QF Platinum Recognition on flights

[DC3]

Does anyone really place much value on the welcome in its own right?

It does seem so.

 

[Daver6]

I am curious.
I have valued the welcome I have received on some flights, notably on QF2 LHR-SIN (but then I was in F).
Otherwise, I value it when the welcome is followed up by something more tangible.
For example, champagne in Y on CX.

Does anyone really place much value on the welcome in its own right?

I'm with you on this. I have no need to small talk. What's in it for me comes to mind.

Even if its as simple as getting a drink served immediately (this seems to happen on QF71) in whY.

 

[mad_atta]

I flew SYD-SFO-SYD recently in PE upgraded to J both ways. In neither case was there any particular welcome onboard or obvious Platinum recognition, though the service in both directions was good.

Interestingly enough, at check-in at SFO from what appeared to be contract staff rather than QF's own, I got an elaborate 'Thank you for your loyalty and for being Platinum' speech. This was at the economy rather than business counter, since there was no line. But my two other Plat friends on the same flight who checked in at a different counter got the speech as well.

By contrast, at check-in in SYD the entire F zone was closed and the J agent didn't even know it existed so was confused by my question about why it was closed...

 

[SYD]

By contrast, at check-in in SYD the entire F zone was closed

Really? Seems quite unusual. What time was that?

the J agent didn't even know it existed so was confused by my question about why it was closed...

Equally odd.

 

[mad_atta]

Really? Seems quite unusual. What time was that?

Equally odd.

I agree, I thought so too. It was 7pm on a Tuesday, 3 weeks ago today. That whole zone was roped off. It didn't matter, given there was no queue at all at the biz counter, but when I idly asked why it was closed only for the agent seemingly not even to know it existed really threw me.

He said something about either usually working on the economy counters, or perhaps even usually working on check-in for other airlines. All very odd, but he was perfectly nice and he did everything efficiently, still put an F tag on my bags etc so no real complaints.

 

[fletty]

ZQN to BNE today, crew came around after boarding completed with water bottles for presumably WP with a welcome on board ask if you need anything.
Someone in the row in front of us asked for a scotch and the cabin crew said "oh no, that's business sorry ... I have 12 platinums on board today and if I give you one I have to give everyone one".

 

[Luke B]

ZQN to BNE today, crew came around after boarding completed with water bottles for presumably WP with a welcome on board ask if you need anything.
Someone in the row in front of us asked for a scotch and the cabin crew said "oh no, that's business sorry ... I have 12 platinums on board today and if I give you one I have to give everyone one".

Good that they asked, if someone asks if you need anything that is a realistic ask.

 

[Daver6]

Very delayed QF6 PER to SYD. Points upgrade to Y+. Proactively offered an already poured glass of J champagne for the pre-departure drink. The other wines on the tray were the Australian sparkling. Really appreciated that

 

[Cessna 180]

Just on the MEL-BNE right now. Shortly after lift off boss hosty Anthony came past and introduced himself to myself, person next to me and a couple behind me I think.
He asked “if there was anything he could do please let me know “

If it was a bit later in the day or I had nothing planned at the other end, I would have tried it on like Fletty did and asked for a scotch or something. !

First time for a long time I have had that. I don’t particularly care either way, however it cost him nothing and it was nice.

 

[Willie]

EK, QF, BA... typically minimal recognition.
CX whY.... Ayala bubbles on boarding, drink order taken before take off and delivered in glass, choice of Y meal delivered first, lots of crew drop bys to say hello and thanks... sometimes slippers, J amenity kit..
CX do the OW Platinum recognition very well.
Flying whY QF to HKG next week.. very low expectation...

 

[exLXCXFF]

CX whY.... Ayala bubbles on boarding, drink order taken before take off and delivered in glass, choice of Y meal delivered first, lots of crew drop bys to say hello and thanks... sometimes slippers, J amenity kit..
CX do the OW Platinum recognition very well.

a lot of this also applies in Y as QF Gold, but they may see in the system how often I fly with them…

 

[Franky]

EK, QF, BA... typically minimal recognition.
CX whY.... Ayala bubbles on boarding, drink order taken before take off and delivered in glass, choice of Y meal delivered first, lots of crew drop bys to say hello and thanks... sometimes slippers, J amenity kit..
CX do the OW Platinum recognition very well.
Flying whY QF to HKG next week.. very low expectation...

My wife does quite a few trips to China via HKG on CX, and as a P1 always gets wonderful service from their staff irregardless of what class of seat she is able to fly.

