F MEL lounge opening times

[kermatu]

Is that EK plane to SIN in question the same one that comes in from AKL.
Or is it the 2nd DXB 380?

AustraliaPoochie it is a 777. So it isn't the one from Auckland. I think the route is MEL-SIN-DXB and return.

 

[SRS65]

You will never be able to go back you know! EK 777s are slightly less in offerings than the 380s, but not much difference, expect for the shower. The bar is interesting but we rarely visit that now from the F cabin. The newer 380s are nicer with slightly better controls and functions, but there's really little difference btw the 777 and the 380. We usually pick the middle seats in row 1 or 2 and each F experience we've had on EK has been exceptional, once you get over the bling. It's nice to be able to close the doors and have an uninterrupted flight.

Note in EK F, they tend to leave you alone but given you can eat and drink whenever you wish, just press the call button and you'll be served within 20-30 seconds. Brilliant.

Enjoy. We look forward to you trip report!

great at to hear Nizaris and TRTMA - we will take your recommendation and enjoy the experience.
we have already started saving for our next F trip and will likely become loyal to QF and EK being QC already

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

ADL flight was chocked full 07/07.
It's the 13.40pm QFd to meet immi and int security requirements at MELi.
Try to ask for row 1 or 2.
Seeing you are going F, pack as much as you need for hold luggage so as soon as left front door opens, you are out to run T1 to T2.
You are already checked in, in ADLd so can go through MEL int security and immi ASAP in arrival to MEL.

 

[trixydoza]

It's a beautifully quiet time of day at MEL, so no need to hurry if you're anything like on time for your transfer.

And of course feel free to check out both the QF and EK lounges, which are right next to each other.

But the food onboard is also pretty spesh... Hope you've checked out the menu that can be found online.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

If it were me and want to do it all, I would indeed rush and see both lounges.

 

[SRS65]

ADL flight was chocked full 07/07.
It's the 13.40pm QFd to meet immi and int security requirements at MELi.
Try to ask for row 1 or 2.
Seeing you are going F, pack as much as you need for hold luggage so as soon as left front door opens, you are out to run T1 to T2.
You are already checked in, in ADLd so can go through MEL int security and immi ASAP in arrival to MEL.

Sorry - May have asked this - do we get a fast track for outbound immigration and security that can be used in MEL?
and where do we get this?

 

[Princess Fiona]

Sorry - May have asked this - do we get a fast track for outbound immigration and security that can be used in MEL?
and where do we get this?

Yes. You should get it at EK check-in.

 

[trixydoza]

Sorry - May have asked this - do we get a fast track for outbound immigration and security that can be used in MEL?
and where do we get this?

You should be able to get it either at check-in or the QF lounge in Adelaide.

 

[kermatu]

I'd also get the express card and departure card at the QF lounge in Adelaide (they have in the lounge, not always at check-in). You'll have time there (or on the flight to MEL) to fill out the departure card, saving time or hassle of doing so in the immigration hall in Melbourne.

 

[SRS65]

Thanks - we will ask at the ADL QC desk if they don't have them at check in.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Fasttrack, aka Expresspath, QP ADLd will definitely have them on hand.
No ADL int flights with QF so the check in might not have a supply of them, or hold them on hand.
Granted a lot of QF customers have to go from ADL on a dom flight to meet int flights on the east coast, but not a lot of people will fly J or F, so its a QP sort of thing.
Have done it once, ADL - SYD - CHC, and asked at ADL check in to show passport and have it dipped, they said try the QP.
QP ADL did have them.
Edit: QF ADL as main dep airport will issue BP and do passport dip, so you should not have to approach EK desk in MEL.
If you have not seen passport dip, keep an eye out on the procedure when you approach the J counter at ADLd check in.
If reads the <<<<< line at bottom of passport, giving QF info and so also giving EK info on you. Apart from you doing outgoing immi counter appearance.

