Flying EK J with EK booking - Use QFF or sign up and use Skywards?

[DingoBlue]

I have booked EK J SYD/LHR X JFK/SYD direct with EK (so much cheaper than codeshare QF).
I am a QFF WP;
I am a Skywards member (unused);

I see that if I put my QFF number in the reservation I get no SC's and not a lot of miles.
I am a Blue level Skywards (signed up but never used).

Several questions I am afraid:
1. Will my WP allow me to use the EK F lounge in DXB and JFK?
2 If I use my Skywards in the reservation I will earn approx 34k Tier Miles which is then silver - any comments regarding their program vs QFF?
3. QF J are extremely expensive compared to their competition which I assume is to "overcharge" for the SC's. Maybe it is time to move?

I have been a QFF WP for a while now but there are so many more choices ex SYD now for a lot less $$ and better service I am thinking this may be the start of my "migration".
Regards

 

[calmelb]

Will my WP allow me to use the EK F lounge in DXB and JFK?

Yes however that number does need to be on the BP (but you can change it once entered before b

If I use my Skywards in the reservation I will earn approx 34k Tier Miles which is then silver - any comments regarding their program vs QFF?

One thing to note, if you’re doing a lot of domestic travel then i don’t think you can book EK codes on QF domestic. However the same rule from above applies, no matter the code if you have the status you can lounge

QF J are extremely expensive compared to their competition which I assume is to "overcharge" for the SC's. Maybe it is time to move?

It’s not always to overcharge. In this case it could be that QF were only given 10 discount J seats whereas EK can sell as many as possible. Though generally QF is towards the upper end of the pricing bands out of the airlines around here

 

[DingoBlue]

Hi calmelb,
Your response to using the longe in JFK is excellent advice, thank you. I will have a long wait at JFK as it a late departure so will be used there.

 

[calmelb]

Hi calmelb,
Your response to using the longe in JFK is excellent advice, thank you. I will have a long wait at JFK as it a late departure so will be used there.

Oh I didn't see the JFK part. That could be hit and miss as North America is excluded from the QF/EK partnership. There have been some on here who have had success and some who haven't. Worth a shot as long as you don't mind maybe not getting access.

 

[DingoBlue]

Hi calmelb,
I tried online chat with Emirates. Here is the transcript....
...............................
00:00:44 Amed : Hello Alan.

00:00:47 Amed : How can I help?

00:02:08 Alan : Hi Amed, I have booked SYD/DXB/LHR and JFK/DXB/SYD in J . I am a QF FF Platinum (saphire). Can I use the First class lounges in DXB and JFK?

00:02:44 Amed : Sure, I’ll be happy to check for you.

00:02:50 Amed : One moment please.

00:02:52 Alan : Thank you

00:03:29 Alan : Note that I am on EK ticket (not QF)

00:04:30 Amed : Yes, you can access First class lounge in Dubai and JFK as a Qantas Platinum member.

00:05:08 Alan : Good news and thank you.

00:05:32 Amed : You're welcome
.....................................
Think I will carry this with me! I have heard your comment regarding access elsewhere.

 

[calmelb]

The websites say:

"Qantas Gold, Platinum and Platinum One Frequent Flyers, as well as travellers flying in First or Business cabins, can access Qantas Lounges and Emirates Lounges across Australia, Europe, Asia, North Africa and the Middle East when flying on eligible Qantas or Emirates flights with a QF or EK flight number on your ticket."

Qantas
Emirates

So don't always hold the live chats up to the same standard! It's still worth a shot I would say, just have another plan if it doesn't work out. Good luck!

I am a QF FF Platinum (saphire).

Also QF Platinum is actually OW Emerald (But this does not matter for EK as they are not part of OW).

 

[DingoBlue]

Sorry - all these tiers, levels, statii etc.etc.