Free Qantas lounge pass for 18-35yo travellers in QF Y (Book by 31/8/19, travel by 29/2/20)

[Lynda2475]

I wondered if this promo was timed to coincide with the travel expo held over the weekend, which always has a bunch of Contiki / Top Deck 18-35 deals?

I've no issue with the promo provided I can still get lounge access and am not turned away because the lounge is "at capacity" with freebies when I've paid for my access.

 

[calmelb]

On the issue with discrimination, before I turned 18 I was technically discriminated against because of my age for the majority of the WP and/or J class benefits (such as lounge access) since I was only restricted in Australia.

On the other matter about making people interested, I've sent this promo to a few of my friends and they're now actively thinking about booking QF for their next trips solely for the lounge access, so in that terms it's going to be successful.

 

[RichardMEL]

Since some millenials have a real sense of entitlement once they use the lounge wil they then expect it for their next Bali trip?

just kidding.

I personally think apart from the agr group target and trying to engineer some "loyalty" among younger types, who probably do not have the age old brand loyalty/knowledge that their parents(and older) do it kind of makes sense since QF will never be "hip" or "cool" so I sort of see the idea.

I also reckon this is yet another way QF is trying to stimulate demand - they've tried a lot of other things lately....

 

[MEL_Traveller]

On the issue with discrimination, before I turned 18 I was technically discriminated against because of my age for the majority of the WP and/or J class benefits (such as lounge access) since I was only restricted in Australia.

Age discrimination is permitted when a person or company has to comply with state or federal laws. In the case of lounge access in Australia, there is self-service alcohol, so you cannot be admitted under 18 (unless accompanied). This is legal.

In other countries there may be a tended bar, so you might have been permitted entry.

 

[David F]

The offer itself doesnt particularly bother me but many lounges are crowded already. Maybe make it only before midday so bar not too crowded

 

[Fergo747]

Out of curiosity, for all those calling this promotion discrimination, do you have the same feeling towards something like purchasing a kids meal at a restaurant? Or what about golf memberships - A number of golf clubs offer differing rates of joining / annual membership based on age. Does this count also as discrimination as in that scenario you're getting the same entitlement to play golf for a different rate purely based on your age

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Out of curiosity, for all those calling this promotion discrimination, do you have the same feeling towards something like purchasing a kids meal at a restaurant? Or what about golf memberships - A number of golf clubs offer differing rates of joining / annual membership based on age. Does this count also as discrimination as in that scenario you're getting the same entitlement to play golf for a different rate purely based on your age

But some of these things fall under the ‘identified need’. Families with children will struggle to pay full prices these days. Seniors may not have the disposable income that full-time employees may have.

It’s hard to see where there is an ‘identified need’ to give an 18 year old school ie access to the business class lounge prior to a trip to Bali.

 

[Fergo747]

But some of these things fall under the ‘identified need’. Families with children will struggle to pay full prices these days. Seniors may not have the disposable income that full-time employees may have.

It’s hard to see where there is an ‘identified need’ to give an 18 year old school ie access to the business class lounge prior to a trip to Bali.

I understand your comment regarding families but if they can't afford full prices should they be even eating out? Also, who assumes that I can afford to pay full prices but because I do not have, nor am a child, I cannot access these meals.

On the seniors comment, I assume (and apologies if this is not correct) that this is in relation to my golf scenario. Ironically, the discount actually isn't for seniors, it's for members between 25-40 as they are trying to target this demographic (same as would be apparent for Qantas) to join as this is the lowest category of membership sign on. So is this not discrimination as I can hardly see an 'identified need' to play golf?

 

[getluv]

But some of these things fall under the ‘identified need’. Families with children will struggle to pay full prices these days. Seniors may not have the disposable income that full-time employees may have.

It’s hard to see where there is an ‘identified need’ to give an 18 year old school ie access to the business class lounge prior to a trip to Bali.

You need to move away from this 'identified need' argument. Qantas clubs are clubs. Clubs have exceptions under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 , where Clubs are permitted to restrict their membership or to provide different benefits to people.

Nothing is being taken way from anyone in terms of accessing the lounge or boarding a QF flight. All they are doing is providing an added benefit to a demographic that are loyalty agnostic in order to purchase a QF ticket and showcasing their lounges for possible repeat business.
.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Its an interesting issue.

I understand clubs can restrict benefits to members based on age. But these are not members (as yet).

And while the Club may ultimately be the ones allowing pax entry it is qantas that is ‘selling it’... taking you booking, arranging the lounge pass, associating the pass with your booking.

 

[Vic]

Its an interesting issue.

I understand clubs can restrict benefits to members based on age. But these are not members (as yet).

