I HUCA an hour later. I think Cape town again (Mr <firstname> etc). Grilled me with a whole bunch of 'security' questions. Was able to offer me one additional option over the first agent; not really what I was after, given the options apparently available (and visible on Expert Flyer)
I asked that, as a Plat, a seat be 'released' on the flights I could see online as already having Award seats available (never asked for this for a domestic before - I think it can be requested??). The agent had no idea what I was talking about. I told them I'd have to see if I could get some plans changed to accept the early flight (as a polite way to end the call).
OK, third call for my involuntary change HBA-xMEL-ADL (originally HBA-ADL direct).
Plat expected wait time 30 mins; answered after 40 min- a record for me (Apologies to those waiting much longer) - Cape Town again.
The agent was a bit lacking in skills, but tried hard and we eventually made it (I think!)
* Initially confused flight numbers with departure times "I'd like to go on QF1536" became a search for a flight departing at 15:36 "I'm sorry, I can't see any flight at that time"
* Successfully found a mid-morning departure for me (which is what I'm after) but its HBA-xSYD-MEL (ummmm. missing ADL??)
* "Your flight from Hobart is currently taking you to Melbourne. Why do you want to change that to Adelaide? OH! I see the next flight goes to Adelaide"
* I found a flight HBA-xSYD-ADL, yes, seats available
, a bit earlier than the time I want, but OK. If I have to go via Sydney, I might as well spend some time in research there, so a long transit is OK; my preferred combination is for 5 hours transit. Her response: "Its a long lay-over I'm not sure if that's allowed." Me: "But my existing ticket is already a 'layover' in Melbourne of about 2 hours and this is an involuntary change". Her: "Yes, but this is a
long layover, I'll have to check the Terms and Conditions if that's allowed" (FFS). Puts me on hold, then comes back to say that she will "allow" the "long layover".
She offered me several other options, but we agreed on the one I requested. Remarkable! Amazingly, all these flights and combinations are suddenly available!! Now it could be that the first 2 agents were only checking HBA-xMEL-ADL and not other routes, but I did specifically say each time that I'm happy top go via Sydney (for the above reason).
On hold for 10 mins while she 'ticketed' it; done successfully, and wow! eTicket arrives 5 mins later.
Total call time
2 Rieslings 1 hour (yes, I know, how abstemious of me). Count my blessings I guess, but I know that there will be at least another change to get thought before the day, in September.
The agent really tried hard but fair dinkum. With better training she'd be brilliant.