Worldwide lounge access for QP member - figuring it all out

[Danger]

Hello all

I have a oneWorld trip leaving Perth on 2 May, stopping overnight in Singapore, onto Athens via London, to Dublin via Madrid, to Paris, to New York, to Washington, to Miami, to Chicago, to Las Vegas, surface LA then back to Perth.

I'm a QP silver. I'm planning my holiday very much around what will give me the most FF points and the most lounge access (I need a holiday, I'm not too fussed where I go). Trying to work out lounge access, though, is, as usual, an absolute nightmare. Different information is often provided by different Qantas operators.

Here are some of my issues:

(1) AA's website says they have a lounge at Charles de Gaulle. My understanding is, as a QP member, I can access that lounge before my AA flight to JFK. However, Qantas tell me that (i) there information is AA don't have a lounge there and (ii) BA do have a lounge there but I can't access it because it's operated by Air France. So, what's correct? Is the AA website wrong? Is there an AA lounge at CDG? If there is only a BA lounge, why can't I access it as part of the Qantas arrangement where you can use BA and AA lounges?

(2) Query: do I have access to all AA lounges in the US when flying on AA flights?

(3) Query: can I use AA lounges when I get off an AA flight?

(4) Query: I understand AA don't provide complimentary alcoholic beverages but only coupons for free beverages of a QP member? Is this correct? If so, are the coupons limited?

(5) If I'm flying on an Aer Lingus or Iberia flight, can I access BA lounges?

(6) If I fly out of SFO (rather than LAX) which lounge would I have access to/should I use (I'd prefer one with a shower)?

(7) If I fly out of LAX, what is the interim lounge like? Are there showers?

For everyone's information, the information from Qantas on Aer Lingus is just as confusing. Last night, after about 12 minutes on hold why the operator sought advice from a supervisor, there is no information yet as to whether or not Aer Lingus will continue to offer FF points. Then today an operator tells me that to continue earning FF points travel on Aer Lingus would have to be completed by 1 April.

I would appreciate appreciate any helpful advice anyone may be able to offer on my dramas.

Thanks.

 

[simongr]

Just a quick question - are you absolutely stuck on sticking with Qantas for FF earning? Would you consider a move to AA (still flying on Cathay, Qantas, AA, BA and JAL if flying after April).

Not sure on JAL routings - you might need to book after April to access that. Just picking a decent itinerary to maximise some miles (assuming you have plenty of time to so can wait for connections etc.):

The following will generate 1820 SCs for QF and 49Kmiles flown. I can calculate your exact earning rate as that would depend on carriers. This is the routing

I think that would be an awesome trip if you have about 6 weeks to enjoy it

 

[NM]

(1) AA's website says they have a lounge at Charles de Gaulle. My understanding is, as a QP member, I can access that lounge before my AA flight to JFK. However, Qantas tell me that (i) there information is AA don't have a lounge there and (ii) BA do have a lounge there but I can't access it because it's operated by Air France. So, what's correct? Is the AA website wrong? Is there an AA lounge at CDG? If there is only a BA lounge, why can't I access it as part of the Qantas arrangement where you can use BA and AA lounges?

As you are fying in business class, you are entitled to business class lounge access provided by the operating airline at each port where they offer it - regardless of your Qantas Club membership. AA has a lounge arrangement for their business class passengers at CDG and you will receive an invitation to use that lounge. You will not have access to the BA lounge at CDG unless you are flying in business class (Club Europe) with BA from CDG that day.

Here is a link to the info for the AA lounge at CDG.

(2) Query: do I have access to all AA lounges in the US when flying on AA flights?

Yes, as a Qantas Club member you can access AA lounge when departing on an AA flight.

(3) Query: can I use AA lounges when I get off an AA flight?

Not according to access rules. However, some AA lounge agents may permit access.

(4) Query: I understand AA don't provide complimentary alcoholic beverages but only coupons for free beverages of a QP member? Is this correct? If so, are the coupons limited?

