10 QFF Points per $ - Gift Vouchers are back!

[blackcat20]

Re: 10 QFF Points per $ - Gift Vouchers - BUT problem with mutlitple vouchers

I have what I now see is a MAJOR problem with what seemed a great idea at the time after tipoff from AFF. I bought 2 x $500 vouchers on 26 Dec.13 both made out to myself (other solo travellers on this thread noted). [As a side note the 10,000 FF pts credited on 27Jan.14 so better than some. However when I went to redeem some of the value on a flight to ADL in March the on-line flight cost was $349 then jumped to $697 on pay page! It seemed to require the name of the second passenger travelling with me. Naturally I got onto the QFF team and was told I had to travel with another pax! This is patently absurd as I bought 2 x $500 vouchers made out to myself (I thought). The problem appears to be multiple vouchers bought at same time and how request is filled out. Many others have told of buying multiples so how have they fared?

My voucher was made out for $1,000 to "Dear Michael; Michael - from Michael" which sounded a bit schizophrenic at the time. After a long pause and check with narrowly minded "terms and conditions" (T&C) person the CSP came back with bad news that I had to travel with another person - whose name I could change. This is of absolutely no use to me as like most solo travellers here I virtually NEVER travel like that. Yes, the T&C (I am a lawyer thanks so I can read such things) say you cannot amend the number of travellers. However I intended to buy 2 separate vouchers at $500 intended solely for myself. Qantas has chosen to give me a single $1000 voucher made out to myself twice so I allegedly have to travel with myself twice (or another person) to be able to use the voucher. This to me sounds a problem with the Qantas software and likely not the way I filled out the request - I have not tried to replicate, but also likely the stupid and confusing way the request is phrased online - all of which is not my fault.

Qantas is relying solely on the T&C about not changing the number of pax so I effectively cannot for the moment cannot use this voucher as it was intended (this week had to book returns to ADL and AKL and pay for them, rather than using this wretched voucher as intended). This is clearly absurd. Are they so desperate for revenue now they cannot amend this to a single pax (moi) as originally intended?!

Surely some other AFF members buying self-multiples have had this problem? At this point a work around during the buying process is of no use to me obviously.

I will write to Qantas formally about this - and will certainly be threatening them with the ACCC or other governmental consumer redress.

If the ever helpful Red Roo is lurking he might be able to help sort out what is an absurd problem, of Qantas creation in my view.

It sounds like you bought a "twin" voucher rather than two separate vouchers?

 

[kevrosmith]

Re: 10 QFF Points per $ - Gift Vouchers - BUT problem with mutlitple vouchers

I have what I now see is a MAJOR problem with what seemed a great idea at the time after tipoff from AFF. I bought 2 x $500 vouchers on 26 Dec.13 both made out to myself (other solo travellers on this thread noted). [As a side note the 10,000 FF pts credited on 27Jan.14 so better than some. However when I went to redeem some of the value on a flight to ADL in March the on-line flight cost was $349 then jumped to $697 on pay page! It seemed to require the name of the second passenger travelling with me. Naturally I got onto the QFF team and was told I had to travel with another pax! This is patently absurd as I bought 2 x $500 vouchers made out to myself (I thought). The problem appears to be multiple vouchers bought at same time and how request is filled out. Many others have told of buying multiples so how have they fared?

[snip]

I really feel for you if you have got something unexpected, though it is important to understand how the vouchers work when you purchase them to make sure you get what you are expecting.

When you purchased your "two" vouchers, did you do this:
a) x 1 (once)

or this:

b) x 2 (twice)

If (a), then what you purchased was one voucher which is for two people, and the value of the voucher is $500 per person (thus $1000 total voucher value). In this instance, yes, both people have to book/travel together.

If you did (b), then you should've received two vouchers for one person, and each voucher is worth $500.

Did you receive one or two voucher reference numbers? If one, then you did (a); if two, then you did (b). If (a), then what Qantas is saying is entirely correct, and (while I'm not a lawyer and not involved in consumer protections etc.) there may not be much you can do.

If you really can't use your one voucher for two people, you may be able to offer it on eBay to someone who does want to travel with two people where their flights are a minimum of $500 per person: you can change the name of the travellers at the time of booking after all: you would be "gifting" the gift voucher to those travellers (of course, I guess you would want those people to pay you your money back).

