Asiana Club - Diamond Plus Benefits

I recently made Diamond Plus and am enjoying the perks that come with it already. I didn't get the pack in the mail yet, so can't tell you what it contains, but benefits I've experienced are as follows:

On arrival at ICN, I approached the premium check-in counters and mentioned I was Diamond Plus (even when flying in Y) and was escorted up to the F counter without any waiting, even though there were a number of people in the C line, and lots in Y and the other lines. Without asking I was given the F lounge invite, and I hadn't made any prior seating assignment. I was asked if I wanted a front bulkhead seat but declined. I asked for a seat where the seat next to me would be blocked, and was told fine. I can't think of this ever happening before on OZ. They'll typically say the seat next to me isn't taken, but say they can't guarantee it won't be taken later. No such disclaimer this time.

First class lounge at ICN. This is one of the main reasons for getting Diamond Plus for me. The F lounge probably isn't the best in the world, but it's pretty good for me. Always a good selection of excellent hot food dishes, sushi, great fresh fruits, dim sum, haagen das ice cream bars and cups, a nice selection of nuts, including macadamias, various desserts. I'm sure I forgot plenty on that list. Unlike the C lounge, hot food and everything else seems to be constantly replenished at any time of the day. The drink selection is a definite improvement over the C lounge. I opted for some of the bottled fruit juices not present in the C lounge and was also pleasantly surprised that all the drinks were properly chilled, unlike the C lounge where they're midly chilled at best. One negative was that I decided to have a Haagen Das bar and when biting into it it spurted liquid out being it wasn't properly frozen. I then opted for a ice cream cup instead and it was fine, so perhaps someone left the ice cream bars out before stocking the freezer. Not good for premium ice cream to be melted and then refrozen. I've visited the F lounge a few times and this one time was the only time there was a problem with the ice cream.

I needed a shower and the attendant told me to wait a bit. She came back a minute or two later and asked me to follow her and mentioned she ran the water until it was hot for me. Not really necessary, but certainly a nice touch. As ORDnHKG mentioned in one of his posts, the shower only has the same amenities as the C lounge, which is a slight letdown. The showers are though bigger and have a mat in front of the stall for drying off your feet with...a nice touch missing from the C lounge showers.

Once I was in the F lounge and there were only I think two other people, another time maybe 5 or 6, and the last time about 10 or 12. Never even close to being too many people for the seats, food, staff, or service. Overall, I am very pleased with the F lounge.

I decided to leave the lounge shortly before boarding time as my gate was at the far end. The attendant mentioned my flight wasn't boarding yet and she would call me when it was, but I said that was fine as I wanted to look around a bit. Nice that they remember who I am and my flight number, even though I'm only in the F lounge due to status and not actually flying F.

No special attention when boarding (beyond *G priority boarding), but once seated I noticed one flight attendant motion at another flight attendant and then towards my seat. The other flight attendant promptly came up to me and greeted me and asked me to let her know if I needed anything. She then quickly returned with slippers and other items normally given out in C (I was in Y). The in-flight manager came by a few minutes later and personally greeted me and also asked me to let her know if I needed anything at all. In general the flight attendants seemed to be extra attentive to me. I never asked, but I'm sure it was because I'm Diamond Plus. I declined the meal service, being I already ate way too much in the F lounge, so don't know if they would have done anything special for me if I had, though doubt it. I did ask for some water and juice a few times and was always brought it right away.

On a return flight, I approached the business class check-in lines. A staff member asked me if I was business class, and I said I was Diamond Plus and she immediately mentioned to the manager that I was Diamond Plus and the manager called me there directly and handled my check-in. I was told that Y was full / overbooked and that I would be the first on the list to be upgraded and to check at that gate for my likely upgrade, which did happen. Very satisfied with this also. Being I doubt I'll be competing with other Diamond Plus members for a while, and being there's not likely many Platinum members, I can be assured of upgrades on just about any flights where my cabin is overbooked. ^^^

As I mentioned in another thread, I recently called OZ about reserving a meal in C for an upcoming flight. After the agent took my Asiana Club number, she asked me to hold on while she transferred me to a VIP line. I never heard of this being a feature of Diamond Plus, but assume I was transferred due to my status. I was preoccupied with getting my meal reserved though, and forgot to get the VIP number for next time.

Of course I get the 15% mileage bonus for all OZ flights, as advertised in the Asiana Club rules.

One weird thing with the OZ website. Everything seemed to work fine when logging into my Asiana Club account while I was Silver, Gold, Diamond, and initially Diamond Plus (before the status was officially recognized even though the mileage was over the threshold). Once Diamond Plus was recognized, the status changes to Magic Miles, which is the OZ program for children. An obvious bug with their website, but if I log into the Korean version, it properly indicates Diamond Plus. Some other funky business with the English version about miles needed for next level (Platinum). I think when I was at Diamond level, it was indicating miles needed for Platinum, not Diamond Plus, and now it indicates a negative number of miles needed for the next level, probably because it's confused with me being a Magic Miles member. Anyways, for anyone reaching Diamond Plus, don't worry if you see this as the OZ computers still all recognize you properly as Diamond Plus, not Magic Miles.

