Error behind Qantas’ Chairmans Lounge gaffe

Thousands of frequent flyer members thought they’d been granted access to one of the nation’s most sought-after clubs.

Qantas incorrectly sent a Chairmans Loung survey to other frequent flyer members. Picture: Lucas Muro

Qantas has been caught out in an embarrassing email error that has some frequent flyers seeing red.

Thousands of frequent flyer members were sent an email ­suggesting that they had achieved coveted Chairman’s Lounge ­status, and inviting them to provide feedback via a 10-minute ­survey.

Being turned off ⁦@Qantas⁩ after hearing of their secretive Qantas Chairman's Lounge via an incorrect email and wondering what it was - thinking there are zero high profile female members! https://t.co/FKBP9ZNdD2

— Michelle Power 🏳️‍🌈🐧 (@DrMichellePower) October 25, 2018

The Chairmans Lounge is sought-after among frequent flyers. Picture: Lucas Muro

The Chairman’s Lounge is an invitation-only lounge where VIPs and politicians enjoy premium pre-flight hospitality.

But a “distribution error” saw the following email sent to low-ranking “bronze” frequent flyers across the country.

The email was sent via the wrong distribution list. Picture: Lucas Muro

“We’re always working to ­deliver the highest level of service to our most valued members and an important part of this is understanding your experience as a Chairman’s Lounge Qantas Frequent Flyer member,” the email read, before asking recipients to complete a survey.

Qantas quickly realised the error, and issued a follow-up email, apologising for “getting your hopes up about becoming a Chairman’s Lounge member”.

“Unfortunately our team used an incorrect distribution list for the email,” it said.

A Qantas spokesman said there was no privacy breach and recipients were assured their personal data had not been shared.

Frequent flyers took to social media to express their disappointment.

Being turned off ⁦@Qantas⁩ after hearing of their secretive Qantas Chairman's Lounge via an incorrect email and wondering what it was - thinking there are zero high profile female members! https://t.co/FKBP9ZNdD2

— Michelle Power 🏳️‍🌈🐧 (@DrMichellePower) October 25, 2018

Platform 9 3/4 @iancwhitney pic.twitter.com/xcua40hOlE

— Qantas (@Qantas) October 25, 2018

Hi Peter. We’re aware an email meant for Chairmans Lounge members was sent to other Frequent Flyer members. Unfortunately, our team used an incorrect distribution list. We will be issuing an email to all recipients shortly to apologise for any confusion caused. Thanks, Priscilla

— Qantas (@Qantas) October 25, 2018

It's possible @matthewwu. You should probably get in touch with them.

— Qantas (@Qantas) October 25, 2018

This email was sent in error @hugh_h but if it was up to the social team, you'd be at the top of our invite list!

— Qantas (@Qantas) October 25, 2018

It's actually a handshake Stephen... 😉

— Qantas (@Qantas) October 25, 2018