Qantas Platinum One experiences?

Had my first experiences as a P1 flying Y to/from the AFF NZ Dinner in WLG over the weekend.

Managed to secure Row 4 seating (4A/B) on both legs for DejaBrew+1 (gifted WP) and myself.. Strangely enough, prior to Economy+ launching, I'd not been able to get both of us into that row without Qantas wanting to levy premium seat fees on DejaBrew+1, but after the launch of Economy+, I could move both of us there at no cost.

I went into both flights with zero expectations given it was uncharted territory for me, and to be honest, I'm glad I wasn't expecting anything because that was the experience. Nothing. Other than the obligatory "Welcome back" upon boarding, there was absolutely zero additional interaction, acknowledgement or treatment given to me that wasn't also given to any other passenger in the Y cabin. Actually, that's not quite right....

On the flight to WLG, there was a "wheelchair-assisted" pax seated in 4C who coincidentally was happy standing in queue with not wheelchair in sight as we awaited boarding, then had zero issue walking onto the aircraft without assistance, then despite advising crew she required a wheelchair on arrival into WLG, happily jumped up when the seatbelt sign was turned off and raced off the plane and away into the arrivals hall, bypassing the several wheelchairs that were waiting on the airbridge, but I digress..... :rolleyes: Anyway, 4C was offered a PDB (granted it was just a bottle of water) and got a bit of additional special treatment through the flight (e.g. use of the J toilet), but as a P1, there was P-zero.

I don't mean this to come across as an "entitled" P1 rant - definitely not my intention, and I don't know if this experience is par for the course as a P1 flying in Y, but despite not having any specific expectations going into the flights, I must admit that I came out of them feeling extremely underwhelmed. Maybe it's a narrow-body thing? Maybe it's a TT thing? Maybe it's just a flying in Y thing? But honestly, other than where I was seated (with the extra legroom for which I was exceedingly thankful), I may as well have still been NB.
 
Had my first experiences as a P1 flying Y to/from the AFF NZ Dinner in WLG

I don't mean this to come across as an "entitled" P1 rant - definitely not my intention, and I don't know if this experience is par for the course as a P1 flying in Y, but despite not having any specific expectations going into the flights, I must admit that I came out of them feeling extremely underwhelmed. Maybe it's a narrow-body thing? Maybe it's a TT thing? Maybe it's just a flying in Y thing? But honestly, other than where I was seated (with the extra legroom for which I was exceedingly thankful), I may as well have still been NB.
Welcome to the reality of being P1. Even flying in J widebody or single aisle, go with the flow, extra personal interaction is very much staff dependant, Most of the time nothing except you might get addressed by name. It's the other defined benefits like VIP team assistance, 1st row seat selection etc that I appreciate. Don't expect much and whatever little you get will give you that warmer glow.
 
I don't mean this to come across as an "entitled" P1 rant - definitely not my intention, and I don't know if this experience is par for the course as a P1 flying in Y, but despite not having any specific expectations going into the flights, I must admit that I came out of them feeling extremely underwhelmed. Maybe it's a narrow-body thing? Maybe it's a TT thing? Maybe it's just a flying in Y thing? But honestly, other than where I was seated (with the extra legroom for which I was exceedingly thankful), I may as well have still been NB.
Only time I had anything special whilst flying across the Tasman was in J and I got an escort from the door to the arrivals exit (which wasn't really needed).

I'm not sure if it's the length of time of the flight but usually if it's a long-haul flight, they'll sometimes bring you something from J (pjs/coffee/drinks) but beyond that nothing out of the ordinary. I've been upgraded to J once as a P1 but then again I was just upgraded to PE from Y as WP.
 
It's the other defined benefits like VIP team assistance, 1st row seat selection etc that I appreciate. Don't expect much and whatever little you get will give you that warmer glow.
Agree the other defined benefits are certainly appreciated. As I say, I wasn't expecting anything specific on the flights. Rather, it was a chance to observe the "experience" for the first time. Fair to say that my experience as P1 (only since September) has certainly been hit and miss thus far.
 
In terms of onboard recognition, I've received nothing beyond the usual 'welcome back'. I have however gotten three escorts in AKL (one from the plane, and two from the lounge) and one in DFW (connecting from AUS - politely declined as I'm quite familar with the Skylink).

I did get a couple of comped upgrades on MEL-SYD and one recently MEL-PER (on a 330 too no less) that were appreciated, but for the most part I expect nothing more than the published benefits. Given I just scraped in the previous year, I'd imagine being at the very bottom of the pile when it comes to invites, however things like upgrades, releases and row 4 (which are largely system enforced) still add to the experience (and will be missed when I envitably drop back).
 
