Worth it for QF F?
Jan 10, 2018, 6:41 pm
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PlatMM, BA and Alaska Emerald, HHonors DIA, Accor, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat Amb, UA Silver, AA
Posts: 4,515
Not close. AKL-MEL is about 3 hrs 15 minues flying time and to wait nerly 24 hours for an onward flight to have a slightly better short connecting flight doesn't make sense to me at all
Looking at your location, it seems that you might be a US passport holder and so there is also the additional AUD20 for the visa (approx USD15.60)
Also, the taxes increase from USD23.40 to USD107.26
The additional cost is a minimum od USD88.26 (if no visa required) approximately USD99.46 to have a better seat on the short flight
Looking at your location, it seems that you might be a US passport holder and so there is also the additional AUD20 for the visa (approx USD15.60)
Also, the taxes increase from USD23.40 to USD107.26
The additional cost is a minimum od USD88.26 (if no visa required) approximately USD99.46 to have a better seat on the short flight
What is the usual amount of time at the MEL QF F lounge that would allow me to get the most out of the experience? I think there is a spa, dining, etc.
With the immediate same day connection it's about 150 minutes (9:15am to 11:45am), if the flight is on time.
Thanks for any additional thoughts.
Jan 10, 2018, 11:49 pm
#17
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,600
I wouldn't want to spend as long as 150 minutes connecting. In the end it is just a lounge.
Once you have had something to eat and , if such things appeal, had a 20 minute treatment in the lounge, what more is there to do ?
You can do that in 2.5 hours connection without any issue
Once you have had something to eat and , if such things appeal, had a 20 minute treatment in the lounge, what more is there to do ?
You can do that in 2.5 hours connection without any issue
Jan 11, 2018, 12:00 am
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
Good points! My bigger concern (ore than the nice seat on a 4 hour Trans Tasman flight) is that one of the nice pleasures of flying F is a nice lounge.
What is the usual amount of time at the MEL QF F lounge that would allow me to get the most out of the experience? I think there is a spa, dining, etc.
With the immediate same day connection it's about 150 minutes (9:15am to 11:45am), if the flight is on time.
Thanks for any additional thoughts.
What is the usual amount of time at the MEL QF F lounge that would allow me to get the most out of the experience? I think there is a spa, dining, etc.
With the immediate same day connection it's about 150 minutes (9:15am to 11:45am), if the flight is on time.
Thanks for any additional thoughts.
Airside transit is available in MEL, so no fussing around and you won't lose much time. There's no ground handling in Melbourne to speak of. Check-in is just a separate room, but no escort or anything special. And a long way to walk from check-in to the lounge.
If you were flying business class or lower I'd probably say 'go for it' and spend more time in the lounge eating and drinking your fill. But as you're flying first class anyway, no need to 'max out' the experience on the ground.
Jan 11, 2018, 12:54 pm
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP/LTG | UA P
Posts: 13,530
So, as a Platinum for quite a few years and with my experience of upgrades (or rather lack thereof), I can only say if WPs have a higher chance of getting then, then levels below that have next to zero chance. 
. But yes, customer service is better (quite fast).
. But yes, customer service is better (quite fast).
Jan 11, 2018, 3:21 pm
#21
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: SYD
Programs: QF Platinum One, NZ*S, Koru, Accor Le Club Plus Platinum, BW Diamond, Marriott GOLD
Posts: 72
I am a Platinum member and it’s really hit and miss. Mostly good experience with the reservation team, terrible experience with customer care - they treat everyone the same regardless of the status - in my opinion usually without respect. “ Having considered all the circumstances carefully, we feel that the action we took was appropriate on this occasion. While I appreciate you may be disappointed by this, regrettably there will be no further action.” Frequent Flyer team can’t do much and it takes them weeks to solve anything.
On the plane - it varies- qantas tries to block neighbor seat, which is a good thing. Managers may introduce themselves, but that’s it. I have had some very good experience but Usually it’s nothing special.
Overall, qantas management has put some thought into recognition of Plats, but nothing overly special and definitely it’s inconsistent.
On the plane - it varies- qantas tries to block neighbor seat, which is a good thing. Managers may introduce themselves, but that’s it. I have had some very good experience but Usually it’s nothing special.
Overall, qantas management has put some thought into recognition of Plats, but nothing overly special and definitely it’s inconsistent.