I discovered, rather embarrassingly, this morning that Qantas Club lounges are off-limits on arrival. I have always been given access in the past, but this morning the door attendant (I updated initial text here) bluntly told me access was predeparture only. Explaining I just wanted to go to the bathroom barely saw a change to her facial expression and none to her demeanour.
Why does Qantas have this policy, especially off-peak? Virgin's policy, I have discovered after my incident, is to allow access on arrival, subject to capacity. This is far more attractive and logical.
As a multi-year QFF Gold member (usually around 1000 SCs per year, so too far from Platinum to chase it) if Virgin were to Status match I would jump in a flash, for this reason alone.
Have others had this experience? I was shocked, mainly by the policy but just as much by the attitude of the staff member.
The problem in these cases is that staff have been quite lax in the past, so people have been used to various things like arrivals access, bringing in more guests, etc. Now that the beancounters are all over every possible expense, it doesn't suprise me that they're cracking down hard on entry rules.
To double platinum, my main complaint is with the policy, not the staff member.
That said, there are ways of communicating with customers and her attitude was not great. There are ways of saying no without making customers feel stupid for not knowing the rules. As I said, first time in five plus years that I have been denied access on landing.
There are also people that constantly take the piss and play dumb trying to get into any lounge they can even when they know they don't have access, the lounge dragons have to deal with these sorts of idiots all day. So qantas should change their policy because you feel you have an entitlement that doesn't exist? Righto
Take up the Etihad status match offer! At least that way you'll be able to try before fully switching allegiance to Virgin. With Etihad gold you'll be able to use the Virgin lounge etc.
"Access Domestic Business Lounges or the Qantas Club upon arrival if you have travelled that day on any flight that shows a Qantas, Jetstar Airline or a oneworld® flight number on your ticket. You may also bring two guests, who do not need to be travelling."
Perhaps, though I wasn't looking to break any rules - just think the rules represent a missed opportunity for Qantas to provide an enhanced service for customers (especially since Virgin does provide this).
I feel for the staff who have to defend rules like this too, though would be good if they tried doing so in a customer friendly way.
Steve987
Steve987
Member since 23 Feb 2015
Total posts 268
I discovered, rather embarrassingly, this morning that Qantas Club lounges are off-limits on arrival. I have always been given access in the past, but this morning the door attendant (I updated initial text here) bluntly told me access was predeparture only. Explaining I just wanted to go to the bathroom barely saw a change to her facial expression and none to her demeanour.
Why does Qantas have this policy, especially off-peak? Virgin's policy, I have discovered after my incident, is to allow access on arrival, subject to capacity. This is far more attractive and logical.
As a multi-year QFF Gold member (usually around 1000 SCs per year, so too far from Platinum to chase it) if Virgin were to Status match I would jump in a flash, for this reason alone.
Have others had this experience? I was shocked, mainly by the policy but just as much by the attitude of the staff member.
Doubleplatinum Banned
Doubleplatinum Banned
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum
Member since 07 Feb 2013
Total posts 431
Attitude of the staff member? Do you mean enforcing the rules of the lounge? Ok mate
johnaboxall
johnaboxall
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 24 Aug 2011
Total posts 384
The problem in these cases is that staff have been quite lax in the past, so people have been used to various things like arrivals access, bringing in more guests, etc. Now that the beancounters are all over every possible expense, it doesn't suprise me that they're cracking down hard on entry rules.
Steve987
Steve987
Member since 23 Feb 2015
Total posts 268
exactly, there was a clear expectation gap based on my previous experience. It is the policy that is the issue though.
Steve987
Steve987
Member since 23 Feb 2015
Total posts 268
To double platinum, my main complaint is with the policy, not the staff member.
That said, there are ways of communicating with customers and her attitude was not great. There are ways of saying no without making customers feel stupid for not knowing the rules. As I said, first time in five plus years that I have been denied access on landing.
ok mate?
Doubleplatinum Banned
Doubleplatinum Banned
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum
Member since 07 Feb 2013
Total posts 431
There are also people that constantly take the piss and play dumb trying to get into any lounge they can even when they know they don't have access, the lounge dragons have to deal with these sorts of idiots all day. So qantas should change their policy because you feel you have an entitlement that doesn't exist? Righto
Steve987
Steve987
Member since 23 Feb 2015
Total posts 268
Wow.
New Mint
New Mint
Member since 24 Feb 2012
Total posts 66
Take up the Etihad status match offer! At least that way you'll be able to try before fully switching allegiance to Virgin. With Etihad gold you'll be able to use the Virgin lounge etc.
http://www.ausbt.com.au/free-etihad-guest-gold-status-match-for-qantas-frequent-flyers?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=flipper&utm_campaign=home-flipper
I have used the Virgin lounge on arrival several times and never had an issue. Hoping they don't cut back on that!
Steve987
Steve987
Member since 23 Feb 2015
Total posts 268
Thanks New Mint :)
V1213
V1213
Member since 19 Jun 2012
Total posts 13
Platinums get arrivals access:
"Access Domestic Business Lounges or the Qantas Club upon arrival if you have travelled that day on any flight that shows a Qantas, Jetstar Airline or a oneworld® flight number on your ticket. You may also bring two guests, who do not need to be travelling."
airADL
airADL
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 25 Mar 2014
Total posts 208
Steve maybe you just copped a wanna be bouncer or something
I got 12 people into the new singapore lounge a while back we all had a nice time
I love taking the piss and I love beating the door nazi's
I reckon Mr Mint is on the money get status match to use VA lounges
watson374
watson374
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 17 Aug 2012
Total posts 1,285
"I got 12 people into the new singapore lounge"
u wot m8!!!!!!11
I'm floored. I really am. I might need to give this a go. What time did you pull this stunt? 2:30pm on a Wednesday afternoon?
Steve987
Steve987
Member since 23 Feb 2015
Total posts 268
Perhaps, though I wasn't looking to break any rules - just think the rules represent a missed opportunity for Qantas to provide an enhanced service for customers (especially since Virgin does provide this).
I feel for the staff who have to defend rules like this too, though would be good if they tried doing so in a customer friendly way.
airADL
airADL
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 25 Mar 2014
Total posts 208
Yes my world record pb!
It was march 2014 we had a 5 hour wait
it was a sunday night
1 member and 9 adults 2 teenagers
flight was back to melbourne. Overnight flight. We just staggered there entrance I just waved as i brang in two more guests
the lady wasnt even checking passes
We had a good layover!!!