Has anyone had success with the call-up "Marginal" xASA's?

[Newk]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

It will depend on the fare conditions of the booking. If they allow a refund then full points and cash should be an option per the Terms. But you will most likely still have to ring to get the refund.

Yes, I just had the T and C read out to me, sentence by sentence. The ASA I just booked is fully refundable for a 5000 point fee and I get back the exact points and dollars (less the 5000 points) that were used for the purchase

 

[will2rob]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

Slightly off topic, if I may

Has anyone cancelled a MASA yet ?

What would the "new" rules be like ?

Same as before: full points / cash refund as per 15.6.1

Before I get a second MASA - just in case - I wish to know where we all are in terms of cancellation / refund.

Cheers

I had one consultant tell me there were no cancellations on MASAs, but that is rubbish. Other consultants have confirmed that as they are business fares a full refund is allowed. I have cancelled one MASA to TSV and rebooked it as a MASA to SIN, paying the difference in points & charges a couple of weeks ago with no problems and no 5000 point penalty on the cancelled booking.

 

[legroom]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

It will depend on the fare conditions of the booking. If they allow a refund then full points and cash should be an option per the Terms. But you will most likely still have to ring to get the refund.

Thanks, medhead

On the MASA e-ticket, it says "QF ASA conditions apply - change/refund QF only"

Could I then assume that 15.6.1 still apply ?

Booking by phone does not allow you to print out the fare conditions as you could have done with online bookings.

 

[will2rob]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

I've managed to crash the booking system.

I'm trying to book a JASA for AKL-BNE-SYD one way. I have a voucher I have to use from a cancelled flight which can only be booked as a domestic or outward flight so I thought I'd use that to get to AKL, then take a JASA on the return leg.

Classic award shows it for 36K FF points & NZD$125 in taxes.

First attempt to book yesterday had the consultant quoting me 96K FF points one way. WTF?

Doing it as a straight JASA SYD-BNE-AKL & return was 250k points compared to 72k points as a classic award. The cash component was outrageous as well, around $1500. The total cost of the flight(return) is only $2148, so I'd be burning 250k points to save around $600. I queried whether the consultant was looking at U fare bucket but was assured he was. Needless to say, I gave it a miss.

Tried again today to see if a different agent gave a different result. This time I was quoted 89870 points for the AKL-BNE-SYD flight in ECONOMY. Naturally J was substantially more. I questioned whether this was correct, as I've booked two JASAs since the "enhancement" SYD-ADL-PER return and SYD-MEL-BNE-SIN return for the same point cost as the classic with slightly higher co-payment. Upon further investigation by the consultant, it appears the booking engine is treating BNE as a stopover which substantially increases the cost when it is just a change of flights. Trying to change it crashed the consultant's system. Her supervisor then tried and his system also crashed. The matter has been reported to IT and they will get back to me tomorrow.

The consultant got back to me today and told me it took a while to figure out what the issue was. Short story is that as there is a direct flight between the two points e.g. SYD-AKL then any attempt to route it through another port causes the booking engine to treat it as a stopover rather than a connecting flight. However, you can travel from a port such as ADL or MEL through SYD without a problem. Don't know whether this rule is specific to trans-Tasman flights, as both my currently booked JASAs (SYD-ADL-PER) and (SYD-MEL-BNE-SIN) have direct flights available which didn't trigger that rule.

Direct flight SYD-AKL one way as a JASA is 36k points and $281.86 co-pay. I'll give that a miss as the business saver fares available are as low as $549 SYD-AKL and $509 AKL-SYD.

 

[FlashKiwi]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

The consultant got back to me today and told me it took a while to figure out what the issue was. Short story is that as there is a direct flight between the two points e.g. SYD-AKL then any attempt to route it through another port causes the booking engine to treat it as a stopover rather than a connecting flight. However, you can travel from a port such as ADL or MEL through SYD without a problem. Don't know whether this rule is specific to trans-Tasman flights, as both my currently booked JASAs (SYD-ADL-PER) and (SYD-MEL-BNE-SIN) have direct flights available which didn't trigger that rule.

Direct flight SYD-AKL one way as a JASA is 36k points and $281.86 co-pay. I'll give that a miss as the business saver fares available are as low as $549 SYD-AKL and $509 AKL-SYD.

The only thing consistent with Qantas is the inconsistency. I booked similar to above BNE-AKL-SYD-BNE earlier this week and it was 72000 plus $600 (see earlier post). So similar routing to the above. You would think it would trigger the same stop-over rule :shock: I could have come back on an earlier direct flight (AKL-BNE) but the later time suited me (and the extra 40 SC's for no extra cost). I do a couple of these as JASA's a year (usually via SYD both ways for some F lounge goodness on the outbound) and it used to be an easy earner (240 SC's) especially with double SC's. I seem to remember the co-pay was around $280 RT. Not any more - the co-pay has priced me right out (especially when you can get a business saver for $500)

Outside of JASA's across the ditch I usually take the DJ code-share NZ 777 and the nice PE seats (for WP) and have had RT's less than $350 (but usually closer to $550). Shame about the SC's (15 each way).

