Cancellation fee for duplicate flight booking

[Kefci2000]

Just realised I had duplicated a booking on VA

Had booked a return MEL-BNE flight and thought it was only a one way so booked the second flight to go home.

My understanding that the system shouldn't let you book exactly the same name and FF number (I had 3C and 3D seats)?

I called to cancel, which they obliged without a charge, however if I want to change the flight it was $99 on a $110 fare!!!

Surely there is fault on both side here? Me being stupid and their stupid system?

Thanks in advance for any insight

Pete

 

[oz_mark]

I have seen it reject duplicate bookings, but that has been when the whole booking is the same. I wouldn't rely on it though!
It may also auto-cancel in due course.

 

[justinbrett]

If they offered free cancellation it's a moot point - cancel and rebook.

As for the check, unsure about VA specifically but I know QF checks but not at time of booking. The checks will be done and messages will be sent. If messages are ignored automatic cancellation will occur.

 

[AIRwin]

If messages are ignored automatic cancellation will occur.

Last in first out?

 

[justinbrett]

Last in first out?

https://www.qantas.com/agencyconnect/au/en/policies/book/requirements-and-processes/duplicate-booking-process.html

Actually if they both make it through ticketing, the oldest one gets cancelled.

 

[Kefci2000]

Not sure they offered free cancellation, I implied that the system should not have let me duplicate the booking, and I said I assume no cancellation fee?

 

[oz_mark]

Virgin does check for duplicate bookings, and I have seen them flagged during booking. It would have been picked up eventually

 

[MEL_Traveller]

If they offered free cancellation it's a moot point - cancel and rebook.

As for the check, unsure about VA specifically but I know QF checks but not at time of booking. The checks will be done and messages will be sent. If messages are ignored automatic cancellation will occur.

I think the OP meant they didn’t charge to do the cancellation itself… but if you want to use the credit, that where the $99 penalty comes in.

So it’s not really ‘no charge’, it’s a $99 charge to use it later.

While the system will pick up duplicates, I don’t think this would be a ‘free of charge’ cancellation… the $99 fee would still apply when later trying to use the fare.