Qantas Platinum One experiences?

[aus_flyer]

To all the newly-minted Platinum One frequent flyers out there... I'm curious to hear... what's been your experience so far?

Anything different?

Free upgrades?

... or all hype?

 

[RichardMEL]

Agree. This is better than the UA/Marriot tie up, but definitely in the same vein. I enjoyed new status with ALL too thanks to this promo, and have been treated VERY well at a few Accor properties since taking some bookings there ANY due to this promo. comp upgrade, bottle of wine, one room had a little try of goodies in it etc. A promo that clearly has worked for ALL (they got business from a new person they wouldn't have gotten) and I've enjoyed a better experience at some places where Accor was the best option, and for me it opens more places I wouldn't have previously considered with my other Hotel groups that I engage with (ie: IHG and Hilton).

When QF first announced the ALL tie in a few years ago I had really been hoping they would do something like this, and while it was sound of crickets for over a year they did finally come to the party and I reckon it's been good. Definitely a counter t the VA Plat perk to be granted either Hilton or IHG status (because the ALL link goes further with the double dip points earn between QF and ALL) and it's a win win.

Will it pull me to ALL loyalist over the others I use? probably not. the tie in does have some limits and so on, and we don't know if it will continue into next year (ie: will ALL extend Plat status for P1's and Gold for other tiers - or offer another promotion to fast track) - that's a question mark. I won't stay enough to earn significant status with ALL on my own, so if this is a one off then it's been fun and I've taken advantage. If it continues (like UA/Marriott) then absolutely I'll continue to use this option.

tbh it's been one of the better ways QF's made a real difference for P1 to get the Plat status over Gold) and it's worked pretty well so far imo.

 

[flyingfan]

Got this in the mail today - a bright, pretty amenities kit. I won't mention I got the same one when they were handing them out at SYD T3 a few days ago (which was a very nice thing to do for people around, not just P1s)

 

[Ansett]

Same here havent opened it to see whats inside.

 

[Cognac]

Got this in the mail today - a bright, pretty amenities kit. I won't mention I got the same one when they were handing them out at SYD T3 a few days ago (which was a very nice thing to do for people around, not just P1s)

I actually received on of these on QF72 last week!

 

[chooms]

Got this in the mail today - a bright, pretty amenities kit. I won't mention I got the same one when they were handing them out at SYD T3 a few days ago (which was a very nice thing to do for people around, not just P1s)

Got mine today with a note from Olivia (not Alan)... maybe she was hoping P1s had the ear of the Chairman ahead of the CEO selection.

 

[jcwhizz]

Qantas at its very very best yesterday for QF1547 MEL to LST… pretty packed plane sitting on plane at the gate running 15 minutes late - normal QF approach, no great urgency to do anything…. and then suddenly nervous looking CSM suddenly goes into a huddle with the crew - emerges and announces that crew have gone over time….and that a supervisor would be coming to ascertain what next… what next for me was to ring VIP as fast as possible - got two seats (myself and a non P1 colleague) on the 1.45 DASH8, tried to deplane, told no decision yet, VIP reserved the seats but can’t ticket the new flight till I’m off the old flight - bit of debate ensues -advised that flight might still go, and that I will be deprioritized for another flight if I choose to leave … advised CSM that if I’m deprioritized I will deprioritize ever flying Qantas again etc etc. Managed to escape with my colleague as they finally announced the flight was cancelled persuaded them to open the gate door and ran across the airport (old flight gate 9 new flight at gate 30 of course) while calling VIP - ticketed me onto the new flight. Got to the 1.45, encountered resistance to checking me in at the gate. Rang VIP again pushed and pushed until finally success and was checked in. Amusingly crew from QF1547 also on the Dash so they were ok - rest of the poor souls on QF1547 apparently ended up on the evening Deathstar or switched to Virgin or gave up the will to live. Arrived in LST, luggage didn’t make it for most passengers (from a variety of different connects not just QF1547), no one at the service desk - only a single person in LST responsible for both checking in customers and dealing with the 20 or so people with delayed luggage. BUT I suppose VIP at least did the trick otherwise I would probably still be in Melbourne.

