Reason for Frequent Flyer card?

[Roma]

I have a Qantas FF card and like others earn points but what is the actual card used for? Isn't crediting of extra points with bonus partners automatic anyway when a VISA card is used? If not, do I flash the Qantas FF card?

Ta,

R.

 

[oz_mark]

I have a Qantas FF card and like others earn points but what is the actual card used for? Isn't crediting of extra points with bonus partners automatic anyway when a VISA card is used? If not, do I flash the Qantas FF card?

Ta,

R.

For the most part, the card is used for ID purposes. For associated credit cards, there is no need to show the card. But the card ca be useful when checking in etc.

 

[simongr]

The card can be used in Hotels, Car Rental agencies, Duty Free at the airports - they can swipe it to get your details to accrue points.

Then if you have higher status cards they can be required at check in to confirm your FF number or to make sure you are eligible for lounge access.

S

 

[Mal]

Also, occasionally there are Frequent Flyer specials that you can get by flashing your card (eg discounts or free stuff). Would come in handy then.

 

[JohnK]

Domestically, as a QF Platinum, when not flying Qantas or not flying at all on the day and you want access to the Qantas Lounge you would show your card on entry.

As others have mentioned when you stay at a hotel, duty free purchases, car hire etc they would swipe your card for a record of where to send the FF points. Does not always work and requires follow up anyway.

 

[coco50]

Domestically when not flying Qantas and you want access to the Qantas Lounge you would show your Qantas Gold or Platinum card on entry. Or if you want access when you are not flying at all.

I didn't think that you could access the lounge as QF Gold if you weren't flying - that this was a privilege for QF WP. When you are a SG or a WP you only have one card because you automatically have lounge membership. Once you sink to PS (or worse) and are still a member of the QP you end up with two cards - the QC Card and the QFF card. Both can be used for ID purposes or for things like OLCI.

 

[Febs]

That's right Robert - access when not flying is only for WP's.

As mentioned - the card has a number of uses. Hotels, Duty-Free, domestic check-in, access to international lounges, easy access to QP's, wank factor etc...

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[tuapekastar]

You are right. I didn't finish the sentence.

Fixed now....

Is that correction correct John? I thought Gold would only get you domestic access if flying QF (or perhaps JQ as well, but certainly not DJ, for example)

 

[Dave Noble]

I have a Qantas FF card and like others earn points but what is the actual card used for? Isn't crediting of extra points with bonus partners automatic anyway when a VISA card is used? If not, do I flash the Qantas FF card?

Ta,

R.

The only useful reason I can find for the card is for getting access to other OW airline lounges since the card provides the evidence of status. For other purposes, just knowing the number is enough ime. Even getting into a Qantas lounge ( if eligable ) without a card is easy as long as you know the membership number

Dave

 

[JohnK]

Is that correction correct John? I thought Gold would only get you domestic access if flying QF (or perhaps JQ as well, but certainly not DJ, for example)

You are right. I got caught up with incomplete sentence and totally confused Gold access to the lounge where the guest does not need to be travelling.

I think it is fixed now....

 

[Harpoon]

As I'm in my early 20's I am 'youngish' compared to your typical QFF or QC member. Often when I approach a lounge in a foreign country, like the BA Lounge at LHR or the QF one in HKG, I have often been asked to show my QC or QFF card as proof that I can get in. I assume this is because they look at my jeans and t-shirt and my age and want to double check. I don't take offense to it, but it does irritate me that all the guys in suits with breifcases just waltz on in without being hassled to show their card.

Anyway, my point is, that's the only time I use either of my cards. Never used it for anything other than proving I'm actually allowed into the lounge

 

[NM]

As I'm in my early 20's I am 'youngish' compared to your typical QFF or QC member. Often when I approach a lounge in a foreign country, like the BA Lounge at LHR or the QF one in HKG, I have often been asked to show my QC or QFF card as proof that I can get in. I assume this is because they look at my jeans and t-shirt and my age and want to double check. I don't take offense to it, but it does irritate me that all the guys in suits with breifcases just waltz on in without being hassled to show their card.

