Qantas FC redemption LAX - MEL

[Skafhold]

Hi All,
Hoping for some advice from those more experienced.
I managed to booked 4 FC classic tickets from LAX to MEL for our family (2 adults and 2 kids). It was a bit of a splurge, but with all the ongoing changes I thought I’d take the opportunity to experience first class whilst I have it.

LAX first class lounge is closed due to flooding. We were incredibly excited to experience it but seems now we cannot.
Then last night Qantas cancelled our flight to Melb, and re booked us via Sydney, with a 2 hour stop over. Although given Syd to Mel is domestic we are BC. Is it worth us trying to visit the first lounge in Sydney? Is 2 hours enough since we need to change terminals and clear customs.
Do we push out Syd to Mel flight bit later so we can enjoy the international first lounge? Or is it not worth it.

We really wanted to experience the full first class but luck has not been on our side.

Thanks in advance

 

[jase05]

If you want the whole FC experience I’d definitely try to get the domestic leg changed. As you said 2hrs isn’t really enough enough to change terminals, go through formalities and enjoy the SYD F lounge. Personally I’d try to get to SYD with a decent gap even if it means the night before especially if you think it’s a once in a lifetime experience

 

[Skafhold]

If you want the whole FC experience I’d definitely try to get the domestic leg changed. As you said 2hrs isn’t really enough enough to change terminals, go through formalities and enjoy the SYD F lounge. Personally I’d try to get to SYD with a decent gap even if it means the night before especially if you think it’s a once in a lifetime experience

Thanks Jase

So I assume you think it is a worthwhile experience in the Sydney FC lounge?
Do you know if we will be able to to there straight from the plane, or do we need to clear customs first?

 

[downgraded]

Thanks Jase

So I assume you think it is a worthwhile experience in the Sydney FC lounge?
Do you know if we will be able to to there straight from the plane, or do we need to clear customs first?

As you're arriving in SYD in F and transiting to domestic, you won't have access to Sydney's international lounges. 2 hours is quite tight for the transfer even without wasting it in a lounge.

 

[jase05]

Thanks Jase

So I assume you think it is a worthwhile experience in the Sydney FC lounge?
Do you know if we will be able to to there straight from the plane, or do we need to clear customs first?

Edit
Scrap my thoughts as I misread it as you were going in the opposite direction and were leaving from SYD in F

I still don’t think 2hrs isn’t great on a transit though so would try to push for a later domestic flight

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hi All,
Hoping for some advice from those more experienced.
I managed to booked 4 FC classic tickets from LAX to MEL for our family (2 adults and 2 kids). It was a bit of a splurge, but with all the ongoing changes I thought I’d take the opportunity to experience first class whilst I have it.

LAX first class lounge is closed due to flooding. We were incredibly excited to experience it but seems now we cannot.
Then last night Qantas cancelled our flight to Melb, and re booked us via Sydney, with a 2 hour stop over. Although given Syd to Mel is domestic we are BC. Is it worth us trying to visit the first lounge in Sydney? Is 2 hours enough since we need to change terminals and clear customs.
Do we push out Syd to Mel flight bit later so we can enjoy the international first lounge? Or is it not worth it.

We really wanted to experience the full first class but luck has not been on our side.

Thanks in advance

Two hurts may be a bit of a push to transfer in Sydney, but the problem of trying to arrange a later flight, at this point, may be problematic.

You simply don’t know what time the flight is going to arrive in Sydney… it could be early, on time, or late.

Qantas will put you in the next available flight once you get to Sydney and approach the connections desk. The gamble is whether there will be four business class seats… although if the flight is truly delayed Qantas should be monitoring that while you’re in the air.

If business is full on the next flight you will have the option to wait for the next available flight with business class.

As pointed out, no way to access the first class lounge on arrival.

 

[Skafhold]

Should I ask them to just change us to business class direct to Melbourne and take whatever refund we can get?

 

[MELso]

Take the flight.

The lounge in LAX would've been nice, but not essential. The Qantas business lounge and AA Admirals Club will likely be fine. As for the tight SYD transfer, that's Qantas' problem to sort out if you miss it. The domestic J lounge in SYD is not particularly special (no access to the F lounge in SYD on arrival due to separation of departures and arrivals) and the likelihood of finding 4 F seats again is remote.

 

[Skafhold]

Take the flight.

The lounge in LAX would've been nice, but not essential. The Qantas business lounge and AA Admirals Club will likely be fine. As for the tight SYD transfer, that's Qantas' problem to sort out if you miss it. The domestic J lounge in SYD is not particularly special (no access to the F lounge in SYD on arrival due to separation of departures and arrivals) and the likelihood of finding 4 F seats again is remote.

When you say a Qantas problem….
Won’t it be our problem when we miss the flight and there is no business class flights available.

 

[downgraded]

When you say a Qantas problem….
Won’t it be our problem when we miss the flight and there is no business class flights available.

4 empty J seats to accommodate you is likely to be a challenge I would think. But the chances of there being 4 J CRs direct to MEL is also probably not going to happen either.

 

[Skafhold]

4 empty J seats to accommodate you is likely to be a challenge I would think. But the chances of there being 4 J CRs direct to MEL is also probably not going to happen either.

I’m waiting on a call back
They are getting approval to change 4 commercial seats to classic rewards. Given the lack of first class lounge access, it seems to me to make more sense to get the refund on points and $, and take the convenient flight. Although still waiting to hear how much the $ refund is

 

[MEL_Traveller]

When you say a Qantas problem….
Won’t it be our problem when we miss the flight and there is no business class flights available.

It may be… and you may need to decide between an earlier flight to Melbourne, or waiting for another flight with four business class seats available.

If there are any major delays qantas should proactively rebook you while you’re in the air for another SYD-MEL (in business).

You’ll also have access to the American Airlines Flagship lounge at LAX. They’re good lounges - food is usually pretty good and they have champagne… which is not all that common in business class lounges these days.

 

[MELso]

When you say a Qantas problem….
Won’t it be our problem when we miss the flight and there is no business class flights available.

If you miss your SYD-MEL flight because the flight from LAX-SYD is late, that's definitely Qantas' problem to sort out - they'll rebook you on another flight if necessary.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I’m waiting on a call back
They are getting approval to change 4 commercial seats to classic rewards. Given the lack of first class lounge access, it seems to me to make more sense to get the refund on points and $, and take the convenient flight. Although still waiting to hear how much the $ refund is

Technically there will be no refund for the downgrade on the SYD-MEL sector. It’s the same mileage band for award whether you fly LAX-MEL or LAX-SYD, followed by SYD-MEL.

Nice to have a confirmed, later flight from SYD, but again, if the flight is late leaving LAX you’ll be back in the same position.