 

[medhead]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

Thanks, medhead

On the MASA e-ticket, it says "QF ASA conditions apply - change/refund QF only"

Could I then assume that 15.6.1 still apply ?

Booking by phone does not allow you to print out the fare conditions as you could have done with online bookings.

I'm not entirely sure as I don't have direct experience. I was just repeating the reports from others in the past. Hopefully, someone with experience will report here. Having said that I can't imagine how 15.6.1 would not apply. The phone booking part is really difficult. HOwever, I did notice a link for fare conditions in a booking today. It was kinda small and out of the way, but I'm sure it's new. Maybe have a look in MMB.

 

[zainman]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

Just rang the special number to try an book my first JASA. I can see the award online as a classic for 72,000 points plus $80 in fees and taxes.

The operator said to me that it's either 108,000 points plus no cash or if I want it down to 72,000 its a $400 co-payment. I told her I would book it as a classic award online then and hung up.

Where do I go from here? IIRC I did read that if a J classic award is available online that means there is U class availability..? I don't have expert flyer...

 

[strance]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

Just rang the special number to try an book my first JASA. I can see the award online as a classic for 72,000 points plus $80 in fees and taxes.

The operator said to me that it's either 108,000 points plus no cash or if I want it down to 72,000 its a $400 co-payment. I told her I would book it as a classic award online then and hung up.

Where do I go from here? IIRC I did read that if a J classic award is available online that means there is U class availability..? I don't have expert flyer...

not too far ... unfortunately extra $$ has always been a trade off with asa when minimising points use.... the points earn, eligibility for upgrades and status credits make the extra cost worth it, for me at least.

 

[medhead]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

Just rang the special number to try an book my first JASA. I can see the award online as a classic for 72,000 points plus $80 in fees and taxes.

The operator said to me that it's either 108,000 points plus no cash or if I want it down to 72,000 its a $400 co-payment. I told her I would book it as a classic award online then and hung up.

Where do I go from here? IIRC I did read that if a J classic award is available online that means there is U class availability..? I don't have expert flyer...

Have you compared to the price of the same ASA online? Suggest checking that and see how it compares to the 108000 point cost. Then just ring back and get another quote.

 

[medhead]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

not too far ... unfortunately extra $$ has always been a trade off with asa when minimising points use.... the points earn, eligibility for upgrades and status credits make the extra cost worth it, for me at least.

Are they eligible for upgrades in classic award fare classes?

 

[serfty]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

Are they eligible for upgrades in classic award fare classes?

If part of an ASA, U and Z are eligible to request upgrade to First and Business (respectively) from.

X is not.

 

[Mr_Orange]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

Just rang the special number to try an book my first JASA. I can see the award online as a classic for 72,000 points plus $80 in fees and taxes.

The operator said to me that it's either 108,000 points plus no cash or if I want it down to 72,000 its a $400 co-payment. I told her I would book it as a classic award online then and hung up.

Where do I go from here? IIRC I did read that if a J classic award is available online that means there is U class availability..? I don't have expert flyer...

You haven't mentioned routing, but it doesn't seem that bad. Remember you are paying for points earn and status credits and the $$$ of xASAs has increased recently. You have no recourse against QF to demand a cheaper fare, short of booking the classic.

It's up to you to decide if you needs the SC and points and what you are prepared to pay for them. I think if you do a comparison with the full $$ cost of J and the equivalent points in P+P, you will maybe start to see the value.

My recent booking for BNE-MEL-BNE for 2 people:

Red e-Deal: $696
J Saver fare: $3502
JASA: 96000 pts + $575.

No brainer as far as I am concerned. Less dollars than whY and I have the points to use.

 

[zainman]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

My route is: MEL-PER-MEL in J class

Here's what I am seeing online:

Points plus pay option: 286,400 plus $0, points earned 8410 (I am WP)

Classic award: 72,000 plus $80 in fees

Classic award option 2: 84,000 points plus $0

I don't need the status credits as I know I will not be maintaining WP this year.

So the ASA according to the Operator for 108,000 points plus no fees means really 100,000 points (earn 8410 for the flight).

Which option would you guys pick? For me it seems the straight forward classic redemption is the way to go..?

 

[Aussie_flyer]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

My route is: MEL-PER-MEL in J class

Here's what I am seeing online:

Points plus pay option: 286,400 plus $0, points earned 8410 (I am WP)

Classic award: 72,000 plus $80 in fees

Classic award option 2: 84,000 points plus $0

I don't need the status credits as I know I will not be maintaining WP this year.

