MEL-LAX-MEL booking advice please

[Edge]

Hi, I need to travel to LAX for work in March. I've always taken VA before, but obviously I don't have that option at the moment.

I've got zero status with Qantas, but a couple of hundred thousand QFF points. However I did do the status match with Qatar which has given me Oneworld Emerald status until the end of the year.

My questions:

1) Do I have to put my Qatar FF number on the booking and credit to Qatar to get lounge access?
2) If I do use my Qatar FF number, does it exclude me from applying for an upgrade with my QFF points, or can I still make a request?
3) If I use my QFF number on the booking I can attempt an upgrade, but what is the likelihood that it will actually be successful anyway? Loadings look solid.
4) What would you guys do, given the above?

Thanks in advance

 

[muppet]

Hi Edge

In short, you’re in a tough spot.

1 - No - technically it is possible to put the Qatar number in for lounge access but credit points to Qantas, however in practice it’s almost impossible to find an agent who can work it out.
2 - Yes, you’ll need your QFF number in to make an upgrade request.
3 - As a bronze, I’d say chances are slim.

I recommend including your Qantas number if that’s where you want the points to go and showing your Qatar card at the lounge entrance and try for access. They may demand you put the Qatar number on your booking. YMMV

 

[Edge]

Hi Edge

In short, you’re in a tough spot.

1 - No - technically it is possible to put the Qatar number in for lounge access but credit points to Qantas, however in practice it’s almost impossible to find an agent who can work it out.
2 - Yes, you’ll need your QFF number in to make an upgrade request.
3 - As a bronze, I’d say chances are slim.

I recommend including your Qantas number if that’s where you want the points to go and showing your Qatar card at the lounge entrance and try for access. They may demand you put the Qatar number on your booking. YMMV

Thanks, I appreciate your advice. I think I'll go with your recommendation!

 

[Scr77]

Depending on your dates, there are some Y+ and J seats available in this month. I’d be cutting straight to the chase and booking one of them. I have no status and wouldn‘t even be hoping for an upgrade.

 

[Edge]

Classic rewards?

Had a look around but couldn't see any near the 20th at all. Only economy.

 

[serfty]

In regard to 3, there are reports of bronze members getting upgraded in recent times.

These days Qantas International Business rarely goes out with an empty seat.

It seems Qantas are squeezing every amount of revenue they can. If that means upgrading a bronze flyer travelling on a points redemption, then so be it.

In the past, that was less likely to happen, lest it "cheapened" the product going forward, but not in these tight times for airlines.

Also note that oneworld rules do not specify that a sapphire/emerald number needs to be in the booking for lounge access before a oneworld flight. Qantas did introduce such a rule for their (non *O) partners such as EK or JK entering Qantas lounges but this does not apply to oneworld status travel. Sadly lounge agents often get confused.

 

[jase05]

Classic rewards?

Had a look around but couldn't see any near the 20th at all. Only economy.

Y+ on QF available on the 19th.

 

[Edge]

In regard to 3, there are reports of bronze members getting upgraded in recent times.

These days Qantas International Business rarely goes out with an empty seat.

It seems Qantas are squeezing every amount of revenue that can. If that means upgrading a bronze flyer travelling on a points redemption, then so be it.

In the past, that was less likely to happen, lest it "cheapened' the product going forward, but not in these tight times for airlines.

Also note that oneworld rules do not specify that a sapphire/emerald number needs to be in the booking for lounge access before a oneworld flight. Qantas did introduce such a rule for their partners entering Qantas lunges but this does not apply to oneworld flights. Sadly lounge agents often get confused.

Legendary advice, thank you!

Post automatically merged: Mar 3, 2022

Y+ on QF available on the 19th.

There is too.. and even a few scattered J rewards a week before. TYVM.

 

[Guvner]

2 x QF93 Biz awards on 12 March just popped up if anyone is interested.

 

[Edge]

2 x QF93 Biz awards on 12 March just popped up if anyone is interested.

Hi, can you remind me, if a Business Class reward is available on the website, if I make a cash booking and then request an upgrade, will it be automatically secured?

Or do I need to purchase the reward seat with points, immediately?

Thanks

 

[ChrisMars]

Hi, can you remind me, if a Business Class reward is available on the website, if I make a cash booking and then request an upgrade, will it be automatically secured?

Or do I need to purchase the reward seat with points, immediately?

Thanks

This only works for domestic. Need to take the reward seats directly.

 

[sandswa]

Hi Team,

I am travelling Mel-LAX-MEL how has everyone found the pre-flight testing requirements?

Any suggestions to where/what tests I should get pre-flight and also what to do in the US for return. I am only going to be in the US for 4 days, is it best to get a PCR on arrival and use that for my pre-departure test rather than a RAT on day 3?

Thanks for any input you have

Cheers