QF Platinum Recognition on flights

[qf17]

So this isn't on QF, but since it's always interesting to compare other OW carriers...

After a QF SYD-DPS in J with no semblance of greeting (Platinum or otherwise) and two QR J flights with the usual multiple greetings (though no specific acknowledgement of status, not that it matters), the oddest experience was our BA LHR-BUD flight in Y yesterday.

We're a group of 3, on a single booking - I'm WP and my two traveling companions are both SG. On this flight I was seated back in row 12 in an exit seat for more legroom, and the others were in row 9. I neither expected nor received any special recognition, but the others told me that they saw one of the FAs zipping hurriedly around the forward rows of the economy cabin handing out glasses of champagne to selected people, one of whom was one of my travelling companions - just a simple "would you like a glass of champagne" and that was that.

No mention of status, nothing offered to the rest of us, and no rationale as to why him... but a gratefully received (albeit random) gesture all the same.

I flew BA transatlantic in Y in the upper deck cabin on the 380 & had a similar thing happen. Very grateful. No special recognition on a intra-Europe flight before though.

 

[chitown_boy]

VERY pleasant experience on QF2 LHR-SIN. Very junior FA in my cabin came before takeoff to thank me for my loyalty as QF WP. Told me to ask for anything I needed. I asked if it was at all possible to have some bubbles with my meal. It was ready and served, small bottle of sparkling with supper in Y. Certainly took the sting away abit from declined upgrade.

I thanked her personally on deboarding, saying that WP recog is very rare these days so I really appreciated it. She was very appreciative, but also remarked her other colleagues say they don’t bother anymore, but she felt it wasn’t right so still does herself.

Was addrressed by name by her throughout the flight. And was given the choice of main first in my cabin when I could see she was running low on one option, she pivoted away from row order SOP.

 

[chitown_boy]

VERY pleasant experience on QF2 LHR-SIN. Very junior FA in my cabin came before takeoff to thank me for my loyalty as QF WP. Told me to ask for anything I needed. I asked if it was at all possible to have some bubbles with my meal. It was ready and served, small bottle of sparkling with supper in Y. Certainly took the sting away abit from declined upgrade.

I thanked her personally on deboarding, saying that WP recog is very rare these days so I really appreciated it. She was very appreciative, but also remarked her other colleagues say they don’t bother anymore, but she felt it wasn’t right so still does herself.

Was addrressed by name by her throughout the flight. And was given the choice of main first in my cabin when I could see she was running low on one option, she pivoted away from row order SOP.

Something is def afoot. Got served first, FA1 for meal and FA2 for drinks on QF36 to MEL when the main cart came along to my exit row seat at 44B (w/ both wine and a G&T, and addressed by name and thanked for my loyalty). Cart rolled along to front of next cabin for main service as per SOP. Seat neighbour was staring at me for a good 2min wondering who I was lol No such treatment for brekkie snack before arrival.

 

[BrianQQ]

Yup, somethings changing. Greeted on both QF23 (28/6) and QF240 (9/7). Server came up to me first and got my meal and brekkie first on QF240.

 

[million_thanas1968]

We'd just come from CAN–HKG–MEL on CX Aria, connecting onwards to AKL in Y. Unfortunately we couldn't through-check our bags as the flights were just slightly too far apart.

We were seated in 4A/B, with C/D empty, and E/F occupied by another couple.

The CSM came by to thank us for our loyalty and said if we needed anything, just ask. He came around multiple times during the flight, which was a nice touch, and also delivered the Y meal service himself. We received water bottles from the CSM during the pre-departure process, as did another passenger.

Midway through the flight, the CSM invited a passenger who appeared to be struggling with the cramped Y seating behind us to move into 4D for the remainder of the flight. Appreciated that he still left us with the empty seat.

At the end of the flight, the CSM was on the aerobridge giving his farewells. Overall it was lovely service that felt very genuine and personalised. While I'm generally unbiased in the Aus vs Jetconnect crew debate, this flight was operated by Jetconnect crew, and it was one of the times I appreciated their candidness.

Compared to the 8+ CX J/Y flights we'd just come from, this felt much more personal and genuine. The CX experience was the handwritten cards and greetings from the ISM in Y, but since CX tends to do it more often, it definitely felt a more procedural.

 

[jbmemories]

KLM1573 - booked flights via Qantas's rewards. Got a greeting from the CSM for the flight, and brought some snacks from J.

IB1756 - booked direct cash fare, got to choose extra legroom seats for free even as a basic ticket, allowed to use the Oro/Platino counter for bag drop-off. Also noticed that my friend, who was on the same PNR, was able to choose the extra-legroom seat for free. But did not get the extra benefits like express security. Personal greeting from CSM at the seat. Strange to get boarded before people with accessibility access (Group 0).

IB0413 - booked direct cash fare, like above, but my friend was not on this PNR, so he did not get to choose the seat. Got a similar greeting from CSM, but both Y staff came to greet after as well. The older gentleman who sat next to me looked very confused and mentioned that he had never seen this before.