So my overall impression of my so far short experience as Diamond Plus is that it was very well worth putting my miles into OZ for the perks it gives, especially being that the majority of my current transpac flights and flights within Asia are on OZ. If not flying on OZ, I don't see any real benefit of it though beyond regular Diamond.

I've got three trips this month alone to experience the F lounge and the other Diamond Plus perks, which hopefully will continue to be just as good as what I've experienced so far. I'll report back with any new experiences and also let everyone know what's in the Diamond Plus pack once I get it. I really wish more airlines would offer this level of service for their super elites. I realize some do and some do even more than OZ does, but having flown lots and lots of TG flights in years past and being their top-tier (only * Gold), I never felt I was given any preferential treatment at all beyond the standard gold benefits they advertise. Due to Diamond Plus, OZ has made me a very satisfied customer and I will strive to use them for all flights where possible.

I recently made Diamond Plus and am enjoying the perks that come with it already. I didn't get the pack in the mail yet, so can't tell you what it contains, but benefits I've experienced are as follows:



It is true that however easy to achieve, status on OZ does mean sthg.
I clearly felt the difference from Gold to Diamond.

I've been op-upgraded twice to J and once directly at the counter by just showing my OZ card.

It does not seem that there's a lot of high status around.
Hopefully I'll be reaching D+ in two months. Definitely looking forward to the change.

I'll keep you posted for additional feedback.

I needed a shower and the attendant told me to wait a bit. She came back a minute or two later and asked me to follow her and mentioned she ran the water until it was hot for me. Not really necessary, but certainly a nice touch. As ORDnHKG mentioned in one of his posts, the shower only has the same amenities as the C lounge, which is a slight letdown. The showers are though bigger and have a mat in front of the stall for drying off your feet with...a nice touch missing from the C lounge showers.


I don't quite understand why is it the shower inside the F lounge it takes quite a while for the water to warm up, given no one else inside the shower. The RCC shower in NRT often packed in the late afternoon, it never had a issue about hot water. :confused:



No special attention when boarding (beyond *G priority boarding), but once seated I noticed one flight attendant motion at another flight attendant and then towards my seat. The other flight attendant promptly came up to me and greeted me and asked me to let her know if I needed anything. She then quickly returned with slippers and other items normally given out in C (I was in Y).


Other than slippers, any C amenity kits provided you are on a long haul flight out of ICN ? :p



Of course I get the 15% mileage bonus for all OZ flights, as advertised in the Asiana Club rules.



This is the part I don't understand with OZ, given you are *G and loyal OZ customers, other *A partners reward their high level status member 100% bonus when it is on its own metal, compare with OZ only give 15% ?

Sounds good, though I am more interested in hearing experiences with Diamond status rather than Diamond plus as it's most likely out of reach for me. TIA.

LAX

Due to Diamond Plus, OZ has made me a very satisfied customer and I will strive to use them for all flights where possible.

^^

BTW --

It is true that however easy to achieve, status on OZ does mean sthg. I clearly felt the difference from Gold to Diamond.

I've been op-upgraded twice to J and once directly at the counter by just showing my OZ card.

It does not seem that there's a lot of high status around. Hopefully I'll be reaching D+ in two months. Definitely looking forward to the change.

I'll keep you posted for additional feedback.

Thank you for quoting A_Lee's entire post in your response :mad:

I don't quite understand why is it the shower inside the F lounge it takes quite a while for the water to warm up, given no one else inside the shower. The RCC shower in NRT often packed in the late afternoon, it never had a issue about hot water. :confused:

Perhaps the hot water heater is located a significant distance away from the showers, likely not even in the lounge itself. So it takes a while for the water inside the pipes after the heater to be flushed first. So I think it's not about hot water capacity.

This is the part I don't understand with OZ, given you are *G and loyal OZ customers, other *A partners reward their high level status member 100% bonus when it is on its own metal, compare with OZ only give 15% ?

I too would love to get 100% or more bonus for being a super elite and would do all I could to encourage OZ to modify their program as such. I think it would bring them a lot more top-end flyers if they did. I'd also like to see better earning rates in C and F than their measly 125% and 150%. I think the problem though is that they don't see themselves as competing against foreign airline FFPs. They see themselves as competing against Korean Air and their FFP. So unless KE makes such changes, I doubt OZ will. Although we can hope that perhaps they'll take the lead for once and try to one-up KE by offering a significantly better FFP product. They have already done this to some extent with the changes they made last October. For me, I still use BD's FFP extensively and will continue to park all my premium miles with them, even when flying OZ, because earning wise they're much better than OZ. I will though still show my Diamond Plus card on check-in to be sure I get into the F lounge, and potentially have a better chance at an upgrade if they're able to enter both numbers into their system.

Sounds good, though I am more interested in hearing experiences with Diamond status rather than Diamond plus as it's most likely out of reach for me. TIA.

