One way MCT - DXB not possible with points?

[Nathant123]

Hi all,

Booking a trip for next month and I’ve had to make a number of changes predominately due to Covid. One thing I’ve noticed when booking with QF points flying with EK, I can book a Dubai - Muscat return trip with points but I cannot book a one way from Muscat to Dubai. I don’t believe it’s an availability issue as you cannot even search for flights with MCT being the start of the journey. Am I missing something or is it simply not possible? Of course I’ve contemplated calling the call centre but based on previous experience I could be waiting a long time to connect with someone.

 

[ChrisMars]

Hi all,

Booking a trip for next month and I’ve had to make a number of changes predominately due to Covid. One thing I’ve noticed when booking with QF points flying with EK, I can book a Dubai - Muscat return trip with points but I cannot book a one way from Muscat to Dubai. I don’t believe it’s an availability issue as you cannot even search for flights with MCT being the start of the journey. Am I missing something or is it simply not possible? Of course I’ve contemplated calling the call centre but based on previous experience I could be waiting a long time to connect with someone.

Pretty sure the issue is the point of origin country's currency. If it s not one that the website can process, you cant even search. You need to start your search from a country where currency can be processed, to confirm award availability, then you need to call Qantas to book the section that you actually need.

 

[Nathant123]

Pretty sure the issue is the point of origin country's currency. If it s not one that the website can process, you cant even search. You need to start your search from a country where currency can be processed, to confirm award availability, then you need to call Qantas to book the section that you actually need.

Thanks for your reply. I called Qantas today and they weren’t able to assist. They could see that DXB - MCT - DXB is bookable as a return but they said MCT - DXB is simply not possible on points. The lady suggested I call Emirates to make the booking but I can’t see how they’d be able to do that via my QFF account. I’m surprised the call centre isn’t able to make the booking for that one leg considering classic award seats are clearly available if booking as a return trip.

 

[aikman]

Call again and speak to a different person.

The fact she suggested you call Emirates proves she doesn't know what she is doing.

 

[Nathant123]

Call again and speak to a different person.

The fact she suggested you call Emirates proves she doesn't know what she is doing.

I will try again in the morning. I didn’t realise until towards the end of the call that I wasn’t actually speaking with the QFF team despite calling the correct number. Perhaps they weren’t open today due to public holiday and they may not be open tomorrow either.

 

[Nathant123]

Just an update, spent 1.5 hours on the phone with someone who seemed to understand what I was trying to do, took a number of details and kept putting me on hold while they tried to make the booking. They then hung up so I’m back in the queue now. What a disgusting service.

 

[aikman]

For what it's worth, you can easily book MCT-AUH flying Etihad over at the Velocity website.

Another reason to switch to Velocity.

 

[Nathant123]

For what it's worth, you can easily book MCT-AUH flying Etihad over at the Velocity website.

Another reason to switch to Velocity.

I am Velocity platinum which has proven valuable as it’s been used as a status match to Qatar and also earned me Hilton diamond. The reason I’m not flying MCT - AUH is because I’m trying to fly back into Dubai as I have another flight to Jordan a few hours later. If I fly into AUH I won’t make that connection. I will pay cash for this flight if I can’t use points. I just don’t understand why it’s so difficult for the call centre staff to do!

 

[Mattg]

I tried booking similar a few years ago. The folks at the South African call centre kept telling me there was no availability and were very unhelpful. When I finally got through to somebody in Hobart or Auckland, they were able to book it straight away and the call was over in less than 5 minutes.

Try calling the priority number from this thread and you should (hopefully) be put through to someone in Hobart - Qantas Call Centre Long Wait Times

Yes, I agree that the service from Qantas when you're trying to do things like this which can't be done online is disgusting.

 

[Nathant123]

A final update. I was blessed with a representative who understood exactly what I was trying to do and promptly made the booking. The fees have been deducted from the Amex, the points deducted from the account and the fare ticketed and displaying in the Emirates app. All of this took about 3 hours on the phone. I do wonder if the long wait times are a result of covid and people phoning due to cancellations/rescheduling or if there’s a genuine lack of staff.

 

[Mattg]

A final update. I was blessed with a representative who understood exactly what I was trying to do and promptly made the booking. The fees have been deducted from the Amex, the points deducted from the account and the fare ticketed and displaying in the Emirates app. All of this took about 3 hours on the phone. I do wonder if the long wait times are a result of covid and people phoning due to cancellations/rescheduling or if there’s a genuine lack of staff.

Good to hear. Do you know if this person was in the HBA or AKL call centre?

 

[Nathant123]

Good to hear. Do you know if this person was in the HBA or AKL call centre?

Honestly I’m not sure. The first rep I spoke to sounded African and the second definitely sounded Filipino. I’m not sure if I was connected to the QFF team or a general Qantas centre due to the public holiday.

 

[wandering_fred]

... I do wonder if the long wait times are a result of covid and people phoning due to cancellations/rescheduling or if there’s a genuine lack of staff.

or if there is a lack of competent staff?

There I go wandering
Fred