 

[Rod62]

I achieved P1 in Oct last year and off the back off 14 years as Platinum, watched and listened very carefully for anything special that this elite status may provide. I was very mindful as to the diminishing service levels that we have all received over the last 3-4 years and have experienced lost luggage, three consecutive times, however I'm optimistic that the Qantas pf the past will not be the Qantas of the future.
Apart from the VIP team who have for most parts, been hit and miss (and I mean that in the nicest way), twice I have been about to board a flight that was cancelled on the ground with operational issues and have waited for the VIP team to jump into action to provide a solution and nothing.... Waited and waited for someone to call and in the end I called them who by their own admission told me that they knew nothing about these cancellations.
The only resolve to both flight cancellations which had regional connections and with my inability to be able to change commitments at the other end was to opt for car hire in lieu of flight.
Both times I did this and both times the VIP team accepted and owned the problem and provided reimbursement to me for the costs of one way car hire.
I am absolutely certain that as a Platinum or other that this would not have been forthcoming.
Additional experiences in 6 months were a nice 1UP from Melb-Bris for no particular reason and yesterday was booked on a return flight from Bris-Mackay and received 1Up's both ways.
One ticket was a redifare and the other flex.
All three upgrades were gratefully received and enjoyed. May Qantas continue to exceed our expectations and listen to the voices of their loyal customers.
Welcome Vanessa Hudson.

 

[sudoer]

Welcome Vanessa Hudson.

and welcome to AFF, @Rod62

 

[aus_flyer]

I've come to the view that P1 upgrades are not offered on Qantaslink jet services. Anyone have experience to the contrary?

 

[flyingfan]

P1 briefing newsletter had a London J competition, another one for me not win but at least entering is just clicking a button. Also mention of the MEL F check-in reopening.

And IME P1 upgrades are not offered on any services Although lately and for the next few QF flights I’ll be in the highest cabin anyway.

 

[chooms]

I've come to the view that P1 upgrades are not offered on Qantaslink jet services. Anyone have experience to the contrary?

I’ve had op ups on QantasLink but it was only when Y was full and J seats left. These were all recent as a P1 on Alliance operated flights. I’ve only ever had 2 op ups on QF mainline (both when I was SG): SYD-CBR Y to J on the old B737-400 with convertible seats… not worth it IMO… and LHR-SIN circa 2008 (Y to Y+) from memory it was a down gauge from A380 to B747.

 

[Rod62]

What’s a P1 briefing newsletter?

 

[Kendall Roy]

I've come to the view that P1 upgrades are not offered on Qantaslink jet services. Anyone have experience to the contrary?

I've had 2 on CBR-SYD in the past 9 months.

 

[Princess Fiona]

What’s a P1 briefing newsletter?

It’s a quarterly email sent to P1 members

 

[dkr]

2 recent experiences, a mix of good and bad.

April SYD-LAX-SYD A380 service in J. Return of decent spirits (Malfy gin) and the pre-meal bar service was good to see during this trip in both directions. On return myself + 2x Plats got the full red carpet treatment at LAX F lounge to the point of awkward discomfort. Reserved table for me and guests in the lounge for dinner. Boarding called and a "Premium Host" came and suggested we could wait in the lounge then he'd escort to the aircraft, which was a bit cringe for me. Escorted past queues and barriers for boarding and down the aerobridge past people with eyeballs drilling into the back of your head. I suggested I was happy to wait to board, Premium Host was insistent I follow him on board. Don't think I've ever felt so awkward. In flight service was efficient, friendly J service.

May DFW-MEL B787 service in J. Boarded without a single FA saying a word to me as I sat down in 1K. Seat didn't have headphones, which was no issue as I had my own B&Ws, but indicative of lack of attention to detail I'd see during the remainer of the flight. During the entire boarding, not a single FA said hello and I wasn't offered a pre-flight drink, unlike the rest of the cabin. Also not offered PJs. After take off, CSM (young girl easily in her early-mid 30s) comes by to say hello. I mentioned she was the first to say a word to me since boarding, which she suggested was surely not the case. Asked her for a set of pyjamas and again seemed not to believe me that I hadn't been offered any already. Didn't have a pen to fill out the breakfast menu, so it took a few attempts to get that completed and my order seemed to be collected last (yes, I'm foreshadowing). Wasn't hungry for dinner, but asked for a G&T, which took about 20 mins as they didn't seem to run a pre-meal bar service like the recent A380 services. That glass then sat empty on the edge of the seat for about an hour without being collected or a refill offered (only after I put an empty kettle chip packet in it was it cleaned up). Had a glass of red and chocolate pre-sleep (about ~11hrs flight time remaining). Again, glass and chocolate wrapper left on the seat edge for collection. Woke with about 5hrs flight time remaining and the glass and rubbish was still there. No proactive service, only resigned responses when I go back to the galley and ask for something, and then I get the impression I'm putting them out. A couple of hrs from MEL, breakfast starts getting served in the cabin. I get no service for a solid 45mins, most people are served and trays cleared. FA approaches and advises me they don't have enough fried eggs for my breakfast. I'm offered pancakes. Long grass and weeds have now begun to overgrow the empty glass and rubbish that's still sitting on the edge of the seat. I'm served cold pancakes which I don't really eat, then move the now-vintage glass onto the tray for clean up myself. I clocked it at about 9-10hrs sitting on the edge of the seat before I intervened. Land in MEL and glad to get off that flight. Appaling service for anyone, regardless of status, who's paid more than $20k for that seat.