LAX

I think all of my OZ flights while I was Diamond were in C and I banked them with BD's FFP, not OZ. It was very strange...all my OZ flights I didn't bank with OZ, and most of my non-OZ flights I did. Being that when flying OZ they didn't likely even know I was Diamond, I don't have any experiences to share. Also, I think flying in C there won't be that much of a difference on the aircraft between non-status, Diamond, and Diamond Plus. My guess is that the main unpublished advantage of being Diamond and flying OZ would be a better chance at Op-Ups. Being Diamond has such a low qualifying level, if they gave preferential treatment to all their Diamond members it wouldn't be long before they might be doing so to half the passengers. It only takes approximately three transpac flights in two years to get Diamond. I know lots and lots of Koreans that travel this much.

Being Diamond has such a low qualifying level, if they gave preferential treatment to all their Diamond members it wouldn't be long before they might be doing so to half the passengers. It only takes approximately three transpac flights in two years to get Diamond. I know lots and lots of Koreans that travel this much.

I would think many students who study abroad can even qualify to be OZ Diamond. Hell, I could have become OZ Diamond when I was just 18 yr old purchasing discount Y fares if I choose OZ instead of UA from the beginning. (2 roundtrip ORD-HKG per year) Too bad OZ did not start flying to ORD until July 2005.

Thanks A_Lee for this report. It clearly encourages me to go for D+ once I have done my LH SEN requalification.

This is the part I don't understand with OZ, given you are *G and loyal OZ customers, other *A partners reward their high level status member 100% bonus when it is on its own metal, compare with OZ only give 15% ?

100% would be nice. But many airlines only give you award miles and no bonus EQM while OZ gives you both.

100% would be nice. But many airlines only give you award miles and no bonus EQM while OZ gives you both.

Actually, the bonus is not "EQM" (status miles), just regular "RDM" non-status miles. At least that's what I calculated. Their website isn't so clear on this point being they lump all your miles together and don't clearly distinguish between status and non-status miles, but if you look at the 'Mileage Required for Upgrading to Superior Membership' section, the category titled with your name / 'Result' I believe is your status miles. Mine do not include my elite level bonuses in this amount.

Ok, I just studied the 'Mileage Overview' page some more and found another bug, which could lead someone to believe that the elite bonus miles are status miles.

Under the 'Accumulated Mileage Details' section, they list the following categories:
Asiana Airline Domestic
Asiana International
Star Alliance Airline
Other Alliance Partner
Partner and Event Mileage
Total Accumulated Mileage

The first four items are grouped as 'Airlines mileage' and total up to your status miles. However, that plus the next item don't add up to the total. They're missing an item for your elite bonus miles (which are itemized as 'BNS' items on your 'Detail Mileage' page.

Anyways, just another in a long list of bugs with their website, at least with the English version. I'd say they need to totally redo the entire English website. It must really be confusing to a newbie who isn't already familiar with OZ and the way things work.

100% would be nice. But many airlines only give you award miles and no bonus EQM while OZ gives you both.

I think 100% RDM is worth more than giving you 10% RDM and EQM as one who is OZ Daimond, especally the qualification period to reach the status is 2 years instead of 1 year.

If it is like on other programs like UA, OZ Daimond equal to UA Premier Executive, it is 100% bonus, plus 100% actual miles on all Y fares.

For example on ORD-ICN, UA Premier Executive would get a little more than 14000 bonus miles roundtrip. On the same route for OZ Diamond, the ticket may be already more expensive than UA as only higher Y fares get 100% actual miles, then on top of it you would only get 1300 bonus miles plus 1300 EQM.

I think 100% RDM is worth more than giving you 10% RDM and EQM as one who is OZ Daimond, especally the qualification period to reach the status is 2 years instead of 1 year.

If it is like on other programs like UA, OZ Daimond equal to UA Premier Executive, it is 100% bonus, plus 100% actual miles on all Y fares.

For example on ORD-ICN, UA Premier Executive would get a little more than 14000 bonus miles roundtrip. On the same route for OZ Diamond, the ticket may be already more expensive than UA as only higher Y fares get 100% actual miles, then on top of it you would only get 1300 bonus miles plus 1300 EQM.

I didn't say it is great, I only wanted to point out that there is a slight advantage to other programs IF OZ would give you EQM.

Nobody joins OZ because you want to earn good miles for award flights. It is not as bad as QF but it also has one of the worst earn/burn rates on the planet.

For example on ORD-ICN, UA Premier Executive would get a little more than 14000 bonus miles roundtrip. On the same route for OZ Diamond, the ticket may be already more expensive than UA as only higher Y fares get 100% actual miles, then on top of it you would only get 1300 bonus miles plus 1300 EQM.1. I'd rather have less miles that I can use more easily on flights I actually want to redeem on, rather than sitting on a huge mountain of miles that I can only spend on UA because they block so many Star flights.

2. You only get the 100% bonus when flying UA - uhh, no thanks.

It's all down to personal choice of course, but I'd much rather fly OZ, suffer less in a less hideous environment, and get less bonus miles that I can spend more easily on some decent rewards like OZ/NH/SQ in F/J.

1. I'd rather have less miles that I can use more easily on flights I actually want to redeem on, rather than sitting on a huge mountain of miles that I can only spend on UA because they block so many Star flights.