 

[million_thanas1968]

Flying whY QF to HKG next week.. very low expectation...

Flying whY QF ex-HKG then return within 24hrs this weekend.

Haven't done the route before with QF but keeping expectations extremely low. Usually fly CX and the experience is as you mentioned.
Portals showing extremely full flights both ways with many of staff listed as well.


Will report back, looking forward to hearing of yours as well.

 

[Ade]

QF1551 - WP ack at Gate when scanning BP. Staff doing boarding seemed new to the role and young person. CSM able to pronounce my name correctly. No further acks.

QF675 - no ack

 

[Shpitzo]

I hope I don't sound like an elitist (I can assure I am not) however being a Platinum Qantas FF member (Emerald One World) for 10+ years I find it strange that when flying on QF flights there is no recognition by the cabin crew/flight services director (FSD) of your loyalty anymore. In previous years you would have the FSD personally come by and introduce himself/herself in the early stages of the flight, sometimes offering you a drink in advance of normal service or providing biz class headphones if flying in economy. The contrast I have found in my recent travels on both Emirates and CX (noting the Emerald status) was that the FSD would make a point of coming by to introduce themselves and to ensure you are always looked after - basically making you feel special (unlike QF!).

IMO the personal welcome matters less than consistency on the stuff that actually saves time, priority bags, lounge access and getting rebooked first when things go wrong. That’s where Platinum earns its keep. If recognition matters to you, a friendly hello to the CSM when boarding often gets one back

 

[platinumEnjoyer]

Truly intrigued, why are people flying QF over CX Y? QF is pricier + worse hard product + less recognition? CX benefits are one of the biggest reasons that I bother to maintain QF WP for in the first place. Unless shooting for a CR upgrade or chasing the 30 SC that you would miss out on I dont get it.

IMO the personal welcome matters less than consistency on the stuff that actually saves time, priority bags, lounge access and getting rebooked first when things go wrong. That’s where Platinum earns its keep.

On IRROPS rebookings - any anecdotes on how useful this is? Does it extend to other OW carriers? I had an awful experience with BA and didn't feel very looked after at all, but not experienced this on QF yet.

 

[BrianQQ]

Truly intrigued, why are people flying QF over CX Y? QF is pricier + worse hard product + less recognition? CX benefits are one of the biggest reasons that I bother to maintain QF WP for in the first place. Unless shooting for a CR upgrade or chasing the 30 SC that you would miss out on I dont get it.

QF is usually cheaper than CX when Red Tail Sale is a thing.

 

[Daver6]

Truly intrigued, why are people flying QF over CX Y? QF is pricier + worse hard product + less recognition? CX benefits are one of the biggest reasons that I bother to maintain QF WP for in the first place. Unless shooting for a CR upgrade or chasing the 30 SC that you would miss out on I dont get it.


On IRROPS rebookings - any anecdotes on how useful this is? Does it extend to other OW carriers? I had an awful experience with BA and didn't feel very looked after at all, but not experienced this on QF yet.

If in whY, it's the opportunity for a points upgrade to J for me.

 

[elanshin]

Truly intrigued, why are people flying QF over CX Y? QF is pricier + worse hard product + less recognition? CX benefits are one of the biggest reasons that I bother to maintain QF WP for in the first place. Unless shooting for a CR upgrade or chasing the 30 SC that you would miss out on I dont get it.


On IRROPS rebookings - any anecdotes on how useful this is? Does it extend to other OW carriers? I had an awful experience with BA and didn't feel very looked after at all, but not experienced this on QF yet.

If it's to HKG, for the most part QF tends to be cheaper these days than CX (and if QF is your main program have a much higher earn rate). If it's to other destinations its a sum of various things.

Doesn't mean I don't take CX Y, but I don't feel that it's such a step above that even if prices are equal I'd still consider timings and if I need the SC or not. Ultimately CX Y isn't that much better than QF Y that it'd move the needle on that alone.

JL Y however - now that would be an instant fly JL if it was the same price (and it rarely is - JL is pricier and they know they have one of the best flying Y products out there).

 

[BrianQQ]

On IRROPS rebookings - any anecdotes on how useful this is? Does it extend to other OW carriers? I had an awful experience with BA and didn't feel very looked after at all, but not experienced this on QF yet.

Also completely missed this point but I've been taken care of on AA and AS. AA's staff even at Admirals is top notch. BA on the other hand...