So the ASA according to the Operator for 108,000 points plus no fees means really 100,000 points (earn 8410 for the flight).

Which option would you guys pick? For me it seems the straight forward classic redemption is the way to go..?

You've answered your own question

 

[HarryB]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

I had success with my first attempt.

Having booked the same JASA prior to the change I knew exactly how many points and $ were required and I'm pleased to say that this booking was spot on.

As per the advice in the other thread I called up and asked for an Any Seat Award in the U fare bucket. After the expected questions about classic awards and points plus pay I explained that since the web change this type of booking wasn't possible online. The consultant (Trudy) then put me on hold for a couple of minutes to confirm something - I waited expecting grief when she got back but to my surprise she asked if I knew the flight numbers etc. As I had the classic awards search results on the iPad in front of me I gave her flight numbers, dates and times and a couple of minutes later she quoted me 48000 points plus $363 (ADL-BNE-TSV return - Classic Award is 72000 + $150 odd or 96000 and no money), exactly what it should have been. So once I confirmed it was a U class booking I gave her credit card details and was done. Less than 15 minutes in the phone and I am one very happy customer despite it being easier and quicker doing it online as per the old system.

So in summary, I followed the excellent advice on here and searched for available classic awards then called up and asked for an any seat award in the U fare bucket. It was that easy, although I expect bookings with deliberately indirect routes might be a little more tricky to book.

 

[Paddy55]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

About two weeks ago I called up and asked for an award flight LAX-SYD in Sep.
None were available, but fortunately as a WP they released one in J on the Day before I wanted it (no problem)
THey claimed only a Classic Award was available but I've since realised I've been booked into "U".
Wondering whether I could finagle this into a cheap JASA.
Any opinions?

 

[Princess Fiona]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

About two weeks ago I called up and asked for an award flight LAX-SYD in Sep.
None were available, but fortunately as a WP they released one in J on the Day before I wanted it (no problem)
THey claimed only a Classic Award was available but I've since realised I've been booked into "U".
Wondering whether I could finagle this into a cheap JASA.
Any opinions?

AFAIK "U" is always the booking class for a J classic award, so no I don't think it's possible ( but would love to be proved wrong of course)

 

[asg29e]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

I had success with my first attempt.

Having booked the same JASA prior to the change I knew exactly how many points and $ were required and I'm pleased to say that this booking was spot on.

As per the advice in the other thread I called up and asked for an Any Seat Award in the U fare bucket. After the expected questions about classic awards and points plus pay I explained that since the web change this type of booking wasn't possible online. The consultant (Trudy) then put me on hold for a couple of minutes to confirm something - I waited expecting grief when she got back but to my surprise she asked if I knew the flight numbers etc. As I had the classic awards search results on the iPad in front of me I gave her flight numbers, dates and times and a couple of minutes later she quoted me 48000 points plus $363 (ADL-BNE-TSV return - Classic Award is 72000 + $150 odd or 96000 and no money), exactly what it should have been. So once I confirmed it was a U class booking I gave her credit card details and was done. Less than 15 minutes in the phone and I am one very happy customer despite it being easier and quicker doing it online as per the old system.

So in summary, I followed the excellent advice on here and searched for available classic awards then called up and asked for an any seat award in the U fare bucket. It was that easy, although I expect bookings with deliberately indirect routes might be a little more tricky to book.

Nice one, HarryB. Well, this just shows how different things are from pre June. And I don't just mean the inability to book (proper) JASAs on line any more. Pre June you could NOT have booked this itinerary as a JASA for the points you have got it for. The slider would never go to less points than the equivalent classic award. So well done. Did you ask to pay only 48000 pts or was it offered?

Interestingly, I booked this exact same trip as a JASA a week or so ago, but wasn't cheeky enough to try for a points payment of less than the classic award, so I got mine for 72000 + $158. Which is a pretty good deal (cheaper than the equvalent Classic when you consider the points return) but yours is possibly an ever so slightly better deal.

Assume you have checked you confirming email to see that is says "any seat reward" somewhere?

 

[HarryB]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

Yep, definitely any seat award. This fare was definitely possible before as a JASA at classic award fare and could be booked online, I have done it online before for the same points and price.

 

[asg29e]

re: Has anyone had success with the call-up method for "Marginal" xASA's?

Yep, definitely any seat award. This fare was definitely possible before as a JASA at classic award fare and could be booked online, I have done it online before for the same points and price.

Let me be sure I understand: Are you saying you have booked this as a JASA pre June for 48000 pts + cash? How did you manage that? What am I missing here? I have done this run a couple of times, never at less than classic points though.


Edit: Oops, my mistake. Just checked my old activity statement; it WAS actually 48000 pts in the olden days. Sorry.
Looks like the classic points have been enhanced upwards without me noticing.