Qantas Frequent Flyer - Jetstar Lounge in OOL

Apparently it is an independantly operated lounge similar to the affiliate lounges operated on behalf of QF, so using the J* brand, but not directly run by J*. User pays ($25ish I think) to enter. Interestingly, no special entitlement for QF FF/QC'ers which is sure to ruffle a few feathers...

http://www.pprune.org/d-g-reporting-points/369183-jetstar-lounge-domestic-terminal-ool.html

:(

Interesting - I wonder whether they would have one in the new international terminal as well?

Is the Jetstar logo used?

Am wondering whether this is the start of franchising of the Jetstar brand.

BD

See this thread from AFF with links to some images:

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/open-discussion/coolangatta-airport-and-jetstar-15703.html#post235017

I believe it is mainly for JQi StarClass customers.

There was talk of a NZ Lounge going in, anyone heard whats happening to it.

I thought the QP was going to be converted into a Koru Club, but since QF left OOL, I no longer use that airport - shame really as it's about 10 minutes away from me...

See this thread from AFF with links to some images:

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/open-discussion/coolangatta-airport-and-jetstar-15703.html#post235017

I believe it is mainly for JQi StarClass customers.

I have heard that there may be a pay for use access to it as well.

I have heard that there may be a pay for use access to it as well.This is mentioned in the post #1 pprune link

This is mentioned in the post #1 pprune link

Good point, that'll learn me for reading the last few posts.

Will have to wait for some official word on it.

Gold Coast Lounge (http://www.jetstar.com/au/en/travel-info/travel-services/lounge.aspx)
FAQ's (http://www.jetstar.com/au/en/travel-info/travel-services/lounge/faqs.aspx)
Key points:
.
Features

Complimentary breakfast (including a Japanese-style breakfast), lunch, dinner and snack menu, with a wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages including soft drinks and juices
Complimentary selection of wine and beer at the bar from 12:00pm (local time) every day
Plasma screens showing television news, music videos and movies
Comfortable lounge chairs
Dedicated private workstation area
Informal communal tables
Kids Cinema
Complimentary wireless Internet access
Optus mobile phone connect stations to charge mobiles
Selection of the latest magazines and Australian newspapers

For the kids

Children six years and under admitted free of charge
Designated children's play area and separate children's cinema - the play area includes books, puzzles and a chalk blackboard for the kids.
The children's cinema is fitted with beanbags and plays kids programs all day

Price
Jetstar is launching the Gold Coast Lounge with a special introductory rate of $5.00 pre-purchased from Jetstar.com or the call centre on 131 538 before travel, or $10.00 at the door (from Monday, 15 June 2009).

The special introductory rate will be available until midnight Tuesday, 30 June unless sold out prior and the offer may be extended.

StarClass passengers and children six years and under are admitted free of charge.

Hours
The Gold Coast Lounge will be open 45 minutes prior to the first scheduled Jetstar flight departure and closes at the boarding call of the last scheduled Jetstar flight departure.

Q. Will Qantas Frequent Flyers or Qantas Club members get free or discounted rates into the Gold Coast Lounge?
A. No, the Gold Coast Lounge is an independent Jetstar product offering. Jetstar is presently developing a Gold Coast Lounge membership offer. Details of this offer will be provided shortly. Introductory discounted rates are offered to all eligible Jetstar passengers.

If this is the way things go it doesn't look good for the lounges in NZ and elsewhere.

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh h I fly out on the 14th.

Rage!

If this is the way things go it doesn't look good for the lounges in NZ and elsewhere.

No it doesn't. I also wonder about CNS dom lounge.

Q. Will Qantas Club Members or Qantas Frequent Flyers receive complimentary access to the lounge?
A. The Gold Coast Lounge is not associated with the Qantas Club & Frequent Flyer program. As such, there is no special consideration given to Qantas Club Members or Qantas Frequent Flyers. All Jetstar passengers, regardless of Qantas Club membership or Qantas Frequent Flyer status, are subject to the same commercial entry conditions and payments.

Q. Are there plans to have further Gold Coast Lounges in other ports?
A. Jetstar has no current plans to open further Gold Coast Lounges in other ports


Would it still be a Gold Coast Lounge if it was in another Airport? :confused:

Q. Can I check in to my flight in the Gold Coast Lounge?
A. No. Passengers must first check in at the check in counter or, for domestic flights, via the web or kiosk, and must present their Jetstar boarding pass to gain access to the lounge.

No lounge check-in. Online check-in only? I wonder what happens if you can't print your boarding pass to get access to the lounge. Does the lounge even have printers or PCs?

... No lounge check-in. Online check-in only? I wonder what happens if you can't print your boarding pass to get access to the lounge. Does the lounge even have printers or PCs?I guess there'll be functioning Kiosks ...

