Classic reward destination change

[ben95]

Hey, I currently have a classic rewards for MEL-PVG at 90k points for later this month on MU and I’ve just found space open up on a CX MEL-HKG for 75k points on the same date that will work out much better for me so I’m looking to change to that either via a cancel/rebook or calling in to change. I don’t have enough points to make a separate booking.

I tried calling today and the agent insisted that I’ll need to pay a 5k change fee + 6k call centre fee - that’s ok but I will not get the 15k points difference back. Alternatively a cancel/rebook would take up to 48 hours for the points to be returned minus the 6k cancellation fee. I just didn’t want to risk that 48 hours and be left with nothing. I’ve seen on other forums that points can be posted back immediately but the agent seemed reluctant when I called (maybe because it’s Sunday and the FFP department isn’t open?).

Anyway just wanted to see what’s the advice here. Would be best if I can just do a change over

 

[sudoer]

If you manage the booking, is the change button available to click, and does it let you change destination? If you can't do either of those things you can ask for the call centre service fee to be waived as you can't complete the task online.

If they refuse to waive it ask for the call to be escalated to a supervisor.

 

[ben95]

If you manage the booking, is the change button available to click, and does it let you change destination

Nope it doesn’t allow changing destinations.

Anyway I had a good look at the availability and there’s plenty that can get me to HKG/PVG on CX/MU/QF on those dates so I bit the bullet and just cancelled online.

The points ended up back into my account in just about 20 minutes, I was pleasantly surprised by the speed.

 

[sudoer]

Glad it worked out for you.

There's a significant chance the points would have taken days/weeks to be refunded, so for anyone else with the same question who might read this thread in future: push for the change without a service fee, even if it means HUACA a couple of times.

You'll save 1000 points, won't be out of pocket for two lots of taxes for an unknown period, and don't run the risk of the points not being refunded promptly (and potentially losing out on the new seats you wanted to book.)

 

[ben95]

who might read this thread in future: push for the change without a service fee, even if it means HUACA a couple of times

I 100% agree. I was expecting to have to call in Monday and push for the points to be posted back.

Plus after reading the terms and condition it appeared correct that I would not have entitled to a refund of the 15k due to the change in route leading to a shorter flight which would be a significant cost -though I would be happy to cop the penalty if availability was tight.

 

[sudoer]

Plus after reading the terms and condition it appeared correct that I would not have entitled to a refund

That's not correct. You would have been entitled to the points & taxes difference minus 5k change fee.