 

[SRS65]

Fasttrack, aka Expresspath, QP ADLd will definitely have them on hand.
No ADL int flights with QF so the check in might not have a supply of them, or hold them on hand.
Granted a lot of QF customers have to go from ADL on a dom flight to meet int flights on the east coast, but not a lot of people will fly J or F, so its a QP sort of thing.
Have done it once, ADL - SYD - CHC, and asked at ADL check in to show passport and have it dipped, they said try the QP.
QP ADL did have them.
Edit: QF ADL as main dep airport will issue BP and do passport dip, so you should not have to approach EK desk in MEL.
If you have not seen passport dip, keep an eye out on the procedure when you approach the J counter at ADLd check in.
If reads the <<<<< line at bottom of passport, giving QF info and so also giving EK info on you. Apart from you doing outgoing immi counter appearance.

Thanks Poochie - appreciate the advice and direction.

How does EK F compare to QF F?
We are considering a trip next year and will likely maintain our allegiance.

 

[kermatu]

You'll see quite a lot of views on QF F vs EK F on this site, in a few different threads. So it's worth searching a bit.

My take, based on only a small number of flights in both, is it's pretty even. I find the QF suite more comfortable (except for pre-take-off, take-off and landing which is very restrictive). EK suite is more bling and gaudy, with wasted space. Service is of course crew dependent and in F will always be good, but I prefer QF. Food and wine is better on EK and has flexibility of eating any time. Mixed reviews of QF food in F and a general sense that it has declined recently.

 

[SRS65]

You'll see quite a lot of views on QF F vs EK F on this site, in a few different threads. So it's worth searching a bit.

My take, based on only a small number of flights in both, is it's pretty even. I find the QF suite more comfortable (except for pre-take-off, take-off and landing which is very restrictive). EK suite is more bling and gaudy, with wasted space. Service is of course crew dependent and in F will always be good, but I prefer QF. Food and wine is better on EK and has flexibility of eating any time. Mixed reviews of QF food in F and a general sense that it has declined recently.

Thanks Kermatu
i will research a bit more - and it's interesting to get your take on the 2 offerings in F

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Just a more (trash from me-wink wink), if you are interested in feeling SG for longer, I would, as I do now, keep with one flight code for the rest of my life, being trying to keep QF SG or at least QF PS with QP, will be dropping off VA PS in the next VA cycle.
Keep with one alliance, as has been mentioned on here.
If you want to try the 2 lounges on different trips, try to at least keep with only QF.
If you fly with QF apart from the "big trips" QF SG does have its advantages.
If you want to get to EK SG, you can fly EK coding, their own alliance level will also have benefits.
Edit: VA have never given me as a PS an empty seat next to me, its always chockers full, a lot of my trips, if the QF plane is not full, I do get a seat next to me empty as an SG.
60% success rate (40% not) empty seat next to me on QF as QF SG. Never had this on VA as VA PS.

 

[SRS65]

Just a more (trash from me-wink wink), if you are interested in feeling SG for longer, I would, as I do now, keep with one flight code for the rest of my life, being trying to keep QF SG or at least QF PS with QP, will be dropping off VA PS in the next VA cycle.
Keep with one alliance, as has been mentioned on here.
If you want to try the 2 lounges on different trips, try to at least keep with only QF.
If you fly with QF apart from the "big trips" QF SG does have its advantages.
If you want to get to EK SG, you can fly EK coding, their own alliance level will also have benefits.
Edit: VA have never given me as a PS an empty seat next to me, its always chockers full, a lot of my trips, if the QF plane is not full, I do get a seat next to me empty as an SG.
60% success rate (40% not) empty seat next to me on QF as QF SG. Never had this on VA as VA PS.

Yes - definitely going to stick with QF - and we are now gearing our CC's etc to maximise points earn

I am at 260 SC ending August - and have been told to call FF at start of August to ask kindly if I can be comped Silver due to the misinformation we were originally given re CT and spa at FLounge.
Apparently it has been noted with them by QF booking agent and she said they would look favourably at it - but without guarantee.
What do you reckon my chances are of being comped - as this will go a long way in achieving gold with the F travel during the next period.

 

[trixydoza]

What do you reckon my chances are of being comped - as this will go a long way in achieving gold with the F travel during the next period.

I don't like your chances, but you can only go on what you've been told.

But why would it affect your chances of achieving gold? You'd still need 700 SCs anyway?

 

[JessicaTam]

Sorry - May have asked this - do we get a fast track for outbound immigration and security that can be used in MEL?
and where do we get this?

