Can't book MEL-LHR J online?

[BJReplay]

Trying to book for June next year. Lots of flights, showing J availability, but when I choose J, it shows 512,000 points (instead of 256,000 points - for Y) for 4 passengers.

Click through to review, and it shows a note "Your SYD-LHR flight will be in economy".

Do I have to call up to book this? Will they waive the phone booking fees if I do?

Obviously, I don't want to burn 256,000 points on a J class seat to SYD, so why does it offer J on the availability screen if it can't book on the review screen?

Any hints from more experienced FFs than me greatly appreciated.

BJ

 

[cove]

BJ I think the QF computer gets you J to SYD then Y to LHR but charges you high as if it is all in J.Try all 3 east coast choices of departure being MEL,SYD and BNE direct to eliminate that issue.The call centre fee can be worth it if you are getting dust.If you do two separate flights to get out of Australia link them so QF are obligated if you first flight runs late for any reason. 2 separate flights will be more expensive points wise than the call centre!

 

[Alanslegal]

There is another thread - I can't seem to find it but I'm sure someone can post it - where there seems to be an issue where even though the availability calendar / schedule shows business/first as available, once you proceed to review it then indicates xyz flight is actually in economy.

That said, getting four business class QF MEL-LHR award tickets (and I assume at the classic level) on the same flight .... well I wouldn't even give it a try. Two tickets yes, but four is like pushing it!

 

[cove]

Yes split up because there are plenty of flights.If I am moving 5 I use 2 different airlines and often 3 different flights.If it is 2 small kids that can make it hard.

 

[BJReplay]

Hey all, thanks for all the helpful info, especially the don't try for 4 seats. I'll put the kids down the back in cattle class. They'll be 12 & 14, so old enough. Less points, better chance of booking.

 

[cove]

And that will save you for years to come if you succeed with your plan. I messed up on that a few years ago and now my kids use my points for flights where only SQ can do it.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

There is another thread - I can't seem to find it but I'm sure someone can post it - where there seems to be an issue where even though the availability calendar / schedule shows business/first as available, once you proceed to review it then indicates xyz flight is actually in economy.

I had same problem with a QF redemption over last few days - MEL-PVG in J May 25 2012 / June 2 2012.

Shows availability J seats both ways and shows 144,000pt burn but when try to proceed says SYD-PVG and PVG-SYD will be in Economy - so I guess a call to QFF will be required - is this a regular fault with QF redemptions?