Yes, that is correct. You are normally handed one or two drinks vouchers upon arrival. You can go back to the desk and request more. The vouchers are generally stamped with the date and only valid at that lounge on that date. You are still expected to tip the bar tender - usually US$1 per drink. However, some people do not tip.

(5) If I'm flying on an Aer Lingus or Iberia flight, can I access BA lounges?

No. You can only use the lounge of the operating airline per their usual lounge provision for business class passengers. Your Qantas Cub membership will only permit access to BA lounges when you are departing on a BA flight.

(6) If I fly out of SFO (rather than LAX) which lounge would I have access to/should I use (I'd prefer one with a shower)?

I can;t remember just which lounge QF are using at the moment for business class passengers. I seem to remember it is different for J and F (I think F use the BA lounge). According to Qantas web site, there are no shower facilities at the SFO Associated Lounge.

(7) If I fly out of LAX, what is the interim lounge like? Are there showers?

Assuming you are flying to SYD, you use the joint AA/QF lounge at Terminal 4, not the interim lounge at TBI terminal. The T4 lounge is very nice and has showers. Its only the LAX to MEL, AKL and BNE flights that depart from TBI terminal.

 

[Danger]

Thank you NM. I appreciate your time. Unfortunately, I may have miscommunicated - I'm regretably only flying L class (discount economy) all the way. Could you please let me know how this changes your answers to questions 1 and 7. Thanks again.

 

[simongr]

I wouldnt be aiming for 49K miles flown in L then

 

[Danger]

Just a quick question - are you absolutely stuck on sticking with Qantas for FF earning? Would you consider a move to AA (still flying on Cathay, Qantas, AA, BA and JAL if flying after April).

Not sure on JAL routings - you might need to book after April to access that. Just picking a decent itinerary to maximise some miles (assuming you have plenty of time to so can wait for connections etc.):

The following will generate 1820 SCs for QF and 49Kmiles flown. I can calculate your exact earning rate as that would depend on carriers. This is the routing

I think that would be an awesome trip if you have about 6 weeks to enjoy it

No, I'm not stuck on flying QF at all, simongr. Excuse my ignorance but I'm trying to maximise points (FF and SCs) and lounge access. And Perth is my port of origin. What you've suggested (1820 SCs and 49k miles) sounds fantastic but . . . (again, the ignorance) woud they all be credited as QFF points and what would my lounge access be like as a QP silver? (And, yes, pretty much exactly six weeks, 2 May to 13 June.)

Thanks.

 

[NM]

Thank you NM. I appreciate your time. Unfortunately, I may have miscommunicated - I'm regretably only flying L class (discount economy) all the way. Could you please let me know how this changes your answers to questions 1 and 7. Thanks again.

Ahh, your original post said:

I have a DONE4 trip leaving Perth on 2 May ...

A DONE4 is a business class (D) OneWorld Explorer (ONE) covering 4 continents (4). Hence why I assumed business class travel.

As a Qantas Club member, you will only have access to Qantas, AA and BA lounges prior to flights operated the particular airline. So no access prior to IB, EI, LA, AY flights. For example, You cannot use a BA lounge when flying with AA or IB.

No BA lounge access in CDG when you are in economy.

 

[NM]

No, I'm not stuck on flying QF at all, simongr. Excuse my ignorance but I'm trying to maximise points (FF and SCs) and lounge access. And Perth is my port of origin. What you've suggested (1820 SCs and 49k miles) sounds fantastic but . . . (again, the ignorance) woud they all be credited as QFF points and what would my lounge access be like as a QP silver? (And, yes, pretty much exactly six weeks, 2 May to 13 June.)

Thanks.

The 1820 SCs are based on the assumption you are using a DONE4 and not a LxONE4 ticket. On an LxONE4 ticket the SC earning will be less than 25% of that amount.

 

[Danger]

Sorry NM and simongr. My mistake. I've corrected it accordingly. Disappointing that there's no lounge access at CDG. This would seem contrary to AA's website and the oneWorld arrangements.

Regarding my question six, now that I'm only flying L, any ideas on what lounge I'd have access to and the facilities?