Hit the dom lounge for a shower and decent, hot breakfast. About 20 mins prior to boarding the app shows my connecting flight to CBR has been cancelled, but replaced with a new flight, same time and flight number and I've been moved from 1C to 1A. Didn't think to call the VIP line, but I check with the lounge staff and as they're the only service staff now in the lounge, a queue forms for entry while they try and see what's happening with my flights. Seems it's an aircraft change to Y only cabin only 15mins prior to boarding. Post flight, QF show where their priorities lie and display true efficiency (given the last minute product change) by providing Y SCs for my paid J MEL-CBR leg.

Thanks Qantas..

 

[jrfsp]

2 recent experiences, a mix of good and bad.

April SYD-LAX-SYD A380 service in J. Return of decent spirits (Malfy gin) and the pre-meal bar service was good to see during this trip in both directions. On return myself + 2x Plats got the full red carpet treatment at LAX F lounge to the point of awkward discomfort. Reserved table for me and guests in the lounge for dinner. Boarding called and a "Premium Host" came and suggested we could wait in the lounge then he'd escort to the aircraft, which was a bit cringe for me. Escorted past queues and barriers for boarding and down the aerobridge past people with eyeballs drilling into the back of your head. I suggested I was happy to wait to board, Premium Host was insistent I follow him on board. Don't think I've ever felt so awkward. In flight service was efficient, friendly J service.

May DFW-MEL B787 service in J. Boarded without a single FA saying a word to me as I sat down in 1K. Seat didn't have headphones, which was no issue as I had my own B&Ws, but indicative of lack of attention to detail I'd see during the remainer of the flight. During the entire boarding, not a single FA said hello and I wasn't offered a pre-flight drink, unlike the rest of the cabin. Also not offered PJs. After take off, CSM (young girl easily in her early-mid 30s) comes by to say hello. I mentioned she was the first to say a word to me since boarding, which she suggested was surely not the case. Asked her for a set of pyjamas and again seemed not to believe me that I hadn't been offered any already. Didn't have a pen to fill out the breakfast menu, so it took a few attempts to get that completed and my order seemed to be collected last (yes, I'm foreshadowing). Wasn't hungry for dinner, but asked for a G&T, which took about 20 mins as they didn't seem to run a pre-meal bar service like the recent A380 services. That glass then sat empty on the edge of the seat for about an hour without being collected or a refill offered (only after I put an empty kettle chip packet in it was it cleaned up). Had a glass of red and chocolate pre-sleep (about ~11hrs flight time remaining). Again, glass and chocolate wrapper left on the seat edge for collection. Woke with about 5hrs flight time remaining and the glass and rubbish was still there. No proactive service, only resigned responses when I go back to the galley and ask for something, and then I get the impression I'm putting them out. A couple of hrs from MEL, breakfast starts getting served in the cabin. I get no service for a solid 45mins, most people are served and trays cleared. FA approaches and advises me they don't have enough fried eggs for my breakfast. I'm offered pancakes. Long grass and weeds have now begun to overgrow the empty glass and rubbish that's still sitting on the edge of the seat. I'm served cold pancakes which I don't really eat, then move the now-vintage glass onto the tray for clean up myself. I clocked it at about 9-10hrs sitting on the edge of the seat before I intervened. Land in MEL and glad to get off that flight. Appaling service for anyone, regardless of status, who's paid more than $20k for that seat.

Hit the dom lounge for a shower and decent, hot breakfast. About 20 mins prior to boarding the app shows my connecting flight to CBR has been cancelled, but replaced with a new flight, same time and flight number and I've been moved from 1C to 1A. Didn't think to call the VIP line, but I check with the lounge staff and as they're the only service staff now in the lounge, a queue forms for entry while they try and see what's happening with my flights. Seems it's an aircraft change to Y only cabin only 15mins prior to boarding. Post flight, QF show where their priorities lie and display true efficiency (given the last minute product change) by providing Y SCs for my paid J MEL-CBR leg.

Thanks Qantas..

That service is pretty shocking and definitely not worth the premium that is charged

 

[sudoer]

That service is pretty shocking and definitely not worth the premium that is charged

Absolutely worthy of feedback...

 

[Princess Fiona]

2 recent experiences, a mix of good and bad.

April SYD-LAX-SYD A380 service in J. Return of decent spirits (Malfy gin) and the pre-meal bar service was good to see during this trip in both directions. On return myself + 2x Plats got the full red carpet treatment at LAX F lounge to the point of awkward discomfort. Reserved table for me and guests in the lounge for dinner. Boarding called and a "Premium Host" came and suggested we could wait in the lounge then he'd escort to the aircraft, which was a bit cringe for me. Escorted past queues and barriers for boarding and down the aerobridge past people with eyeballs drilling into the back of your head. I suggested I was happy to wait to board, Premium Host was insistent I follow him on board. Don't think I've ever felt so awkward. In flight service was efficient, friendly J service.

