Platinum Vs Gold

[markjb]

I am only 300 shy of platinum and are going back to USA in 3 weeks so can do a easy SC run to get it BUT is it really worth it??

I know first lounge access BUT i have heard from a few travelers than that lounge is boring and always near empty......

your thoughts...?

EDIT: SORRY GOLD not GLOD

 

[dede]

Re: Platinum Vs Glod

Do it I say!

You'll never know if you don't have a go!

The online seat selection is better. more chance of an op up. Better lounge access. This is my first year as a WP and I'm loving it already. You may never get another chance so who not go for it. Then at the very leaast you'll drop down to Glod for the following year without even doing anything.

 

[markjb]

Re: Platinum Vs Glod

Do it I say!

You'll never know if you don't have a go!

The online seat selection is better. more chance of an op up. Better lounge access. This is my first year as a WP and I'm loving it already. You may never get another chance so who not go for it. Then at the very leaast you'll drop down to Glod for the following year without even doing anything.

Yeah good point i was thinking the same thing...... As soon as i got gold it changed during a flight from SFO to SYD scored a upgrade as soon as i landed from SYD to MEL!! After all it will only cost a few 100 $'s in USA to do..!

 

[simongr]

Re: Platinum Vs Glod

I know first lounge access BUT i have heard from a few travelers than that lounge is boring and always near empty......

Boring? Less boring than the J lounge?

Near empty? Isn't that a good thing?

 

[Keith009]

Re: Platinum Vs Glod

I'd love to have near empty lounges, as both first lounges have been heaving on my last few visits and service gets rather slow and less attentive. Liberal Devaeux or Taittinger consumption should cure any boredom.

 

[straitman]

Re: Platinum Vs Glod

For reasons pointed out by others I say do it if the price is right.

 

[drewbles]

Re: Platinum Vs Glod

Try the TBIT F Lounge in the evenings. It's often so full they will make an announcement for pax to remove bags from seats to allow everyone to sit down. The 'private' room behind the glass door is usually then opened as well, allowing some overflow seating.

The J Lounge there fills up too (as you have to through a door at the back of the F lounge into the J section to use the showers). The only real difference is slightly better booze, and usually a reasonable hot food selection (few dishes and rice type thing).

 

[RrabbitohOne]

I reckon it's worth it. I find that the Domestic Business Lounges are usually much less congested than the Qantas Club. The food is also much better.

 

[straitman]

I reckon it's worth it. I find that the Domestic Business Lounges are usually much less congested than the Qantas Club. The food is also much better.

With regard to crowding I have to say except maybe BNE where the reverse seems to be the case.

I agree about the food though.

 

[serfty]

I have found in the last year that I have travelled in my booked cabin on international flights ~33% of the time.

If you are in the USA, and you have the time to spare - go for it.

 

[serfty]

Try the TBIT F Lounge in the evenings. It's often so full they will make an announcement for pax to remove bags from seats to allow everyone to sit down. ...

Tip: If your flight is departing TBIT and you are inbound to T4 and you have no further luggage to check-in then use the F/L or AC/QP there before catching the airside BUS around to TBIT around an hour before boarding is due to commence. You can also check in there for QF12/QF108/94 as well (if you have no luggage).

Tell the lounge agents you prefer T4 (it's nicer) and are aware of the time you will need to go across using the airside transfer. (The bus departs on the hour and every half hour.)

If you need to check luggage and/or you do not arrive at LAX into T4 then check-in at TBIT before walking the 100 metres around to T4 - I am 2 for 2 in gaining access though security with my QF94 BP. Should I be pulled up, I plan to act the noob.

 

[sris]

Re: Platinum Vs Glod

For reasons pointed out by others I say do it if the price is right.

yep agree..

 

[Chris_Leo]

I usually do the re-entry into T4 whenever I fly from SYD/MEL-LAX and then on to SFO because the OneWorld First Lounge is so much better than the AA First Lounge at the TBIT. I've never had any problems until recently when I was informed by the receptionist that it was impossible for her to allow me to enter because my next flight was departing from the TBIT, and to allow me access, even though my next flight was 5 hours forward, would be a security breach. Grrrr....

 

[Chris_Leo]

Personal thoughts after 3 years of Platinum membership....do whatever it takes to qualify. I've had significantly better treatment from Qantas as a Platinum both on and off-board. Plus the op-ups are much more frequent!!!

 

[Worldtraveller8888]

I have to say go for it too...!

The QF seating system blocks out certain seats for Chairmans and Platinums only, so your seating choices are immediately better. You'll be the first to be upgraded if Y or J is oversold, and the call centre treats you very differently (in a good way!)

You can also call and request Frequent Flyer seats be released on flights where there aren't currently any available. They don't always make one available, but I'd say 75% of the times I've asked, they have.

WT

 

[Chris_Leo]

Oh that's a good one - forgot all about it. When I was looking for euro award flights on CX/QF/BA a while ago, the Qantas Platinum Call Center Rep was able to release a bucket load of business and a few additional first seats for me just because I was platinum!!! Let's also not forget the express cards (inbound and outbound) for Aussie customs - lifesavers on numerous occasions.

 

[davidj-bell]

I am only 300 shy of platinum and are going back to USA in 3 weeks so can do a easy SC run to get it BUT is it really worth it??

I know first lounge access BUT i have heard from a few travelers than that lounge is boring and always near empty......

your thoughts...?

EDIT: SORRY GOLD not GLOD

I'd suggest you go for it. The some of the better F lounges have champagne as well, which is always nice before a flight.

 

[simongr]

I usually do the re-entry into T4 whenever I fly from SYD/MEL-LAX and then on to SFO because the OneWorld First Lounge is so much better than the AA First Lounge at the TBIT.

Do you mean the AA F lounge at T4 is so much better than the OW F lounge at TBIT?

 

[Flying Fox]

I'd say yes.

Particularly if you are planning to redeem a flight (particularly international in premium cabins) in the next 12mths as you should get better seating options.

 

[serfty]

Do you mean the AA F lounge at T4 is so much better than the OW F lounge at TBIT?

I believe this to be the case, although not by much.

Certainly the Showers at T4 F/L are nicer, and in the evenings it's much quieter. Also, the ale selection has been better.

I have tried to get the best of both worlds in the past coming though T4 F/L and hitting the Bus airside transfer around 2 hours before the flight from TBIT.