Thanks again.

 

[simongr]

That would be a major difference to earning and might make some of the options I posted non-earning completely. Apologies for that.

 

[NM]

Sorry NM and simongr. My mistake. I've corrected it accordingly. Disappointing that there's no lounge access at CDG. This would seem contrary to AA's website and the oneWorld arrangements.

I said no access at CDG to the BA lounge. You should have access to the AA lounge at CDG for your AA departure based on your Qantas Club membership.

Regarding my question six, now that I'm only flying L, any ideas on what lounge I'd have access to and the facilities?

(6) If I fly out of SFO (rather than LAX) which lounge would I have access to/should I use (I'd prefer one with a shower)?

Thanks again.

Same lounge as for business class passengers. No shower facilities according to QF web site. I think it may be the JAL lounge, but not certain. I would suggest routing via LAX and SYD and use the nice facilities of the AA lounge at LAX Terminal 4.

But if hoping to use QF FF points for an upgrade, perhaps SFO flights may have better upgrade award availability??

 

[Danger]

Thanks NM. I've emailed both AA and QF regarding access at CDG to the Admiral's Club. As far as I'm concerned once I've got it on paper that I can access it, there's no turning back.

Thanks for the information about SFO and LAX lounges. I am hoping to upgrade that last leg home but I think I wil fly out of LAX instead and take my chances.

 

[NM]

Thanks for the information about SFO and LAX lounges. I am hoping to upgrade that last leg home but I think I wil fly out of LAX instead and take my chances.

If you can be flexible enough to travel on a day that QF8 operates (i.e. a Thursday) then I would choose that one. Firstly its the most civilised flight by virtue of being a daytime flight (departs 1pm, arrives 8:35pm) so if you miss the upgrade at least you don't have to try and sleep all the way - just watch movies etc. Secondly its not a business-friendly flight so tends to have better chance of upgrades.

 

[Maca44]

Last flight out of SFO (QF74) in J class a couple of weeks ago, and we used the JAL Sakura Lounge. It is only small and I don't remember any showers.

 

[Danger]

I received a response from AA about lounge access (as QP silver member flying discount economy to JFK) at CDG:

If you're oneworld Sapphire or Emerald, you will have access into the Admirals club in Paris. Also, if you're traveling on a First Class or Business Class ticket you will have complimentary access into the club.

This would suggest to me that I wouldn't have access yet I still can't find any information on the Qantas or AA websites that indicates this. I've pushed the point with AA.

 

[NM]

I received a response from AA about lounge access (as QP silver member flying discount economy to JFK) at CDG:

If you're oneworld Sapphire or Emerald, you will have access into the Admirals club in Paris. Also, if you're traveling on a First Class or Business Class ticket you will have complimentary access into the club.

This would suggest to me that I wouldn't have access yet I still can't find any information on the Qantas or AA websites that indicates this. I've pushed the point with AA.

I cannot see anything at AA that says their CDG lounge is not an Admirals Club and hence does not provide standard Admirals Club access rights which includes Qantas Club membersip when departing on an AA flight.

 

[ashleyn]

I recently flew QF SYD to SAF then connected internally with Delta but still got access to the AA lounge at SFO by showing my QC card (not that it was worth the effort, the lounge had zero facilities).

 

[straitman]

I recently flew QF SYD to SAF then connected internally with Delta but still got access to the AA lounge at SFO by showing my QC card (not that it was worth the effort, the lounge had zero facilities).

Still better than sitting outside in the zoo.

 

[Reggie]

Still better than sitting outside in the zoo.

We were all animals in that zoo once, we may try and forget it, but it still happened.

I remember after Ansett went bust , and I was only QC PS, I did an ATW trip in J on *A, with a side trip in Spain on Iberian. I had to sit and wait in the zoo as you call it for 3 hours waiting for my connection, after a flight from PER via SIN and ZRH to MAD

 

[straitman]

We were all animals in that zoo once, we may try and forget it, but it still happened.

I forget :!: