Failing to use First Lounge invitation

[descriptive_disaster]

Good day hive mind, asking for advice.

I have 2 Qantas F Lounge invitations I'd like to use for myself and my partner. We simultaneously booked the same J CR flight number (same day, same flight) using our own points, leaving us with two PNRs. However, the F lounge invitations require both pax on one PNR, otherwise it's considered a (disallowed) invitation transfer (learning moment, haha). What a pain – this was my silly mistake because I'd never used these before. We had been looking forward to finally redeeming these vouchers.

I'd prefer to cancel and rebook the same flight under a single PNR, but I'm pessimistic about the J CR seats coming back if I cancel – and as you're all painfully aware, to find a replacement 2x J CR availability is rare. My gut says we're SOL, but figured I'd ask here before giving up.

I've emailed Qantas rewards escalations, they replied saying it's not their department. I then emailed frequent flyer support (they confirmed the single-PNR rule but didn't engage on my request to combine the bookings). Any ideas?

 

[opusman]

They really won't let you transfer the invite? That seems odd.

 

[sudoer]

Are these Qantas Money Titanium First passes?

Call QFF (as in the Frequent Flyer team, not reservations) as they can transfer these passes in exceptional circumstances like this. If they say no, ask for your call to be escalated.

Source: did it a week ago.

 

[descriptive_disaster]

Oh that's very helpful @sudoer – thank you. That's exactly right, QM Titanium Int'l F lounge invitations – in all fairness I am fairly sure I read somewhere they were non-transferrable, I just didn't think the implications through when booking.

I will try calling the FF team.

 

[sudoer]

Good luck, just explain you're both travelling on the same flight but under separate PNRs. They will want your partner's QFF number and can force the transfer on the backend.

The first person I spoke to was totally clueless (they were telling me there's no such thing as a First class lounge pass lol) so just persevere until you find someone who knows what they are doing.

 

[descriptive_disaster]

Wow OK, did as you said and the operator was able and willing to perform the once-off transfer for me. Excellent advice, we will think of you if/when we get around to swilling that champagne!

 

[05flyer]

Good luck, just explain you're both travelling on the same flight but under separate PNRs. They will want your partner's QFF number and can force the transfer on the backend.

The first person I spoke to was totally clueless (they were telling me there's no such thing as a First class lounge pass lol) so just persevere until you find someone who knows what they are doing.

Know I’m preaching to the converted here, but it really is farcical that P1s have to endure such hopeless service.

 

[sudoer]

Know I’m preaching to the converted here, but it really is farcical that P1s have to endure such hopeless service.

Unfortunately P1 means nothing when it comes to dealing with QFF - we all get the same offshore, under trained call centre!