[taswegian77]

does that imply that they do not offer lounge check in access for passengers traveling with no luggage? When I travel with no checked baggage I always check in once inside the QC lounge. Is this option available with the new J ounge or is the check in desk at the front when you try to get in only?

[garyjohn951]

Originally Posted by taswegian77

does that imply that they do not offer lounge check in access for passengers traveling with no luggage? When I travel with no checked baggage I always check in once inside the QC lounge. Is this option available with the new J ounge or is the check in desk at the front when you try to get in only?

Melbourne is different from Sydney, as you checkin at the QC first then re-checkin at the J lounge further in. Therefore while you may get past the first one with the card, the flight check-in is in the first part of the QC, so they would expect you to have BP by the time you get to the J Lounge.

[Mal]

Originally Posted by taswegian77

does that imply that they do not offer lounge check in access for passengers traveling with no luggage? When I travel with no checked baggage I always check in once inside the QC lounge. Is this option available with the new J ounge or is the check in desk at the front when you try to get in only?

In MEL, for Plats there are 2 checkpoints - show Plat card at front door above escalator, waved in. Then walk straight ahead to next to the buffet and there is a frosted glass door to the J lounge. Door opens, there is a Service Desk on the right hand side where they check boarding pass, check you in etc etc. If too busy they might not look properly, but were quite keen to keep people out who shouldn't have been there when I was there.

[htchapman]

The J lounge is an excellent addition.

I noticed 12-18months ago that the dom QC's were getting rediculously overcrowded. In some instances (you know the times/locations) I think there were more people inside the pub than in the terminal.

It provides a seperate atmosphere for those who want and those who need.

[taswegian77]

thanks for the heads up on how MEL j config works. I guess the crown lager in QC lounge will suffice as I do not like to try to weasle my way in when not allowed. I will get to see it next tuesday as will be traveling J to SYD.

[Sprucegoose]

Originally Posted by ozscot

It's been said before on another thread that the lounge is just a waiting room for public transport. I think it's just that, and there's not really anything to gain from agonising over QF's access policies.

I enjoy the lounge facilities and explicitly fly OW to maintain my access privileges and seating selections but I'm under no illusion it's some sort of up market sanctuary of calm.

You can get a beer and a shower. Get on line and sometimes get something decent to eat. You're still just sitting waiting for a plane though, and if the place is rammed with other people waiting for a plane, or kids playing in the aisles good on them. Under whatever policy or discretion QF has allowed them access so they've got every right to enjoy the facilities as the next person. Personally I'd much rather have kids running around me than self important twits yelling into their mobiles but YMMV - it's public transport so you're going to have to deal with the general public waiting for it.

Cheers,
Steve.

Very well put Steve - gives it all perspective. At the end of the day all we want to do is get home safely - somthing QANTAS has been doing for a very long time.

cheers SPRUCE

[Sprucegoose]

Originally Posted by taswegian77

thanks for the heads up on how MEL j config works. I guess the crown lager in QC lounge will suffice as I do not like to try to weasle my way in when not allowed. I will get to see it next tuesday as will be traveling J to SYD.

you would get in on your plats...no need for J.

Cheers SPRUCE

[v8Statesman]

Correct me if I am wrong, but does it look like the have gone to OW and said they want to treat the new Dom J lounges like Int F lounges? (As far as access rights go?)

[v8Statesman]

Originally Posted by Lindsay Wilson

True, but why wouldn't they include AA in the list as well (given there are some QF flights with AA codeshare numbers) as well as any other oneworld alliance members' codeshare flights (surely them are a couple?).

Or perhaps the QF/BA alliance has something to do with it....?

Note that this only affects QF WP's. OWE's get access as long as they are on *any* OW flight that day. (Not just next flight).

I would assume a AA EXP flying DJ MEL-SYD to connect to AA Code SYD-LAX will have access in MEL.

Comments?

[simongr]

Originally Posted by JohnK

I would not have expected anyone other than Oneworld Emerald to be allowed access to the domestic business lounges.

The thing is that the OW lounge access rules contradict that. For Example the lounge access for a AAdvantage Platinum (OWS):

Lounge access benefits: When travelling internationally* on any of the oneworld member airlines, regardless of the class of service, a Sapphire equivalent member and one guest will be welcome in any of the exclusive airline pre-flight Business Class and Frequent Flyer lounges.

I know QF have specified that OWS do not have access but that is in contravention of the rules on the OW site. All it will take is QF updating the OW site but for now their internal policy is not consistent with external policies.