Qantas adds Brisbane-Manila but suspends Sydney-Shanghai flights

As has been mentioned, what is sorely missing from the Qantas schedule is the overnight flight AUS - Singapore, it should be from Melbourne for sure, connections onto morning Jetstar Asia services around Asia. The day flight back would be very popular. I'd even consider a JQ flight with those timings, maybe the A321neo could do it - presumably it's within the range.
 
SYD-SIN redeyes are a bit awkward though due to the length of flight and timezones. The only redeye I can see is Scoot's TR13, which departs 2045 and arrives 0310...

I agree a daytime return would be nice though, but I assume that's difficult for aircraft utilization.
Yeah I'd love a flight that would leave after 6PM, but agreed the arrival time into SIN would be poor. I'd love to be able to have a work day in SYD then leave for SIN at the end of the day. The 4:20PM departure of QF1 is still just a bit too early to be able to do that. Still lose too much of a work day that it's better to just take the day off when travelling.

Previously my favourite flight to SIN was the SQ SYD > CBR > SIN flight as the hop to CBR was to get a couple extra pax and avoid the curfew. Also it was a bit of a novelty flying a 777-300 business class or first class SYD > CBR (and onward to SIN).
 
Being a regular on QF19/20, I don't mind the timings as such and are looking forward to *fingers crossed* classic rewards to MNL.

I just wish the CX lounge in MNL was open later! The PAGGSS T3 lounge is pretty average, but still beats waiting in the terminal.
 
This is the worst new for me today, as I have booked 3 business awards seats at the end of the year, now they are suddenly gone! Rang customer service to seek solution, "Sorry, can't help you out, we can't find any award seats for you during the whole month of Dec 24, and we can't book you into the commercial fare either, so get your points back and suck it up!"
 
EXCLUSIVE OFFER - Offer expires: 20 Jan 2025

- Earn up to 200,000 bonus Velocity Points*
- Enjoy unlimited complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges worldwide
- Earn up to 3 Citi reward Points per dollar uncapped

*Terms And Conditions Apply

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

This is the worst new for me today, as I have booked 3 business awards seats at the end of the year, now they are suddenly gone! Rang customer service to seek solution, "Sorry, can't help you out, we can't find any award seats for you during the whole month of Dec 24, and we can't book you into the commercial fare either, so get your points back and suck it up!"
I’d be pushing to see if they can find award availability on CX via HKG. Or MH via KUL.
 
I’d be pushing to see if they can find award availability on CX via HKG. Or MH via KUL.
The person I reached with had tried, and he couldn't find anything, especially for 3 tickets. And he admitted he could see more availabilities on re-booking flights, but when he tried to search classic rewards via normal channel, then got nothing. He could get me to HKG on QF flights for 3, but could not get another 3 tickets on CX from HKG-PVG, and he could not change the route or cabin class, it must be all 3 in the same cabin. I did try to ask him to book from Syd-Hkg only, and the answer was no.
 
The person I reached with had tried, and he couldn't find anything, especially for 3 tickets. And he admitted he could see more availabilities on re-booking flights, but when he tried to search classic rewards via normal channel, then got nothing. He could get me to HKG on QF flights for 3, but could not get another 3 tickets on CX from HKG-PVG, and he could not change the route or cabin class, it must be all 3 in the same cabin. I did try to ask him to book from Syd-Hkg only, and the answer was no.
Wow - what is the point requirement for SYD-HKG vs SYD-PVG - if the same, surely it’s a matter of cancelling one and booking the other (and waive change fee…..).

Still pretty poor from QF.
 
Here's the relevant commercial policy: https://www.qantas.com/agencyconnec...y-suspension-of-qantas-shanghai-services.html

Not sure how it applies to Classic Rewards (as in, if rebook, whether Qantas would pay for a commercial fare class on CX/JL ex-TYO/HKG)
The last sentence has covered. Change or refund is the only option, apparently they can make the "change" become impossible and leave you without any choice.

For customers on Qantas Frequent Flyer Classic Reward Tickets:​

Qantas Classic Flight Reward tickets cannot be retained in credit. They can be changed or refunded. This must be done via Contact Centres.
 
The person I reached with had tried, and he couldn't find anything, especially for 3 tickets. And he admitted he could see more availabilities on re-booking flights, but when he tried to search classic rewards via normal channel, then got nothing. He could get me to HKG on QF flights for 3, but could not get another 3 tickets on CX from HKG-PVG, and he could not change the route or cabin class, it must be all 3 in the same cabin. I did try to ask him to book from Syd-Hkg only, and the answer was no.
They pulled the rug on you so they have to make it right by you.

You probably have a couple of options:
1. HUACA (hang up and call again), and push them to escalate your case, or
2. Contact them on one of the social media channels via private message, or
3. Send an email to [email protected] and see if they can help.
 
I suspect that the article cited above is a bit optimistic in expecting the international 332 config (27J/224Y) on this route; QF19/20 lately has been getting a lot of the domestic 332 a/c (28J/243Y) which IMHO is pretty poor.
 
Why BNE? MEL-MNL makes more sense, no?

I'm ok with the MNL timings. It avoids Manila traffic.
Too congested maybe? They have PR (3-class A330) and Cebu Pacific on the LCC end with their 400-seater A330s. Whereas BNE has only a 5x-6x weekly 2-class international config A321neo (with J flatbeds)
 
I call the number on the text message, and my classic reward (business class) was rebooked as PVG - HKG and HKG -SYD in fare class C (commercial fare) on the same day. I asked if I have pay a points or tax difference and was told it's all waived.
 
Change option is not available for the rewards booking, only contact customer office.
That’s odd, I’ve used that link before to rebook classic rewards and it’s even ended up in a paid fare class.

Regardless you’re entitled to rebooking so don’t stop trying as frustrating as it may be and if that fails try the email that someone posted above.
 
Change option is not available for the rewards booking, only contact customer office. The flight status has shown cancelled in the trip itinerary.
I suspect depending on which call centre and staff shifts, some workers may not even be briefed yet on the situation and just think you want a rebooking/ change.
 
I call the number on the text message, and my classic reward (business class) was rebooked as PVG - HKG and HKG -SYD in fare class C (commercial fare) on the same day. I asked if I have pay a points or tax difference and was told it's all waived.
It should be waived because it’s Qantas that cancelled your flight, not you
 

Become an AFF member!

Join Australian Frequent Flyer (AFF) for free and unlock insider tips, exclusive deals, and global meetups with 65,000+ frequent flyers.

AFF members can also access our Frequent Flyer Training courses, and upgrade to Fast-track your way to expert traveller status and unlock even more exclusive discounts!

AFF forum abbreviations

Wondering about Y, J or any of the other abbreviations used on our forum?

Check out our guide to common AFF acronyms & abbreviations.

Currently Active Users

Back
Top