It's all down to personal choice of course, but I'd much rather fly OZ, suffer less in a less hideous environment, and get less bonus miles that I can spend more easily on some decent rewards like OZ/NH/SQ in F/J.

I think one is not easy to use OZ miles either.

1. OZ has known quite a lot blackout dates throughout the year.

2. For OZ Diamond (*G), Gold (*S), Silver (general) members, there is additional 50% of miles will be redemmed during peak season, however, this rule doesn't affect Diamond Plus and Platinum members.

3. Unused miles cannot be carried over which means miles will expire.

4. Miles use to redemm awards are much higher than other competitors, such as ORD-HKG, 170,000 in F for low season only. Starnet blocking for UA mainly affect NH, SQ is block for everyone no matter what on 380, 345, and 77W, everytime I call UA always have OZ available. I had so far used my UA miles for 2 ORD-HKG F award on OZ. If I am using OZ miles, I wouldn't be able to redemm even for 1 F award ! (240K for 2 vs 255K for 1 in high season)

All in all, I think the OZ program is good to gain status like what A_Lee decribed in the previous post, as you have two years to get your status, but it is bad to save your miles and use it with.

An update regarding Diamond Plus.

I just finished flying in C and had a bit different experience. Approaching the check-in counter, the staff member wanted me to use the Diamond / *G lines. I said, no, I'm Diamond Plus, but she failed to comprehend what Diamond Plus was and again tried to direct me to the same lines. I insisted I was entitled to use the First class check-in and quickly one of the staff from the F counter came up to see what was the problem. I mentioned to her I was Diamond Plus, but she too was confused and said Diamond members should use the Diamond counters. I had to repeat "Plus, Diamond Plus", and then she apologized and said she didn't hear the "Plus". Probably because I was her first experience dealing with a Diamond Plus member.

After check-in I went to the Asiana club counter to get my Diamond Plus card since I haven't been able to go to my mailing address for a while to see if it's been sent yet. It took them quite a while to make the card due to them not being able to find the box with the Diamond Plus card blanks. Evidently that was the first request for a Diamond Plus card at the counter and it took two staff members looking through several boxes to find where they were. Not a problem at all, just a bit amusing to me. I'm now in possession of a red Diamond Plus card rather than the awful pink colored Diamond card, and they also gave me two red Diamond Plus luggage tags. They did not give me the Diamond Plus coupons, but said they're registered electronically and I can use them without the physical coupons. I didn't even recall what they were for Diamond Plus and will have to look it up later.

At the F lounge, my experience wasn't quite as good as the previous visits. There were only 8 people in the lounge, but the staff didn't seem quite as attentive as other times. Not bad, but just not as good as it could be. I requested a shower as usual but the staff member just said "go ahead" and didn't bother to escort me or run the hot water for me. I made the mistake of taking the first shower room, and the cleaning staff didn't do a complete job - a fairly common problem I've found with the cleaning staff in the OZ C lounges as well. Some tissue was left on the toilet seat and several of the amenities were nearly empty, requiring some additional effort to squeeze out enough of the remaining contents. I usually don't take the first shower, knowing that it likely gets the heaviest use and opt for another room, but didn't this time. Not really a bad experience, but just not as good as it could have been.

The hot meal selection didn't really appeal to me, so I just had some fresh fruits and dessert, no problems with melted ice cream this time. I knew I had a Korean meal on the plane waiting for me, so it didn't bother me that I didn't have a full meal in the F lounge.

On the plane, I did get a special ordered Korean meal of ssambap (as I detailed in another thread). I'm not sure if the ability to special order a C meal is a benefit they're giving me for being Diamond Plus or if they'll do the same for everyone.

I didn't feel like I got any special treatment on the plane, compared to what I got when I was in Y, but don't know if it's just because C already gives you much more personalized service or because they didn't know I was Diamond Plus. (I originally registered my OZ number for the flight but changed it to BD at check-in). The FA / in-flight manager did not introduce themselves to me like they did in Y though, so my feeling is that they didn't know I was Diamond Plus.

Still very happy with Diamond Plus and will have another chance to check out the F lounge this coming week, and again the following week. Then a month or more dry spell as all my flights in April are non-OZ. :td:

A bit of a recap about the various packs for each level. For each level, I've only received the card, two luggage tags, a letter, and the appropriate coupons. (Didn't actually get my D+ pack or coupons yet). I recall DownUnderFlyer mentioning he got a passport holder with his Diamond pack, but I did not and nobody at the Asiana Club counter knew anything about it when I asked before. Maybe it's a free gift for those qualifying under the old rules, and under the new rules the free gifts are only luggage tags. :td: I'm jealous about DUF's passport holder.


1. OZ has known quite a lot blackout dates throughout the year.

2. For OZ Diamond (*G), Gold (*S), Silver (general) members, there is additional 50% of miles will be redemmed during peak season, however, this rule doesn't affect Diamond Plus and Platinum members.


Aren't the 'blackout dates' and 'peak season' the same thing? When I reviewed the rules before I thought that anyone could get an award for a blackout date if they paid the 50% additional miles and that it was waved for Diamond Plus and Platinum members. So maybe their use of the term 'blackout dates' is a bit confusing.

