Speculation: QF to axe MEL First lounge?

[levelnine]

Let's examine a few pieces of the puzzle:

1. QF has axed the A380 from MEL to DXB, leaving only one flight from MEL with First (QF93).
2. The general trend across the QF network to merge First and Business lounges.
3. The desperate need to refurb the QF Business lounge in MEL.

Putting the pieces of the puzzle together, my money would be on QF closing the First lounge in MEL, refurbishing it as a merged lounge along the lines of the BNE lounge, and closing down the existing downstairs lounge.

Thoughts?

 

[moa999]

Don't see it.
The F space would be way too small as a combined lounge.

The new 787 QF9 will most likely still operate from the international terminal.
The canning of the A380 might open up another route.

But I do agree the Melbourne J dungeon needs an overhaul

 

[RichardMEL]

QF93 is still a 380 don't forget.....

 

[fairbasa]

QF93 is still a 380 don't forget.....

Until the next 'enhancement' from NSWAS.

 

[Mattg]

I also don't think they would do this. They're still selling F on QF93 MEL-LAX, and even though there won't be F on QF9 any more, it's still one of their premium, flagship routes. The F lounges are a great incentive to go for Platinum status and even though the trend is moving towards combined lounges in many airports, I don't think they would do this at their second-largest hub.

You never know, one (or both) of the 2 spare A380s no longer flying MEL-LHR might in the future operate a new flight ex MEL anyway.

 

[levelnine]

Don't see it.
The F space would be way too small as a combined lounge.

The new 787 QF9 will most likely still operate from the international terminal.
The canning of the A380 might open up another route.

But I do agree the Melbourne J dungeon needs an overhaul

Is there any room for QF to increase the foot print of the current First lounge?

It appears QF is centralising A380 services in SYD, so my guess would be no new A380 routes for MEL.

And the 787 doesn't have First, so I don't think that would influence the decision to keep the First lounge.

QF93 is still a 380 don't forget.....

That's true, but HKG and LHR have A380 services with no First lounge.

 

[fairbasa]

I guess we need to see what other moves they make. The A380s on a new MEL route would be great and I would take that compromise.

I just have a bad feeling though...

 

[serfty]

...

That's true, but HKG and LHR have A380 services with no First lounge.

There are VERY good non QF First lounge options available to QF First PAX at both LHR and HKG.

 

[ermen]

If they only want 2 in their network, maybe they can move the MEL F lounge to Perth

 

[yohy?!]

doubtful - F lounge would be a powerful value-add to the local market, we'd probably have to see MEL plunged into recession like PER first before they'd consider something like that

 

[levelnine]

There are VERY good non QF First lounge options available to QF First PAX at both LHR and HKG.

That's true, but do you think that was a factor in QF deciding to merge the lounges in LHR and HKG?

 

[Aussie_flyer]

If they only want 2 in their network, maybe they can move the MEL F lounge to Perth

They built one at LAX that still operates

 

[RichardMEL]

QF93 will almost certainly stay a 380 for the time being given the huge demand on that route. They need the capacity.

Of course this doesn't preclude QF creating a 3 class (J/W/Y) 380 ..... but you can save that scary thought for another thread

 

[mviy]

If they axe the FLounge then a lot of MEL travelers wouldn't see the value in obtaining WP anymore. Sure the domestic J lounge is better than the QANTAS Club, but one of the main reasons to value having WP is FLounge access.

Perhaps killing the FLounge would mean more business for OneWorld partners and non-OneWorld such as Virgin. Take away the benefits of loyalty and what do you expect...

 

[levelnine]

If they axe the FLounge then a lot of MEL travelers wouldn't see the value in obtaining WP anymore. Sure the domestic J lounge is better than the QANTAS Club, but one of the main reasons to value having WP is FLounge access.

Perhaps killing the FLounge would mean more business for OneWorld partners and non-OneWorld such as Virgin. Take away the benefits of loyalty and what do you expect...

That is most definitely the risk for QF if it removed the First lounge. Though today's decision regarding MEL-LHR flights shows that catering to WPs is not QF's utmost priority. On the new MEL-LHR flights, WPs have lost access to a First lounge at the stop over point (DXB First vs PER Intl) and access to the ability to buy/upgrade to First class on QF metal.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Don't think this will happen. Still F on flights to LAX. If that goes then yes, but even the real estate at MEL makes a combined lounge unlikely.

 

[RichardMEL]

You're assuming a lot of people work to attain Platinum status ONLY for things like the F lounge access. I suggest the actual number of people doing status runs and the like to get there are relatively small compared to the overall number of QF passengers with status, who are more likely than not on business (eg: I know a bloke who got WP with the govt paying fully Flex Y fares MEL-ADL r/t week in, week out for months).

Don't confuse the (relatively small) subset of FFers such as many here who seek and make effort to attain status with the majority of QF customers.

There are even some out there who have no idea what the dark grey card affords them even if they have it.

 

[straitman]

I see that nothing will change so long as the A380 operates F out of MEL.

Having said that I also believe that the A380 has a limited lifespan at Qantas and will be replaced at some point not too far down the track. :shock:

(No I am not going to guess a time line)

 

[DavidFlynn]

Nope. Not gonna happen. MEL F lounge is part of the flagship 'premium airline' proposition, and I suspect an A380 will come back into the MEL mix at some point, just not to DXB-LHR.

 

[mviy]

It's not just status runs but choosing who to fly for business/leisure travel they'd do anyway. If WP doesn't offer value then once SG people may fly with e.g. OneWorld partners rather than fly QF metal.

A friend got an email today suggesting the A380s will be used in periods of high demand for MEL/SYD to SIN and HKG. Will be interesting if the F seats are sold as F or just as J. If sold as F then those passengers would want an FLounge for the full F experience.