Qantas Platinum One experiences?

[aus_flyer]

To all the newly-minted Platinum One frequent flyers out there... I'm curious to hear... what's been your experience so far?

Anything different?

Free upgrades?

... or all hype?

 

[calmelb]

Are the P1 events (not flight sim) usually on weekdays or weekends?

I think the flight sim is the last Wednesday and Friday of the month (off the top of my head)

 

[GoldCanyon340]

QF Int J food has sunk a notch or two in the last 12-18 months. Athoughl my flights to/from Indonesia have had really good curries.

 

[RichardMEL]

P1 *does* have some tangible "hard" benefits (I keep thinking of "hard brexit"!) that many of us have used and enjoyed:

1. Upgrade priority superior to WP (ie: window from 7 days out). I can't think of a time my P1 upgrade request did not come through
2. Ability to request further inventory release for awards over WP (if A or D show available I believe). Again, I have only used this a couple of times but not been knocked back
3. Flexibility at airport on day of travel (so called fly ahead or whatever you want to call it). Again, short of there being zero inventory have been moved without charge or issue
4. (sometimes) prioriy in meal order preferences. Several times I've had CSM's approach me when in row 3 ahead of others asking for my choice of meal to ensure I get it (this has been rare I admit, but usually I am in 1 or 2 and it's not been an issue).
5. Gift WP status to anyone. Have done and made someone VERY happy

Some of the int lounges such as LHR/SIN/HKG do have P1 "reserved" tables (well for P1/CL/F I think). At least once in HKG the lounge manager came and greeted me personally, enquired if I wanted access to a shower etc as a P1 and in general I was treated very well.

Could P1 use more tangible benefits like confirmed upgrades? All the other goodies GGL(for example) have as published benefits? absolutely. discussed here endlessly...

... but it's not TOTALLY useless.

I think the problems arise with expectation of some of the less tangible benefits that are ildefined - eg: Comp upgrades from the SST, Event invites, the Christmas Gift and so on. I've gambled on things like a comp upgrade been given (eg on a A330 on a Saturday afternoon seems pretty likely, and it happened) but by the same token even when I do that I do it fully accepting that if it doesn't happen it doesn't happen and being prepared to sit in the lower class.

As usual with QF application of benefits / recognition by front line staff (eg: cabin crew, in lounges/check in etc) is variable and, dare I write, inconsistent D ) ... eg at BNE domestic one time I showed my P1 card and was informed it was "magical" and I could enter any time (LOL) and CSM greetings as a P1 were almost annoyingly commonplace 2-3 years ago (annoying to me to have a forced chit chat) .. I can't remember the last time that happened, and I'm personally happy for thta.. but when application and recognition is so hit and miss it winds up with a customer experience that is less than ideal and yes, can breed expectation and disappointment.

I don't head onto a flight expecting anything different because I am P1. Sometimes little things happen and that's lovely.. often I'm the same as the rest and I'm quite fine with that(I reckon once seated in the cabin in the air everyone should be more or less treated the same way - hopefully wonderfully but obviously sometimes it does get a bit Orwell like wit meal orders being allocated by status etc)

 

[pjohn]

Some of the int lounges such as LHR/SIN/HKG do have P1 "reserved" tables (well for P1/CL/F I think).

Was in the SIN lounge on Sat and no special treatment there unfortunately. Place was rather full and was welcomed with a 'hello, welcome to the lounge' and then went looking for somewhere to sit. Guess it depends on who's on the door..

 

[TonyHancock]

@RichardMEL I am only trying to save you!

"P1 *does* have some tangible "hard" benefits (I keep thinking of "hard brexit"!) that many of us have used and enjoyed:"

"1. Upgrade priority superior to WP (ie: window from 7 days out). I can't think of a time my P1 upgrade request did not come through"

I don't consider this "hard" because there are no clearly defined rules, sometimes it is seven days, sometimes not, sometimes you get it sometimes not - I certainly had one upgrade denied as a P1.
QF makes the call, presumably, on how well the old revenue seats are selling before deigning to provide an upgrade for a P1.

"2. Ability to request further inventory release for awards over WP (if A or D show available I believe). Again, I have only used this a couple of times but not been knocked back"

Again where are the rules? The P1 is in the hands of QF who may or may not grant the request and the P1 will never know why he/she was successful or not.

"3. Flexibility at airport on day of travel (so called fly ahead or whatever you want to call it). Again, short of there being zero inventory have been moved without charge or issue"

This happens to me as a BA Gold with QF on Red e Deals too. It is probably one of the harder P1 benefits though I concede that.

"4. (sometimes) prioriy in meal order preferences. Several times I've had CSM's approach me when in row 3 ahead of others asking for my choice of meal to ensure I get it (this has been rare I admit, but usually I am in 1 or 2 and it's not been an issue)."