I don't think your experience is anything unusual. The incidental benefits of being P1 in Y seem to have evaporated - noting it has been some time since I've flown T-T in Y. In the past (pre-pandemic) I have had an onboard upgrade to J, early glass of wine and visit from the CSM when in row 4, bottle of wine to take off the flight. But that was a long time ago and crew-specific I think. I can understand crew finding it awkward to give one pax something special (like wine, or the "better" headphones) to 1 pax but not another.

The first sign of this being enhanced was when the CSMs stopped coming around after take-off to greet status pax but then started to do so at the top of descent. Not much you can get from them at that point!

On the bizarrely positive note, the other day was greeted early morning within the AKL lounge by a QF host who acknowledged my status and thanked me etc. Had his iPad and was looking for others too., Said he would see me at the gate or onboard - but never did. Not surprisingly, the experience of Hosts at AKL are very random - sometimes outstanding (escort and luggage assistance) to complete absence. None of it needed really.
 
From the latest P1 newsletter:

Win a trip to Adelaide with R.M.Williams

To celebrate the launch of the new R.M.Williams Inflight Essentials kits in Business, a Platinum One member and their guest will win a trip for two to Adelaide, including:
  • Return Qantas flights in Business
  • A two-night stay at Sequoia Lodge with 32 signature inclusions
  • A tour of the R.M.Williams workshop and a custom pair of boots each
  • Two R.M.Williams Inflight Essentials kits
To enter, simply tell us in 25 words or less: How would you use the new collectable R.M.Williams Amenity Kits in your everyday life?

Entries close 22 March 2026.

Exclusive invitation from Sullivans Cove
Sullivans Cove is offering Platinum One members a refined pre-flight experience in Hobart. Guests can enjoy designated access to Sullivans Cove’s well-appointed bar, whisky archive and curated snacks. This will be available from Monday to Friday, 10:00am – 5:00pm, until the 30th of June. To arrange your visit please call (03) 6248 5399 on the morning of departure to let the team know you’re on your way.

Opt in to receive exclusive event invitations
Visit the new VIP Preferences page in “My Profile”, and opt-in to receive exclusive invitations based on your interests and preferred city for event attendance.
 
From the latest P1 newsletter:

Win a trip to Adelaide with R.M.Williams
Where did you see this competition listed?

I got a "Platinum One Briefing" email this morning, is has no mention of either the Sullivans Cove bar or the Adelaide competition. It talks about how I can order a Neil Perry Burger on demand in First from 1 April or use the Aesop soaps in the lounge, but neither of the items you quoted.
 
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From the latest P1 newsletter:

Win a trip to Adelaide with R.M.Williams

To celebrate the launch of the new R.M.Williams Inflight Essentials kits in Business, a Platinum One member and their guest will win a trip for two to Adelaide, including:
  • Return Qantas flights in Business
  • A two-night stay at Sequoia Lodge with 32 signature inclusions
  • A tour of the R.M.Williams workshop and a custom pair of boots each
  • Two R.M.Williams Inflight Essentials kits
To enter, simply tell us in 25 words or less: How would you use the new collectable R.M.Williams Amenity Kits in your everyday life?

Entries close 22 March 2026.

Exclusive invitation from Sullivans Cove
Sullivans Cove is offering Platinum One members a refined pre-flight experience in Hobart. Guests can enjoy designated access to Sullivans Cove’s well-appointed bar, whisky archive and curated snacks. This will be available from Monday to Friday, 10:00am – 5:00pm, until the 30th of June. To arrange your visit please call (03) 6248 5399 on the morning of departure to let the team know you’re on your way.

Opt in to receive exclusive event invitations
Visit the new VIP Preferences page in “My Profile”, and opt-in to receive exclusive invitations based on your interests and preferred city for event attendance.

You left out the most newsworthy part - BNE Intl J lounge - pre security access only Apr - Sep
 
Where did you see this competition listed?

I got a "Platinum One Briefing" email this morning, is has no mention of either the Sullivans Cove bar or the Adelaide competition. It talks about how I can order a Neil Perry Burger on demand in First from 1 April or use the Aesop soaps in the lounge, but neither of the items you quoted.

For me, the Adelaide competition is right after my 2026 flying data, and Sullivan's Cove is right after the Burger & Bolly

Here's the link to the competition: https://www.qantas.com/au/en/freque...briefing-march-2026/adelaide-competition.html
 

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