Qantas flight cancellation 3rd July 22 - Cathay Pacific - Sydney - Hong Kong - Dublin

[jeza]

There are a couple of options transiting Japan to Helsinki eg 1st week of July BKK-NRT-HEL with JL & AY or a bit left field 12 of July via Fiji NAN-NRT-HEL on FJ & AY, there was also an economy award SYD-NAN on the 10th.

I think transits are ok but you can't leave the airport. If considering either of those I'd check flightradar to see if they have a cancellation history.

Good luck!

 

[kpro]

Would reccomend you buy a paid ticket to somewhere in asia such as Jakarta and then redeem a business award from there. I can see 2x J seats on Qatar from CGK to FCO on 30 June for example.

You are not alone see the thread @Scr77 linked to as an example where changes have occured to the detriment of passengers.

Without knowing your situation would buying a revenue fare to Asia & picking up flights to Europe from there be a possible alternative? For example there is a bit of availability in economy BKK-DOH-FCO on the 3rd of July. I could also find J BKK-DXB-BRU around the same dates with a quick look.

I don't think this scenario is exactly the same though. In the linked thread, QF call centre incompetence resulted in an incorrect change to the booking. In this scenario, the operating carrier (CX) cancelled the flight.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

So I have been checking religiously and there is no availability on any Qantas on velocity reward flights going out of Australia to anywhere from mid june to mid-late july. I believe that the last 2 weeks in June and first 12 days of July are especially limited, one major reason I think is because of the mecca pilgrimage in Saudi Arabi. Its a perfect storm for me unfortunately as I have to travel early July.

The Japan option I mentioned above is a non starter because they are not fully opened. The flights to and from Asia are not great options either with either multiple stops or quite expensive.

I rang qantas again last night (number from cancellation email) The guy told me there are no managers to speak to. He said that one world no longer allows them to force book any flights so there are no options for me at all.

Very disappointing considering I had booked the original U class flights last July. It is what it is at this stage. It looks like I will have to pay 2 x 2500 for one way economy.

I was getting just under $2500 for a return ticket, not one way. You might be better off buying a return even if you don’t need it. Might save a few bucks.

 

[cathalm8]

Would reccomend you buy a paid ticket to somewhere in asia such as Jakarta and then redeem a business award from there. I can see 2x J seats on Qatar from CGK to FCO on 30 June for example.


I don't think this scenario is exactly the same though. In the linked thread, QF call centre incompetence resulted in an incorrect change to the booking. In this scenario, the operating carrier (CX) cancelled the flight.

Yeah it is a different scenario. Do I have any rights to an alternative flight if the operating carrier cancels or is it simply tough luck like Qantas call centre are telling me?

 

[cathalm8]

I have found some options going through CGK to Dublin (my final destination). Though I may need to lay over for 12 hours or more after paying for a qantas flight fare from Sydney to CGK. I am now wondering if Indonesian open or still closed cause of covid? Will i be allowed to leave airpoirt and get a hotel and come back for the business class flight later? Or does the CGK have a Qantas business class lounge to wait for the connecting flight?

Would reccomend you buy a paid ticket to somewhere in asia such as Jakarta and then redeem a business award from there. I can see 2x J seats on Qatar from CGK to FCO on 30 June for example.


I don't think this scenario is exactly the same though. In the linked thread, QF call centre incompetence resulted in an incorrect change to the booking. In this scenario, the operating carrier (CX) cancelled the flight.

 

[dajop]

Indonesia is open as far as Covid goes and does not require testing any more for those fully vaccinated. But I suggest a Google search to understand current Covid conditions (for both Indonesia and entering Ireland after being in Indonesia) and visa requirements - but Jetstar is ramping up Bali flights to pre-covid capacity so I think it mustn’t be too difficult!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I have found some options going through CGK to Dublin (my final destination). Though I may need to lay over for 12 hours or more after paying for a qantas flight fare from Sydney to CGK. I am now wondering if Indonesian open or still closed cause of covid? Will i be allowed to leave airpoirt and get a hotel and come back for the business class flight later? Or does the CGK have a Qantas business class lounge to wait for the connecting flight?

I think there are some residual entry requirements for Indonesia, like evidence of vaccination, etc. Of course that could change one way or the other (tougher or lighter) depending on new variants, etc.

