Complimentary Chairman’s Lounge Membership

[kangarooflyer88]

As some may be aware, Qantas has an elite tier about Platinum One called Chairman’s lounge which includes all of the benefits of Platinum One but also access to the exclusive Chairman’s lounge at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra (for some reason). Additionally, there are anecdotes of Qantas going the extra mile (or is that kilometre?) for said customers offering complimentary upgrades even on international flights.

One thing that Qantas has repeatedly stated about this status is that it is not earned solely through flying. For instance, if you rack up 15,000 status credits in a year the most you’ll get is Platinum One (and perhaps Lifetime Gold if you don’t already have it). Instead, it is given out on a complementary basis to people Qantas deems are VIPs such as celebrities, some executives at ASX listed companies, and politicians.

Well it appears there is now a new category of individuals who get Chairman’s Lounge membership: those who hold significant amount of shares in Qantas:

Qantas gives Chairman’s membership to some of its big investors

The exclusive lounge comes with perks including prioritised boarding, upgrades and a dedicated customer service line, and has caused concern about Qantas’ influence over its members, including politicians, regulators and chief executives.

www.smh.com.au

 

[Brettmcg]

Is there a point to this post? If so, I seem to be missing it...

 

[RooFlyer]

In that story, it’s unclear if the fund managers’ membership is new or the reporter just found out. It would appear to be a conflict-of-interest for them, but no more so than membership by judges, public servants in the sphere, politicians etc.

In the back of the fund managers mind must be that if they were to sell down their Qantas stake whether their CL membership would be withdrawn.

Wonder how this guy would fare?

One thing that Qantas has repeatedly stated about this status is that it is not earned solely through flying.

On the face of it, CL membership has little if anything to do with amount of flying at all. It’s primarily about societal status and influence.

I started a thread a while back to see if any other airline ran such a club. I’ll have to look it up but I don’t think we discovered any comparable ones.

 

[SYD]

In short, if you want to buy CL membership buy a shedload of QAN and wait for the invite to arrive .

 

[elanshin]

Well it appears there is now a new category of individuals who get Chairman’s Lounge membership: those who hold significant amount of shares in Qantas:

That's hardly surprising. For one they're people in relative powerful positions. If you manage funds of that nature you do have a reasonable amount of power.

Also you are a significant owner of the company. Generally speaking, most companies offer their owners / investors perks for investing that much into them.

 

[SYD]

That's hardly surprising. For one they're people in relative powerful positions. If you manage funds of that nature you do have a reasonable amount of power.

Also you are a significant owner of the company. Generally speaking, most companies offer their owners / investors perks for investing that much into them.

Yes, absolutely nothing new.

 

[RooFlyer]

Also you are a significant owner of the company. Generally speaking, most companies offer their owners / investors perks for investing that much into them.

I hear what you’re saying, but the fund manages are not the owners or direct $ investors. They do have the power of deciding whether the investors’ money is in Qantas or not of course.

 

[drron]

To me it sounds like the same old rules apply in these examples not a new class of members.
If it did happen recently it probably is related to the upcoming AGM and shoring up the Board’s vote. However more likely to be old news and a new reporter “found “ it.

 

[oz_mark]

Chairmans Lounge isn't really a Frequent Flyer tier and isn't really above P1. It does happen to bestow those privileges though.

 

[moa999]

Not a surprise.
These funds managers (particularly those with global funds) will put big $$s into Qantas's pocket.

That in return comes with a certain number of CL memberships. Afaik these days it's normally the Chairman/CEO/Head of Country etc of said company that recommends who fills the spots.

 

[Nemeca]

As my dad used to say, “it’s only a rort if you’re not in on it”

 

[ksthommo]

20k on Ozbargain, went quick

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/806439

 

[encryptededdy]

20k on Ozbargain, went quick

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/806439

Oh my. This post lists some CL benefits that I wasn't aware of - I wonder if they're documented benefits or just stuff the poster has experienced and thinks is an explicit benefit of CL. I suspect the latter.

