Release of award seats

[Assassin]

Hi all

I am trying to secure award flights to Japan for January next year. I am aware that QF releases seats 353 days ahead, but I couldn't seem to find information about other airlines. I tried to book CX flights today (for 12 Jan 17) that were showing on the web-site but there was an error message late in the booking process. I called Qantas and the chap told me that the error came up because those flights have not actually been released by CX yet, notwithstanding that they are appearing on the web-site.

Do people know when other airlines release award seats to Qantas? I am particularly interests in CX and JL.

Thanks!

 

[Assassin]

Hi all. Just following up on my previous question. Does anyone know how far in advance Cathay and JAL release award seats to Qantas frequent flyers?

Thanks

 

[Doctore1003]

Usually 360 days for CX and 330 for JL but more can be released closer to the date.
You can sign up for a JL frequent flyer account online and keep an eye on award availability. Award seats for Sydney-Tokyo can get snapped up quite quickly. They usually come online around 3am Tokyo time.

 

[blackcat20]

You can also use the BA site to watch JL award availability

 

[offshore171]

Getting FF seats to Japan in January is normally extremely difficult, particularly the first half of the month.

You have Australian school holidays coinciding with the Japanese ski season, making this the busiest time of year on this route. Maybe this will change with the addition of ANA making a lot more capacity available between Au and Japan.

 

[Danger]

You can also use the BA site to watch JL award availability

When you signed up for BA's Executive Club I assume you gave a European address. Does BA send a membership kit off the bat or do you have to fly a segment and credit to them first? If the former, may I ask how you went about getting your kit in Australia?

 

[Princess Fiona]

When you signed up for BA's Executive Club I assume you gave a European address. Does BA send a membership kit off the bat or do you have to fly a segment and credit to them first? If the former, may I ask how you went about getting your kit in Australia?

You do not require a European address to join BAEC, just an address outside Australia/NZ.

It's been a while since I joined the Executive Club but I don't believe that you get a kit until you have earned TP/Avios to your account.

 

[Mark3000]

So can you sign up with a fake address and get your membership details online only?
Or do you have to wait for something in the mail?

 

[Assassin]

So on Blackcat20's advice i signed up to BAEC today. I used my firm's London address and said I was a UK resident. They sent me an email to validate the application, I clicked on the link and from there it all worked basically instantly.

Also, I found good availability of a award seats in Y to Tokyo via Brisnane but have now booked SYD-HKG in Y on QF and then HKG-CTS in J on CX.

Now I need the return flights!

 

[epsc]

What time (EST) does Qantas release award seats? I want to book for school hols next year and know how difficult it can be unless you're early!

 

[epsc]

Sorry, I should have been more clear - what I'm wondering is if the window opens at midnight of the 353rd day, or at some other time.

 

[serfty]

It is midnight UTC which is 10am in Brisbane, 353 days before (UTC timing).

 

[epsc]

Many thanks, Serfty!