Qantas Domestic Lounges from 15/06/23 Guests Must be Travelling on Qantas/Partner Airline

[Palyadoc]

Simplifying = tightening

 

[GoldenTouchdown]

I can't say I've ever thought about taking non travelling family members into the lounge with me. I'd be too stressed thinking about how high their car parking fees would be for every minute they stay in the lounge.

That‘s what expense accounts are for right?

I guess I‘ve been blessed with relatively quick and easy PT access to the airports I spend the most time with family and friends.

 

[bussyboy]

I've never tried it, but are meeting rooms only accessible by flying passengers and guests currently? Could that be a loophole.

I have had non-travelling parents/grandparents enjoy the lounge with me prior to heading away plenty of times - it's a really nice experience to have IMO, taking this away is disappointing and I'll be sure to feedback - particularly on the back of their recent promotions about connecting with family and friends like the PER-FAM posters, and recent Feels Like Home Again promo on their website.

"Experience the Qantas Difference" ...how much longer would that even be a thing?

 

[encryptededdy]

Hmm, maybe I'm thinking too much into this but I feel like many times when I guest people into the domestic J lounge (especially Melbourne), they just waive my guest in and rarely scan their boarding pass (even though they had one). I wonder if Qantas are recording my guest in that instance as a non-flying guest, and therefore contributing to them not having the most accurate data on how many guests are flying vs. non-flying.

 

[oz_mark]

I've never tried it, but are meeting rooms only accessible by flying passengers and guests currently? Could that be a loophole.

I thought the meeting rooms were permanently closed mid-pandemic.

 

[blackcat20]

Won't have a huge impact on us but there have been times when a friend happens to be travelling on another airline and we have congregated in the lounge (usually related to an AFF event).

 

[Layslow]

I’m actually gutted.

I regularly guest my family and friends into the lounges who are usually not travelling with me when flying out of MEL and PER. Flying weekly-fortnightly and mostly at weeknights or on weekends, we’ve spent many special moments and quality time together in the lounges. It gives us an opportunity to connect and keep in touch when we otherwise wouldn’t due to work and travel schedules. It’s practically a family tradition here, savouring the NP inspired delights, plane watching.

For me personally this is actually some of the biggest value I get from QFF status. Earn a lot of points but find it so hard to redeem for the flight rewards you actually want! Can’t easily plan/book a break ahead of time (they’re always last minute when I can fit it in) so usually always paying cash! But what can we do? Domestic flying will never be the same come 15th June!

I've submitted email complaint into QF ([email protected]) - suggest you all do the same. 10seconds of effort. ChatGPT great for drafting letter:

"Dear Qantas Customer Care,

I am writing this letter as a long-term Platinum member [#Member Number] of Qantas, with deep disappointment and concern regarding the recent update to your Qantas Lounge access policy. I have been an ardent supporter of Qantas for several years, appreciating the exceptional service and benefits that come with being a loyal Platinum member. However, the decision to implement this policy change effective from 15 June 2023 has left me feeling let down and dissatisfied.

The existing Qantas Lounge access policy has been a defining factor in my choice to remain a loyal Platinum member. Its comprehensiveness and flexibility have not only provided me with a comfortable and productive environment before my flights but also allowed me to extend the same privilege to my guests or travel companions. This policy has been a testament to Qantas' commitment to customer satisfaction and recognition of their loyal patrons.

The newly announced policy, which restricts access to Qantas-operated and eligible partner flights departing on the same day, is a significant deviation from the existing policy that has served the needs of Platinum members so well. By narrowing down the eligibility criteria, it feels like Qantas is diminishing the value of our loyalty and disregarding the preferences of its most dedicated customers.

As a Platinum member, I have always held Qantas in high regard for its outstanding service, and I have proudly recommended the airline to my colleagues, friends, and family. However, this change in the lounge access policy leaves me with a sense of disillusionment and compels me to question my continued loyalty to the brand. It is disheartening to witness a shift away from customer-centric policies, especially when it affects long-standing patrons who have consistently chosen Qantas over other alternatives.

I implore you to reconsider this policy change and preserve the existing lounge access policy for Platinum members. By maintaining the current guidelines, Qantas can continue to foster a sense of exclusivity, reward loyalty, and enhance the overall travel experience for its most esteemed customers. Such a decision would reaffirm Qantas' commitment to its Platinum members and set the airline apart from competitors.

I would greatly appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and a comprehensive response outlining Qantas' stance on the lounge access policy change. Additionally, I kindly request that you take my concerns into serious consideration and convey them to the appropriate decision-makers within the company.

