Access Sydney QF Lounge as SG on OW flight with family

[Longtoo]

Given the recent discussion about QF lounge access, I check the fineprint for my upcoming trip and then become rather unclear if I can guest my wife and 2 kids to the lounge. I am an QF SG and we will fly Latam together. The rule seems to indicate that if I am not on a QF, JQ or EK flight, I wont be able to bring my children to the lounge.

"International Lounge access is also provided to one guest and up to two children (aged 4 - 17 years)35 who are travelling with you on the same Qantas, Jetstar or Emirates flight. If travelling on a oneworld operated and marketed flight, you are welcome to bring one guest into the lounge."

Can anyone comment on this situation please?

 

[calmelb]

Unfortunately looking at the rules the 2 children inclusion only applies when you are flying on a QF flight Number. Oneworld has a different entry scheme. You can always try it though if they're busy they have the right to deny you entry as you're only entitled 1 guest when on a OW number.

Its one of those situations that is best to try it and see what happens, though also be prepared for the worst (which in this case means going and sitting in the terminal.

Another option could be to look at whether you already hold an AMEX card that could get you into the AMEX lounge at Sydney, from what I can see children are included for free..

 

[Longtoo]

Thanks calmelb. It is a pity that I have made my children a little too excited about the ice cream parlour in the lounge.

 

[juddles]

Maybe dress the kids the same for the day, and go in with one first, then slip in the other a bit later? All the while having your wife sit at a cafe "understanding" that you are looking after the kids?

 

[Longtoo]

Maybe dress the kids the same for the day, and go in with one first, then slip in the other a bit later? All the while having your wife sit at a cafe "understanding" that you are looking after the kids?

I will give the Lounge dragon a box of chocolate if they let us in. Plan B is to give AJ a lecture on Marketing 101. Travelers with status don't often have time with their family. Treat their family well or else you won't get their loyalty AJ!

 

[Denali]

Check out the "In the Lounge thread" to see if someone can help with access?

And QF have an ice-cream palour?! What else have I been missing out on, while munching VA toasties?

 

[juddles]

....Lounge dragon........ a box of chocolate .......Treat their family well ......

I think lounge "dragons" only become so becaus etheir average work shift involves them arguing with 200 customers who do not have rights to access, the QF management employ the staff to ensure the rules are upheld, so being between a rock and a hard place they can get frazzled. For what it is worth, I cannot recollect a lounge dragon being such to a pax who didn't deserve it, not in my 1000 flights.

IF they decide to bend the rules and put themselves, very personally, "on the line" for ignoring their bosses instructions, and give you leeway, then I think the chocolates would be a very nice gesture to show you appreciate they did this for you

I think in general Qantas treat families better than almost anyone. Very generous in making some lounge privileges for families actually official. LATAM have a benefit, but only for their highest level (equivalent to QF P1) that gives family privileges. But am unaware of many more?

 

[JohnK]

"Now listen here kids, be nice and don't give the nice person here any problems. Mummy and daddy will be back in about an hour."

Hope they don't call the police.

 

[Longtoo]

"Now listen here kids, be nice and don't give the nice person here any problems. Mummy and daddy will be back in about an hour."

Hope they don't call the police.

One of ours is already in her teen. The other likes ice-cream but can very much look after herself. Having said this, I would not leave them at the gate.

We have been pretty unlucky with lounge access as the family. Last year, on our trip to Europe, stop over in Dubai on QF tickets (complimentary passes are useless there), I sent my wife to shopping (cost me much more than the lounge pass!) on both legs and the 2 girls took turn to come to the lounge with Daddy. Not a great experience after all. This time, if the lounge dragon does not exercise their discretion, we will just go to the AMEX lounge in Sydney. I have never been to the AMEX lounge though.

 

[Longtoo]

IF they decide to bend the rules ....

Well said and I agree to most. However, there is no rule bending here. It is not about the rules of law, rather it is a commercial arrangement in which the consumer is often on the short hand of the stick. QF can change their play book whenever they like, whether it is selling lounge pass or allowing the lounge manager to accommodate more than 2 accompanied children (when you are on a QF flight as noted in their fineprint).

I have made it to SG mostly on Y and in the last 12 months, there was only on flight with QF that I did not have an empty seat next to me. Clearly there is also the unwritten rules (if you want to call them so).

 

[JohnK]

One of ours is already in her teen. The other likes ice-cream but can very much look after herself. Having said this, I would not leave them at the gate.

The theory in my madness is if you leave the kids at the entrance to the lounge and head on inside the person at reception may have pity on you and let the children inside.

With Qantas though I think you'd be OK. If BA then I would worry.

 

[Strategic Aviation]

if the lounge dragon does not exercise their discretion, we will just go to the AMEX lounge in Sydney. I have never been to the AMEX lounge though.

It's an extremely small lounge and therefore usually uncomfortably crowded, but it can thin out at times during the day.

The lounge itself is fine in terms of food, wifi and powerpoints.

Lounge Review: American Express Sydney Airport lounge - Australian Business Traveller

 

[Longtoo]

It's an extremely small lounge and therefore usually uncomfortably crowded, but it can thin out at times during the day.

The lounge itself is fine in terms of food, wifi and powerpoints.

thanks SA. luckily I have just picked up a Westpac Altitude black which will give me 2 entries to AMEX lounge as a back up.