To QC or not to QC

[petercr]

Hi all, lurked for a few months, now suscribed and decided that as I'd got some useful info here I'd bite the bullet and go gold. This may have been asked before but I can't see any answers that fit...

In Feb, myself, Mrs Petercr and 3 kids (17, 10 and 8) are travelling BNE-LAX (5 day stop-over) then LAX-JFK and return 2wks later (but straight through) in Y class, all of us are QFF members (kids via Woolies).

Is it worth me joining QC primarily just for this trip? If so, should I get Mrs Petercr to sign-up as a partner member? I've seen in a few threads that Q staff are pretty flexible with families being allowed entry to the QC but partner airlines may not be so flexible (especially on the way home at JFK). I guess one advantage that this would get us is 'priority check-in'compared to if we were just going cattle-class.

I might do 2 or 3 trips domestically in the next year (BNE-SYD, BNE-MEL) and may use the acquired FF points (with help from the kids) to do a BNE-PER trip later in the year and I guess we could both use our membership then...

Any more details needed, just ask away...

EDIT: doing all legs via QF... QF15- QF108-QF108-QF16

 

[harvyk]

not worth it... $600 would buy a lot of beer and food even at airport prices and even for 5 people... and besides, you'd be in the admerials club for 3 of your 4 flights, s food will be non existent.

 

[Hvr]

Firstly welcome to AFF, hope you enjoy our community and we look forward to hearing about your travel adventures.

I agree with harvyk, for the limited amount of travel it wouldn't be the best use of $600.

 

[lovestotravel]

Welcome Peter

I have to agree with the 2 posters above me

$600 for up to 10 or so lounge visits is not really worth it (in my opinion)

However if you have some $$ to spend then yes go for it


Others can assist me, but would one QC membership allow his wife and 3 children to enter any/all of the lounges ?

 

[amaroo]

+4 put the $600 towards real status - if that is what you want.

If you dig hard enough you will find threads (posts) that provide hints on obtaining Gold/Platinum for not much more than your bog standard QP membership.

 

[Mattg]

AFAIK the QC has a "family friendly" policy so they should allow your whole family in. Although I personally wouldn't waste money on a membership that would only be of limited use to you, unless it was discounted or you plan to travel a fair bit.

 

[Simo]

A lot of money for very limited usage.

I would save your money and spend it at the airport and you will still have change.

My Father is a once a year flyer but he is a QC member but only because they like the fact that they can generally always find a seat and if they need some extra assistance they will try and help a little more i the QP's.

 

[medhead]

AFAIK the QC has a "family friendly" policy so they should allow your whole family in. Although I personally wouldn't waste money on a membership that would only be of limited use to you, unless it was discounted or you plan to travel a fair bit.

The official policy is 2 children only under the age of 12. To be 100% official the OP would need 2 memberships, as 2 guest spots are required and only 1 guest is allowed per member in international lounges. Making the cost more like $1100. Not worth it.

I started off paying $50 a year for my QC membership. It's very easy to justify that cost for a couple of flights a year. Not so much for $600.

 

[serfty]

Maybe investigate American Airlines Admirals club 30 membership for USD99.

Posted on a wing and a prayer ...

 

[petercr]

Thanks all for your input... looks like the $600 or so could be better spent - thought it might have useful trying to keep everyone occupied before flights.

Serfty, it looks like AA Admirals Club membership would only be useful in T4 at LAX - don't appear to get any advantage in BNE or JFK on the way home. Would that be the case??

 

[serfty]

Thanks all for your input... looks like the $600 or so could be better spent - thought it might have useful trying to keep everyone occupied before flights.

Serfty, it looks like AA Admirals Club membership would only be useful in T4 at LAX - don't appear to get any advantage in BNE or JFK on the way home. Would that be the case??

See the thread below - an A/C membership has reciprocal benefits for any Qantas Domestic Club or Qantas international Business Lounge before any QF flight.


30 Days Admirals Club Membership

AC 30-day pass: QF lounge access?

http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInforma...sp#30-day-pass

 

[petercr]

Even better... a $200 outlay (or less if exch rates are good) will get all 5 of us in to lounges in BNE, LAX (both) and JFK... we're only gone for just over 3wks so 30 days will cover us nicely... Now if only QF would offer this themselves...