"sometimes" - need I say more?

5. Gift WP status to anyone. Have done and made someone VERY happy

Yay! a clearly defined hard benefit. You know the exact requirements you have to meet to take the benefit.

"... but it's not TOTALLY useless."

Agreed, I think P1's do get better treatment than Platinum downwards.

Defined hard benefits to me are clearly laid out so that I know precisely what I must achieve to gain those benefits. Upon reaching the target the benefit will be provided.

I really don't want to upset you but we are getting into the realms of Qantas FF Stockhom Syndrome again. (I say that as someone locked into BA and desperately trying to treat my own form of Stockholm Syndrome.)

Being a P1 when things go awry is definitely better than not being a P1 - which is where I think it all started....and then marketing seemed to get involved and P1appeared to become something else to aspire to. Sadly the genuine hard benefits do not match the effort to get there.

 

[RichardMEL]

@RichardMEL I am only trying to save you!

Well may you say God Save the Queen, because nothing will save me!

I don't consider this "hard" because there are no clearly defined rules, sometimes it is seven days, sometimes not, sometimes you get it sometimes not - I certainly had one upgrade denied as a P1.
QF makes the call, presumably, on how well the old revenue seats are selling before deigning to provide an upgrade for a P1.

Sure, but I counter that the DEFINED (and this is the whole point here, since the comment was made regarding so-called "hard" or tangible benefits) is that the upgrade window for when upgrade requests will be considered is from 7 days. Sure QF control the invntory and when/if they will grant the upgrade, but doesn't EVERY airline with their elites? You may get more firm GGL upgrades (note I am not including the confirmed upgrade certs/credits/whatever they are called you get, because QF has no analogy - annoyingly!) but I mean if, as a GGL, you put in for an upgrade using points... er.. avois, it will be considered superior to other BA Gold and "Other Ranks." Same as QF.

And it is certain that as a P1 upgrades will be granted over WP, Gold etc.

I'd also add the "family P1 priority" upgrade thing which while it may not be used much the one time I have used it, to surprise my non status sister, it worked a treat and she got into J to LAX, which was a brilliant surprise for her she's never forgotten (yes, someone who thought QF J was wonderful )

The point being the definied benefit is an upgrade window higher than the others (I think CL may be slightly higher, I am not certain on that)

Again where are the rules? The P1 is in the hands of QF who may or may not grant the request and the P1 will never know why he/she was successful or not.

(in regards to award inventory release requests)...Yes, we're all at the mercy of the yield management Gods and what the QF bean counters decide, but again I have been successful in opening, for example J inventory to/from LAX when there was I0 and D6, which I am pretty certain a WP would not have gotten granted - but sure I have no proof of that since I didn't know any other member requesting space on the same flights). Again though, at short notice I've had both F and J opened on the spot ("computer says yes") without incident. I know others have not been successful (I am sure HNL will be mentioned ) and of course it's not GUARANTEED but I honestly believe that P1 definitely has more access to inventory. It is true though that this is not a benefi printed anywhere (so OK, I should drop it, but my Stockholm Syndrome is kicking in and oh nurse I need a sponge bath.... but I digress)

This happens to me as a BA Gold with QF on Red e Deals too. It is probably one of the harder P1 benefits though I concede that.

QF is funny like this (or dare I say, INCONSISTENT ) because it can depend on if they are trying to manage flights due weather or other downstream issues and thus allowing many to do this, or a recognition of OWE by a particular agent, or what. Many others have reported no go in similar situations. QF definitely do publish this as a benefit for P1, though I do think the official wording changed at some point to suggest flex fares only, but in practice I've found sale and lower fares to not be an issue on day of travel. Others' experiences probably vary.

"sometimes" - need I say more?

mope I really just added it into my list for padding

Defined hard benefits to me are clearly laid out so that I know precisely what I must achieve to gain those benefits. Upon reaching the target the benefit will be provided.

I really don't want to upset you but we are getting into the realms of Qantas FF Stockhom Syndrome again. (I say that as someone locked into BA and desperately trying to treat my own form of Stockholm Syndrome.)

I absolutely agree with you. I am a huge fan of defined benefits, and I wish like anything QF would offer more of these, like th emuch wanted confirmed upgrades, or more F passes to give to others (oh hey, there's another definited benefit I forgot about till now - the 2 F lounge passes a year).

I guess my definition is extended somewhat because I consider higher priorities in terms of upgrades and inventory requests being considered to be a definited benefit. The application is opaque, and not always successful, but I do firmly believe QF does give P1 more than WP and the others. If youy like one has many more tickets in the lottery so chances are much higher.

Being a P1 when things go awry is definitely better than not being a P1 - which is where I think it all started....and then marketing seemed to get involved and P1appeared to become something else to aspire to. Sadly the genuine hard benefits do not match the effort to get there.

