released, but chances are usually good)

Award seat in any class, not just J. Depending on your use of points, this by far is the most valuable benefit for me.

 

[PaulST]

I don't know your home city but why not consider a long weekend in NZ departing SYD or MEL on a deep discount Y fare? You can enjoy a leisurely lunch and massage in the F lounge and get a few days' holiday thrown in for good measure! Myself and Mrs 340 do this at least twice a year.
.

I'm doing this very thing this coming weekend.

Welcome to AFF!

I've only recently reached WP and will struggle to maintain it but the two things I've really enjoyed were the shadows flying Y (I haven't sat next to someone since reaching WP) and almost instant response when I've called them. People are describing being on hold for ages (it appears to have got worse) but I've never waited longer than 30 seconds.

 

[GoldCanyon340]

...and almost instant response when I've called them. People are describing being on hold for ages (it appears to have got worse) but I've never waited longer than 30 seconds.

Same here with the quick response and no hold, only once in the last 18 months I've had to use the call back.

And enjoy the lounge this weekend. We have an AKL flight in a couple of weeks and haven't tried the new menu yet so looking forward to the sticky beef.

 

[RichardMEL]

To clarify QF Platinum ("WP") gives access to all oneworld First Class lounges (a couple of exceptions like BA CCR and so on that are not available to oneworld emerald flyers, but pretty much all of them such as Cathay's fantastic suite of lounges at HKG and even the AA Flagship lounges which are better than the average Admirals Clubs).

- Domestic Business lounges are a nice touch too when flying in Y

- priority and free bag allowances in the USA are VERY handy for AA domestic flying

Welcome to AFF!

 

[PaulST]

To clarify QF Platinum ("WP") gives access to all oneworld First Class lounges (a couple of exceptions like BA CCR and so on that are not available to oneworld emerald flyers, but pretty much all of them such as Cathay's fantastic suite of lounges at HKG and even the AA Flagship lounges which are better than the average Admirals Clubs).
!

Good point - and many of the perks for travelling first class throughout the world. I had a 8 and 12hr layover in NRT and was able to enjoy the JAL First class Lounges (even when flying BA) and in Munich (flying with Air Berlin) I was able to skip the massive queues (I'd have likely missed the flight otherwise) even though I was travelling in Y because WP = OWE. Again, when I flew with Siberian 7 in Y I was able to skip the queues in customs. There's really quite a few perks so it's worth flying in One World airlines if you can.

 

[Sdtravel]

You could be like that guy i saw on my recent return trip from JFK. (wish i got a photo)
At JFK he was clearly flying the DYKWIA WP flag. While everyone waited in the boarding line (including me in the priority line) he waltzed right on past everyone to the boarding door and waited on his own so he could be first once boarding was called.

Again at LAX he was there. But this time gate staff had cordoned off the area so we all waited behind the signs. Well that didnt stop mr DYKWIA WP from going into the cordoned off area and standing again at the boarding door on his own. I think eventually some gate staff told him to go wait behind the signs to which he came back to join the rest of us. But rather than join the back of the line just pushed in to the front of the WP/First queue and tried to laugh his way in saying there must be some trainee on and the staff didnt know what they were doing.

It was a sight indeed. So this is clearly how to be a WP.

 

[opusman]

Puttin' the W in WP.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

There's really quite a few perks so it's worth flying in One World airlines if you can.

Apart from the F lounges which have already been mentioned, the MH F lounge at KUL has sleeper rooms which are a nice touch if you have a long layover.
Flying within Europe WP status means you can access the "Green Paths" which is often like an airport within an airport - separate check-in, security and walkways to the lounges.

 

[Simo]

Lounge benefits are the biggest bonus and also being able to use PB lines... Regardless of class of travel... last one for me was luggage allowance but was great when travelling with the family after our HKG holiday shopping and my SWMBO went crazy clothes shopping and handbag shopping

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

How to become a QF WP?
Well, only way is to fly QF and its eligible partners.
Some QFF partners do not earn you QF SC.
Air Niugini (PNG) flight numbers for eg only earn you QF FF points, but not QF SC. If flying, make sure the airline at the least carries a QF flight number. But flying OW airlines will earn QF SC, which will help you get to WP.

 

[Princess Fiona]

How to become a QF WP?
Well, only way is to fly QF and its eligible partners.
Some QFF partners do not earn you QF SC.
Air Niugini (PNG) flight numbers for eg only earn you QF FF points, but not QF SC. If flying, make sure the airline at the least carries a QF flight number. But flying OW airlines will earn QF SC, which will help you get to WP.

Pooch the OP has already attained WP, they want to know how to make the best of it.

 

[astrosly]

How to become a QF WP?
Well, only way is to fly QF and its eligible partners.
Some QFF partners do not earn you QF SC.
Air Niugini (PNG) flight numbers for eg only earn you QF FF points, but not QF SC. If flying, make sure the airline at the least carries a QF flight number. But flying OW airlines will earn QF SC, which will help you get to WP.

The OP is not asking how to become a WP, they're already are. They are asking how best to use their new WP status. It helps to read the post first.

 

[QFFHntrGthr]

Pooch the OP has already attained WP, they want to know how to make the best of it.

The OP is not asking how to become a WP, they're already are. They are asking how best to use their new WP status. It helps to read the post first.

I think AP is dyslexic or a deliberate stirrer. Cut Pooch some slack. Correcting a dyslexic won't get anyone very far nor helpful. Correcting a stirrer just adds angst to oneself and gives more satisfaction and encouragement.
If the post is not so relevant or seems convoluted, let it pass and move on to the next. Let's all enjoy the forum and the great new day ahead.

 

[PaulST]

Lounge benefits are the biggest bonus and also being able to use PB lines... Regardless of class of travel...

You do realise that QF give that perk to all pax. Well apparently.

*granted, it's usually enforced on international flights minus QF25 a few months ago...

 

[Jaryd]

As someone who took 200+ domestic flights in Y last year (red e-deals, not flex), I can advise that occasionally you get a glass of wine/alcohol for free, a pretty consistent shadow, you get to know the crew, and get upgraded about 2-3 times a year.

Domestic is a different beast.