And while the Club may ultimately be the ones allowing pax entry it is qantas that is ‘selling it’... taking you booking, arranging the lounge pass, associating the pass with your booking.

But member benefits are not being restricted by this promo.

The Club owned by Qantas is allowing entry sold by Qantas.

 

[getluv]

Its an interesting issue.

I understand clubs can restrict benefits to members based on age. But these are not members (as yet).

And while the Club may ultimately be the ones allowing pax entry it is qantas that is ‘selling it’... taking you booking, arranging the lounge pass, associating the pass with your booking.

I don't think this is an interesting issue at all. Your rights are not being restricted from accessing the QF Lounges or buying a QF ticket based on your age. What they are offering is an additional benefit for younger fliers, like myself, if they register for the promo and book an applicable QF flight.

 

[p--and--t]

Wonder how many folks have read the conditions associated with this offer.

• In age range
• must be QFi ticket
• must be QFi metal
• must be paid ticket
• must be in Y
• must be in date range
• no guest
• no kids
• no overseas lounges
• lounge must be in AU
• must be your departure port
• once only access
• if lounge is "full" will be denied access
• if travelling with companion they must apply separately and be fully eligible

(BTW: abbreviated list above)

Its not like lounges around the world are going to be flooded with thousands of hanger- ons ad infinitum.

We are surrounded every day with "discrimination" of some sort. Health clubs for women only, seniors meals at pubs (with no id or pension card), discounts for sporting clubs, half price or sometimes free entry at night clubs for single women, free entry for over 65yo at museums (even if you are wealthy and working), student discounts left right and centre - that only apply if you are under 26yo.

I have no issue at all with QF having a short term promo to a specific demographic to try and boost business.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I don't think this is an interesting issue at all. Your rights are not being restricted from accessing the QF Lounges or buying a QF ticket based on your age. What they are offering is an additional benefit for younger fliers, like myself, if they register for the promo and book an applicable QF flight.

no, but i am being refused a service (the free lounge access) because of my age. Everything else is identical.

 

[Happy Dude]

Its more of an opportunity than a service Mel_Traveller. And denying an opportunity to some on the basis of their age is ......

We do see these sorts of promos a lot though, my golf club is one, so you would expect that it passes the legal test even if it doesn't pass the scratch'n'sniff test.

 

[getluv]

no, but i am being refused a service (the free lounge access) because of my age. Everything else is identical.

You aren't being refused a service. Your flight is a service, the lounge access is not. You are still able to access the lounge provided you meet the standard criteria.

This is not even an opportunity. It's a bonus. It is a promotion to attract a specific segment of the market.

This is no different to QF offering discounts to people who live in specific parts of this country over others, or pensioners being offered discounts on public transport, uni students getting discounts at KFC/movies, etc.

 

[Catweazle]

A neat idea for those who like QF 'freebies' but does this only apply to fares purchased in cash, or also to reward bookings?

Because if so, I'd imagine the number of QF passes given out for free will, as you say, result in the rest of loungers struggling to find standing room by the bar lol

 

[MEL_Traveller]

You aren't being refused a service. Your flight is a service, the lounge access is not. You are still able to access the lounge provided you meet the standard criteria.

This is not even an opportunity. It's a bonus. It is a promotion to attract a specific segment of the market.

This is no different to QF offering discounts to people who live in specific parts of this country over others, or pensioners being offered discounts on public transport, uni students getting discounts at KFC/movies, etc.

But all those discounts are lawful in response to an ‘identified need’ (that is, presumed lower income).

People have to eat. They don’t have to be in a first class lounge.

I’m fine with it being called a bonus. But I’m still being denied simply because of my age.

I’m interested in QF’s response to the ‘please explain’ letter above.

 

[angella44]

How is this discrimination? They're not taking anything away from people over 35 (and under 18's can't use the lounges on their own anyway).

I suppose it's also discrimination when cinemas offer a student discount?

If you already have lounge access anyway, I don't understand how people could be upset by a simple promotion like this.

 

[getluv]

But all those discounts are lawful in response to an ‘identified need’ (that is, presumed lower income).

People have to eat. They don’t have to be in a first class lounge.

I’m fine with it being called a bonus. But I’m still being denied simply because of my age.

I’m interested in QF’s response to the ‘please explain’ letter above.

You are not being denied at all, you are excluded because you are not eligible. The standard airfare you purchase does not give you the right to enter a Qantas Lounge, you have paid QF to get you from to A to B.

As I have said to you previously, there is no "identified need" here. Going to a lounge is not an "identified need". It is a luxury. By your logic, the average Joe should be entitled to the Chairmen's lounge.

In this promotion, QF are waiving the standard access rules for a certain group of passengers subject to them purchasing an eligible flight.