The Platinum Dilemma: Paying for Economy Bulkhead Seats on Qantas

Qantas Economy Plus seats are complimentary for Platinum One and Platinum members , and are complimentary for Gold members at check-in, subject to availability. … Extra Legroom seats are generally positioned either in the front of the Economy …

So, you’ve reached the holy grail of frequent flying: Platinum Frequent Flyer status with Qantas. Congratulations! You’ve probably racked up more air miles than some people have on their cars. You’re now part of an elite club where you can enjoy perks like priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and access to lounges that are fancier than your local coffee shop. But wait! What’s this? You’re still being asked to fork over cash for those oh-so-coveted economy bulkhead seats?

Let’s unpack this conundrum, shall we?

First off, let’s clarify what a bulkhead seat is. For those who might not know, these are the seats located directly behind a partition or wall. They often come with extra legroom because there’s no seat in front of you to kick (don’t you just love that?). They’re prime real estate in the economy section, and everyone wants to snag one. So, it’s understandable that airlines might want to charge a little extra for them. But you’d think that a Platinum Frequent Flyer would at least get a complimentary upgrade, right?

Well, apparently not. According to a recent Reddit post by user /u/Loose_Employee5379, even after achieving Platinum status, they were still asked to pay for these seats. Now, that’s a plot twist that would make a soap opera proud!

So, what gives? Is this a new policy? Are the airlines just trying to squeeze every last cent out of us? Or did we all miss the memo that said being a Platinum Frequent Flyer no longer guarantees all the perks we once thought came with it?

Here’s the thing: airlines, like any business, are constantly looking for ways to maximize revenue. And if they can get a few extra bucks from someone who’s already paying for a ticket, they’re going to do it. It’s like how your favorite fast-food joint now charges for extra sauce—because why not? So, don’t take it personally when you see that price tag for the bulkhead seat. You’re not being singled out; it’s just the airline’s way of saying, “Thanks for being loyal, but we still need to pay the bills.”

Now, if you’re feeling a bit cheated as a Platinum Frequent Flyer, you’re not alone. Many travelers are voicing their frustrations about these hidden fees. It’s almost like finding out that your favorite band charges for meet-and-greet passes after you’ve already bought the concert ticket. You start to wonder what perks are actually worth it.

But before you throw your hands up in despair, let’s not forget that there are still plenty of benefits to being a Platinum Frequent Flyer. Free upgrades (sometimes), priority check-in, and access to those swanky lounges are still pretty sweet deals. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love sipping on a complimentary drink while waiting for their flight?

So, the next time you’re faced with the dilemma of paying for bulkhead seats, just remember: it’s not personal, it’s business. And while it might sting a little to shell out extra cash, you’re still flying high above the rest of the economy class. Just maybe pack a snack for the flight, because you know, they’re not giving those away for free either.

In conclusion, being a Platinum Frequent Flyer doesn’t mean you can escape all fees. But it does mean you’re one step closer to being the jet-setting hero you’ve always wanted to be. So, keep flying, keep collecting those points, and who knows? Maybe one day, bulkhead seats will be included in your Platinum package after all. Until then, may your flights be smooth and your legroom generous!


Inspired by: “Platinum FF but still being asked to pay for economy bulkhead seats?” (r/QantasFrequentFlyer)