QP vs. The prepaid opposition (Another PriorityPass thread)

Travelator · #1 (**permalink**) 16th June 2008, 05:55 PM

Hey everyone... First post

Now let me begin by saying I do have membership to the QP but always fly economy and am only at OW Bronze...

*I'll give you a moment to allow the laughing at my expense to subside*

My employer tries to get me flying Qantas where possible, but I also like to have flights that fit my schedule, so I often end up on other airlines (Hence my OW status

)
Anyways, on a recent MEL-LHR trip, where I had the moderately good fortune of travelling Q and got upgraded to Premium Economy free. I decided to run the gauntlet of the HKG Qantas Club throng in an effort to make the showers. I didn't mind the shower, but I must admit to not being impressed with the time it takes to get to the showers if you're not amongst the first to arrive at the lounge.

Previously I'd been tempted to take out a PriorityPass, especially with the strong Aussie Dollar, I'd probably salary sacrifice it. I'd do this mainly because I spend a lot of time at PVG not on Qantas flghts.

But I did see at HKG on my way through the concourse that the 'Plaza Premium Lounge' had a PriorityPass welcome sign out the front. I was wondering rather than me shelling out the dollars to try it (Yeah I'm a tight arse). has anyone here tried it? How does it compare to the QP? crowded? Food etc.?

I look forward to your responses...

PS. Though I love every one of you with a deep and pure love, I also have a habitual distaste for anyone that gets to travel Business or 1st class

Mal · #2 (**permalink**) 16th June 2008, 05:58 PM

PP will also give you access to "The Lounge" in domestic ports in Australia - quite a nice alternative to the Qantas Clubs.

Travelator · #3 (**permalink**) 16th June 2008, 06:03 PM

Thanks for the reply Mel,

I did read that on the PriorityPass website, it is an added bonus as I have used VirginBlue excessively for domestic flights, I also like the fact its on the concourse sides of the security gates... Handy if you want to print a document etc. prior to a business meeting.

What has put me off flying Virgin for business in the future is (In my humble experience):

1. The flights are much more prone to delays, especially Am and especially into Sydney.

2. The baggage service in Melbourne. I swear the number of times I've spent over half an hour on a Friday evening in the Melbourne arrival hall just waiting for the belt to start moving... I've also waited an hour plus quite a few times and twice had my baggage on the next flight

Tooner · #4 (**permalink**) 19th June 2008, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travelator

1. The flights are much more prone to delays, especially Am and especially into Sydney.

They really are competing to the death with QF

AnonymousCoward · #5 (**permalink**) 19th June 2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tooner

They really are competing to the death with QF

True. Flying to CBR out of SYD these past couple of months - QF flights delayed all the time. DJ flights all on time. Also, with the construction work being done in the QF lounge, it's a bit more crowded than normal. The DJ lounge, whilst busy isn't anywhere near as crowded. And no line for the decent coffee :-)

Travel Guru · #6 (**permalink**) 19th June 2008, 10:05 PM

On the topic of Priority Pass, one of the Hong Kong based priority pass staff members emailed me a form giving 10% discount on the web prices for use with my staff and clients, if anyone wants a copy, let me know.

TG

p.s. you might have a distaste for anyone who flies J or F, but I have a distaste for flying Y that runs so much deeper than yours could ever hope too..lol