A few questions about QC arangements with Admirals lounge and do free upgrades...

[Cyclogenesis]

Starting with the last question first, because difference is the spice of life...

Once upon a time free upgrades (would you like to try business class to see what you are missing) did exist... So has anyone had an upgrade, by chance or request (I really need to get this talk done, I need a powerpoint on my trip to LA...) recently... (recently acheiving a PhD I am hoping Dr Cyclogenesis may help... dreaming?? Well... it is a nice dream...)

I am on my first trip for work (Melb-LAX-ORD-Louisville-ORD-YUL-ORD-LAX-Melb) Economy class... as recompense for not spruiking for a business class fare I have been given qantas club membership...

So enjoying QC domestically once with a few very nice beers and glasses of wine it seems Admiral club, which I assume I have to use on my LAX-ORD trip as it is on a AA flight you have to pay even for food.... so if I booked my trip through Qantas, even though I am flying AA I am stuck with AC? (it is at ~8am so booze is no issue)

Another question, big big + for having QC/access to AC is a shower in LAX after 14 hours stuck in an economy seat.... do you need your own towel? Own shampoo?

Last Q... Anyone with QC flown out of Monreal (YUL)? Are there any QC compatible options?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[serfty]

If an A/C has a shower they will supply towels and toiletries as well.

As a QP member accessing an A/C, they would give you (a) drink chit(s) for complimentary coughtails. If you run out you can go back and request more.

They often have small muffins/biscuits/crudites and/or a cracker mix availbale depending on the time of day.

 

[jamesatfish]

Last Q... Anyone with QC flown out of Monreal (YUL)? Are there any QC compatible options?

I believe there is a BA Terraces lounge in Montreal that you should be able to access as a QP member flying on a BA flight number. I've not been there myself but I have been researching that airport's facilities for a trip my in-laws are taking in May.

 

[NM]

If an A/C has a shower they will supply towels and toiletries as well.

As a QP member accessing an A/C, they would give you (a) drink chit(s) for complimentary coughtails. If you run out you can go back and request more.

They often have small muffins/biscuits/crudites and/or a cracker mix available depending on the time of day.

Also note that some ACs have barrister coffee services available at the bar in the mornings, and are happy to exchange a comp drinks voucher (chit) for a half-decent coffee (well, at least as far as half-decent coffee is available in the LOTFAP). This is certainly the case at DFW Terminal D and a few other ACs I have visited for am departures.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Also note that some ACs have barrister coffee services available at the bar in the mornings, .

I had heard that the legal system was out of control in the USA....so now you need a barrister just to get a coffee

 

[NM]

I had heard that the legal system was out of control in the USA....so now you need a barrister just to get a coffee

ok, but you realise what I really meant! Just don't think of suing for a poor Cappuccino :shock:.

 

[Mal]

Also note that some ACs have barrister coffee services available at the bar in the mornings, and are happy to exchange a comp drinks voucher (chit) for a half-decent coffee

And also, if the bar isn't open, they're often happy to exchange a drink chit for a bottle of water.

 

[Cyclogenesis]

Thanks for the replies. As for coffee I've all but given up on that while I am in the US... hoping some places in Montreal have decent coffee but may be waiting until I get back to Melb!

 

[JohnK]

Yes free, complimentary, upgrades still exist but are not as common as they once were. I think the title Doctor may give you a better chance than most at a complimentary upgrade but do not count on it and see if you can develop a strategy of using QFF points to request QFF point upgrades instead.

I believe there is a BA Terraces lounge in Montreal that you should be able to access as a QP member flying on a BA flight number. I've not been there myself but I have been researching that airport's facilities for a trip my in-laws are taking in May.

Would you be able to access the BA Terraces lounge as a QC member flying AA? I don't think this would be possible.

 

[Cyclogenesis]

... can develop a strategy of using QFF points to request QFF point upgrades instead.

Precisely... from my calcs I should get at least 1 leg per 2 trips as an upgrade... So I can then pick which one is important...

The whole upgrade thing is a curiosity... given there are many mechanisms to get an upgrade (beyond just paying for it) and given the existence of premium economy and a range of economy fares....

 

[munitalP]

And also don't forget the levels of FF membership and where a QP membership stands...

Chairmans Lounge (shouldn't be included because you can't earn it)

Planinum
Gold
Silver
Bronze

QP membership slots somewhere between Bronze and Gold for upgrades

You will see quite a number of AFF members get OPUP's (operational upgrades) - although most of us think JohnK has a strangle hold on this junket at the moment , so upgrades do still happen. From my experience though, you can be a Platinum flyer on a "Red E Deal" fare vs a QP member on a Y fare, the Y fare will get the OPUP.

The algorithms involved in offering OPUP's with QF however are clearly explained by Douglas Adams "Bistromaths" theory (life the universe and everything).

Good luck

Mr!

 

[Cyclogenesis]

QP membership??

 

[serfty]

QP membership??

Look here:

• AFF - Abbreviations and Explanations

 

[JohnK]

QP membership??

Yes renamed Qantas Pub instead of Qantas Club.

 

[Cyclogenesis]

Look here:

• AFF - Abbreviations and Explanations

hehe... love it!

 

[jamesatfish]

Would you be able to access the BA Terraces lounge as a QC member flying AA? I don't think this would be possible.

Good point - my research was based upon my in-laws flying BA across to LHR; I just re-read the OP's schedule and realise my advice isn't relevant as his trip is on AA.

The QP rules for partner lounges confirm that you can only access a BA lounge if flying BA.

 

[NM]

The QP rules for partner lounges confirm that you can only access a BA lounge if flying BA.

Indeed. The passenger must be departing on a BA flight to enter the BA lounge using their Qantas Club membership. If flying with AA, they can visit the Admirals Club lounge if one exists, but not a BA lounge.

Someone flying in business or first class, or holding OneWorld sapphire or emerald status could visit a BA Terraces lounge when flying with AA, so long as they can get to the right part of the terminal to enter the lounge.

 

[Cyclogenesis]

Meh... Interesting that AA operates out of YUL but does not have any facilities there...

But being a student less than 2 years ago I take what I can get and just having access to AAC/QP is a big bonus

 

[Flashback]

Chairmans Lounge (shouldn't be included because you can't earn it)

Technically you can ... just not directly by flying. Take up the position as a CEO or some such important role at a multi-national and you're likely to get the nod