Qantas Lounge Invitation

[Caito]

My parents are off to LA on Wednesday.
ADL - MEL - LAX

They've just got a lounge invitation for $xx or xx points

I've read the terms and conditions on the offer but it seems to contradict itself.
If their flight was delayed in to Melbourne due to weather (most likely given melbourne is always fogged in in the AM), would they lose out on their points/money?
I understand weather is out of Qantas' control
Or the flight is diverted to a different airport, could they use it in an alternative lounge?
As the invite says Adelaide and Melbourne lounge access can be purchased

Thanks in advance

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

QP ADL/QFi MEL J lounge is the only one they can get into, unless they are flying F class, they can't use the MUCH MUCH better lounge in MEL.
Personally, the QFi MEL J lounge in its current spot, in the basement, is not worth it.
If the parents can, get them to use the voucher/certificate in ADLd before their flight to MEL.
The QFi MEL J lounge is just like a glorified coffee shop, but no outside views. All artificial lighting. Yes, it serves a purpose, but given the ADL choice, I would go for the ADL choice.
Now, if they had access to the QFi MEL F lounge, wow, now thats a different kettle of fish, that one, is one of the best ones around.
Champange for breakfast!
But as it is, the QFi MEL J lounge, is the only one a QF lounge invite would be good for.
But is it only a voucher/certificate for one person?

 

[bosox76]

Poochie I have to disagree. Your recent continued bashing of the MEL J lounge is getting a tad out of hand. Not everyone has had the opportunity to spend time in a lounge pre flight. For some regardless of whether or not it's in the "basement" or if there are views it's a thrill just to enter a lounge and relax with a cuppa and a bite to eat prior to a 13 hour flight. Perhaps the OP parents fall into this category. I know my parents would much rather have a place to go and relax prior to long haul flight than before a one domestic leg. Granted the QF lounge can be quite full at times.

I personally find the Adelaide lounge to be not that much brighter. Plus the international J lounge has more hot food options. Having lived in Adelaide and now Melbourne I know which lounge I'd rather go to for such a journey. Whether the cost of $ or points is worth it only the OP and his parents can decide.

Does each lounge require separate purchases? Or is the lounge pass valid for both lounges assuming they're just transiting through MEL on their way to LAX?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

My parents are off to LA on Wednesday.
ADL - MEL - LAX

They've just got a lounge invitation for $xx or xx points

I've read the terms and conditions on the offer but it seems to contradict itself.
If their flight was delayed in to Melbourne due to weather (most likely given melbourne is always fogged in in the AM), would they lose out on their points/money?
I understand weather is out of Qantas' control
Or the flight is diverted to a different airport, could they use it in an alternative lounge?
As the invite says Adelaide and Melbourne lounge access can be purchased

Thanks in advance

It all depends how much the offer is. If it's $49 per person per lounge entry - I'd almost certainly say it's not worth it. Lounges are great if you have free entry - as bosox76 points out - it can be a place to relax before a flight. But it's probably not worth more than $20 per person (which is probably not the offer price!) The MEL lounge is slightly 'underwhelming', the food is nothing spectacular. If you're paying double for 2 passengers, I'd say you could spend your money much better (unless you had a really long layover).

The issue you identify with delays could be a problem. The terms and conditions don't talk about delays, but it would have to be implied that if you can't use the lounge through no fault of your own that you'd be entitled to a refund. But what does that exactly mean? If your inbound was delayed so you only had 30 minutes... would QF consider that sufficient time to use the lounge and therefore not be eligible for a refund?

Terms and conditions Lounge Access Invitation and Lounge Access | Terms and Conditions | Qantas :

[h=3]Refunds - changes by Qantas[/h]If Qantas changes the time or date of, or cancels the Eligible Flight, Eligible Customers may choose to receive a full refund for the Lounge Access purchased for that Eligible Flight (or in case of a multi-sector itinerary, any other Eligible Flight on the itinerary). If the Eligible Customer does not use Lounge Access due to schedule changes, or cancellation, by Qantas, refunds must be applied for through the Qantas Refunds page.
Lounge Access Invitations are, and Lounge Access is, non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or Qantas Points, unless otherwise specified by Qantas.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Mind, I never used the word bashing.

 

[mviy]

While I found the plate of the day in the international MEL J lounge underwhelming I think it's a great lounge and great place to spend time before a flight.

 

[Caito]

Thanks all for the replies.
I think it's $49 per person for the Adelaide lounge and $69 PP for Melbourne.
As the layover is only 4 hours, I don't see much point. By the time you navigate all the BS security and customs, there really isn't much time.
LAX would have been a better invitation, but hey, you get what you get right.

The past 2 times I've flown to LA, I've been delayed getting in to MEL due to fog.
Last time my parents went, they got diverted to QLD as they missed their flight - due to fog.

 

[straitman]

The past 2 times I've flown to LA, I've been delayed getting in to MEL due to fog.
Last time my parents went, they got diverted to QLD as they missed their flight - due to fog.

Personally I think you are being a bit harsh re MEL and fog. Without looking up the stats I'd guess that SYD and BNE are effected about as much as MEL.

