Qantas Frequent Flyer - QF Premium

What is the deal with the QF Premium customer service reps? Do these guys only work with platinum customers? I am presuming so because they answer the phone saying "Welcome to Qantas Premium blah..." and I did not hear that as a gold.

Are they supposed to be the more experienced reps? The best reps? Or are they just normal reps who know to say "premium" if a plat is on the line?

I have found these "premium reps" to be MUCH ruder than the folks who answered the phone when I was gold. Is this a common belief or have I just had a run of bad luck. It must be said, that although rude, I am impressed by how quickly they offer to request award seats. As an aside, if I get seats requested from yield management, am I charged the 2,500 point fee?

Ta

I have had several experiences with them since I "rescaled the Heights" a few weeks ago.

There was one occasion I encounted something more akin to arrogance rather than rudeness. In all cases my requests/needs were very promptly and efficiently dealt with.

As an aside, 'Tis interesting that I get just about the same response time as I did as an SG.

MilesDependent, welcome to QF Platinum's own call centre staff, the Premium Desk (housed in QF offices opposite the Palace Hotel in downtown Camberwell, Vic). When you enter yuor QFF number, you'll be transferred through to them, rather than the other call centres around Australia for Bronze, Silver and Gold. You used to be head of those queues (as Gold).

You'll always know if they have answered the phone, as they open proceedings as you stated. If they are all busy, then you'll be routed via "overflow" to the nearest State Capital (first option) and be in the front of their queue. Alternatively you'll be answered by the first CSA available anywhere in Australia.

Yes, they are our own resource - certainly much more knowledgeable than usual CSA's. They're quite used to talking industry terminology with me, as I talk it to them.

You must have had a run of bad luck (presuming they were Premium Desk), because the 20 or so names I have in my database (people I have spoken to regularly on the Premium Desk) have all been friendly.

As an aside, if I get seats requested from yield management, am I charged the 2,500 point fee?

Not to my knowledge. I've never been charged. but getting an exit row allocated fom Yield Management should attract a 2,500 booking fee - that's a set you're requestig, not help with booking award flights.

I have been platinum since March and have flown at least twice per month since then, mostly domestic. On every trip I nearly always change my return flight depending on circumstance, so I have rung QF many times. Each time I have been answered by a 'Premium' person and they have always been very polite and very helpful.

I deal with the premium desk quite a bit as I look after a couple of CL members.
I have mostly found the staff a bit curt (especially when they THINK they are talking to a PA not the member)
I have sometimes has to tell them what they need to do and yes have been charged the 2500 for requesting award seats-is that what u were asking?
I find most QGFF staff a bit lazy at premium award travel.
I usually get most of the flights in line and then tell them what I need.
I dont find them very creative at obtaining an award :(