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?

 

[defurax]

My P1 experience this week. I had selected 1F on QF36. I get my BP in KUL and I'm suddenly in 8F. I think maybe the seat is broken, but 1E is available, so why did they shove me in the ladt row of J? I managed with some help from my travel agent to get seat 1E. I couldn't stop myself after boarding but to nicely ask the young woman in 1F if she had somehow specifically requested that seat, she said no, it was just given to her when she checked in at LHR. WTF. I told the QF escort in SIN that I had been moved to 8F, she was very apologetic, but had no clue how it could happen.
So much for VIP looking after P1...

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Had some terrible service in F on yesterday's QF1 SYD-SIN.
I had an earlier domestic connection and the F lounge had a reasonable amount of people, but was not busy.
Showed the restaurant attendant my BP, was told to take a seat at an empty table and not brought to the F/P1 area (it wasn't busy so I figured they only operated the area when it was busy - later found out it is at the far end near the spa). Service was really really slow. Other adjacent people arrived after I did and got their food before mine arrived.
Attendants did their best to avoid me.
Asked the F host if possible to board first, was told no.
Title wrong on BP, was told "it doesn't matter" and staff didn't change it. The point of this is to see what level of service can be achieved, not the detail itself.

Onboard, service was slow.
Only acknowledged at least 15 minutes after sitting down - a few F pax boarded in front of me.
Some food items on menu not loaded.
No CSM greeting (whilst the actual greeting is not the issue, it's what it represents - that they don't care). The lowest status I've ever had when flying QF F was WP. This was the first time it's happened.

As was previously reported in this thread, no escort from door. Again, the point is to see what level of service they will and will not provide. There was a QF staff member with a sign and someone else's name on it, so maybe they only offer this to one F pax per flight in SIN. Likely CL or CIP/VIP.

If QF staff actually read this thread, I would be interested to see what they actually do. Certainly not expecting someone to contact me before flying home.

Anyone who is successful in their business or profession knows that those who are great at what they do, will learn from failures, make changes and actually improve. If you don't improve after a failure, then you are not successful nor great at what you do.

This post is to highlight what type of service levels to expect when you order a service. The thread is about P1 experiences, after all.

If you order an apple from a fruit shop, you'd expect to receive the whole apple. Not just the stem only.

I've had many very good, good and average F experiences, but none I would call terrible - until now.

I received a survey from QF today regarding my P1 experiences and I gave some feedback that was based on some similar experiences as yours. I did mention that whilst it's great for cabin crew to go above and beyond, it often becomes inconsistent as it's highly crew dependent and the experience is no longer great.

I also mentioned there were very few times I was escorted to the P1 area within the F lounge in SYD and it would be good if this could be consistently done.

I did give them some brutal feedback about re-accommodation when flights are cancelled and it's an empty gesture that they send an email 36 hours before departure telling me they're monitoring my flights but still need me to call QF to find a better replacement rather than the one given to me by the computer. Ideally, I would like to have alternatives presented to me rather than needing to call or email. This is one of those things that I imagine matter the most to many P1s. Get me where I'm suppose to be on time.

 

[Fergo747]

Received a nice little P1 upgrade on my first domestic flight in ages.

 

[Crt404]

Having been a WP for my first year as a QFF, I made my P1 status a couple of weeks ago. After being ‘anointed’ to the highest status possible, I was greeted into the F Lounge in HKG with a hand written note and an approach from both the lounge manager and catering staff to see what they could do for me personally. I was very impressed.

I then boarded my flight HKG-SYD and it was if my status made no difference. There was no approach by any staff, nor anything to suggest they appreciated the $0000’s of dollars I spend with them every year. I might as well have been a non-QFF.

Since this, I have taken two QantasLink domestic flights, both with zero recognition. Not a comment nor an ‘upp-ing’ of service levels.

Please don’t get me wrong, the QF service is markedly better than some airlines (I’ve just tried a number of Chinese carriers), but when I am spending so much money with one airline, all I am asking for is a consistent service level, and one that recognises the loyalty. TBH, this wouldn’t take much, a slightly longer greeting when boarding, a bit of a ‘knowing nod’ when entering the business lounge, anything that makes me believe that they are paying attention to the loyalty I’m providing to their company.

I hate to say it, but at this rate, I don’t think it is worth chasing the P1 status - aside from assisting me to LTG, I’m not seeing the benefits, and the automated emails telling me they are monitoring my flights is not enough to convince me otherwise. Sorry Qantas.

 

[RooFlyer]

Please don’t get me wrong, the QF service is markedly better than some airlines (I’ve just tried a number of Chinese carriers),

Service better than some Chinese Airlines ... says a lot, I think.

 

[Fergo747]

Having been a WP for my first year as a QFF, I made my P1 status a couple of weeks ago. After being ‘anointed’ to the highest status possible, I was greeted into the F Lounge in HKG with a hand written note and an approach from both the lounge manager and catering staff to see what they could do for me personally. I was very impressed.

I then boarded my flight HKG-SYD and it was if my status made no difference. There was no approach by any staff, nor anything to suggest they appreciated the $0000’s of dollars I spend with them every year. I might as well have been a non-QFF.

Since this, I have taken two QantasLink domestic flights, both with zero recognition. Not a comment nor an ‘upp-ing’ of service levels.

Please don’t get me wrong, the QF service is markedly better than some airlines (I’ve just tried a number of Chinese carriers), but when I am spending so much money with one airline, all I am asking for is a consistent service level, and one that recognises the loyalty. TBH, this wouldn’t take much, a slightly longer greeting when boarding, a bit of a ‘knowing nod’ when entering the business lounge, anything that makes me believe that they are paying attention to the loyalty I’m providing to their company.

I hate to say it, but at this rate, I don’t think it is worth chasing the P1 status - aside from assisting me to LTG, I’m not seeing the benefits, and the automated emails telling me they are monitoring my flights is not enough to convince me otherwise. Sorry Qantas.

I think if you read back through this thread you’ll find the overall experience is very hit and miss. There are some great examples of P1s being looked after and also some examples similar to yours. I have had both as I would say have most P1s. As I think I and others have said previously, P1 is not something to chase or necessarily strive for but if you get there due to necessary travel then it can be nice to have.

 

[RichardMEL]

I hate to say it, but at this rate, I don’t think it is worth chasing the P1 status - aside from assisting me to LTG, I’m not seeing the benefits, and the automated emails telling me they are monitoring my flights is not enough to convince me otherwise. Sorry QaQantas.

Many of us have said this over the years.

Welcome to the White. Leave your expectations at the door.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Many of us have said this over the years.

Welcome to the White. Leave your expectations at the door.

It's a bit sad that we think that isn't it? Considering QF is still asking "do you feel valued as P1"?

Me: "Have you read this thread on AFF?"

 

[Ansett]

Have just completed the Survey and didnt hold back lol. Again consistency is the biggest gripe for me.

 

[kermatu]

Since this, I have taken two QantasLink domestic flights, both with zero recognition. Not a comment nor an ‘upp-ing’ of service levels.

P1 recognition is hit and miss at the best of times, but definitely more miss on QFLink. In my experience QFLink crews generally don't have a CSM just a team leader (who I've seen rotate among the crew members on consecutive flights), and I've never seen them with an iPad. I generally travel in J and usually they are short flights so it doesn't make any actual difference, but I've come to expect nothing extra onboard on QFLink flights.

 

[Crt404]

Firstly, apologies for what may have turned into a bit of a moaning post from me. Having chased the status for the last year or so, it’s somewhat bittersweet to finally be in ‘Club White’.

As I live in CBR, and almost all my flights will start with a QFLink, it seems I will lower my expectations of any status recognition until I get on my international legs.

Thanks to everyone for tempering my expectations! *laughs*

Ps. I just want to say that staff in the QF First lounge in HK were superb and worth a stop if you have the chance.

 

[defurax]

What's the QF First lounge in HKG?

 

[RichardMEL]

Firstly, apologies for what may have turned into a bit of a moaning post from me. Having chased the status for the last year or so, it’s somewhat bittersweet to finally be in ‘Club White’.

Pity you didn't come across this thread earlier - tge question us asked drom time to time, and I can't think of any member who has suggested actively chasing P1 is a good idea.

But, I don't want to just be a negative nellie here. As you've found onboard probably not much to expect.

Many of us find real value with extra reward seat release perks and generally good to outstanding assistance from VIP.. sometimes airport/lounge staff do show preference and are more flexible with flight changes and the like. And sometimes you're treated like a nobody. QF being well known for their consistenct of course...

Other things like free access at booking to about every open seat, no charging for extra legroom seats and so on. Even more a perk with the recent change to charge even Plats.

I don't worry about onboard "recognition" (and when I have had it, it can be a bit embarassing - like the time the CSM seemed to think that I needed a personal flight briefing repeating what the Captain had recently announced which, while thought/effort was aporeciated made me stand out like a sore thumb in the 737 J cabin and I was a but cringe). I expect the same (hopefully good) service as the rest of the cabin I am in. That's just me of course. Others may vary.

So anyway, don't despair too much. The sad reality is that it's better than what most of tge rest of QFs customers get...

 

[fly2earth]

I don't worry about onboard "recognition" (and when I have had it, it can be a bit embarassing - like the time the CSM seemed to think that I needed a personal flight briefing repeating what the Captain had recently announced which, while thought/effort was aporeciated made me stand out like a sore thumb in the 737 J cabin and I was a but cringe). I expect the same (hopefully good) service as the rest of the cabin I am in. That's just me of course. Others may vary.

The better to save you FIRST and increase your survival rate in case of emergency, my dear...

 

[Brettmcg]

Have just completed the Survey and didnt hold back lol. Again consistency is the biggest gripe for me.

Same here. Gave them a right old blast on a number of fronts. Won't make any difference though...at least the last 25 surveys I've completed haven't.

 

[Fergo747]

I’m on a roll. Another P1 upgrade - on my MEL - SYD return. Very much appreciated

 

[Frustratedflyer62]

I received a survey from QF today regarding my P1 experiences and I gave some feedback that was based on some similar experiences as yours. I did mention that whilst it's great for cabin crew to go above and beyond, it often becomes inconsistent as it's highly crew dependent and the experience is no longer great.

I also mentioned there were very few times I was escorted to the P1 area within the F lounge in SYD and it would be good if this could be consistently done.

I did give them some brutal feedback about re-accommodation when flights are cancelled and it's an empty gesture that they send an email 36 hours before departure telling me they're monitoring my flights but still need me to call QF to find a better replacement rather than the one given to me by the computer. Ideally, I would like to have alternatives presented to me rather than needing to call or email. This is one of those things that I imagine matter the most to many P1s. Get me where I'm suppose to be on time.

There's a P1 area in the F lounge Syd?. Well thats something I was not aware of and no one bothered to mention.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

There's a P1 area in the F lounge Syd?. Well thats something I was not aware of and no one bothered to mention.

Yep. Usually reserved for P1 and F pax flying on QF.

 

[RooFlyer]

welcome to AFF @Frustratedflyer62 .

Lots of things to find out here that the Airlines don’t tell you.

 

[gstar00]

There's a P1 area in the F lounge Syd?. Well thats something I was not aware of and no one bothered to mention.

Yes and No.

At certain times, the lounge 'reserves' the far end section of the end dining area (adjacent to the spa entrance) for CL, P1 and F. The lounge knows the peak travel times and thus the velvet ropes go from being "Don't come into this bit we aren't using it" to "Dont come into this section, it is reserved for CL / P1 / F." Of course, if you are in those categories, flip the greeting in my quotation marks. You know it is working that way if the host comes out from the desk and walks you there.

Ultimately, same food, same wine, similar service.

It is still one of the best lounges in the world for an Australian taste.