Travel Tip 1 – Sydney T1 International Terminal
Skip the scenic route in Sydney’s revamped T1 International Terminal and take this shortcut straight to your airline lounge or departure gate.
Once through T1 security, veer off towards the right side of the sprawling Duty Free store and toward the TRS Tax Refund signs, then head into the narrow TRS Tax Refund corridor.
The TRS claims desk is off to the right, but straight ahead you’ll see signs towards gates 50-63 and the associated airline lounges. This shortcut is especially useful during busy peak periods such as school holidays.
Travel Tip 2 – Maximising Frequent Flyer points and Status Credit earning potential with Qantas
The partnership between Qantas and Emirates lets Qantas Frequent Flyers earn points and status credits when travelling with Emirates. But there's a catch – and it's a big one.
Depending on the two letters which appear before your flight number, you could either be earning a full serve of Qantas points and status credits – or less than half as many points and no status credits.
Travellers can book onto the same flight under either the EK (Emirates) or QF (Qantas) code, but for flights booked with an EK flight number, you’ll earn half as many Qantas points and zero status credits as opposed to booking on a QF flight number. To maximise your earning potential, speak to your PHT Business Travel consultant.
Travel Tip 3 - Becoming a Lifetime Qantas Gold Frequent Flyer
Status credits are the key to Lifetime Gold, of which you’ll need 14,000. Every time you book a flight, consider all your options and how those options will affect your haul of status credits. Qantas 'flexible' fares earn up to twice as many status credits as lower-priced tickets although they don’t necessarily cost twice as much.
Once you retrieve 14,000 points, redeem your lifetime status credits for Gold membership - ensuring you retain your Gold status, and the perks that come with it, for the remainder of your life.
Travel Tip 4 – Five survival tips when an airline loses your luggage
Remain calm – no good has ever come from upsetting the baggage services staff. The baggage services staff will complete the obligatory misplaced luggage form. Ensure you can clearly describe your bag in minute detail. Once complete, you’ll receive a worldwide standard 10-character reference number. Before leaving the baggage room, ensure all details are correct on the form.
Contact your travel insurer to check what you’re entitled to claim. Passengers with delayed baggage can normally be reimbursed for the cost of buying necessary clothes, toiletries and supplies up to a reasonable limit. Be sure to keep the receipts for these purchases to support your insurance claim.
Periodically check with the airline as to the whereabouts of your bag. We strongly suggest you travel with a spare change of clothes in your carry-on baggage and ensure your luggage is labelled clearly, inside and out.