Hope this helps.

 

[mr mink]

Re: 10 QFF Points per $ - Gift Vouchers - BUT problem with mutlitple vouchers

I really feel for you if you have got something unexpected, though it is important to understand how the vouchers work when you purchase them to make sure you get what you are expecting.

When you purchased your "two" vouchers, did you do this:
a) View attachment 25665 x 1 (once)

or this:

b) View attachment 25666 x 2 (twice)

If (a), then what you purchased was one voucher which is for two people, and the value of the voucher is $500 per person (thus $1000 total voucher value). In this instance, yes, both people have to book/travel together.

If you did (b), then you should've received two vouchers for one person, and each voucher is worth $500.

Did you receive one or two voucher reference numbers? If one, then you did (a); if two, then you did (b). If (a), then what Qantas is saying is entirely correct, and (while I'm not a lawyer and not involved in consumer protections etc.) there may not be much you can do.

If you really can't use your one voucher for two people, you may be able to offer it on eBay to someone who does want to travel with two people where their flights are a minimum of $500 per person: you can change the name of the travellers at the time of booking after all: you would be "gifting" the gift voucher to those travellers (of course, I guess you would want those people to pay you your money back).

Hope this helps.

thx blackcat20 and kevrosmith for the swift response both of you on my "problem". Having looked at the site, as per your useful snips Kevrosmith, I can see how I MAY have made an innocent slip (which I am not admitting for the record) and mistaking pax for number of $500 vouchers. This was 2 mths ago and as I did not take a snip of the transaction cannot say one way or the other now as my memory is not that photographic. So Qantas does not allow unintentional mistakes?? seems a very narrow reliance on T&C and I will certainly be pursuing them on it. Does silver status and 20 years of membership count for nothing these days (likely not given the results yesterday) for an innocent non-intentional mistake in the process of giving them $1000 revenue. It will after all cost them NOTHING to amend the $1000 value to spendable by me only, as it will still get spent this year (but very unlikely to be with the current onerous and very restrictive condition). Yes, I did get one voucher and one reference - did not think anything of it at the time despite the schizo naming.

 

[mr mink]

Re: 10 QFF Points per $ - Gift Vouchers - BUT problem with mutlitple vouchers

so people who buy multiples for themselves have to buy them in separate steps at $500 a pop do they? - is that how this is designed, otherwsie I assume the vouchers would go up to 'sky's the limit' I spose. I did see one post from someone who bought 4 with separate names on for a family trip I assume. Selling on Ebay, or on this forum etc, to someone who just happens to be going the same place at the same time on the same flight is just too restrictive so that will even less happen.

 

[ketsuzei]

Re: 10 QFF Points per $ - Gift Vouchers - BUT problem with mutlitple vouchers

Fewer threats, less indignation, and a simple admission that you made a mistake (obviously you didn't intend to travel in parallel) *might* yield better results.

 

[kevrosmith]

Re: 10 QFF Points per $ - Gift Vouchers - BUT problem with mutlitple vouchers

so people who buy multiples for themselves have to buy them in separate steps at $500 a pop do they? - is that how this is designed, otherwsie I assume the vouchers would go up to 'sky's the limit' I spose. I did see one post from someone who bought 4 with separate names on for a family trip I assume. Selling on Ebay, or on this forum etc, to someone who just happens to be going the same place at the same time on the same flight is just too restrictive so that will even less happen.

By selling, I just mean the whole voucher. You may be able to re-coup the value of the voucher if you sell it to a couple who *do* want to travel together on the same flight. Think it's against this forum's rules to try to sell here, that's why I suggested eBay. Happy to PM later to be clearer. Just about to board flight.

 

[mr mink]

Re: 10 QFF Points per $ - Gift Vouchers - BUT problem with mutlitple vouchers

oh yes, humbleness is a virtue. At least you say "obviously you didn't intend to travel in parallel" so you are partly redeemed. Thx for your useful comment!