Aren't the 'blackout dates' and 'peak season' the same thing? When I reviewed the rules before I thought that anyone could get an award for a blackout date if they paid the 50% additional miles and that it was waved for Diamond Plus and Platinum members. So maybe their use of the term 'blackout dates' is a bit confusing.

I think blackout dates are for dates you cannot get an award seat at all, no matter you pay for 50% extra miles. I know for sure blackout dates for OZ are blocked for all *A partners, as shown from the ANA tool (not available in all classes, rather than full), and with phone calls. However, not quite sure if it apply to OZ members as well.

Peak season is about for an extended period (a week or more), you get can award but come with 50% additional miles, but it is waived for Diamond Plus and Platinum members.

I think blackout dates are for dates you cannot get an award seat at all, no matter you pay for 50% extra miles.Wouldn't it be better to actually look it up on their website or something, rather than take a stab in the dark (a wrong one at that) to support your conclusion?

In the case of OZ, the Peak season to OZ members is also the blackout period to other Star airlines. During the specified periods, Silver/Gold OZ members have to use more miles, and other Star partners cannot get any seats at all.

Wouldn't it be better to actually look it up on their website or something, rather than take a stab in the dark (a wrong one at that) to support your conclusion?


Since you already know or find out from the OZ website, what makes you come up the conclusion in post # 13 about it is so easy to use OZ miles then ? Is 170K for F award ticket in low season, and up to 255K in high reason really a good deal at all ? I really wonder how many people can come up with that many miles before it expire.

I am sure many people from other airlines program will be quite shocked to hear about 255K for F award from US to Asia. Yes, it is easy to get good awards, but it comes with a price.

Another update. Arrival at the premium check-in row, the girl checking people as they arrive again tried to get me to use the Diamond/*G lane. I simply ignored her this time and proceeded on my way to the F counter and she didn't make any further attempt to redirect me. I handed my card to the check-in agent and she immediately welcomed me and mentioned my Korean meal was reserved and knew all the details. Obviously she had already reviewed my itinerary, etc., before I arrived. I was really impressed, so much that I forgot to give my BD FF card, being I was flying in C. I didn't catch it until I was walking away and had to have her enter it and reprint my BP.

Off to the F lounge, and nothing extra special, just basically what I've come to expect from the F lounge. Friendly staff there, but didn't seem like I got any special treatment. The shower again had signs of the cleaning staff not doing a 100% job, which seems to be common place. This time she left a razor in the shower from the previous customer. I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining too much, because overall the showers and everything else are cleaned quite well, it's just that the cleaning staff frequently misses things that they shouldn't. Food was good and I ate a moderate amount, knowing I had a Korean meal waiting for me on my flight.

Onboard, I had a very different experience than my previous C flight. Previously, I gave my BD FF card immediately at check-in, but this time, as mentioned, forgot initially, so my OZ number was registered on the first BP issued. My guess is that this made a difference in my D+ status being conveyed to the cabin crew, whereas on my previous C flights my D+ status was not conveyed. I was immediately greeted, using my name, by both a FA for the C cabin and by the in-flight manager. Similar to my Y experience when using my OZ D+ card at check-in. The staff was all super nice and super attentive to me and frequently asked if I needed anything else, and continued to address me by name. All previous OZ C experiences did not have this detailed personalization or attention.

When I sat down, I placed the blanket and pillow on the seat next to me. As I was getting ready to sit back, the FA offered to put the place the pillow behind my back for me. I removed my shoes and the FA noticing it took the slippers and opened the package and placed the slippers on the floor for me. I accidentally knocked the headphones on the floor and it fell in front of me and slightly under the seat in front of me. I was in a window seat. It would have been awkward for the FA to reach down in front of me to pick it up, so she immediately said, "that's allright, I'll get you a new one", which she did. I ended up bending over to pick up the headphones anyways. During the meal service my water and beverage were constantly refilled. The FA was very friendly and also spoke much better English than the average OZ FA.

The food and seat were just standard for OZ C, but the service I received on this flight was the best service I've ever gotten on any airline in any class. Just for reference, I flew over 500K miles last year, mostly in C, so have many C flights under my belt as a reference point. I've only had a small handful of F flights on various carriers (not yet on OZ though), and the service was even better than those flights. It was absolutely perfect in every aspect and even went beyond what I'd expect from a 5-star airline. If rating the service on this flight, I'd have to give it 6 stars for going well beyond what's expected. Needless to say, I was very impressed with the service on this flight, and felt it was partly at least due to my D+ status, and probably partly due to simply getting an excellent cabin crew that day.

On one of my previous flights, I noticed one particular passenger who the FA spoke with at length while the plane was still at the gate and who seemed to get special treatment. On this flight, I felt like I was that same passenger getting special treatment, so now in reflecting back, I'm guessing that he was also D+ or Platinum. Either that or some other sort of VIP or such that warranted special treatment.

Very well done, OZ! You're currently doing an excellent job of making me a very satisfied customer.

