I reached QF Plat six months after deciding to fly with Qantas post-AN, and held that status for a couple of years. I was reduced to gold a couple of years ago and that could be under threat this year. If that happens, the last 6 months of the fee I paid on joining the QP will kick in. I think that I will continue to belong, even if I have to pay, for the following reasons:
- There is food and tea/coffee available - especially the breakfast option (which is the best food available in QP)
- The price charged for beer/wines is really good (despite upfront membership)
- It can be a haven from the scrum of the terminal concourses
- The option for a shower when needed is really good (I remember once travelling from ABX -SYD on the XPT overnight - why did I do this? Arrived at Central combuggerlypleted at 0620. Since I was flying to BNK at 1400 that afternoon,got the train to T2, checked in, went to the QP and had a shower and shave and then feeling refreshed had a good breakfast and was ready to face the world. This made the rest of the day tolerable).
- When travelling overseas there is the opportunity to access lounges where eligible - this is far preferable to mixing it in the departure lounges or rip-off shops.
Having said that, I do wish QF would improve the quality and range of the food it provides in lounges. Am I dreamin' or is my memory gone or was the food better in the Ansett Golden Wing Lounge?