Even those of us who are one the wrong side of double your age still get "carded" at places like BA's LHR lounges. Their request to sight the card has nothing to do with your age. Its their policy.

Anyway, my point is, that's the only time I use either of my cards. Never used it for anything other than proving I'm actually allowed into the lounge

My AA EXP card comes out a little more often than my QF cards ever have, but I think that is because I can't remember my AAdvantage number and my QF number is engraved on the inside of my eyelids. I had to pull my EXP card out yesterday to find the EXP desk phone number to call to have some e-Vips applied. I never had to do that with QF since I can remember the Australian phone number and my membership number and pin.

 

[coco50]

As I'm in my early 20's I am 'youngish' compared to your typical QFF or QC member. Often when I approach a lounge in a foreign country, like the BA Lounge at LHR or the QF one in HKG, I have often been asked to show my QC or QFF card as proof that I can get in. I assume this is because they look at my jeans and t-shirt and my age and want to double check. I don't take offense to it, but it does irritate me that all the guys in suits with breifcases just waltz on in without being hassled to show their card.

Anyway, my point is, that's the only time I use either of my cards. Never used it for anything other than proving I'm actually allowed into the lounge

Don't worry, Harpoon. With a fringe of grey hair on my 55+ bald head they still do the same to me - doesn't matter whether I have jeans and polo shirt (green with Australian Coat of Arms) or a suit.

 

[Mal]

As I'm in my early 20's I am 'youngish' compared to your typical QFF or QC member. Often when I approach a lounge in a foreign country, like the BA Lounge at LHR or the QF one in HKG, I have often been asked to show my QC or QFF card as proof that I can get in.

Most International lounges request your FF card and boarding pass to show that you're entitled to be there. There are too many people who 'put it on' as being eligible to try and blag their way in.

Looking young does have it's benefits, grasp them while you can

 

[Harpoon]

I still think I've definately received some "are you sure you're in the right place" vibes from all different lounges, including Qantas run ones. I can only speak from past experience but I find if I'm wearing my suit as opposed to jeans or shorts, I am far less likely to get the 'second look'

 

[Febs]

I still think I've definately received some "are you sure you're in the right place" vibes from all different lounges

Ha, yeah I get that a bit. I kinda like it.
Even had a CSM once ask what travel led to such a young bloke gaining WP status.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[albatross710]

I made te mistake of not carrying my QFF card when making a foreign currency transaction at Brisbane airport Travelex last year. They said they couldn't manually add my number to the transaction.

After that transaction and attitude, I've changed my money at Singapore airport and achieve better value than the points I would have got anyway.

 

[Flashback]

I still think I've definately received some "are you sure you're in the right place" vibes from all different lounges, including Qantas run ones. I can only speak from past experience but I find if I'm wearing my suit as opposed to jeans or shorts, I am far less likely to get the 'second look'

I've had that quite a few times too... regardless of what I'm wearing. Complained once, about the bad service - received a $100 QF voucher.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Don't you use your Qantas card when using the quick check machine.

Only time I have used it other than checking is was to access the BA Terraces lounge at Gatwick.

I actually rang up to get a new card, current one is broken and they don't send them out for Qantas Life members as my status hasn't hasn't changed in 5 years as I don't fly enough.

The person on the phone was about to suggest I send it in; and I thought that was a bit strange but after some more typing away they confirmed my address and will send one in the mail.

I will see how long it takes to issue a new card and I will report back.

 

[Flashback]

I've had that quite a few times too... regardless of what I'm wearing. Complained once, about the bad service - received a $100 QF voucher.

Oh, and to add to that - Lindsay Wilson, Dave Noble, serfty et al could all confirm I'm not some white-trash talking/looking hobo :mrgreen:

I think age does play a part, every now and then..