International checkin/first lounge question

[Rebekkap]

Hi all, off to the UK next week with my partner (who doesn't often travel with me and is very excited about lounging time). We'll have luggage (unavoidable at this time of year!) sow e can only check in when baggage acceptance opens.

There are some older threads that suggest sometimes they'll let you check in a bit earlier than the 3.5/3 hours.

Couple of questions then:
1. Has anyone successfully checked in for an international flight early with baggage recently, and if so, how early?
2. Is the first class check in likely to be open around 1pm Wednesday?
3. Is the spa in the first class lounge going to be open? There seem to be stories of it being closed between times recently.

Oh and of course
4. Anyone have excess Qantas points they want to get rid of? Our previously un-upgradable fare currently seems to be upgradable, but because MEL-LHR is booked on a single flight number we can't attempt to upgrade for only one sector. PM me if you do!

 

[Danger]

Hi all, off to the UK next week with my partner (who doesn't often travel with me and is very excited about lounging time). We'll have luggage (unavoidable at this time of year!) sow e can only check in when baggage acceptance opens.

There are some older threads that suggest sometimes they'll let you check in a bit earlier than the 3.5/3 hours.

Couple of questions then:
1. Has anyone successfully checked in for an international flight early with baggage recently, and if so, how early?

Qantas is currently trialling all day check-in for international flights so you can check-in whenever.

2. Is the first class check in likely to be open around 1pm Wednesday?

Yes, for QF5 if nothing else.

3. Is the spa in the first class lounge going to be open? There seem to be stories of it being closed between times recently.

Certainly by about 2pm, if not 1pm.

Oh and of course
4. Anyone have excess Qantas points they want to get rid of? Our previously un-upgradable fare currently seems to be upgradable, but because MEL-LHR is booked on a single flight number we can't attempt to upgrade for only one sector. PM me if you do!

I don't believe what you're asking for is permissable under the T&Cs of the program.

 

[drewbles]

Qantas is currently trialling all day check-in for international flights so you can check-in whenever.

Only in SYD. QF have confirmed there are no plans to extend it to MEL at this stage. OP mentions MEL/CBR in their info, so I will assume the departure is ex-MEL?

4. Anyone have excess Qantas points they want to get rid of? Our previously un-upgradable fare currently seems to be upgradable, but because MEL-LHR is booked on a single flight number we can't attempt to upgrade for only one sector. PM me if you do!

You'd need to hit up a relative for this. Points upgrades on behalf of someone can only be done by an eligible family member (the same as points transfers).

 

[Danger]

Only in SYD. QF have confirmed there are no plans to extend it to MEL at this stage. OP mentions MEL/CBR in their info, so I will assume the departure is ex-MEL?

I missed the Melbourne part and, yes, I haven't heard that the trial is happening outside of Sydney.

 

[Rebekkap]

Thanks for the info everyone - we're flying from Melb so looks like we're back to my original question re that. I am aware of the T&Cs of the FF program - it was semi tongue in cheek that bit, although of course if I turned out to have a long-lost cousin on the forum... (To clarify though, I need around 70,000 points, not someone to request an upgrade for me!)

 

[drewbles]

I'm assuming you'll be on QF9 leaving around 1615?

QF93 is scheduled to depart at 1120 so it's highly likely they'll be able to do something for you at the F checkin.

Paging serfty to the white courtesy phone...

 

[Rebekkap]

I'm assuming you'll be on QF9 leaving around 1615?

QF93 is scheduled to depart at 1120 so it's highly likely they'll be able to do something for you at the F checkin.

Paging serfty to the white courtesy phone...

you assume correctly, drewbles

 

[Kangol]

Certainly by about 2pm, if not 1pm.

Spa opens at that time?! Huh?

 

[footy99]

Spa opens at that time?! Huh?

It's been closed from around 11am-2pm the last few times I was there.

 

[serfty]

...

Paging serfty to the white courtesy phone...

Can't help much here other than to suggest trying the QF93 trick.

 

[Rebekkap]

Can't help much here other than to suggest trying the QF93 trick.

Thanks serfty - so would that involve getting to the airport before check in for QF93 closes? That's going to involve an awful lot of hanging around the airport if they won't accept our baggage early!

 

[legroom]

.....I am aware of the T&Cs of the FF program - it was semi tongue in cheek that bit, although of course if I turned out to have a long-lost cousin on the forum... (To clarify though, I need around 70,000 points, not someone to request an upgrade for me!)

You have not spoken to uncle BAS lately ?

 

[Rebekkap]

You have not spoken to uncle BAS lately ?

Not lately, lol!

I did speak to my actual brother yesterday though, who has transferred me enough points to request the longed-for upgrade. Now praying to the upgrade gods.

 

[Danger]

Spa opens at that time?! Huh?

I had incorrectly posted information pertaining to the SYD F lounge when in fact the queries related to MEL.

 

[footy99]

I had incorrectly posted information pertaining to the SYD F lounge when in fact the queries related to MEL.

It's the same in Melbourne. My last 2 trips (Mondays in Oct and Nov), spa was closed from around 11am until 2pm.

 

[Rebekkap]

So I can now tell you that the first class check in closes after QF93 is all checked in. There was a qantas employee hanging around who told us they'd be open again around 12.45. Currently sitting at Hudson's with all our bags having a peppermint tea.

 

[serfty]

For those with longer to wait, first pax would be able to use the QP/JL in the interim. (of course this depends in what luggage you have)

 

[Rebekkap]

For those with longer to wait, first pax would be able to use the QP/JL in the interim. (of course this depends in what luggage you have)

Fair bit of luggage - but they let us check in at 12.45ish and we enjoyed an extra long lunch in the first lounge. Now sitting on QF9 waiting for takeoff!

 

[Rebekkap]

Fair bit of luggage - but they let us check in at 12.45ish and we enjoyed an extra long lunch in the first lounge. Now sitting on QF9 waiting for takeoff!

and STILL sitting on QF9 waiting for takeoff! Apparently the fuel load according to the computer didn't match the fuel load according to the paperwork. It's been resolved by adding more fuel.