[oz_mark]

Got the following in an email

Originally Posted by Qantas FF

As a Platinum Frequent Flyer, it is natural to expect unique levels of service, comfort and luxury when you travel with Qantas. That's why we have recently made a number of significant investments to improve your travel experience including the new Qantas First Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne - lounges like no others in the world.

From mid 2008 we will also be opening Business Lounges across our domestic network for the exclusive use of Business Class travellers and Platinum members. Business Lounges are currently scheduled for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

To make certain that we meet your expectations, we would like you to know that from 1 April 2008, when flying internationally you need to be flying on the day with Qantas, Jetstar, British Airways or any of the other oneworld® member airlines to enjoy any of the Qantas First Lounges located worldwide. And when flying domestically within Australia you will need to be flying that day with Qantas or Jetstar to access the new Business Lounges.

If you are not travelling internationally with Qantas or the airlines listed, you are still more than welcome to visit the Qantas Business Lounge before your departure. Domestically, if you are not flying Qantas or Jetstar you are still welcome in The Qantas Club.

[serfty]

Here's an online link to one of the emails ...

Qantas Frequent Flyer

[aubs]

not an overly surprising move and won't impact that many
good to see JQ remains on the list on both counts

[Travel Guru]

It was only a matter of time, and fair enough in my opinion

TG

[serfty]

Internationally, I have only used this once - last year when flying from AKL to MEL on AirNZ.

With this change, I would still get to use the QP in a similar situation. Not a great difference in AKL .

[serfty]

The lounge access page has been updated to reflect this pending change.

^ Must be travelling, not necessarily on Qantas, British Airways or Jetstar to access the lounge. From 1 April 2008, you must be travelling on the day with Qantas, Jetstar, British Airways or any of the other oneworld members airlines to access the lounge.

[JohnK]

I don't think the changes will make too much difference to most people but one good thing is having a separate lounge from the Qantas Club lounge when flying domestic.

Will it still be possible to visit the domestic Qantas Club Lounge when not flying that day?

[Ikara]

Originally Posted by JohnK

Will it still be possible to visit the domestic Qantas Club Lounge when not flying that day?

Here's what the email said........

If you are not travelling internationally with Qantas or the airlines listed, you are still more than welcome to visit the Qantas Business Lounge before your departure. Domestically, if you are not flying Qantas or Jetstar you are still welcome in The Qantas Club.

So, my interpretation would be yes.

JB

[Shano]

Originally Posted by JohnK

I don't think the changes will make too much difference to most people but one good thing is having a separate lounge from the Qantas Club lounge when flying domestic.

Will it still be possible to visit the domestic Qantas Club Lounge when not flying that day?

The access table on the QF website states "Member and 2 guests can access lounge any time [my underline]. Guests do not need to be travelling". So reiterating Ikara's response - yes.

[Reggie]

I have no problem with decision. In fact it is a good decision to protect their brand.