I don't quite understand why is it the shower inside the F lounge it takes quite a while for the water to warm up, given no one else inside the shower. The RCC shower in NRT often packed in the late afternoon, it never had a issue about hot water. :confused:

On all my trips to the OZ F lounge the water was always hot within a very short time, so I didn't really understand why you had such a problem. That was until my last trip, when I arrived about 4PM, whereas other times I arrived much later. The water took forever just to get warm, and never really got hot like I would have liked it. So I asked one of the lounge attendants and she said that they do indeed have a problem with the hot water as normally only perhaps 2 or 3 people per day want a shower and the cold water from the pipes needs to be flushed out first. She said in the future if I want a shower to inform the staff when I first enter so they can see to it that the cold water is flushed out. Good advice for anyone wanting a shower in the F lounge.

As to my latest update on D+ benefits, I've been upgraded from Y to C on 50% of my Y flights on OZ so far. On the 50% where I wasn't upgraded, I had the seat next to me blocked, even when the flight only had a couple total empty seats. For me, this is really a wonderful benefit as it makes a huge difference for me in getting some sleep/rest having either a business class seat or an economy seat without someone next to me.

On my last flights in economy, I requested a specific Korean meal (ssambap) and was granted the request outbound from ICN. I had some of the Korean passengers nearby looking over at me and wondering why I was able to get ssambap while they had bibimbap. Inbound to ICN I was able to get ssambap on regional flights in C, where they could load the meal at ICN and have it ready for my return. For transpac, they were not able to do so, being the meal would not be fresh, but were able to reserve the standard Korean meal for me in Y (which was bibimbap). I didn't use it though, being I was upgraded to C, so got the C Korean meal (also bibimbap). I'm not sure if my great luck with reserving meals is due to my status or if anyone can do so. Would be interesting to hear from others with no status if they're able to reserve meals in C and/or Y.

So still very pleased with the way OZ is treating me as a Diamond Plus member and it was definitely well worth banking those miles with OZ to get this treatment, given how often I fly OZ.

As to my latest update on D+ benefits, I've been upgraded from Y to C on 50% of my Y flights on OZ so far. On the 50% where I wasn't upgraded, I had the seat next to me blocked, even when the flight only had a couple total empty seats.

Just a quick feedback from my first long haul flight as Diam+.
ICN to SYD and back.

No upgrade this time as the load in Y was low around 60-70%.
In both cases I had the middle seat blocked, and for the red eye flight had a full row to me alone.

That being said I didn't feel any special treatment due to my new status.
Except for the first lounge, I had the feeling being treated as another pax, nothing special.

Especially no greetings from the purser (I experienced it rarely anyways, but had it recently on CX a few days ago, and makes a stronger contrast).

The first lounge is obviously less crowded but still noisy from the underneath concourse. Champagne is Moet & Chandon but regular one, a bit disappointed but thanks to A_Lee, I knew it.

Food is pleasant but wines are a disgrace, selection of liquor is a bit more than basic.

All in all, first lounge is just a dignified J lounge (AF C lounge 2E has also champ).

If I compare with CX HKG Pier First lounge, the OZ dining facility pales in comparison (no waiter service, only self service in OZ's). And choice of food terribly lower.

If I compare with new AF's, this is a totally different league (I never thought I would say that about AF's versus Asian carrier such as OZ and CX).

AF new lounge beat them by VERY VERY far. It's not just the exclusive feeling of AF's premises, it is the class of the waiter service, the quality and research of food and beverage served. Well something else than plain sushi and smoked salmon, or duck breast in OZ's...

Now I'm a bit OT !

I've regularly seen the staff asking other passengers what they'd like to eat and then getting it for them and delivering it to their seat in the F lounge. They don't normally do that for me, but did once. I never asked but assume that passengers flying in F (perhaps only paid F?) normally get this service. Or maybe it's VIPs.

I've had the purser greet me on most, but not all my flights since reaching D+. I recently found out that the ability to pre-order your meals in C or Y is a benefit for D+ members, which I always take full advantage of.

I don't have much experience with F lounges around the world as I've only traveled in F a few times, so can't comment on how the OZ F lounge compares to others. It is though much better than the OZ C lounge, which I'm very happy to not have to visit anymore.

The main concourse F lounge is definitely much better than the A concourse F lounge. It's bigger, has more features, more food selection, etc. But I will say that the staff at the A concourse lounge normally seems to be more friendly and gives a much more personalized level of service.

I do though not look forward to the potential for lots of D+ members in another two years or so and having all them also coming into the F lounge.

I recently found out that the ability to pre-order your meals in C or Y is a benefit for D+ members, which I always take full advantage of.


That's interesting - and unusual - for Y : how do you preorder a meal ? Is there a special phone number ?


It is though much better than the OZ C lounge, which I'm very happy to not have to visit anymore.


No doubt !
At peak time (7-8PM) OZ lounges can be very crowded (but still less than KE !)

That's interesting - and unusual - for Y : how do you preorder a meal ? Is there a special phone number ?


At first I didn't realize it was a D+ benefit and just called to try to reserve a meal in C due to them always running out of the Korean selection. I called the regular OZ number in Korea but when the agent looked at my itinerary and saw I was D+, she said something about transferring me to a VIP line. I've been meaning to ask about what the number of this VIP line is but keep forgetting. So everytime I just call the normal OZ number and tell them first I'm D+ and want to reserve my meal. I think I already mentioned when I was flying in Y I ordered ssambap, while the Korean meal for all other Y passengers was bibimbap. I'm not sure what all the various other options are, I'll have to ask more about it next time.

