Qantas Lounge access on Air Pacific flight number

[dvt]

All

I’ve just booked a classic award ticket to Fiji from Melbourne via Sydney and I’ve only just realised that the international sector isn’t coded QF. Having read through this forum and the Qantas website I have found lots of conflicting information regarding lunge access in Sydney as this flight does not have a QF number. At the moment I have gold status but should achieve platinum by the time this trip comes around and was therefore hoping to use the first lounge.

To get a definitive answer I decided to call Qantas directly this morning. I explained the situation and the operator assured me 100% that I would be allowed to use the lounge as I had Gold status and that lounge access was therefore a given even if the flight wasn’t on a Qantas plane. Having flown considerably in the past I’m not 100% sold on this information as I am fully aware that Gold status does not give you anytime access.

Does anyone have any insight on the above from past experience?

Many thanks in advance

 

[markis10]

People flying on FJ numbers have been turned away before, the fact your on a classic booking is something of a Quirk, it might be worth taking documentation to show that you could not book QF if you wanted to!

 

[Danger]

Perhaps this thread could be merged with the existing thread on the same topic.

 

[pcrosby]

In my experience of accessing lounges with odd flight ticketing, half the battle is the approach. I used to use the tactic of humble pleas, but I now take the stance of confidently walking straight up and just expecting access. In fact, simply stride condiently past the desk and show your GOLD card. This works especially well in Asian ports, and the USA, but less likely if an Aussie is minding the desk. If challenged express utter horror and disbelief (but don't get angry), explain that you were assured entry was OK, and that your trip is dependent on getting a shower and change of clothing. It works more than fails. For some reason, it works better if you have the family with you.

I even got entry to a non-connected airline lounge after applying the above argument. The attendant took pity on me and said I could go in and get changed. Once in, they forget you immediately.

In your case dvt8 - I reckon you'll be fine. GOLD card and Q flight. Too easy.

 

[mrfreeze]

When checking in at Sydney in April my boarding pass printed out with a FJ flight number rather than QF (was booked QF and had print out if required).
Noticed this and mentioned to the check in agent and she said it is fine, she can see my status on her screen and if any problems get the lounge to contact her.

Got to the lounge, showed my boarding pass and card and no drama.

I guess it is up to the "gate keeper" if they pull you up on it or not.

 

[AusTraveller]

Not sure if I should post here or in the other thread. Just in BNE Int J Lounge on my way to NAN and beyond to defrost Had a chat to lounge angel. According to her this is the one lounge that you get access on either due to an "agreement still being in place". Someone next to me even mentioned they were a Tabua club member?. Not sure if that helps anyone. You get the newer A330 too.

 

[dvt]

Thanks for all of the replys, some great insight and feedback has been provided.

mrfreeze - thanks for sharing your reccent experience, were you going into the first lounge?

Yesterday I sent an email to Qantas via the website explaining the situation and I also asked for them to confirm in writing what was shared over the phone by the Qantas rep. I'm not flying until October so hopefully these existing lounge arrangements will still be in place.

thanks