Thank you for your time and attention. I hope that Qantas will reconsider this policy change, acknowledging the impact it has on long-term Platinum members like myself. I look forward to hearing from you soon and to continue my valued association with Qantas.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]"

Thanks for the email address. Have just sent QF a note congratulating them on the move and encourage them to ignore the rent seekers out there who have been gaming the system. If your family and friends are so important to spend that time with you (in an airline lounge...) - buy a ticket for them to fly with you! As I fade to black I won't be flashing back to all those wonderful memories spent at a Qantas Club. Oh dear people, get a grip...

 

[RichardMEL]

When I've guested people in they've been flying QF (and the last time I did, they were scanned in too). I don't mind this change. Sure it's a more restrictive change, but let's face it, why should QF "host" a VA or Rex pax? Seems pretty rare people coming to the airport who aren't flying, but I can accept a partner seeing one off or something so that would be frustrating I understand.

though what locations even make pax flying other airlines in QF lounges practical? ADL, BNE, CNS, HBA, DRW come to mind. Even BNE requires a bit of a walk from the VA and that central part with "others" to QF< but it can be done. SYD, PER and MEL aren't really practical unless one wants quite a bit of effort to access (eg: T3/T4->T1 @ MEL, T2->T3@SYD).

It follows on from removing Plat/P1 anytime access some years back, and the crackdown on the piggies partying in the CL too.

I can't see huge numbers of people being affected here, but I do understand it's a devaluation. Really though if it frees up space in lounges during peak times a little bit I'm all for it.

Just wait for QF to put a time limit on dom lounge entry (I think DL started this recently perhaps at 3h prior?). The barflies would lose their minds .....

 

[jase05]

Good. The lounges are too crowded.

They should start by not allowing JQ pax into their lounges.

 

[justinbrett]

They should start by not allowing JQ pax into their lounges.

JQ pax are providing more revenue to the QF group than non flying guests - or guests flying with rival airlines.

 

[oz_mark]

Thanks for the email address. Have just sent QF a note congratulating them on the move and encourage them to ignore the rent seekers out there who have been gaming the system. If your family and friends are so important to spend that time with you (in an airline lounge...) - buy a ticket for them to fly with you! As I fade to black I won't be flashing back to all those wonderful memories spent at a Qantas Club. Oh dear people, get a grip...

Rent-seekers seems a bit of a strong way to describe guests

 

[BAM1748]

JQ pax are providing more revenue to the QF group than non flying guests - or guests flying with rival airlines.

Revenue yes, profit no. If JQ making $10 profit on a $60 ticket not worth allowing them to have a beer, scotch and dinner.

I don't fly JQ so happy to have them removed from the list to free up space.

 

[Mattg]

Thanks for the email address. Have just sent QF a note congratulating them on the move and encourage them to ignore the rent seekers out there who have been gaming the system.

While I respect your opinion, I don’t think it’s “gaming the system” when you are using a clearly published benefit.

 

[justinbrett]

Revenue yes, profit no. If JQ making $10 profit on a $60 ticket not worth allowing them to have a beer, scotch and dinner.

I don't fly JQ so happy to have them removed from the list to free up space.

It’s entirely possible to have SG or WP status by exclusively flying JQ with bundles.

It’s part of QF’s two airline strategy. There’s a lot of routes only served by JQ.

 

[Ondi777]

Genuine loss for me. Welcoming a family guest into the lounge after a ride to the airport was a great way to say thanks.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Perhaps we take a step back - why is any point beyond security accessible by non-travellers?

 

[MJHoops]

Perhaps we take a step back - why is any point beyond security accessible by non-travellers?

Because some people like to welcome family and friends at the gate

Because some people might need assistance to and from the gate without needing or wanting the formal assistance that can be requested from the airline

What is the downside of allowing it? Airports on the whole I suspect generate more revenue from it

 

[MJHoops]

I think it’s a sensible rule change BUT when it comes to the actual cost to the lounge operation I doubt it makes much of a difference. So to my mind the benefit is only, as many have commented, to other lounge users feeling they have a more exclusive space and less wait time to access food and beverage

 

[kpc]

Thanks for the email address. Have just sent QF a note congratulating them on the move and encourage them to ignore the rent seekers out there who have been gaming the system. If your family and friends are so important to spend that time with you (in an airline lounge...) - buy a ticket for them to fly with you! As I fade to black I won't be flashing back to all those wonderful memories spent at a Qantas Club. Oh dear people, get a grip...

Wow...just wow!

 

[smckay]

I applaud it. When I travel I just want to be able to eat and drink in the lounge and not walk around for half my time in there looking for a seat. If you've ever been to the Gold Coast 'space' you'll appreciate my sentiment.
Sure it's been a benefit and some used it, but for me I will appreciate the extra space and lack of people.
Every person I have ever put in a lounge (and the count fits one hand) has been travelling with Qantas that day with me.