As I already mentioned, it seems that for short/mid haul flights you are able to order what you want from within the full menu selection for both outbound from ICN and inbound to ICN. For long haul flights you're only able to do it for outbound from ICN and for inbound to ICN you must preselect an existing menu that is to be loaded for that flight.

Next time I'm at ICN I'll have to ask if they have a list of all the D+ benefits. There could be some other nice perks that I'm missing out on because I don't know about them.

It's really nice to hear about a major airline that is actively recognising its higher-tier members and offering a higher level of service, when other programs (SQ PPS, anyone?) which have much harder qualification criteria don't seem to offer any meaningful benefits whatsoever even on the host airline. Well done OZ ^^

I called the regular OZ number in Korea but when the agent looked at my itinerary and saw I was D+, she said something about transferring me to a VIP line. I've been meaning to ask about what the number of this VIP line is but keep forgetting.The "Premium Service Centre" phone numbers are listed on the OZ website as follows:

Korea: 02-2661-4000
USA: 1-213-365-4577
China: 86-400-650-8003
Japan: 81-3-3834-9500

It says that F, C and Platinum (and I presume D+?) pax are eligible to use the above phone numbers.

The "Premium Service Centre" phone numbers are listed on the OZ website as follows:

USA: 1-213-365-4577

It says that F, C and Platinum (and I presume D+?) pax are eligible to use the above phone numbers.

That means people have to pay extra in order to make a long distance phone call for premium service except those are in 213 area code, most other airlines already has a separate 800 toll free number for elites. :td:

The "Premium Service Centre" phone numbers are listed on the OZ website as follows:

Korea: 02-2661-4000
USA: 1-213-365-4577
China: 86-400-650-8003
Japan: 81-3-3834-9500

It says that F, C and Platinum (and I presume D+?) pax are eligible to use the above phone numbers.

Thanks for that! I'll try out that line next week when I call to reserve my next meals. I looked all over the website and have no idea where you got that information from. I couldn't find any such phone numbers listed. Guess I'm a bit dense in trying to find information on websites at times.

duplicate post, please delete.

What's with the self-quoting without anything new? :confused:

Btw, if it's a choice between a toll-free number that still ends up getting connected to the same ICC with a shorter waiting time (like many other airlines) and paying for a call but getting connected to a proper premium team (which is the case here), I would choose the latter every time. The cost of the call is really negligible, especially given that most of my calls are from my mobile phone which charges for toll-free anyway.

Agree with you stargold. Furthermore, if you really don't want to spend whatever it is for the toll call, I would imagine you might be able to call the toll-free number and then ask to be transferred to the Premium Service Center.

We're also talking about calling an airline who's based in a different country. How many non-US airlines have special toll-free hotlines for their elites in the U.S.? I'm not sure, but would doubt if it's a very large percent. I'm an elite with TG and they recently dropped their elite number even in Thailand, and if you want to call them in the U.K., they don't even have a regular number to call - you have to call an expensive pay per minute (900 type) number.

I don't have a problem here calling 1 800 227 4262 in the US without and not even knowing about premium service center for my F flights, I am still able to reserve the seats, enter my UA status and number, and meal request.

I don't have a problem here calling 1 800 227 4262 in the US without and not even knowing about premium service center for my F flights, I am still able to reserve the seats, enter my UA status and number, and meal request.
Then it's quite simple, isn't it? You can just continue using the 1-800 number, and leave the others to try out the Premium Service Centre. And that way, you can spare us your complaints about having to pay to call them too.

I suggest we stay on topic. No need to attack other FT members who have made many valuable contributions to this forum.

After reading this thread, I am almost tempted to park my miles with Asiana. My flight patterns in the future will be monthly V class tickets from Cebu to Seattle. I am attracted to the service recognition and OU opportunities. But it was mentioned that the 15% bonus for being an elite was not enough to move FF over.

I would be one who would forego the extra bonus miles if it meant some recognition. I also noticed that Star Allianc awards allow 5 stopovers plus the destination. This is a great deal especially since the miles needed for redemption is based on actual miles flown on the award. This could mean some great Canada / USA / Mexico routes. Or Singapore / Malaysia / Thailand / Myanmar routes for cheap.

Anyway - great thread!

Do remember that V with OZ will only earn you 70% when crediting to Asiana Club. I think you'll get 100% when crediting to UA, though not totally sure on that. Still, in a year's time you should be able to reach 100K miles and qualify for Diamond Plus. For me personally, if flying your patterns, I'd go with OZ. But then for me the miles / earn/burn ratio are not of utmost importance. The additional benefits of Diamond Plus in my case far outweigh a lower earn/burn ratio.

AFAIK, UA doesn't fly to the Philippines anymore, so OZ is probably the best / most direct *A carrier to get from the Philippines to the USA. Getting status with the carrier you fly most is almost always very desirable compared to status with a carrier you don't fly.