May DFW-MEL B787 service in J. Boarded without a single FA saying a word to me as I sat down in 1K. Seat didn't have headphones, which was no issue as I had my own B&Ws, but indicative of lack of attention to detail I'd see during the remainer of the flight. During the entire boarding, not a single FA said hello and I wasn't offered a pre-flight drink, unlike the rest of the cabin. Also not offered PJs. After take off, CSM (young girl easily in her early-mid 30s) comes by to say hello. I mentioned she was the first to say a word to me since boarding, which she suggested was surely not the case. Asked her for a set of pyjamas and again seemed not to believe me that I hadn't been offered any already. Didn't have a pen to fill out the breakfast menu, so it took a few attempts to get that completed and my order seemed to be collected last (yes, I'm foreshadowing). Wasn't hungry for dinner, but asked for a G&T, which took about 20 mins as they didn't seem to run a pre-meal bar service like the recent A380 services. That glass then sat empty on the edge of the seat for about an hour without being collected or a refill offered (only after I put an empty kettle chip packet in it was it cleaned up). Had a glass of red and chocolate pre-sleep (about ~11hrs flight time remaining). Again, glass and chocolate wrapper left on the seat edge for collection. Woke with about 5hrs flight time remaining and the glass and rubbish was still there. No proactive service, only resigned responses when I go back to the galley and ask for something, and then I get the impression I'm putting them out. A couple of hrs from MEL, breakfast starts getting served in the cabin. I get no service for a solid 45mins, most people are served and trays cleared. FA approaches and advises me they don't have enough fried eggs for my breakfast. I'm offered pancakes. Long grass and weeds have now begun to overgrow the empty glass and rubbish that's still sitting on the edge of the seat. I'm served cold pancakes which I don't really eat, then move the now-vintage glass onto the tray for clean up myself. I clocked it at about 9-10hrs sitting on the edge of the seat before I intervened. Land in MEL and glad to get off that flight. Appaling service for anyone, regardless of status, who's paid more than $20k for that seat.

Hit the dom lounge for a shower and decent, hot breakfast. About 20 mins prior to boarding the app shows my connecting flight to CBR has been cancelled, but replaced with a new flight, same time and flight number and I've been moved from 1C to 1A. Didn't think to call the VIP line, but I check with the lounge staff and as they're the only service staff now in the lounge, a queue forms for entry while they try and see what's happening with my flights. Seems it's an aircraft change to Y only cabin only 15mins prior to boarding. Post flight, QF show where their priorities lie and display true efficiency (given the last minute product change) by providing Y SCs for my paid J MEL-CBR leg.

Thanks Qantas..

I had exactly the same breakfast experience on QF8 late last year.

I didn’t eat a thing at breakfast, would have preferred the food that I ordered 15 hours prior.

 

[jcwhizz]

Apologies - totally off topic but just flew CX MEL - HKG - PVG. Flew J but scored an F seat (1A) on the first leg in a recently reactivated 777 (thanks to my awesome travel agent), but with business service. Eclipsed QF F in every single possible way - comfort, food (even though “only” J) and ambience - and the CSM (who I last flew with in late 2018) spent about 30 minutes just catching up for a chat (she has been with CX 34 yrs!).

Brilliant flight, Wing First lounge on landing in HKG complete with Cabana (no queue) replete with large bath. Shirt ironed and bathed and refreshed I stroll onwards. Planes leave on the minute, priority lines work, and CX J about 2/3 the price of QF J.

As the water drained out of the bath I wondered… why? Why??? Why do I think that the QF VIP line (IMO the only really valuable part of P1) - which functions largely to rescue PAX from QF-induced stuffups is so special. Essentially I’m paying a premium to an airline that begrudgingly provides its most loyal PAX with a service to rescue them from its own SNAFUs. I must be mad.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I think the T&Cs of the P1 Lounge passes have been changed with no notification.
Not sure how / when this happened.

You used to be able to gift a P1 lounge pass to someone who could use it if they were traveling on a QF marketed flight ie. a QF flight number.

How do I know this ?
Because I gave one to someone flying Y on AA as a QF codeshare and they were able to attach that pass to their booking and visit SYD F
This was in January 2020

At some point the T&Cs have been updated to say can only be used on a QF or JQ marketed and operated flight.

Kind of defeats the original purpose of them which was to allow P1 to bring an extra guest into the lounge with them.
My experience above is exactly why I used my pass.

Does anyone know when they changed this and what if any notification they gave to us ?