Top-tier Qantas frequent flyers fast-track through airport security
By David Flynn, January 31 2013
The high flyers of Qantas, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and other members of the oneworld alliance – including new partner Malaysia Airlines – will be able to sidestep the security queue at leading airports from February 1st.
It’s an exclusive treat for travellers enjoying Emerald status with oneworld, which includes Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum and Platinum One cardholders.
Oneworld says the arrangement applies to “select key airports worldwide” where there’s a fast track security lane already in place.
This includes Los Angeles, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York (both JFK and La Guardia), Chicago O'Hare, San Francisco, Helsinki, Tokyo Narita and Berlin Tegal (click here for the full list).
Another new perk for Qantas Platinums and their top-tier siblings is the inclusion of an extra bag as checked luggage over the existing standard limit for whatever class they’re travelling in, when on any oneworld member airline.
For airlines and routes where checked luggage is measured by weight rather than the number of bags, it’s an extra 20 kg (44 lbs).
“Whatever the airline’s policy is, you can add one more bag to it if you’re Emerald” explained oneworld CEO Bruce Ashby, who detailed the new benefits at a oneworld press briefing in Kuala Lumpur. “If the airline gives you two bags, you can now have a third one.”
David Flynn is attending the Malaysia Airlines/oneworld global press event in Kuala Lumpur as a guest of MAS and oneworld.
Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter: we're @AusBT
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
12 Jul 2011
Total posts 75
I hate to sound like the ungrateful child on Christmas Day, but what about alliance-wide priority baggage handling?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 May 2011
Total posts 732
+1 on the lack of priority baggage handling when flying OW members other than the airline you have status with. It is unknown to many that priority baggage handling with member airlines is not a puvblished benefit. Insane you are at the mercy of check in attendants and even baggage handling behind scenes to have your lugguage priority tagged (if you are lucky) when flying coach.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 May 2011
Total posts 732
Excellent news for Emerald members, mind you, Star Alliance already had the same bagage perk for Star Gold so OW is playing catch up. Fast track security is always welcome.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Jan 2013
Total posts 48
At least you dont have to worry about having to ask for a express pass from the FA. Although I wonder if it means your guest can come with you?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Oct 2012
Total posts 133
Can anyone tell me if the "perks" also will be included for First and Business class pax on OW flights out of AUS ? I know many airports around the globe do offer this quick service .
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 May 2011
Total posts 732
If you fly ex Sydney I know you get fast track security based on the cabin you fly in, thus premium cabins (First and Business) will be eligible for fast track security regardless of the FF status of passenger. You normally get an "express path" card when checking in which enables you to bypass the masses (although I have experienced that the fast track was busier than the "normal" track at some times)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Oct 2012
Total posts 133
Thanks KG , I also have experience that in Melbourne, it seemed a little disorganized as everyone was using the wrong line , I will be checking it out shortly again, and will post fiindings.
04 Dec 2012
Total posts 12
Half their luck.
Premium travellers at Gold Coast were delighted to see a Priority Lane added when the security area was recently expanded. Except it's totally unpoliced and the Lane is used by anyone and everyone.
Security people blame the airport. Airport blames the airlines - and frequent flyers get held up by the usual suspects - those with pockets full of coins and knives laptops buried in gigantic bags and families with out-of-control kids.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum
07 Feb 2013
Total posts 548
Well put couldnt have put it better myself - atrocious
CX Diamond
01 Feb 2013
Total posts 1
Unfortunately the list for JFK only shows Terminal 8 where AA leaves from. QF, CX, BA are all from Terminal 7
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Jul 2012
Total posts 43
OW need to update their Sydney page:
https://www.oneworld.com/airports-destinations/airports-terminal-maps/sydney-australia/
as it does not show where the Express Path is ,just shows the icon in the legend
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Top-tier Qantas frequent flyers fast-track through airport security