Yes. You should get it at EK check-in.

You should be able to get it either at check-in or the QF lounge in Adelaide.

I'd also get the express card and departure card at the QF lounge in Adelaide (they have in the lounge, not always at check-in). You'll have time there (or on the flight to MEL) to fill out the departure card, saving time or hassle of doing so in the immigration hall in Melbourne.

Thanks - we will ask at the ADL QC desk if they don't have them at check in.

Fasttrack, aka Expresspath, QP ADLd will definitely have them on hand.
No ADL int flights with QF so the check in might not have a supply of them, or hold them on hand.
Granted a lot of QF customers have to go from ADL on a dom flight to meet int flights on the east coast, but not a lot of people will fly J or F, so its a QP sort of thing.
Have done it once, ADL - SYD - CHC, and asked at ADL check in to show passport and have it dipped, they said try the QP.
QP ADL did have them.
Edit: QF ADL as main dep airport will issue BP and do passport dip, so you should not have to approach EK desk in MEL.
If you have not seen passport dip, keep an eye out on the procedure when you approach the J counter at ADLd check in.
If reads the <<<<< line at bottom of passport, giving QF info and so also giving EK info on you. Apart from you doing outgoing immi counter appearance.

Thanks Poochie - appreciate the advice and direction.

How does EK F compare to QF F?
We are considering a trip next year and will likely maintain our allegiance.

You'll see quite a lot of views on QF F vs EK F on this site, in a few different threads. So it's worth searching a bit.

My take, based on only a small number of flights in both, is it's pretty even. I find the QF suite more comfortable (except for pre-take-off, take-off and landing which is very restrictive). EK suite is more bling and gaudy, with wasted space. Service is of course crew dependent and in F will always be good, but I prefer QF. Food and wine is better on EK and has flexibility of eating any time. Mixed reviews of QF food in F and a general sense that it has declined recently.

Thanks Kermatu
i will research a bit more - and it's interesting to get your take on the 2 offerings in F

Just a more (trash from me-wink wink), if you are interested in feeling SG for longer, I would, as I do now, keep with one flight code for the rest of my life, being trying to keep QF SG or at least QF PS with QP, will be dropping off VA PS in the next VA cycle.
Keep with one alliance, as has been mentioned on here.
If you want to try the 2 lounges on different trips, try to at least keep with only QF.
If you fly with QF apart from the "big trips" QF SG does have its advantages.
If you want to get to EK SG, you can fly EK coding, their own alliance level will also have benefits.
Edit: VA have never given me as a PS an empty seat next to me, its always chockers full, a lot of my trips, if the QF plane is not full, I do get a seat next to me empty as an SG.
60% success rate (40% not) empty seat next to me on QF as QF SG. Never had this on VA as VA PS.

Yes - definitely going to stick with QF - and we are now gearing our CC's etc to maximise points earn

I am at 260 SC ending August - and have been told to call FF at start of August to ask kindly if I can be comped Silver due to the misinformation we were originally given re CT and spa at FLounge.
Apparently it has been noted with them by QF booking agent and she said they would look favourably at it - but without guarantee.
What do you reckon my chances are of being comped - as this will go a long way in achieving gold with the F travel during the next period.

I don't like your chances, but you can only go on what you've been told.

But why would it affect your chances of achieving gold? You'd still need 700 SCs anyway?

[mod hat]
Back to the topic please folks!
[/mod hat]

 

[SRS65]

I don't like your chances, but you can only go on what you've been told.

But why would it affect your chances of achieving gold? You'd still need 700 SCs anyway?

We are looking to travel in J or F during the next QC cycle so thought the Silver tier increased your earn rate.
Very novice at all of this.
sorry to get OT - didn't realise - will be mindful.
the advice is invaluable.

 

[trixydoza]

[mod hat]
Back to the topic please folks!
[/mod hat]

Couldn't the title of the thread have just been changed to something like:

Upcoming ADL-MEL-SIN trip in EK F: any hints?

I think a lot of the responses were in the spirit of what the OP had in mind. It doesn't feel good being told off by a mod in this way when people are trying to help and there is so much meaningless chat elsewhere.