You should have no real issues leaving the terminal. If you are required to stay for some reason, you would not be able to use any Qantas facility as they are the inbound carrier. You’d use the lounge of the airline taking you onwards, ex CGK.

I thought Garuda has resumed the SYD-CGK flights? Worth looking at if it offers better timing.

Finally in the point of ‘rights’… unfortunately we have very few consumer rights for air travel in Australia… nothing like the EU or UK. Qantas. ant really do much more… they are not the ones offering the flight and have no control over partner cancellations. They can offer a refund, but aren’t obligated to do much more.

 

[cathalm8]

T

Indonesia is open as far as Covid goes and does not require testing any more for those fully vaccinated. But I suggest a Google search to understand current Covid conditions (for both Indonesia and entering Ireland after being in Indonesia) and visa requirements - but Jetstar is ramping up Bali flights to pre-covid capacity so I think it mustn’t be too difficult!

Thanks, yeah I have checked and it appears you can enter freely as long as you two shots of vaccine. Ireland has no restrictions either when entering from Indonesia.

In relation to visa though its a bit more complicated:

• If you meet the requirements, you can apply for a tourist visa on arrival at some international airports, seaports or land crossings (see Travel). A tourist visa on arrival costs 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah and is valid for a 30 day stay. To apply for the visa, you must have a passport with at least 6 months validity, a return or onward flight booking to another country and health insurance coverage in Indonesia that is provided by a company that is incorporated as a legal entity in Indonesia (see Travel). The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism endorses insurance from the Indonesian-owned COVID-19 health insurance product Jagawisata. This insurance can be purchased online for 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah (approximately $A50). Check your insurance options with your travel provider, travel agent, hotel or your nearest embassy or consulate of Indonesia before you travel.

Biggest thing here is having to have health insurance.

 

[cathalm8]

You should have no real issues leaving the terminal. If you are required to stay for some reason, you would not be able to use any Qantas facility as they are the inbound carrier. You’d use the lounge of the airline taking you onwards, ex CGK.

The outbound business class flight is qatar. I hope they have a lounge there..

 

[cathalm8]

I thought Garuda has resumed the SYD-CGK flights? Worth looking at if it offers better timing.

Yeah I seen those and they are an option. Are they reliable in current times?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

The outbound business class flight is qatar. I hope they have a lounge there..

It’s rare for an airline to not have a lounge for business class. Qatar should have something… i think they have a list of lounges on their website. If not a dedicated lounge there should be a third party lounge.

Yeah I seen those and they are an option. Are they reliable in current times?

Just as reliable as qantas. Qantas simply cancelled their flights to SFO because they thought they could make more money elsewhere… leaving me stranded. I wouldn’t be relying on QF to be ‘reliable’.

 

[jase05]

The outbound business class flight is qatar. I hope they have a lounge there..

The Sapphire lounge seems to be quite common for OW airlines and we have been directed there a couple of times and it’s not too bad. Always fairly hot and stuffy in there and not a great buffet but has a excellent kitchen that does fantastic noodle and soup dishes. Seats are comfortable and drinks are cold

 

[kpro]

The outbound business class flight is qatar. I hope they have a lounge there..

Looks like they use a Plaza Premium lounge, at least prior to COVID. It's the same lounge that Qantas uses it seems. https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qat...club/1969437-jakarta-cgk-t3-check-lounge.html

You'll also have access to the excellent Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Doha. Arguably one of the best business class lounges around.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Has there been any mention of unused/non used coming back points be refunded?

 

[cathalm8]

Has there been any mention of unused/non used coming back points be refunded?

So they refunded the points quite quickly after my third call. Cash was back within a week or so.

There are a couple of options transiting Japan to Helsinki eg 1st week of July BKK-NRT-HEL with JL & AY or a bit left field 12 of July via Fiji NAN-NRT-HEL on FJ & AY, there was also an economy award SYD-NAN on the 10th.

I think transits are ok but you can't leave the airport. If considering either of those I'd check flightradar to see if they have a cancellation history.

Good luck!

You mentioned here that transits are ok but you cant leave the airport. However is it considered a transit when you have an inbound and outbound flight on a separate itinerary and you have to re-check-in? For example my best option right now is to pay a revenue fare from Sydney to CGK, then catch a classic reward business flight 8 hours later out of CGK. However this will mean, I think, I will need to go through passport control and claim baggage and check-in to the outbound classic reward flight. Am I right that in doing this I will effectively have left the airport as I will have to go through check-in and security again.