Well IIRC P1 was started by Marketing and I think the problem with what the QFF marketing droids wanted to achieve and promises vs the operational side has caused issues. This is a guess not knowledge though.

And thinking more about P1 and definied benefits those marketing types would spew out a list of other defined benefits like the premium QF Wine account, the free Golf membership and special access to MONA, the useless "lounge" in Sydney CBD and those other things they throw in, but mean very little unless you play Golf, love MONA, buy a lot of wine(in which case you prob would have the premium membership anyway) and so on. I tend to ignore those "side show" items as they are not flying related and when i think of P1 benefits I really think of what it gives me as a flyer, which is the core of the product "offering" for me.

I think in general we're in glorious agreement more or less [/quote]

 

[kermatu]

I’ve totally reset my expectations of P1 to zero. No contact from the team for months (admittedly flying QF a fair bit less though have some flights coming up). No special treatment onboard in Y or J. Wasn’t going to comment here and people know my views so won’t repeat them all again — but one thing of note I currently have a booking for a QF J flight and the seat map is the unrefurbed A330. About 4 or 5 days out I see on ExpertFlyer that the seat next to me is blocked. Been a long time I’ve had a blocked seat visible on EF. At least, I hope it’s for a shadow and is P1 related.

 

[TonyHancock]

Sure QF control the invntory and when/if they will grant the upgrade, but doesn't EVERY airline with their elites? You may get more firm GGL upgrades (note I am not including the confirmed upgrade certs/credits/whatever they are called you get, because QF has no analogy - annoyingly!) but I mean if, as a GGL, you put in for an upgrade using points... er.. avois, it will be considered superior to other BA Gold and "Other Ranks." Same as QF.

The thing with BA is that you can't put in an upgrade request and keep it "live", so it is first come first served. Expertflyer is handy to get the alerts. So in that regard QF is better.....but the thing is I never bother because I can lock an upgrade with points or GUF's at the time of booking. The former if there is availability, or I use a space release (another defined benefit at qualifying [2] and at 6000P's [1]), the latter can be booked through a TA if there is I for business and A for First availability.

Op ups for me with BA are all but non existent, I had one last year, admittedly I am mostly flying in the highest cabin. BA's system figures it already has my premium business so bestows those much sought after upgrades on the silvers and golds who they want to encourage to spend more on premium cabins.

I think we are absolutely in agreement. I wish QF would offer more to it's most frequent flyers.

BA's main sideshow benefit is Hilton Diamond and I am surprised QF hasn't come up with something similar to that.

 

[Matt_01]

.....BA's main sideshow benefit is Hilton Diamond and I am surprised QF hasn't come up with something similar to that.

That woeful VA airline has HH Diamond as a side benefit, but it is only on attaining VA WP. Not sure of the exact rules however I think it is for 1 year (hotel program) after activation, it It is then up to the individual to retain based on the standard stays, nights, points rules.

 

[kermatu]

Are the P1 events (not flight sim) usually on weekdays or weekends?

Weekdays I think are more common.

 

[RichardMEL]

Oh the hotel tie up is bizarre to me - thanks for bringing that up!!!

I was a bit hopeful last year that something may be coming when they had the promo and discount for Accor Plus and while it's not a program I use, it would have been something absolutely.

Heck even United give Marriott Gold (sorry "Bonvoy" Gold) for their elites. I mean surely QF can manage something. Given VA do it's surprising QF have not come to the party to compete - it is a major area where QF lacks for sure.

About blocks in J - I was shocked a few weeks ago I had a block in J next to me on a 737 (!) - and it held!! I've seen blocks a few other times, but they've usually evaporated - as we know most domestic J cabins go out full these days it's fairly rare to have empties in J, but they do occur. I have no idea if that was due to P1, or what.

oh and re upgrades - as TH noted (and tbh I had not looked up how BAEC manage upgrades so profess ignorance) one can confirm if availability is there at time of booking... UA do this, I think AA and many others also. As a UA flyer I can see ahead of booking if there's a seat available and decide based on that. It's a great system.

I am still unsure which system works "better" - well I mean obviously if I can book and confirm straight away, then that's the best, but QF's system does allow for the relatively high status member booking close int the flight to have a real shot at it I guess. This is one area where QF could reward P1 with confirmed upgrades, or at least the ability to put a request in to upgrade on booking, and have the request assessed at that time if YM decrees space, or subject to whatever YM criteria (say I or A class avail) then confirm the upgrade. Give a few of these a year I think would go a long way to making the tier feel more worthwhile to members.

 

[La Mouette]

I agree with Richard re the upgrades and inventory release. I request maybe 8-10 J to F upgrades a year, and I've never had one declined.