BA770 - Very strict gate checking with bags being tagged for what can go above or below. Got both my bags waived and allowed to be stored above. When boarding was announced, I was allowed to board group 1 - one of the passengers tried to stop me, saying that it was for Business or status only (they tried to get on but got the denied message). Gave me a stink eye when my ticket worked.

 

[muppet]

KLM1573 - booked flights via Qantas's rewards. Got a greeting from the CSM for the flight, and brought some snacks from J.

IB1756 - booked direct cash fare, got to choose extra legroom seats for free even as a basic ticket, allowed to use the Oro/Platino counter for bag drop-off. Also noticed that my friend, who was on the same PNR, was able to choose the extra-legroom seat for free. But did not get the extra benefits like express security. Personal greeting from CSM at the seat. Strange to get boarded before people with accessibility access (Group 0).

IB0413 - booked direct cash fare, like above, but my friend was not on this PNR, so he did not get to choose the seat. Got a similar greeting from CSM, but both Y staff came to greet after as well. The older gentleman who sat next to me looked very confused and mentioned that he had never seen this before.

BA770 - Very strict gate checking with bags being tagged for what can go above or below. Got both my bags waived and allowed to be stored above. When boarding was announced, I was allowed to board group 1 - one of the passengers tried to stop me, saying that it was for Business or status only (they tried to get on but got the denied message). Gave me a stink eye when my ticket worked.

Would love to know how you managed to choose seats without fees on IB. I couldn’t make it work as WP travelling in IB J (on cash and award bookings) last month.

 

[peach iced tea]

I flew ba today and got a welcome onboard for being a oneworld emerald passenger from the manager and if there’s anything I need let me know.
I asked for a bottle of water abd got one .
This was before the plane departed the gate .

One cabin crew tried to argue with me . Said I can’t put my backpack and suitcase in over head locker ? Only my suitcase . To make room for others ??
I don’t think there paying for $2k laptop when it breaks .

 

[jbmemories]

Would love to know how you managed to choose seats without fees on IB. I couldn’t make it work as WP travelling in IB J (on cash and award bookings) last month.

I was P1 at the time when I booked it. However, I booked directly with IB as a cash fare, so I am unsure what might've given me those complimentary. I don't think IB would've cared I was P1 and just showed up as OWE, as it showed up like that anyway on their tablet.

IAG is doing a membership 'refresh', and perhaps the changes from BA are finally trickling down to IB as well? I was pleasantly surprised my friend was able to also get to choose seats complimentary on the one I booked together (same PNR).

All my intra-Europe OWE flights were also in basic economy (except for BA's, which don't include bags, no matter your OW status).

One cabin crew tried to argue with me . Said I can’t put my backpack and suitcase in over head locker ? Only my suitcase . To make room for others ??
I don’t think there paying for $2k laptop when it breaks .

I think BA is similar to QF staff; it's the luck of the draw on which cabin crew you get. I didn't really get a greeting on BA770, but on BA771 I did. I also had 2 bags of the same-ish size + a winter coat when I travelled.

I'm actually about to book a KLM economy cash fare for an upcoming trip and asked on a different thread to see if it will get recognised if it's not a codeshared cash flight, instead of Qantas Classic Rewards (no seats available that way).

 

[peach iced tea]

I was P1 at the time when I booked it. However, I booked directly with IB as a cash fare, so I am unsure what might've given me those complimentary. I don't think IB would've cared I was P1 and just showed up as OWE, as it showed up like that anyway on their tablet.

IAG is doing a membership 'refresh', and perhaps the changes from BA are finally trickling down to IB as well? I was pleasantly surprised my friend was able to also get to choose seats complimentary on the one I booked together (same PNR).

All my intra-Europe OWE flights were also in basic economy (except for BA's, which don't include bags, no matter your OW status).


I think BA is similar to QF staff; it's the luck of the draw on which cabin crew you get. I didn't really get a greeting on BA770, but on BA771 I did. I also had 2 bags of the same-ish size + a winter coat when I travelled.

I'm actually about to book a KLM economy cash fare for an upcoming trip and asked on a different thread to see if it will get recognised if it's not a codeshared cash flight, instead of Qantas Classic Rewards (no seats available that way).

Yep after a slight argument she stoped . And went to annoy other passengers .

It was nice they came and said hello as I was only on. A short haul flight . 2hrs .
I didn’t report her to the manager don’t want to have any more trouble with Ba

 

[chitown_boy]

QF35
welcome by csm before takeoff and offer of meal choice
it’s clearly a SOP change

I mean quite frankly it’s no skin off their nose it’s literally worth nothing to QF but does improve morale among QFF who choose QF over other often better carriers

 

[peach iced tea]

QF35
welcome by csm before takeoff and offer of meal choice
it’s clearly a SOP change

It depends how long the flight is and depending on there experience . If your in row 3 they may come take your order first .

 

[chitown_boy]

It depends how long the flight is and depending on there experience . If your in row 3 they may come take your order first .

Y
44j

 

[downgraded]

It depends how long the flight is and depending on there experience . If your in row 3 they may come take your order first .

Perhaps also an acknowledgment of the chronic under catering.

