Cancelling QF flights

[scubabe]

Hi all,

I don't usually fly Qantas but I have two flights booked for next week CNS-BNE.
I paid for these using points+pay during a sale where it was actually more cost effective to do it that way than to get reward seats and pay the stupid QF taxes.

Unfortunately this awesome train journey which was a bucket list item for my terminally ill best friend will now not be able to be ticked off as she is no longer well enough to travel. I am hoping that I can get a refund from Qld Rail for our Spirit of Queensland tickets (as they were blinkin expensive, first class etc), but I was not expecting any refund from Qantas. I figured we bought cheap tickets, we'll lose them, but I was hoping to get the taxes back maybe?

I just checked the booking and I do have a "cancel" button. When I click on that it gives me the option to have a refund in either a voucher, or in cash minus any fees. I'm confused, because I just checked the fare conditions of the ticket and it states that before departure date I can rebook, but there's no refund? So why would QF give me that option? Or maybe it can be cancelled and I'm reading the fare rules incorrectly?

QUESTION 1 : Is there a preferred way to do the cancellation? EG would I get more of a refund if I take it in voucher format (as it doesn't mention fees)?

QUESTION 2 : If I take the voucher option, does having used points to pay for some mean I get the points back, or just the cash value of the flights?

QUESTION 3 : Lastly, if I take a voucher do I have to use the voucher on flights for pax with the same name? Because sadly I don't think I will have another opportunity to fly with her now, so I don't want to take a voucher if the voucher would essentially be useless...

Thanks in advance for anyone who knows the answers to any of the above!

Ness

 

[kermatu]

Very sorry to hear about your friend.

There will be others more expert than me who can assist. Personally I would think the voucher option is a bit risky if it's two passengers - even if name change is permissible, there'd be a fee and time limits on when you can use it. I'd seek a refund of whatever cash and points you can obtain. The fact that refund is coming up as an option is a good sign.

While time consuming, calling QF is often the best approach in these circumstances if you want certainty. But hopefully others on the forum can help.

 

[scubabe]

While time consuming, calling QF is often the best approach in these circumstances if you want certainty.

I absolutely agree and I intend to give up a few hours of my Friday night waiting on hold with them tomorrow, I was just hoping I might get some of the wonderful AFF knowledge base a little faster

I'll update when I've had a chance to speak to QF, but anyone else who may have a rough idea would be grateful for any info.

Cheers!

 

[Red Roo]

Hi scubabe,

We're so sorry to hear of your friend's condition.

Are you able to PM your booking details so we can try and assist?

Red Roo

 

[JessicaTam]

Scubabe, if you get a voucher then you can set the name of the traveller when you use it to book a flight. I.e. the name of the voucher holder does not need to match the name of the traveller.

 

[scubabe]

Are you able to PM your booking details so we can try and assist?

That was unexpected! I have sent some info through and would be very grateful for any advice you can provide.

 

[scubabe]

Scubabe, if you get a voucher then you can set the name of the traveller when you use it to book a flight.

Ahhhhhh now that is very useful info, and sounds like it would work. I may be able to take her daughters on the same trip in a few months time, it would be a great way to spoil them while sharing something with them that their mum loved. I could put a voucher towards their flight costs. Awesome thanks for the info!

 

[docjames]

Speak to QF (via RedRoo) and see what the options are. QF are usually reasonably fairly accommodating in these circumstances. If you plan future travel, the voucher may be a good option.

 

[scubabe]

Just a quick update, I have been very lucky in this instance and Qantas have graciously refunded both the points paid and the cash portion (this was a P+P transaction). The points refund has already hit my QFF account just waiting on the credit card refund which should come in a few days time.

I have been SO lucky with all providers on this bucketlist trip we had planned being very understanding of what has been an incredibly difficult time.

Yay Qantas and thanks so much to RedRoo for stumbling upon this thread and going out of your way to assist.

 

[JessicaTam]

Well done Red Roo.

Scubabe, hopefully you can take this trip with your friend's daughter down the track.

 

[kermatu]

Nice outcome in difficult circumstances. All the best for your friend and her family.

Good job QF! A reminder that we are lucky to have a very 'human' airline at times.

 

[cmon0005]

Personally if the option is available I would would take a refund over a voucher, as mentioned above sometimes vouchers can be tricky and are too restrictive sometimes.

Best wishes to your friend.