 

[lovestotravel]

Re: 10 QFF Points per $ - Gift Vouchers - BUT problem with mutlitple vouchers

I have what I now see is a MAJOR problem with what seemed a great idea at the time after tipoff from AFF. I bought 2 x $500 vouchers on 26 Dec.13 both made out to myself (other solo travellers on this thread noted). [As a side note the 10,000 FF pts credited on 27Jan.14 so better than some. However when I went to redeem some of the value on a flight to ADL in March the on-line flight cost was $349 then jumped to $697 on pay page! It seemed to require the name of the second passenger travelling with me. Naturally I got onto the QFF team and was told I had to travel with another pax! This is patently absurd as I bought 2 x $500 vouchers made out to myself (I thought). The problem appears to be multiple vouchers bought at same time and how request is filled out. Many others have told of buying multiples so how have they fared?

My voucher was made out for $1,000 to "Dear Michael; Michael - from Michael" which sounded a bit schizophrenic at the time. After a long pause and check with narrowly minded "terms and conditions" (T&C) person the CSP came back with bad news that I had to travel with another person - whose name I could change. This is of absolutely no use to me as like most solo travellers here I virtually NEVER travel like that. Yes, the T&C (I am a lawyer thanks so I can read such things) say you cannot amend the number of travellers. However I intended to buy 2 separate vouchers at $500 intended solely for myself. Qantas has chosen to give me a single $1000 voucher made out to myself twice so I allegedly have to travel with myself twice (or another person) to be able to use the voucher. This to me sounds a problem with the Qantas software and likely not the way I filled out the request - I have not tried to replicate, but also likely the stupid and confusing way the request is phrased online - all of which is not my fault.

Qantas is relying solely on the T&C about not changing the number of pax so I effectively cannot for the moment cannot use this voucher as it was intended (this week had to book returns to ADL and AKL and pay for them, rather than using this wretched voucher as intended). This is clearly absurd. Are they so desperate for revenue now they cannot amend this to a single pax (moi) as originally intended?!

Surely some other AFF members buying self-multiples have had this problem? At this point a work around during the buying process is of no use to me obviously.

I will write to Qantas formally about this - and will certainly be threatening them with the ACCC or other governmental consumer redress.

If the ever helpful Red Roo is lurking he might be able to help sort out what is an absurd problem, of Qantas creation in my view.

Worst case you have burnt $500 and I suggest you build a bridge and move on.

The T&C's are quite clear to me (I am not a laywer)

From the main gift voucher page:
Buy a Gift Voucher | Qantas
The names of the voucher recipients may be changed when you redeem the voucher, but the number of recipients cannot be changed (you cannot increase or decrease the total number of recipients).

From the T&C page
Qantas Vouchers|Terms and Conditions
The number of people on a booking redeeming the voucher must be equal to the number of voucher recipients. The number of recipients listed cannot be changed.

Also when you get to the 2nd screen to actually enter the names of the recipients you would have entered your name twice, Passenger 1 and Passenger 2

From the T&C's that display on this page
If more than one name appears on the voucher, any bookings made with the voucher must be for the number of people listed. The names on the voucher can be changed, but the number of names cannot. Only one voucher can be redeemed per booking.

Then the next screen further confirms
Recipient Details:
Recipient Name1: Mr John Doe
Recipient Name2: Mr John Doe

Then on the payment screen it confirms again the number of passengers which would have been 2

Since you are a lawyer $500 should be pocket money and it surprises me that you didn't read anything correctly

The only person to blame here is you, the website and T&C's are VERY clear

 

[lovestotravel]

Re: 10 QFF Points per $ - Gift Vouchers - BUT problem with mutlitple vouchers

Fewer threats, less indignation, and a simple admission that you made a mistake (obviously you didn't intend to travel in parallel) *might* yield better results.

Here Here

Oh wait that's in Parliament!

 

[medhead]

so people who buy multiples for themselves have to buy them in separate steps at $500 a pop do they? - is that how this is designed, otherwsie I assume the vouchers would go up to 'sky's the limit' I spose. I did see one post from someone who bought 4 with separate names on for a family trip I assume. Selling on Ebay, or on this forum etc, to someone who just happens to be going the same place at the same time on the same flight is just too restrictive so that will even less happen.

Yes, we buy multiple vouchers. It's a pain. I almost got caught by the same thing when first buying vouchers. My mum has had even more problems trying to redeem vouchers.

As for you other question about 20 years counting for something. I only have 18 years with platinum for the last fee and I feel that doesn't count for anything. So don't feel too bad for not feeling the love. Many others don't feel it either.