... note that for JQ domestically in OZ, it is generally ALWAYS a good idea to OLCI and obtain a printout before heading to the airport.

The bag drop queues for OLCI's PAX are generally MUCH shorter than those for the Kiosks/Counters.

Q. What points of sale will offer presales for Gold Coast Lounge access?
A. POS Australia and NZ will be available from the evening of 26 May 2009.
POS Japan will not be offered until after the first 2 weeks of commercial launch (week beginning 8th June 09). Passengers on these services may purchase at the airport or call the call centre to add lounge access.

Hmm. Can't see any way to add Lounge access to pre-existing booking from OOL online, and the FAQ says:

If you do not purchase entry to the Gold Coast Lounge at the time of booking or decide to use the lounge after you have booked your travel, you can contact Jetstar Reservations any time up to the day before your flight to purchase lounge access. Gold Coast Lounge access can also be purchased on the day of travel directly at lounge reception.

Would it still be a Gold Coast Lounge if it was in another Airport? :confused:

Of course not - if QP in CNS for example converts to a JQ lounge it will be called the Cairns Lounge.

Q. Will a Jetstar membership be available?
A. Jetstar is presently developing a Gold Coast Lounge membership offer. Details of this offer will be provided shortly.

So does that mean there will be a separate membership for access at each lounge? They've always referred to this as the Gold Coast Lounge, not Jetstar Lounge(s).

Q. Does my Gold Coast Lounge entry fee restrict me to enter the lounge at a certain time?
A. Yes, domestic passengers can visit the lounge two hours prior to their flight departure. International passengers can visit the lounge three hours prior to their flight departure. A valid boarding pass must be displayed upon entry to the lounge.

Q. How long can I stay in the Gold Coast Lounge?
A. You are required to leave the Gold Coast Lounge at the final boarding call of your flight. If your flight is delayed you can make use of the Gold Coast Lounge until the final boarding call for your scheduled flight is made.

It is sad to see that Jetstar "goes alone" on this - without consideration of Qantas Frequent Flyer or Qantas Club members.

This development is not really surprising, but it is devalueing QF status or Club membership, especially as more and more smaller airports will for sure become Jetstar-only destinations in the future. I am convinced Jetstar will introduce lounges also in other airports, if this "test station" proves successful.

One bright side: at least Starclass-passengers departing OOL have a lounge to use now.

Of course not - if QP in CNS for example converts to a JQ lounge it will be called the Cairns Lounge.
New Cairns Dom QP will be located upstairs in the new Terminal - JQ is welcom to have the old one!
Sounds like the OOL Lounge is not too far from being a creche for holidaying travellers...:(

Sounds like the OOL Lounge is not too far from being a creche for holidaying travellers...:(

A bit like any QP on any given weekend .... I understand that the one guest rule may be flouted if a family is travelling together, I don't understand why kids are then encouraged to run up and down the lounge (screaming), run over to Daddy at the windows to see the planes (screaming) or ignored when they're using the chairs opposite me as a trampoline (screaming!)

Whatever happened to the concept of an airline lounge being a haven? There are mobile-free zones, how about a kid-free zone?

OK .... had my ranty ..... will take a bex, have a cuppa and .... !!

BD

How about QF put in kid zones (like this JQ lounge has and many AA lounges have) - turn the lounge back into the haven

Q. Is there any restrictions on number of complimentary alcoholic beverages per visit?
A. The Gold Coast Lounge is subject to responsible serving of alcohol laws. By acknowledging the terms and conditions at the time of purchase, passengers agree to consume alcohol responsibly. Gold Coast Lounge staff may also restrict visitors from consuming excess liquor and evict any visitors that are intoxicated.

If they ever introduce that to a QP there will be concerns....

This pub will become a blood bath for certain, arrive 2 hours early, pay $25, drink 6 - 8 beers and get a bit of food inclusive, or drink 6 - 8 beers in the general areas for $7 a go and pay $5 for a pie? 120 capacity will be reached very regularly I would assume.

Whatever happened to the concept of an airline lounge being a haven? There are mobile-free zones, how about a kid-free zone?

In the OOL Lounge EVERYDAY will be a Saturday!!!

Remember, we are talking Deathstar here..

Its a real shame OOL has been transformed to a LCC hub/destination cause I used to enjoy the QP there.

This is just another example where QF only considers JQ as part of the group when it is convenient for them at otehr times sorry separate entity....
Of course QP or QF status members will not have free access to the JQ lounges.:mad:
Cannot say erosion of benefits as there were no JQ lounges before.

Its a real shame OOL has been transformed to a LCC hub/destination cause I used to enjoy the QP there.

I used to enjoy the Golden Wing lounge there too... oh well...

I used to enjoy the Golden Wing lounge there too... oh well...