 

[jb747]

It's not what they can do for you, it's all about what you might do for them.

It's a form of bribery, and should be treated as such, especially where anyone on the public purse is concerned.

 

[Nemeca]

All the current High Court judges are members, which seems a little off to me.

 

[Gold Member]

20k on Ozbargain, went quick

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/806439

I know everyone has a price, but 20K!? Wow.

I have to question the legitimacy of this sale and the member’s CL status. There are so many ways that Qantas could trace their membership, so risking it in this manner seems crazy to me. Perhaps this is a PR stunt trying to garner some unsympathetic political attention to QF and the CL. Or the OP just wants some attention to stroke their ego.

 

[CaptJCool]

I'm sure when I started business flying at the ripe old age of 24, if My Dad had been PM, I wouldn't get my own membership

Enhanced much>

The Oz carried an article today

 

[moa999]

This post lists some CL benefits that I wasn't aware

What was listed?

 

[encryptededdy]

What was listed?

Here's what the post listed

International First Lounge access for you and a guest traveling with you. PLUS entry for children <4 and up to two children 4-17 who are traveling with you.
Access to Oneworld first-class lounges + a guest when traveling on an Oneworld airline. Plus entry for any children 2 and under traveling with you.
Access to the First Class arrivals lounge (American Airlines) at Heathrow (CLOSED Temporarily)
Chairmans Lounge Q-Tags and Welcome Folio (Worth $800 on ebay)
100% more Qantas Points earned on flights
Priority International points upgrades
Emerald status on other Oneworld carriers and access to their First Class lounges. They also treat you really nicely when you fly.
Huge checked-in luggage allowance increase
Priority security and immigration lines
Priority boarding
Priority (domestic) or first class (international) tags on your checked-in bags
VIP Call Centre in Hobart
Flight attendants will come and say hello to you on international or long domestic flights
Use First Class or Business check-in counters where available
The key is that you need to be flying with Qantas, Emirates, Partner Carriers, Jetstar or OneWorld airlines to enjoy most of the benefits.
Free Space Available Upgrades into Premium Economy, Business or First
Domestic CHAIRMANS LOUNGE lounge access for you and up to 2 guests (they don't need to be traveling, but you do) before and after your flight. Total guest capacity of 4 adults, 3 into Dom J lounges and 1 into the CL with yourself
Chairmans Lounges are located in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane and Adeleide. With planned lounges in Hobart, and a specialized CL zone at the new LHR International First Lounge.
Emirates iO Lounge Access in Dubai Concourse B + Space Available Upgrades into First/Business
American Airlines Flagship Dining at Flagship Lounges and British Airways/American Airlines Chelsea JFK T8 Lounge access when travelling on AA/BA/QF
First priority for Classic Upgrade Requests
Can request any Sale or Saver ticket into Classic Rewards in ANY cabin
First priority for rebooking with any carrier such as Singapore Airlines, ANA ect during disruptions
Guaranteed Business Class seats (Full Flex J) up to 1 hour prior to departure (Domestic) and 3 hours prior to departure (International)
Guaranteed access to Qantas Platinum One events
Access to the highest status at Qantas, Chairmans Lounge Platinum One (CLPO) - which trumps all far below
Meet and Greet services at Melbourne and Sydney for all Business Class passengers travelling out of an international terminal
Guaranteed spa reservations at Qantas' First Lounges
Qantas Private Suite located in the International First Lounges at Melbourne, Sydney and Los Angeles
Cannot be turned away from any Qantas International First Lounge
Specialized menus with superior wine/champagne selection

Some of these are obviously the OP adding stuff that they've experienced, so I wonder how many of these are documented benefits.

 

[Danger]

Is there a point to this post? If so, I seem to be missing it...

I couldn't have put it better myself. I fail to see the need for yet another Chairman's Lounge thread.