Back to the topic. I'm sure the the pass would be valid for the Int lounge in any of the departure airports.

Have you looked and posted in the lounge thread under the appropriate date? That may well prove valuable.

 

[BAM1748]

If their trip is return via QF and they have one entry only, be smarter to use it at LAX on the return.

Matt

 

[bosox76]

At those prices I would agree with others that it's probably not value for money but only your parents can decide. It's a shame that they don't offer some sort of package deal so you get entry to both QP's if you're transiting through another city. Maybe they'll get an offer for the LAX lounge on return.

 

[BD1959]

Would it not be cheaper to purchase the AA Club 30-day membership?

Doesn't this provide access to QCs and allow usual membership benefits including a guest?

Regards,

BD

 

[Mattg]

Would it not be cheaper to purchase the AA Club 30-day membership ?

Doesn't this provide access to QCs and allow usual membership benefits including a guest?

Regards,

BD

Unfortunately this was discontinued last month

 

[mannej]

Would it not be cheaper to purchase the AA Club 30-day membership ?

Doesn't this provide access to QCs and allow usual membership benefits including a guest?

Regards,

BD

It would be but it's a discontinued product.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Would it not be cheaper to purchase the AA Club 30-day membership ?

Doesn't this provide access to QCs and allow usual membership benefits including a guest?

Regards,

BD

No longer offered is my understanding.

 

[BD1959]

Unfortunately this was discontinued last month

It would be but it's a discontinued product.

No longer offered is my understanding.

Thanks .. got the message :mrgreen:

Regards,

BD

 

[RichardMEL]

Thanks all for the replies.
I think it's $49 per person for the Adelaide lounge and $69 PP for Melbourne.
As the layover is only 4 hours, I don't see much point. By the time you navigate all the BS security and customs, there really isn't much time.
LAX would have been a better invitation, but hey, you get what you get right.

The past 2 times I've flown to LA, I've been delayed getting in to MEL due to fog.
Last time my parents went, they got diverted to QLD as they missed their flight - due to fog.

If the scheduled layover in MEL is 4 hours, the transit shouldn't take very long at all.. you walk from QF dom through, same building, to internatiomal say 10min depending on arrival gate, through security(could take a bit it's true) and immigration a breeze with outbound smartgate now and I reckon they could be through in 45min max. is $69 worth it for say 2.5-3 hours(given boarding time) in the lounge? it depends on the value one puts to that time.

I agree with the poster above if lounge use is not a given and can be lovely to have those few hours to maybe have a shower, get a coffee or 2, or something stronger and some food. Not everyone worries about the view or if there's the F lounge bubbles.. sometimes a good cuppa or two, a comfy chair to read the paper and some snacks can be worth it..

only your parents can decide if the price is worth it. Seems a bit steep to me tbh but everyone's value will be different.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

As the layover is only 4 hours, I don't see much point. By the time you navigate all the BS security and customs, there really isn't much time.
LAX would have been a better invitation, but hey, you get what you get right.

4 hours does alter it slightly... but still - $69 is quite hefty. I'd reckon they'd have the best part of 2.5 hours in the lounge, more if the flight to LAX is delayed (not uncommon). $140 would buy a nice meal at the airport, but nowhere to relax.

 

[drewbles]

For $140, go to Café Vue and have a nice meal.

No way is the lounge worth that much. It may be an airport, but $140 will buy you plenty outside in the terminal area.

 

[Caito]

My Mum (bless her soul) has MS so she's a bit slower moving than most, takes her a bit to get from one spot to another.
I'm thinking $69 does seem a little steep, for a small period of time.
Maybe closer to the date (they have until check in closes to decide), I'll pay for it for them.

Thanks all Appreciate your thoughts and feedback

 

[medhead]

QP ADL/QFi MEL J lounge is the only one they can get into, unless they are flying F class, they can't use the MUCH MUCH better lounge in MEL.
Personally, the QFi MEL J lounge in its current spot, in the basement, is not worth it.
If the parents can, get them to use the voucher/certificate in ADLd before their flight to MEL.
The QFi MEL J lounge is just like a glorified coffee shop, but no outside views. All artificial lighting. Yes, it serves a purpose, but given the ADL choice, I would go for the ADL choice.
Now, if they had access to the QFi MEL F lounge, wow, now thats a different kettle of fish, that one, is one of the best ones around.
Champange for breakfast!
But as it is, the QFi MEL J lounge, is the only one a QF lounge invite would be good for.
But is it only a voucher/certificate for one person?

If they were flying first class I'm pretty sure not even Qantas would offer to sell them a lounge pass for the qantas club.
I would go for an international business lounge over a domestic qantas club any day of the week. I find it a bit strange to suggest location is the only factor or that the food and beverage on offer is determined solely by the location.

If their trip is return via QF and they have one entry only, be smarter to use it at LAX on the return.

Matt

Note it is not a lounge guest voucher, this is an offer to buy lounge access in ADL and MEL.

Mind, I never used the word bashing.

I'm not sure there is any need to use the word to make it bashing