Similarly, I've never had an inventory release rejected, albeit these have been at short notice, and I've looked at EF in advance. I think there is a clear system behind these. If there is A availability, reservations can process it. If not, it goes to the SST, who send the requests to YM each day, and you hear back in the evening. If you're in the second bucket, they'll propose a few options, and I've always gotten something, even if it's say via Melbourne. So while it's not "real time", it's only a few hours.

To me the biggest benefit, defined or undefined, is having someone answer my emails. With the general decline in customer service across most businesses, it's quite nice to have someone reply to you promptly. I'm most often overseas, and 24 hours a day, I always get a reply from the SST straight away, even though it's rarely anything time critical.

I also appreciate that many people recognise me and seem happy to see me again, but I hope that has more to do with my travel patterns than status, as I wouldn't want to feel that they weren't just genuinely being nice.

 

[TonyHancock]

I agree with Richard re the upgrades and inventory release. I request maybe 8-10 J to F upgrades a year, and I've never had one declined.

Similarly, I've never had an inventory release rejected, albeit these have been at short notice, and I've looked at EF in advance. I think there is a clear system behind these. If there is A availability, reservations can process it. If not, it goes to the SST, who send the requests to YM each day, and you hear back in the evening. If you're in the second bucket, they'll propose a few options, and I've always gotten something, even if it's say via Melbourne. So while it's not "real time", it's only a few hours.

I have never had an upgrade voucher declined with BA when there is A or I availability upon booking....but then I don't think this is because of a system behind the process it is because the benefit is clearly defined, it is as simple as an equation A + B = C. No need to think about what might be going on in the background, I know precisely what is required and book accordingly

I get that P1's, quite rightly, have more chance of obtaining an upgrade, or releasing a rewards seat I'd just like to see rules laid down so that it is clear what is required to obtain the benefit.

In the style of Cape Mainwaring - "We are heading into the realms of QF FF Stockholm Syndrome again!"

 

[shuuy]

My experience in the last 6 years:

• 2 for 4 on P1 upgrades internationally (2x Y to J, 2x J to F).
• 100% for domestic upgrades (~10)
• However, I have received 4 Op-Ups from J to F US-AU on peak days (likely from flexible business fares).

In the spirit of spending ~A$50-75k on QF yearly ... The dinners and champagne are nice. But it’s the priority I get on little things:

• IROPS: putting me on a different oneworld partner when I wouldn’t be able to make a morning meeting overseas with no questions asked and escorting me through customs to catch a domestic flight 30 mins later)
• Points usage: The extra access when trying to use my points (not unlimited overseas J, but domestically Y/C @90%),
• Row 4: making the SYD-MEL-BNE triangle much more enjoyable

It was always make P1 first (and then VA Plat / SQ PPS / AA Exp) ... But if I had to lose one I’d miss P1 the most.

 

[RichardMEL]

I would say access to all available seats in the cabin on booking is a great benefit also no ffes for exit rows (yes I know this used to be a WP or even elite full stop perk). Also having many fees waived for phone bookings and similar is a defined benefit (I keep thinking of them. They are small things, but they are there).

 

[amaroo]

Unfortunately we're looking at cancelling a trip to Europe in a couple of weeks - we're both to busy for a 3 week trip. Thought I'd give the SST a go and request 2 x F SYD-LHR be released on a date that would cut the trip back to a more manageable work/life balance. All approved, seats released, and re-ticketed in the past hour.... another birthday in Paris

 

[Princess Fiona]

I got one of the greeting card things signed by the crew on QF9 yesterday and also an invite to a Tiffany coughtail event in a couple of weeks. Have RSVPd and looking forward to it.

 

[danielt25]

Haven't flown QF for some months (struggling to qualify for even silver), but its interesting to note the P1 invites now show up in your activity history.

Note: my last P1 invite was probably 12 months ago, so few and far between.

 

[kermatu]

Haven't flown QF for some months (struggling to qualify for even silver), but its interesting to note the P1 invites now show up in your activity history.

Note: my last P1 invite was probably 12 months ago, so few and far between.

View attachment 159156

Hilarious. No surprise my activity history is blank.

 

[kermatu]

I’ve totally reset my expectations of P1 to zero. No contact from the team for months (admittedly flying QF a fair bit less though have some flights coming up). No special treatment onboard in Y or J. Wasn’t going to comment here and people know my views so won’t repeat them all again — but one thing of note I currently have a booking for a QF J flight and the seat map is the unrefurbed A330. About 4 or 5 days out I see on ExpertFlyer that the seat next to me is blocked. Been a long time I’ve had a blocked seat visible on EF. At least, I hope it’s for a shadow and is P1 related.

In the end we scored a refurbed A330 so didn’t get a chance to see if the block would hold. As is always the case with QF a number of staff scored J upgrades and the cabin went from J9 and I8 at 7pm to completely full on departure at 11pm. I suspect my shadow wouldn’t have held in the end.

Probably for the best but I was strangely looking forward to flying in the old config.