 

[peach iced tea]

Perhaps also an acknowledgment of the chronic

Become a vegetarian the salad isn’t terrible

 

[muppet]

Yep after a slight argument she stoped . And went to annoy other passengers .

It was nice they came and said hello as I was only on. A short haul flight . 2hrs .
I didn’t report her to the manager don’t want to have any more trouble with Ba

To be fair, BA is pretty consistent on small bag under the seat, big bag in the overhead:

 

[Invisible Monkey]

Five flights in business recently:

QF408 - Welcome back greeting as boarding and the seat next to me was kept empty (I posted a photo elsewhere of the "not for passenger use" sign that they had placed on the seat), skipped breakfast.

QF127 - Welcome on board, the CSM went to the effort to shake every single business class passenger's hand in the cabin and it was a full cabin. It wasn't specific to Platinum or above. No personal greeting but I was amongst the first few passengers to have my meal request taken. The lady in the seat across the aisle saw this then as the FA moving on to the next passenger, she asked the FA if she could select her meal also...which she politely said "yes, of course". Almost a 90 minute late departure which meant I missed my original connection through to Shanghai but they moved me on to the later CX flight and the app was updated with new boarding pass when I landed.

CX302 - A more personal greeting as I boarded and asked me if you need anything at any time. I usually get more attention as a Platinum when flying in economy on CX. The seat next to me was empty, with the cabin 3/4 full.

CX319 - Standard greeting as boarding, a greeting once seated and "ask me anytime if you need anything".

QF30 - Welcome on board greeting, amongst the first to take my meal order. I was also asked if I had filled in the digital incoming passenger form via the app, which I had.

 

[mad_atta]

After lots of flights with minimal recognition, finally something to report - not sure if it's indication of a change in SOP or just a coincidence of timing, as this was my first overnight Y flight in *many* years. The flight had been full in J for ~2weeks but the gate flashed red with 'seating issue' on boarding I dared to hope for a nanosecond... but they typed a few keystrokes and then it flashed green. So cruel to get my hopes up!

Anyway, on QF42 CGK-SYD on Sunday night. As noted, upgrade didn't clear but at least was in exit row at 45A.

Got a nice greeting by name on entering aircraft and CSM said they'd come back and see me in a bit. A bit later in boarding, Clayton the excellent CSS came and had a long chat, asked me whether I was planning to eat on board - I said I was mostly planning to rest but a glass of bubbles would be great if that was possible.

He said to leave it with him, and sure enough a few mins into cruise after the seatbelt signs went off he appeared with some champagne in a takeaway cup and said with a wink "I smuggled this past the other Platinums". Went down a treat.




I was also impressed that just as I was getting myself settled for sleep, they made a point of pausing the dinner trolley (headed for the front of Y) to double check I didn't want dinner.

I managed about 4h of on-off sleep - pretty good for a short overnight flight but even with chemical help there's only so much I can sleep without elevating my feet. Clayton came by again later in the flight to check in on me, also gave me a handwritten note and a QF keytag, along with another bottle of water.



All up, really excellent service which made my first overnight flight in coach in 15+ years much more pleasant (especially since I'd just come from QR BCN-DOH-CGK in J, and was pretty exahusted).

As an aside, I was impressed with the friendliness of the crew and the efficiency of the service overall. The Y dinner cart was in the aisle within 10mins of the seatbelt sign going off (which itself was very quick). And in the morning, they just circulate the cabin with warm muffins, water and juice for people who are awake, without attempting to wake everybody up for a full breakfast service.

We also were super lucky on arrival. We were the 2nd or 3rd international flight to land post-curfew, had a short taxi, and obviously benefited from SYD staff waiting around ready for us, because everything from time to connect aerobridge and open aircraft doors to immigration processing to bags arriving on carousel to biosecurity were all incredibly fast. From touchdown at 6:05 I was walking in the door of my house (in Surry Hills) just before 7, which is easily a record for me for a morning arrival at SYD with checked bags - and I'm not usually back in row 45! Promptly went to bed and got a couple of hours of real sleep before my work day began...

 

[60165636]

QF729 Uluru to Sydney in J and got sweet FA (which does NOT stand for flight attendant).
Was seated in row 3 and they'd ran out of my meal choice by the time it was my turn to order. Was then told "now you'll learn never to sit in the last row" by the rather flippant FA (this time it stands for flight attendant)

 

[chitown_boy]

QF1 CSM came after takeoff right before meal service to ask if anything I wanted and was given sparkling - surprised they had sparkling at the ready in Y on an A380? She seemed to grab it from the galley between the last 2 Y cabins…Did actually taste like champagne?

Hit rate for recognition currently at 100% since I first posted my surprise recognition even on full a380 to LHR…

(Bit off topic but will be the last time I fly QF1 to continental Europe in Y. The boarding and always prolonged waiting for taxi at Singapore and 3 stopovers…just DESPERATE to return to EK and only do 1 stop in DXB. Not even champagne can remedy the nightmare 3 legs in Y and inevitable city-wandering because it’s not check-in time yet. Just the worst way to get to continental Europe from east coast Oz IMO, these QF WP golden handcuffs are coming off, rarely get upgraded anyways…)