Special Treatment at Kerbside - who gets it and who doesn't?

[parksie]

Hi to all,

I have just seen a photo on the Australian website this morning of Paul Hogan arriving in Sydney to catch his flight to LA and this has prompted me to post a question that I have often wondered about.

In the photo you can see a female Qantas staff member greeting him at kerbside.

I have often wondered about the special meet and greet / kerbside welcome that Qantas provides to celebs and others.

I am interested to know who qualifies and who wouldn't?

For example I am sure Kylie does but who wouldn't - Lara Bingle?

How does Qantas know who to provide this special treatment and also what treatment is involved?

Is it just the welcome at kerbside or is it also special customs clearance etc etc

I would be very interested if anyone can provide any first hand knowledge or even any examples of special treatment that you have seen first hand offered either here in Australia or in other cities.

Could be interesting reading.

Parksie

 

[moa999]

It is the First Class kerbside check-in service.

I believe if you are travelling first they will give you the phone number to call on approach and they will come out with the luggage carrier and meet you, then escort you to the First check-in booth.
(Much easier in Melbourne where the booth is actually next to the road entry).

Note that WPs can use the First Check-in but don't seemto get the kerbside service.
(that said its all of a 25m walk)
I suspect CL members (of whom I m sure a few celebs are) would get it.

 

[anat0l]

Note that WPs can use the First Check-in but don't seemto get the kerbside service.

Correct, it is purely a QF F service. Same deal with booking the spa in advance.

(that said its all of a 25m walk)

That said, compared to other F check-ins around the world, it ain't very special.

 

[Sequel]

My experience travelling with a CL (unfortunately not every trip!): upon arrival in SYD from O/S, we were met at the end of the aero-bridge by a CS person (not sure of rank, but obviously not one of the juniors) who basically walked us through the process, helped with the bags off the carousel, pushed trolley (I think) etc. Took us to the front of most of the queues, and generally just had a nice chat and made certain everything was ok. I was travelling on, so he walked me to the transfer area. He commented that it was something they do for CL and first class, but like the on-board greet and express immi cards, may have been a short term thing or only when they feel like it.

 

[markis10]

I was travelling on, so he walked me to the transfer area. He commented that it was something they do for CL and first class, but like the on-board greet and express immi cards, may have been a short term thing or only when they feel like it.

You often see the QF minders on TV, even on arrival Hoges had one until he got to the arrivals area where the gentleman was seen heading back as the interviews started. Its a common thing across most airlines, the airline show/doco probably gave them the most exposure in terms of what they do as it frequent covered their troubles so to speak.

 

[estate]

Yes, CLs do get this service regardless of the class they're travelling in.

QF call at T-24 and check they have all the relevant passport and personal information, and check the passengers in over the phone. They provide you with a number to call from your mobile when you're a couple of minutes from kerbside, and someone comes out to meet you, takes your bags and ushers you through to a small lounge where they print boarding passes while you briefly wait, and then escort you through to immigration.

 

[JetLagged]

Yes, CLs do get this service regardless of the class they're travelling in. QF call at T-24 and check they have all the relevant passport and personal information, and check the passengers in over the phone. They provide you with a number to call from your mobile when you're a couple of minutes from kerbside, and someone comes out to meet you, takes your bags and ushers you through to a small lounge where they print boarding passes while you briefly wait, and then escort you through to immigration.

OK - so only realy difference is that CL gets it all of the time, while the rest of us have to wait until we're actually flying F?

Qantas is usually pretty good with their arangements - phone check-in etc etc etc - have had a couple of flights when they got busy and didn't ring - but overall it is good service (especially when they do it for those of us utilizing points to op-up!)