Don't get me started....:mad:

This is just another example where QF only considers JQ as part of the group when it is convenient for them at otehr times sorry separate entity....
Of course QP or QF status members will not have free access to the JQ lounges.:mad:
Cannot say erosion of benefits as there were no JQ lounges before.

Of course it is an erosion of benefits. QF used to fly out of OOL and there was a QP available for the benefit of those with enough status (benefit) or paid QP membership (service). QF chose to replace the QF flights with JQ and - whilst a mix of QF/JQ flights operated, the lounge benefit/service continued.

Once QF flights ceased, QF decided to stop that benefit/service. Erosion, pure and simple.

BD

More details in this article in The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25552150-23349,00.html).

"There's no existing Qantas Club at the airport and there was a facility and we saw an opportunity to deliver a value-add to our customers as part of the growth of our operating hub on the Gold Coast," Jetstar spokesman Simon Westaway said.

Only because you (Qantas Group) decided to close it, Simon. I wonder what that "facility" was in its previous life ... ?

BD

l agree with BD.

Erosion, pure and simple.

So, does that mean that smaller airports around Oz will slowly get taken over by Jetstar as it's more profitable than Qantas? (And more QP's closing? Imagine, a WP not been able to go into a Jetstar lounge, when flying Jetstar)

Oh well, what do you expect from Qantas. The share price has fallen for the past few years. Peaked at $6 in '07 and hasn't gone anywhere near that recently. They have to try to make money, don't they?

Erosion maybe.

But why should anyone expect QF to keep operating a lounge at an airport they don't fly to.

But why should anyone expect QF to keep operating a lounge at an airport they don't fly to.

Because Jetstar is part of the Qantas group and many of their routes were originally flown by Qantas itself.

How about QF put in kid zones (like this JQ lounge has and many AA lounges have) - turn the lounge back into the haven

There's one in the T2 SYD QF Pub.

How long till the AKL,WLG,CHC domestic QP's become Jetstar lounges

How long till the AKL,WLG,CHC domestic QP's become Jetstar lounges

Or simply disappear altogether...

Or simply disappear altogether...

Or simply disappear to be re-launched as JQ lounges after 'space became available in the terminal'.

Cynical muchly? nah!

Or simply disappear altogether...

Wouldn't be a bad thing at the AKL budget airline shed, there is barely any more to move in the Checkin or Departure floor of that shed.

I assume that JQ is stilling going to use the Sky Bridges at the AKL Budget Shed.

WP's are to get complimentary access to this loungeExclusive complimentary access to the Gold Coast Jetstar Lounge
As you know, Jetstar opened its Lounge at the Gold Coast domestic airport in July. Since then, we have received great feedback about it from our members. As a result, commencing mid September 2009 Qantas will offer Platinum Qantas Frequent Flyers ongoing complimentary access to the Jetstar Lounge (http://www.jetstar.com/au/en/travel-info/travel-services/lounge.aspx?alt_cam=au:ff:edm:FFMonthlyNewsletter0 909:F2:Australia:ProgramNews:NewsJQLounge:TextLink ).‡‡

‡‡ Subject to Jetstar Lounge terms and conditions of entry. Complimentary access to the Gold Coast Jetstar Lounge is only available to Platinum members. Complimentary access is not given at all Jetstar Lounges. Annual Qantas Club guest passes may also be used at the Gold Coast lounge.

Sweet! I've done a few trips up to OOL lately and have a few more scheduled - great news there serfty.

Lol - "great feedback"?

Spin, Spin, Spin.

Still, I am very glad they backtracked, although the "Complimentary access is not given at all Jetstar Lounges" is interesting. Perhaps they mean 3rd party lounges in certain locations - not the NZ lounges about to open.

Note you cannot guest into these lounges.
ALso note the mention of Annual Qantas Club Guest Passes being allowed? What are they, the ones you get for PS and Amex?
Has anyone been in the JQ lounge at OOL. Do you get free food, beverages shower access?

Note you cannot guest into these lounges.
ALso note the mention of Annual Qantas Club Guest Passes being allowed? What are they, the ones you get for PS and Amex?
Has anyone been in the JQ lounge at OOL. Do you get free food, beverages shower access? It is possible to purchase an annual guest pass, which will entitle you to one guest over and above your normal guest allowance.

Dave

It is possible to purchase an annual guest pass, which will entitle you to one guest over and above your normal guest allowance.

Dave
So why would they be valid while QP and SG are not:confused:

Thanks for posting, serfty. Quite amazing that us WPs are now greatful to get access to a lounge which until recently was available to any QC member. What a slap in the face of people who have purchased QC memberships and now see lounges disappear. Not closed, still operated by the QF group but just re-branded so you don´t get access anymore.

I just don't go to OOL any more; my main point of call was Bundall; so I just go via BNE.

So why would they be valid while QP and SG are not:confused: A WP can't take a guest in with them, whereas a WP with an Annual Guest Pass can, I presume.

