And on the return leg - IST NBO, tried to buy an upgrade, but was quoted US$1997.50. Not worth it! However got the magic beep when boarding and free upgrade.

I tried this 4 weeks ago with QR Platinum and got TK Gold in 4 days. Just did one flight on TK, and am now Gold for one year. Great airline, food was good, wines mediocre, service was not warm.

It just makes no sense that you have to carry your goods in hand luggage for inspection post immigration. You should be able to take your goods pre-check in for inspection, and then check the goods into your checked luggage. You can do this throughout Europe, the UK, South Africa, etc.

The QR website states that the SIN lounge will only open 3hrs before a QR flight. Has this changed?

Was in Sydney for work on a QR Business ticket. Tried unsuccessfully to upgrade to F using Q Credits for SYD DOH. At F check in at SYD (QR Platinum), asked again about an upgrade and was told the flight was full (Commonwealth Games had just ended at the Gold Coast).The check in agent told me that...