This causes some complexity as to enter Indonesian you need a 30 day visa ($50) and health / medical insurance covering covid ($50). This is all doable but I just need clarity that because the flights are not the same itinerary I will be need to effectively leave and re-enter the airport??

Additional this plan carries inherent risks with this as well is that if one of the flights gets cancelled last minute then what will happen? Could l I get stuck in CGK and be forced to pay for the next flight out or I lose the value ($1000) of the non refundable revenue fare from Sydney to CGK.

 

[aikman]

So they refunded the points quite quickly after my third call. Cash was back within a week or so.

You mentioned here that transits are ok but you cant leave the airport. However is it considered a transit when you have an inbound and outbound flight on a separate itinerary and you have to re-check-in? For example my best option right now is to pay a revenue fare from Sydney to CGK, then catch a classic reward business flight 8 hours later out of CGK. However this will mean, I think, I will need to go through passport control and claim baggage and check-in to the outbound classic reward flight. Am I right that in doing this I will effectively have left the airport as I will have to go through check-in and security again.

This causes some complexity as to enter Indonesian you need a 30 day visa ($50) and health / medical insurance covering covid ($50). This is all doable but I just need clarity that because the flights are not the same itinerary I will be need to effectively leave and re-enter the airport??

Additional this plan carries inherent risks with this as well is that if one of the flights gets cancelled last minute then what will happen? Could l I get stuck in CGK and be forced to pay for the next flight out or I lose the value ($1000) of the non refundable revenue fare from Sydney to CGK.

If you are flying to CGK on Qantas then they may or may not be able to tag your bags from SYD through to Europe. Seems to depend on the check in agent. If they don't, then you will have to officially enter Indonesia to collect your bags and check back in.

If either of your bookings are cancelled or rescheduled causing a misconnect then you have no protection. It will be your responsibility and at your cost to fix it.

Personally I wouldn't do the Indonesia option. Risk vs reward doesn't stack up for me at a time when flight schedules are still unstable. Business class is nice but I wouldn't chase it at any cost.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

So they refunded the points quite quickly after my third call. Cash was back within a week or so.

You mentioned here that transits are ok but you cant leave the airport. However is it considered a transit when you have an inbound and outbound flight on a separate itinerary and you have to re-check-in? For example my best option right now is to pay a revenue fare from Sydney to CGK, then catch a classic reward business flight 8 hours later out of CGK. However this will mean, I think, I will need to go through passport control and claim baggage and check-in to the outbound classic reward flight. Am I right that in doing this I will effectively have left the airport as I will have to go through check-in and security again.

This causes some complexity as to enter Indonesian you need a 30 day visa ($50) and health / medical insurance covering covid ($50). This is all doable but I just need clarity that because the flights are not the same itinerary I will be need to effectively leave and re-enter the airport??

Additional this plan carries inherent risks with this as well is that if one of the flights gets cancelled last minute then what will happen? Could l I get stuck in CGK and be forced to pay for the next flight out or I lose the value ($1000) of the non refundable revenue fare from Sydney to CGK.

I think the issue with transits was referring to Japan, which is currently restricted for entry.

Indonesia is fine if you have the required documents you’ve already mentioned.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Executive Travellers says Japan is open to visitors from June 10, so all is not lost yet.
If you can get something from Au - NRT/HND, you could get JAL to Europe.
School holidays will still put a great demand on the award availability, and fares.

 

[sudoer]

Executive Travellers says Japan is open to visitors from June 10, so all is not lost yet.

Read past the clickbait headline - they are only opening for international visitors on strict package tours and still have a hard 20,000 passenger arrival cap which includes returning residents, students and business visitors. This is what the government indicated they were going to do about a month ago.

For comparison, Narita Airport alone used to handle 90,000 international arrivals per day in 2019 (not inc transiting pax) so a 20,000 cap is a very conservative limit.

The Japanese government hasn't made any announcement about when they might open to non-package tourists or remove the arrivals cap, and given how slowly they've moved on everything so far I think it's quite unlikely to have been lifted by early July.

 

[sudoer]

The Japanese government hasn't made any announcement about when they might open to non-package tourists or remove the arrivals cap, and given how slowly they've moved on everything so far I think it's quite unlikely to have been lifted by early July.

The Japanese government is now reportedly considering lifting the arrivals cap from 20,000 to 30,000 in July...