Unusual experience in MEL Flounge this morning

[openseat]

I was enjoying my breakfast in the MEL Flounge this morning when I was interrupted by a staff member, whom I presume was fairly senior, asking rather sharply and directly for my FF number.
I provided the number, but I was rather left with the impression that I was seen as 'not fit for Flounge'!

The staff member never returned and when I was walking out the staff member rather avoided me as I was going to ask them what it was all about. I wasn't prepared to chase them around the lounge so I left.

Has this happen to others?

 

[JohnK]

In the early days I remember the staff used to ask for boarding pass when sitting at restaurant area in SYD First Lounge.

Perhaps some snob made mention that you do not like you belong in the First Lounge and staff were following up.

Still not a good way to be treated when you have every right to be there and I would sent feedback to Qantas that sort of treatment is not acceptable.

 

[moa999]

Not like you can sneak in

 

[kpc]

I would have asked why does he want it again, stating I gave it when I entered the lounge...

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Were you doing anything that would make them think that? Dressed a certain way?
Hair? Tatoos? No Shoes? Didn't have your DYKWIA best on that day?

 

[roj]

I'm usually dressed like a bum, band tshirt, jeans, huge goatee - Always get dodgy service from front staff, great service from the bar Never been asked anything like that though...

 

[NM]

In the early days I remember the staff used to ask for boarding pass when sitting at restaurant area in SYD First Lounge.

I understand that was so they could check which flight you were on so they knew of there was time for a full service meal order before you needed to depart for the aircraft. So more about timing than about eligibility.

If I am asked the same question when visiting the MEL F Lounge next month I will tell them my QFF number, which is Gold status and see what they say. Then only present my AA EXP card if they go to throw me out.

 

[Mgjdubs]

I'm usually dressed like a bum, band tshirt, jeans, huge goatee - Always get dodgy service from front staff, great service from the bar Never been asked anything like that though...

I've seen worse in the form of singlet, board shorts and flip-flops at SYD Flounge. Don't worry about it, what do they expect anyway? Tailcoats?

Im normally the first one to have a whine about people that look like hobos in the lounge, but unless they were physically repulsive (i.e. obvious personal hygiene issues), I doubt I'd actually run and have a cough session the the lounge host.

 

[openseat]

I was dressed neatly with a collared shirt, jumper and moleskins. I don't draw attention if I can help it.

 

[pauly7]

I was dressed neatly with a collared shirt, jumper and moleskins. I don't draw attention if I can help it.

It was the moleskins

What were you thinking

 

[Shelf]

It was the moleskins

What were you thinking

Next time wear the Dunlop Volleys!

I find the situation described by the OP most interesting...

 

[pauly7]

Next time wear the Dunlop Volleys!

I find the situation described by the OP most interesting...

Hahha all the rich hipsters wear dunlops at the moment ;p

 

[zachary.august]

I do think that being asked that sternly is unacceptable. I have seen people 'kindly directed to our great Business Lounge facilities' before at Sydney. This one guy had an out of date WP card that the staff didn't realise was out of date. It is possible that they are now checking on the computer system.

 

[JohnK]

This one guy had an out of date WP card that the staff didn't realise was out of date.

One should not be allowed in the First Lounge without a boarding pass which should have the status of the passenger on it.

Asking for verification once a person is inside the lounge can be embarassing. Any half decent manager should know that.

 

[markis10]

One should not be allowed in the First Lounge without a boarding pass which should have the status of the passenger on it.

Asking for verification once a person is inside the lounge can be embarassing. Any half decent manager should know that.

Not if it's a JQ flight, no status, no boarding pass required either

 

[Aussie_flyer]

One should not be allowed in the First Lounge without a boarding pass which should have the status of the passenger on it.

Asking for verification once a person is inside the lounge can be embarassing. Any half decent manager should know that.

What if you are using a AA or BA emerald card for access but accruing to Qantas. Then you won't have emerald on your BP either.

 

[JohnK]

What if you are using a AA or BA emerald card for access but accruing to Qantas. Then you won't have emerald on your BP either.

Point granted that status may not be on boarding pass.

But my original point stands and that is that no one should be able to enter the First lounge without a boarding pass for a Oneworld flight or Jetstar. Otherwise we have anytime access again if you can just enter by flashing your FF card.

Now if you have an AA Exp card and it has expired and they find out after you enter the First Lounge then you deserve to feel embarassed if they ask for confirmation while you are in the lounge. If on the other hand you are a Qantas FF then you should not be able to enter the First Lounge with an expired Platinum card unless you are on JQ flight and tried to scam your way into the Lounge.

 

[Hvr]

And of course what if the OP was guested in and their host was having their spa treatment? They would rightfully be alone and forced into explaining without the benefit of the host being present.

I can imagine some guests feeling very intimidated in such circumstances.

 

[markis10]

Point granted that status may not be on boarding pass.

But my original point stands and that is that no one should be able to enter the First lounge without a boarding pass for a Oneworld flight or Jetstar. Otherwise we have anytime access again if you can just enter by flashing your FF card.

People can and do, thanks to JQ boarding passes not being available until boarding time, and transit passengers don't need a boarding pass.

 

[JohnK]

People can and do, thanks to JQ boarding passes not being available until boarding time, and transit passengers don't need a boarding pass.

I have no issue with that one. First Lounge staff should be checking if FF status is current. That is part of their job. They should also check that you have a Jetstar flight on that day. Otherwise one can just walk into the First Lounge whe I am flying SQ/TG etc and just flash my Platinum card and say I am on a Jetstar flight but cannot get the boarding pass until the boarding gate.

Now if people are doing that and do not belong in the lounge then I do not care how intimidated or embarassed if they are challenged about status later.

That is not the impression I got from the OP though. They were in the lounge and entitled to be there and got challenged about their right to be in there. That is not good enough as they obviously felt embarassed and I know with my anger management issues the issue would not end there.