Dave

Why would a WP fly JQ by choice.

Thanks for posting, serfty. Quite amazing that us WPs are now greatful to get access to a lounge which until recently was available to any QC member. What a slap in the face of people who have purchased QC memberships and now see lounges disappear. Not closed, still operated by the QF group but just re-branded so you don´t get access anymore.

Expect something similar in NZ come December when the domestic QPs close.

Why would a WP fly JQ by choice. Sometimes it is a choice between JQ and DJ.

I'd go DJ in this case, if it was me (and I am a mere PS).

Dave

Why would a WP fly JQ by choice.
Trying to maintain QP in NZ is not the easiest now.
JQ is chosen over NZ if it is around the time of the flight and if it is cheaper.
Once used a JetFlex for $199 WLG-AKL as NZ was $398!

Do you get free food, beverages shower access?The lounge is positioned, in the market, just below the DJ – The Lounge offer; snacks & drinks (wine/beer) NO showers. http://www.jetstar.com/au/en/travel-info/travel-services/lounge.aspx It is in a somewhat similar position to the old QC, i.e. you turn fully left after security, but due to the incredible transformation of OOL into a “common user*” T1 terminal, it is not anywhere near the same as the old QC. E.g. no great panels of window glass to see the tarmac/walkway/garden from. (*TT uses their own terminal - T2.)
http://www.goldcoastairport.com.au/images/terminalmap.gif

Quite amazing that us WPs are now greatful to get access to a lounge which until recently was available to any QC member. What a slap in the face of people who have purchased QC memberships and now see lounges disappear. Not closed, still operated by the QF group but just re-branded so you don´t get access anymore.I think JQ is going to launch their own “annual lounge membership” program next year, (I have assumed this will involve other QC lounge transitions to JQ). There are many directions that the Group may go with this - it may involve “double pay” for “complete Group” lounge access (adding more profit to their bottom line, than the “one payment” (QC) gave you before), perhaps it may involve the removal of paid QC memberships completely…

Outside of the QF CityFlyer domestic market, there is little competitive pressure for QF to maintain QCs! (Particularly as the government and key corporates are becoming more demanding with regard to fare price, over loyalty benefits.)

Why would a WP fly JQ by choice.I think this is a clear concern to Qantas Group following the pull out of QF from OOL. By now they would have sufficient data (I would imagine, from WPs travel patterns anyway) to determine if WPs have transitioned successfully. I must admit that I have transitioned to DJ from OOL*, as this airline has priority check-in and has be targeting “priority” customers by offering “blue zone” blocked middle seats if available at (priority assisted, in-terminal) check-in, even on completely full (not including P.E.) flights!

Last time I travelled from OOL on JQ, I did not pay the $10 required to access their lounge. (The new terminal is so much more spacious than the old QF zoo-zone, and it is generally possible to find a quiet spot.) If enough WP’s are doing the same, this will impact on overall Group loyalty. (* comp-WP access may change my decision making process).

JQ has also stopped offering reasonable prices on routes/times where it is not in direct competition with TT. This is also effecting my overall decision making.

Sometimes it is a choice between JQ and DJ.

I'd go DJ in this case, if it was me (and I am a mere PS). While I agree that there are subtle differences between JQ & DJ, on routes where they are the only choices, for me, it comes down to price (and now that JQ has reintroduced direct payment, it is better placed to win my business). (I appreciate the free GPS map on DJ, but otherwise don’t use Live2Air, and would have no idea how few points I have in Velocity anyway.)

On routes where all four major jet operators exist, for me, again price is a determinant (but I will pay "slightly" more for QF service, particularly if I require checked baggage). On these routes DJ is normally substantially pricier than JQ or TT, so I rarely even check their website (as they do not offer me significantly more "service" than the other LCCs). The five important differences between JQ & TT, for me at least, are –
• JQ has web check-in, (Excellent for carry-on only travel) ensuring I don’t have to deal with check-in time limits (although, JQ @ 30mins is more generous than TT@45).
• JQ has 10kg cabin limit. (I find it difficult to pack and weigh less than 7kg.)
• JQ has brought back direct debit, making it $6 (per sector) more competitive than TT.
• JQ has free “general seat” allocation (so I can avoid a middle seat), whereas TT charges $5 (per sector)
• I am going to strategically fall to SG next year, as I transition to LCC domestic travel. While I will miss the aspects of “anytime” & “+2 guest” access that WP provides, I want to continue to receive complementary lounge access (as per current QC rules & excluding OOL on JQ rules), so I will need to travel JQ.

If i was a Qantas Club member, i would be very annoyed at the Qantas Group. If i pay good money to be told i can only use some lounges, i would take my business elsewhere.

How long before the Qantas Club in Hobart is changed to a Jetstar Lounge? I wouldn't be surprised if it happened by the end of next year. :(



TAZ MAN