I see you're from Cagayan de Oro. I've spent a lot of time there in the past and have some fond memories of the city and the surroundings.

Do remember that V with OZ will only earn you 70% when crediting to Asiana Club. I think you'll get 100% when crediting to UA, though not totally sure on that. Still, in a year's time you should be able to reach 100K miles and qualify for Diamond Plus. For me personally, if flying your patterns, I'd go with OZ. But then for me the miles / earn/burn ratio are not of utmost importance. The additional benefits of Diamond Plus in my case far outweigh a lower earn/burn ratio.

AFAIK, UA doesn't fly to the Philippines anymore, so OZ is probably the best / most direct *A carrier to get from the Philippines to the USA. Getting status with the carrier you fly most is almost always very desirable compared to status with a carrier you don't fly.

I see you're from Cagayan de Oro. I've spent a lot of time there in the past and have some fond memories of the city and the surroundings.

The only airline that gives 100% for a V class OZ flight is Lufthansa's M&M programme. UA & SQ give 70%, TG, US & NH give 50%. I agree entirely that one should park their miles with the metal they are on as this increases OU opportunities and certainly for flights originating in the Philippines, those flights tend to be overbooked in Y and light up front.

I was also seriously considering SQ because they run Silk Air Metal out of Davao and Cebu and SQ's redemption rates are not that bad. But OZ's Star Alliance rewards are within reason to me. I like the fact that I can redeem OZ miles out of Manila on SQ to Adelaide and soon CO to Cairns.

Lets hope that the new airport in Cagayan de Oro will attract some International Metal to Mindanao. I am hoping for Asiana and Thai to drop in on a regular basis.

Do OZ miles expire after a fixed time or do they last forever as long as I keep flying them?

Miles expires after 5 years for non-elites, and 7yr. for elites. Earn them and burn them as you go...

anyone know if the status bonus earn count towards the qualification of a higher status?

anyone know if the status bonus earn count towards the qualification of a higher status?

Status bonus earn for redeemable miles, not count toward elite status, there are no such programs out there be that generous. You can only earn your status by flying, only flying miles count, also depends on the fare paid, not any other way.

Status bonus earn for redeemable miles, not count toward elite status, there are no such programs out there be that generous. You can only earn your status by flying, only flying miles count, also depends on the fare paid, not any other way.

From the ones I know :
LH M&M do count elite miles for requalification,
QF requalification is lower once you are already at the level making very similar to have bonus for requalification.

From the ones I know :
LH M&M do count elite miles for requalification,
QF requalification is lower once you are already at the level making very similar to have bonus for requalification.

I didn't count for LH, my mistake, but the qualification for LH on comparison is at a much higher rate than others. For frequent traveler is 35,000 equal to *S, Senator is 100,000 equal to *G. Consider 40,000 in 2 years can be *G with OZ. LH is more than double than what OZ is asking for.

I don't see QF elite bonus points also count towads status credit, that is what JALlover asking. You have to get to a level before earning less to qualify is different from a program like OZ from the beginning already has a low qualification for the status.

anyone know if the status bonus earn count towards the qualification of a higher status?

The bonus is only on OZ anyway and not that much. So it doesn't make a difference really.

Here is the quote from the official rules:

• On-board mileage includes miles accrued by traveling with Asiana Airlines or Star Alliance airlines, and excludes bonus mileage for Elite members, partner mileage, or mileage offered in promotional events

LH is more than double than what OZ is asking for.



The reason for me to switch to OZ beyond living in ICN. ;)

Just back to the initial subject :

I still have to say that I am flying first to have access to the first counter even after showing my D+ card. Annoying to lie to get what is due. The gatekeepers are not OZ staff though. Small consolation to have to sneak one's way.

2nd point the champagne is put in a plastic receptacle i/o metal or normally silver.
Wouldn't notice in J but in F this is bad taste at worst ignorance at best.

I still have to say that I am flying first to have access to the first counter even after showing my D+ card. Annoying to lie to get what is due. The gatekeepers are not OZ staff though. Small consolation to have to sneak one's way.

I haven't seen her (the 'gatekeeper') for a couple months now, including today. Don't know if maybe she's only there during busy days/times or what. I just walk right up to the F counter and usually an Asiana staff member intercepts me on the way and asks if I'm flying F. I say Diamond Plus and she'll say, 'this way sir', directing me to the counter I'm heading to. The last few times I saw the 'gatekeeper' there, I simply said 'Diamond Plus' to her and ignored whatever she said and went straigt to the F counter. I think she doesn't have a clue as to what Diamond Plus is, and probably sees only one member per day or every few days being there's so few of us currently. Anyways, a bad impression for someone's first interaction with Asiana, whether she's an actual Asiana employee or not. If she's not, I'm curiious why she's even there. I've never seen non-airline employees directing passengers at other airline counters. I sort of assumed she was a trainee. Any ways, it says a lot about her abilities given she's got one of the simplest jobs in the airport but can't even do it right. She only has to know the eight items: First, Business, Economy, OZ Gold, OZ Diamond, OZ Diamond Plus, OZ Platinum, Star Aliiance Gold, and where to direct each.