 

[mr mink]

oyez, oyez line up now for stoning of innocents - and lawyers (retired in this case thank you). Perhaps greed for points blurred my vision etc (at least I got those at better than normal return rate) so thank you all for the useful (retrospective) advice from such smart and never caught out people - but thank youze for (some) useful advice here and there. Can I then simply change the named persons vouchers on the vouchers to 2 separate persons then from what you say and sell the value to a pair of friends going somewhere - since you are all, at least some, so expert on the T&C? if you are not getting bored with my self-immolation of course. We all learn from experience (even dumb lawyers, everyone's favourite pillory).

 

[drross]

Yes, we buy multiple vouchers. It's a pain. I almost got caught by the same thing when first buying vouchers. My mum has had even more problems trying to redeem vouchers.

As for you other question about 20 years counting for something. I only have 18 years with platinum for the last fee and I feel that doesn't count for anything. So don't feel too bad for not feeling the love. Many others don't feel it either.

Same here..multiple vouchers. And it is a pain.

 

[QF WP]

so people who buy multiples for themselves have to buy them in separate steps at $500 a pop do they? - is that how this is designed

Indeed we do. It might be slightly coughbersome but works a treat when you've got used to doing the transactions.

 

[Kerrodt]

Can I then simply change the named persons vouchers on the vouchers to 2 separate persons then from what you say and sell the value to a pair of friends going somewhere.

simple answer, yes.

 

[mr mink]

simple answer, yes.

thanks everyone, or at least most recent posters with actual useful advice. The way forward is now likely clear - transfer credit to a couple going somewhere to somewhere well over $500 per pax so that the lot goes in one hit. And never hit the wrong button again if buying these again, of course!

 

[drross]

thanks everyone, or at least most recent posters with actual useful advice. The way forward is now likely clear - transfer credit to a couple going somewhere to somewhere well over $500 per pax so that the lot goes in one hit. And never hit the wrong button again if buying these again, of course!

There are some problems at times with accessing flight details from your profile after using vouchers(seat allocation etc), not everytime thankfully. This happened last year as well.

 

[rogerkambah]

thanks everyone, or at least most recent posters with actual useful advice. The way forward is now likely clear - transfer credit to a couple going somewhere to somewhere well over $500 per pax so that the lot goes in one hit. And never hit the wrong button again if buying these again, of course!

And you have made 10,000 points so its not all bad. Cheers.

Me, I'm still chasing 5000 points from my voucher, only 2 phone calls and a PM to Red Roo so far.

 

[thehound]

thanks everyone, or at least most recent posters with actual useful advice. The way forward is now likely clear - transfer credit to a couple going somewhere to somewhere well over $500 per pax so that the lot goes in one hit. And never hit the wrong button again if buying these again, of course!

You don't need to sell the vouchers to people who want to buy fares 'well over $500 per pax'. You could sell each voucher to a couple planning a trip with a fare of $250 return per person minimum, which would encompass a huge range of flights. The full value of the voucher doesn't need to be used anyway (the unused amount gets re-issued as a new voucher) so any couple purchasing from you could use it for multiple trips provided they always travel as a party of two.

Since you scored 10000 points off them, you might consider offering the vouchers for slightly less than their face value in order to entice someone to take them off your hands. Maybe some friends or family?

 

[serfty]

You don't need to sell the vouchers to people who want to buy fares 'well over $500 per pax'. You could sell each voucher to a couple planning a trip with a fare of $250 return per person minimum, which would encompass a huge range of flights. The full value of the voucher doesn't need to be used anyway (the unused amount gets re-issued as a new voucher) so any couple purchasing from you could use it for multiple trips provided they always travel as a party of two.

Since you scored 10000 points off them, you might consider offering the vouchers for slightly less than their face value in order to entice someone to take them off your hands. Maybe some friends or family?

There is no minumum these days (there used to be - you had to redeem the entire voucher at once), so no need to consider $250 or any other figure.

If redeemed for say, $120 flights for 2 PAX, then another voucher for $380 for two pax would be issued.

 

[Deleted User]

Ok the start of another week... actually this is week 10 for waiting for the Christmas voucher bonus points to post, lets see if it happens this week, or if another week passes without the promised booty...