Now that I'm sick... no Qantas Club access

[waltervp]

I dont think im being clear. I already pay for qantas club and am happy with lounge facilities flying qantas within Australia. I dont want anything for free just a 'sickroom' at the major international airports. There must be others like me. I see lots of old people travel who surely have issues... Just when i was flying more i always had OWA lounge access with my Qantas status. Now i really need it i pay for QP which works as long as i fly Qantas. But on some Europe/USA flights i just can't afford Qantas. I assumed the Q club gave me all privileges on other OWA flights, but that is not the case - even on an AA flight as a QF passenger i was once charged excess luggage on a leg as they allow 2 lighter suitcases where qantas prefers everything packed in one heavy one.

But anyways, i need to look into the Priority Lounges i think for those few occasions i travel far away (like 2+ 8hr+ sectors....)

I do have doctor certificates to explain to the airline that i carry an oxygen concentrator and need access to a clean room with power if possible. My ailment is Cystic Fibrosis and is not that uncommon.

 

[juddles]

...... How do I gain access when flying other airlines internationally?

I think that this is the main point of the thread?

The answer is Priority Pass - there is simply no other "answer". And as others have said, there are a variety of ways to get Priority Pass, with different costs an plans, so you should be able to find one that suits your travel frequency/patterns.

 

[mannej]

OP, I don’t think I have made myself clear.

Your assumption about Qantas Club providing benefits on One world is wrong.

 

[serfty]

Just when i was flying more i always had OWA lounge access with my Qantas status.

How many Life Time SC's have you accumulated?

 

[love_the_life]

Apologies waltervp, I obviously misread your OP, as only wanting to find out about QC internationally when on non QF flights. QF is never going to give access in that case so I agree Priority Pass is probably the way to go.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I do have doctor certificates to explain to the airline that i carry an oxygen concentrator and need access to a clean room with power if possible. My ailment is Cystic Fibrosis and is not that uncommon.

You have my sympathy!

I'm just wondering, have you reached out to Qantas and other prospective carriers before flying to see if they can help you manage through airports? This might include things like special check-in, expedited boarding and other assistance to minimise the time normally taken to do these things. You have every right to use disabled toilet facilities. It might be hard to ignore knocking on the door, but you shouldn't be worried about other people needing to use the facility.

Just on the AA point - your Qantas Club will get you lounge access, but no other benefits when it comes to flying AA. So there will be a bag charge if applicable, but you'll be able to access all AAdmirals Clubs prior to AA flights.

 

[Pushka]

OP Thankyou for qualifying. That indeed is a difficult condition to manage. Maybe eventually there will be a room available for people who need specific medical requirements prior to and after travel. I guess it’s like the Breast Feeding scenario women faced - use the bathroom which is not pleasant but at least parenting rooms is a start.

I hope you find a solution for your needs. If I develop another DVT I will most likely be prevented from travelling long distance on planes, something I would hate but have no choice but to accept.

 

[JohnK]

Sorry to hear @waltervp. Hopefully Priority Pass will make your travels a little more comfortable.

 

[RichardMEL]

The QP SHOWER facility (sorry i did not mean toilets!) as in most lounges is perfect for me. Noone really hears me.and they are very private. The procedure i do also.makes me sweaty so a shower after is ideal. Previously flying OWA i was allowed to use most member lounges. Now i can't. I believe this to be because of my FF bronze status. Maybe I'm wrong or out of touch.

I am sympathetic to your situation and personal needs, but I'd think someone using a sower room for over 45 minutes (you noted earlier the procedure takes 45 minutes, plus a showeer) is quite extreme use to tie up a shower room for when many pax would like use of one. I am NOT calling you selfish, as you have a medical need here you can't alter how long it takes, but it is a considerable amount of time.

On the question of lifetime status, remember folks QF only started counting from I think 1997ish? so we're only really talking say 20-21 years of accrued SC's.

Though OP did say many years of being Silver to Plat status - I'd have expeccted at least Lifetime Silver, not Bronze, but that's a searate issue.

I'd also agree most lounges the bathrooms are not significantly cleaner or more sterile than some in the terminal. I've been in some that I've prefered out in the terminal! LOL

I do think many have suggested good ideas via Priority Pass, or a discount QC membership. I'd also suggest many airports specially internationally, offer showers one can access for a few $$ fee (I'm thinking of places like Singapore here).

It may even be good to look at day rates for airport hotels (some you can rent by the hour or so - and yes that sounds very dodgy but I don't mean it that way ) as another alternative.

These are costs you will just have to factor into your future travel.

 

[waltervp]

Lots of valid points. Thank you everyone. I have most certainly tried to advise airlines before flying. Most airlines require me to submit their medical forms in advance and rarely if ever does it make any difference but it is rarely noted on their system! Check-in is always surprised, and after a 45min equipment/paper check advise that it would be much better if I did this before flying (which I do...) but that now I don't need to worry about it anymore for this entire trip.... Nice promise but my next check-in it all repeats when they see the oxygen concentrator. This often takes time.

