Qantas Club Passes

LizzyE · #1 (**permalink**) 9th January 2007, 10:34 AM

Hi Guys
I am new to this website but need help. I am travelling to the US with my family in April and am taking my elderly parents. I am a Qantas CLub Member and so is my husband so myself and my husband and our 2 kids can use the Qantas Club lounge by my parents are not. They are 80. Qantas have been no help and all I want is to get 2 additional passes to use the Club lounge with them for this trip as I suspect it may be our last great family adventure together. Does anyone know how to get 2 passes, or have 2 passes that they would sell to me for my parents use? Appreciate any help you can offer.
Lizzy

LizzyE · #2 (**permalink**) 9th January 2007, 01:05 PM

One member suggested posting dates etc. It is for 06 April departing Sydney on QF149 and returning on 19 April from LAX on QF12. Any help would be great.

Danger · #3 (**permalink**) 9th January 2007, 02:38 PM

There are some options.

1. Regularly search eBay. At the moment there are two passes for sale, currently at 27 pounds. Go to eBay Australia: ***2 BUSINESS CLASS LOUNGE INVITATIONS (QANTAS CLUB)*** (item 160071321349, end time 14-Jan-07 21:04:27 AEDST)
They call them business class passes but they're actually jus Qantas Club passes. And they aren't cheap. They are usually available on eBay regularly.

2. You and your husband could apply for the Qantas American Express premium card, Introducing the new Qantas American Express Credit Card. This comes with two free Qantas Club passes each year, once you make your first spend on the card with Qantas. This would get you two each. The fee is about $150 annually but it maybe worth it (there are other benefits obviously).

3. Depending on the age of your kids, they might not count as 'guests'. I would speak to Qantas to see if they can enter the lounge with you but not be counted as your free guests. When you phone Qantas, be sure to record the name of the person you spoke to her, his/her location and the date and time. Furthermore, if you don't get the answer you're looking for the first time, phone again and again. The chances are someone will give you the information you need. Even better is to email them so you (hopefully) get the response you want in wriing.

4. If all else fails, you can contact me closer to the time. I have some passes that I may not have used by that time and would be prepared to sell them to you.

newflyer · #4 (**permalink**) 9th January 2007, 02:54 PM

Lizzy,

It does have a big element of chance, but I would try the old-fashioned way and try your luck at the lounge's front desk. Given that both you and your husband are QC members, I don't think it would be pushing your luck to try and ask (nicely) for your kids and parents to be let in.

Of course, it all depends on the mood/attitude of the person at the front desk, and how many people are in the lounge, but provided the kids are quiet and well-behaved (same goes for your folks!), I doubt you'd have too many problems.

I've often been able to get my g'friend and mum into QC, and in September, managed to get myself and two mates into QC/Business line at Brisbane airport, check in FOUR bike boxes as 'priority' luggage, and then get all of us into the QC Brisbane!

It's amazing just how good Qantas service can be if you take the time to smile, be friendly, and actually show appreciation for the efforts of staff.

Hope that helps!

NF

LizzyE · #5 (**permalink**) 9th January 2007, 03:01 PM

Thanks for the info, dont think the Amex Platinum will work, as I only work part time and my hisband is in the defence force so we probably dont qualify. I will go with phoning the club on a regular basis as they have said no initially, i tried that one. I looked at ebay and I am watching them, I dont think this is too high a price to pay and am prepared to pay for the comfort of my parents. At 80, they arent going to be doing too much more travelling and this is a nice way for them to be with the grandkids who adore them ( we are heading to Disneyworld). Anyone else with any to sell I am prepared to pay or return the favour, and I am not about to sell them on ebay. Anyone else out there that can help please let me know. Liz

Alan in CBR · #6 (**permalink**) 9th January 2007, 03:02 PM

As Danger says, it is worth checking whether the kids will be counted. A few times I have gained QP entry for my (non-flying) wife and 2 daughters (aged 4 and 1). Never any hesitation on the agent's part. I'm assuming there is an age limit, so it would be worth calling Qantas to check.

If you do not have any success, send me a Private Message. I have one fully transferable pass (gained for Silver requalification) expiring at the end of May 2007, which I'm happy to sell.

Edited: OK, I just checked the Qantas site, and this page says that 3 years and under do not count in your guest total. Either my 4 year old looks 3, or there is some discretion.

LizzyE · #7 (**permalink**) 9th January 2007, 03:04 PM

My daughter is 4 1/2 so she may pass but if they check passports and with my luck Ill get a fussy person then I am sunk. How do I send a private email? I would be prepared to buy from you and maybe someone else would have one for sale as well? Thanks Liz

simongr · #8 (**permalink**) 9th January 2007, 03:27 PM

I would expect QC only to check if they suspect ages.

Also before you buy the QC passes - remember you need 1 per person per trip to the QC - so you will need four in total which might start getting expensive.

S

newflyer · #9 (**permalink**) 9th January 2007, 03:44 PM

I doubt QC would check the ages of your obviously young children. I'm sticking by my original advice - I reckon that if they look quiet and well-behaved, you won't have a problem. In my experience, 4.5 and 80 year olds don't drink much or cause that much of a fracas, so really, I doubt you'd have any dramas. Yes, I realise there's an element left to chance, which you probably don't want when travelling with young and old companions...

You could always try going in with the kids first, and then either you or your husband coming out to grab others? Sneaky, but it's worked for me a few times!

Alan in CBR · #10 (**permalink**) 9th January 2007, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simongr

I would expect QC only to check if they suspect ages.

Also before you buy the QC passes - remember you need 1 per person per trip to the QC - so you will need four in total which might start getting expensive.

S

Also, has anyone successfully used a QC pass at LAX? It's an odd lounge because it is co-branded with AA's Admirals Club. It would be worth confirming that before LizzyE spends too much buying passes.

The only lounge I have tried gaining entry for my family has been CBR. I don't know whether SYD International would be more or less lenient with ages. Others may have more relevant experience.