Confirmed Award Flight Changed by Qantas

[deka2]

We finally made our Reward Booking for 140,000 Pts in May 2010, many thanks to the posters on this Forum.

SYD-LHR-FCO-MAD-CDG-JFK-HNL-SYD

Able to get 23.5 hrs in Madrid, not included as a stop.

My problem is that Qantas have now changed the flight from LHR-FCO from a nightime flight to an early afternoon flight on the same day, even though itinerary status was confirmed.

The choices in my booking are to confirm the change or ring Qantas.

We would not have chosen this flight if it was the only one available, but would have flown LHR-VCE instead and travelled to Rome for our next flight.

What do you think our chances are of having Qantas change our flight to LHR-VCE without charging 2500 points.

This flight late afternoon the same day is available.

 

[MrHyde]

I would think the chances are pretty good. The flight was changed and you should have the option of rejecting that change and choose something else instead (as long as availability is there).

 

[Anna]

I agree with Dr Hyde.

But I'm going to nitpick, sorry. Do Qantas even fly from LHR - FCO? If not, why are you blaming Qantas for the change? Isn't it the fault of the airline that operates that sector?

 

[deka2]

Soory Anna if it appeared that I was blaming anyone.

Qantas certainly aren't at fault as it is a BA Flight.

These things happen, particularily that our flights are not for six months.

We have seven flights over a four week period.

I'm sure this will not be the only alteration.

My main question was whether or not Qantas will let us change without penalty.

It always gives me confidence when ringing up asking for something if you know that others have been granted what you are requesting.

 

[aus_flyer]

I would be very surprised if they tried to charge the 2500 point change fee.

 

[MAX_1]

One way to find out...phone them and ask.
Then let us know the result.

 

[deka2]

No Go.

Rang Qantas to be told that our obligation is to get you from LHR-FCO.

Even though the time has changed we have still satisfied our obligation.

Any change in the routing is subject to the 2500 points charge.

 

[simongr]

QF will also have to find availability on your changed roiuting which might be another issue

 

[deka2]

simongr,

Qantas confirmed on the phone that there was availability LHR-VCE for the time we wanted.

There is also a second change we would like to make, but there is no availability at the moment.

Might wait and keep checking to make both changes at the same time and only incur 2500 each, and risk all changes disappearing.

 

[medhead]

I'm not one to really do this sort of thing, and I have been disdainful of my brother in following this course of action. But it might be warranted in this case; have you read the conditions of carriage?
Book - Flights - Conditions of Carriage

In particular the european community regulations
Book - Flights - Conditions of Carriage

Rule EC261/2004 specifies 600 euro compensation in addition to reruoting flights and all that.

Might be worth a read anyway.

 

[Mal]

Rule EC261/2004 specifies 600 euro compensation in addition to reruoting flights and all that.

Compensation only applies if the cancellation occurs within 2 weeks of flying. But yeah there are re-routing options - not that it will help much in this situation.