Yes, any shower facility is not 100% perfect/clean but works fine for me. I have never seen any lounge showers busy (maybe BA arrivals at Heathrow) or felt I was taking too long a time and being anti-social (prob because I travel cheapest route/times which are off-peak perhaps). I've barely got 5000 lifetime SC but I don't think Silver would give me OWA lounge access anyways. I did notice AA allowed me in the Ambassadors Lounge recently with my QP and I wonder if any other airlines do too.

My final conclusion is that first I need to ask if there is a shower facility (bonus they don't treat me like sick and refer me to 'the clinic'), then ask for the Priority Lounge (or look that up before travel), but an airport hotel is too hard in the short transit period...

I hope to be travelling for a little while yet!! Hope everyone stays well, especially you Pushka!

 

[Dr_Goz]

waltervp, I have sympathy for you, CF sucks and the lifelong management can be very tiresome.

Based on what you have mentioned, it appears you are primarily seeking some privacy, a seat and a powerpoint for you to complete your regime.

To answer your initial question:

How do I gain access when flying other airlines internationally?

I think you need to firstly do some research on what Qantas Club Membership provides you. I understand it allows access prior to Qantas flights, and American Airlines flights in the USA. More information would be on the qantas website.

Secondly, do some research on what facilities would be available at the airports you wish to fly from when not flying Qantas or American, and make a determination based on that. If a lounge is what you are seeking, try and look up websites such as loungebuddy to see if there are lounges that accept paid access, instead of a membership scheme.

 

[odysseus]

I think that this is the main point of the thread?

The answer is Priority Pass - there is simply no other "answer".

There actually is another "answer." Diners club also offer a partnership program with lounges, of most benefit internationally, so quite complementary in that regard to what walter already has.

There is no per visit cost for the cardholder. It then comes down to how much travel/how many visits are expected as to which option is more economical, or which locations are better suited, though their international coverage is quite good. Depending on Walter's situation, the other benefits of having a Diners club as well as just the flexibility of another card and insurances may also be useful, if the cost is otherwise similar.

 

[waltervp]

"Diners club also offer a partnership program with lounges, of most benefit internationally, so quite complementary in that regard to what walter already has.

I'll look into that. Never had a Diners card. My Amex was often refused, and hence couldnt use it enough to justify its cost. I currently use platinum visa for my travel insurance needs because applying for normal travel insurance with an existing medical conditions is a pain. Medicare reciprocal agreements sometimes cover me for that in some countries.

 

[BAM1748]

A QP membership might need to be built into the travel budget as part of the yearly trip planning.

Good luck.

 

[waltervp]

A QP membership might need to be built into the travel budget as part of the yearly trip planning.

Yes, I have never stopped it ... mainly because of the joining fee if i were to drop it But I need more for the odd international flight when not flying Qantas. Thanks also for the www.loungebuddy.com.au website DrGoz! Perfect travel buddy.

 

[csueb31]

Hi, I know this thread is old, but in case OP is subscribed for replies (is that an option?) - my suggestions are;
- most Priority Pass lounges do not have showers - so do your research first on where you are flying
- you don't say what airlines you travel instead of Qantas, but you could consider joining United Airlines Club, which gives you access to star alliance lounges as long as you are flying star alliance. This makes it more flexible than Qantas with one world, as you don't have to be flying on a United flight. Just a star alliance flight. Its about $500 USD per year so would have to be worth it. Do your homework on what airports and what the facilities are first too.
- if looking for shower rooms specifically, definitely do your homework as some airports have public showers for a fee and that might be a lot more economical.

 

[offshore171]

Can I make an alternative suggestion for when you are downroute at overseas airports.

Is it an option to book a room at an airport hotel? Either a day use room or late checkout depending on your flight time.

This way you could do your full medical routine in the relative comfort and hygienic (compared to a lounge bathroom) environment of a private hotel room.

 

[waltervp]

Either a day use room or late checkout depending on your flight time.

This way you could do your full medical routine in the relative comfort and hygienic (compared to a lounge bathroom) environment of a private hotel room.

Absolutely, it is often a little $$$, but you can always get an hourly rate like in Singapore.... Thanks for the suggestion. Also got the Amex Ultimate travel card which gives me QC and Amex lounge passes yearly. I only need a few a year, so between all the suggestions....

Next travel is to Yale University for Bacteriophage therapy, the next best thing in sliced bread for antibiotic-resistant bacteria which I have in my lungs: www.coughing4cf.com

 

[love_the_life]

Absolutely, it is often a little $$$, but you can always get an hourly rate like in Singapore.... Thanks for the suggestion. Also got the Amex Ultimate travel card which gives me QC and Amex lounge passes yearly. I only need a few a year, so between all the suggestions....

Next travel is to Yale University for Bacteriophage therapy, the next best thing in sliced bread for antibiotic-resistant bacteria which I have in my lungs: www.coughing4cf.com

Hope it goes well for you.