First international flight as WP

[sutty451]

Hi all, first post to coincide with looming first international flight as QF WP, and wonder if anyone can assist.

We (me, Mrs S (QF Silver) and Miss S (15yrs, QF Bronze) are flying back to UK from Perth (PER - DXB - MAN) mid Dec and returning mid Jan 2017.
I had been hoping to use points to book J class returns but couldn't find availability (booked a few months ago as well) so I have ended up booking Y (classic rewards - 'N') for outbound and then paid for Y (L class) returns.
All booked through Qantas, outbound are showing EK's and return QF's (operated by EK).
None of these fares are 'upgrade-able' on the Qantas website...so first question, anyone know of any possible way to get either leg upgraded using points?

Next q relates to lounge access. Flying domestically with Qantas hasn't been a problem and wife and child have got into business lounge with me, however international travel is new ground and Im worried my WP status wont get us all in, either in Perth at the EK lounge or at DXB (where I was hoping to get into the F lounge). Am I likely to encounter issues with the EK +1 guest policy or does your average 15yr old generally get waved in as well (and should I infact aim for the J lounge in DXB instead...)

Appreciate any assistance, thanks!

 

[TomVexille]

As you are not on QF metal, you will not be able to upgrade using QF points.

Others will have to advise about EK's guest allowance at their lounges

Oh, and welcome aboard!

 

[michaele]

If J award availability opens up you can call QF and have them change to a J redemption. Expert flyer can help you check the availability of the award bucket.

 

[Moindardt]

You are right about the +1. They don't care if it is for kids.

 

[Mrmaxwell]

The general rule with lounges is never expect to get extra access but if it happens great. Just be prepared for what you're allowed and play dumb with the F lounge access and you might get lucky.

 

[Happy Trails]

QF website says this:

Lounge Access
Enjoy access for you and one guest to Emirates Lounges throughout Australia, Europe, Asia, North Africa and the Middle East, whenever you fly with Qantas or Emirates. In Dubai, you and a guest may enjoy the luxurious Emirates First Lounge and in other airports, the Emirates Lounges. When departing London Heathrow on a Qantas operated aircraft (when travelling on a QF or EK flight number), Platinum members can access the British Airways Lounge. When departing London Heathrow on an Emirates operated aircraft (when travelling on a QF or EK flight number) Platinum members can access the Emirates Lounge. Up to two children (aged between 0 and 17 years) can access the Emirates Lounges when accompanied by a Platinum member.

Some argue that the child access allowance applies only to LHR.
It could also be read as applying only to lounges other than DXB F .

https://www.qantas.com/fflyer/dyn/flying/tier-benefits#benefits-of-platinum

 

[kitkatff]

I'd say don't count on EK letting you in, but give it a go. Alternatively, drop the Mrs to the business lounge and go to the F lounge with the kid? Not sure if they link the systems, if asked you could say you were checking out both lounges? They have very decent drops in business so the Mrs won't be bored

 

[Princess Fiona]

Hi all, first post to coincide with looming first international flight as QF WP, and wonder if anyone can assist.

We (me, Mrs S (QF Silver) and Miss S (15yrs, QF Bronze) are flying back to UK from Perth (PER - DXB - MAN) mid Dec and returning mid Jan 2017.
I had been hoping to use points to book J class returns but couldn't find availability (booked a few months ago as well) so I have ended up booking Y (classic rewards - 'N') for outbound and then paid for Y (L class) returns.
All booked through Qantas, outbound are showing EK's and return QF's (operated by EK).
None of these fares are 'upgrade-able' on the Qantas website...so first question, anyone know of any possible way to get either leg upgraded using points?

Next q relates to lounge access. Flying domestically with Qantas hasn't been a problem and wife and child have got into business lounge with me, however international travel is new ground and Im worried my WP status wont get us all in, either in Perth at the EK lounge or at DXB (where I was hoping to get into the F lounge). Am I likely to encounter issues with the EK +1 guest policy or does your average 15yr old generally get waved in as well (and should I infact aim for the J lounge in DXB instead...)

Appreciate any assistance, thanks!

I've got two kids into DXB F on multiple occasions. Most recently last month. I think you'll be fine.

 

[sutty451]

I've got two kids into DXB F on multiple occasions. Most recently last month. I think you'll be fine.

thats good to hear, fingers crossed I get the same response....if not...well, Mrs S might just have to go shoppping instead....

 

[Deleted member]

Did you attempt to have J award seats released as a WP ?

 

[sutty451]

Did you attempt to have J award seats released as a WP ?

Didnt know this was a possibility...is it?

 

[Groundhog]

Didnt know this was a possibility...is it?

It is, just ring the call centre and ask.

I have taken 2 kids into the lounge at DXB a couple of times (aged 6&7) the first time there was significant resistance which i eventually smoothed talked my way around. The second time there were no questions. Just depends on the Dragon at the counter. It cant hurt to try.

Enjoy the cigar bar at DXB, but dont take the kids in there.

 

[Deleted member]

Didnt know this was a possibility...is it?

One of the joys of status.

 

[BD1959]

One of the joys of status.

When I was WP I've used this to free QF J but ... the OP is flying EK metal.

QF can release EK J for WPs??

Regards,

BD